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If a Bible translation is more "literal," ...

Rob_BW

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
In English, does "His nose grew hot" mean the same thing as "He was angry?"

Sometimes literalness doesn't convey meaning.
 

alexander284

Well-Known Member
In English, does "His nose grew hot" mean the same thing as "He was angry?"

Sometimes literalness doesn't convey meaning.

Yes, I know what you mean! That is why I believe the NIV Bible translation is actually more "accurate" than the KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, et.al.

But apparently, I'm in the minority here when it comes to that!
 

Rob_BW

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
Yes, I know what you mean! That is why I believe the NIV Bible translation is actually more "accurate" than the KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, et.al.

But apparently, I'm in the minority here when it comes to that!

I believe most of us here recognize the issue with idiomatic language, even if we have different opinions about how to translate and/or footnote it. There are differing beliefs on whether or not the general public reads notes.

I believe we should have the meaning in the main text, and explain ancient idioms in the notes.
 

alexander284

Well-Known Member
I believe most of us here recognize the issue with idiomatic language, even if we have different opinions about how to translate and/or footnote it. There are differing beliefs on whether or not the general public reads notes.

I believe we should have the meaning in the main text, and explain ancient idioms in the notes.

I agree.
 

Revmitchell

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
In English, does "His nose grew hot" mean the same thing as "He was angry?"

Sometimes literalness doesn't convey meaning.

The problem is when translation turns into commentary. I would rather have "his nose grew hot" and then study the use of the phrase.
 

Rippon2

Well-Known Member
The problem is when translation turns into commentary. I would rather have "his nose grew hot" and then study the use of the phrase.
You won't find that wording in any legitimate translation. That's woefully obscure and doesn't do the job of translation. So your preference will not be found in the ESV, NASB or whatever. More examples from Psalms follow :
Ps. 30:50 "My bearing in my bosom."
118:22 : "The head of the corner."
140 :11 "Man of tongue."
16:4 "My kidneys instruct me."
 

Rob_BW

Well-Known Member
Site Supporter
You won't find that wording in any legitimate translation. That's woefully obscure and doesn't do the job of translation. So your preference will not be found in the ESV, NASB or whatever. More examples from Psalms follow :
Ps. 30:50 "My bearing in my bosom."
118:22 : "The head of the corner."
140 :11 "Man of tongue."
16:4 "My kidneys instruct me."
Obscure or not, would you consider translating the Hebrew 'ap as "literal?"

Considering it is nearly always translated as anger, outside of Job and a few other spots where noses are actually being pierced.
 
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