Monday, January 24, 2011

Tradition and Translation

     I stand amazed at how deep the razor sharp talons of tradition are
embedded in the minds of some bible translators. Certain translation choices
are made on the basis of how the buying public expects a certain passage to
read, irrespective of selecting the best option for the text in line with the pursuit
for accuracy. It is not only the "liberal" theologians who are influenced by political
correctness and tradition. There are enough slices of the pie to feed a multitude.

     One text that has been under the heavy hand of tradition for generations is the
first section of Jno. 3:16. The Greek reads "houtos gar egapesen ho theos ton
kosmon." The question is, what is the most accurate way to translate the adverb
"houtos" ? Is it  "For God so loved the world" (as if the extent of God's love is the
point being made by the writer = "God sooooo loved the world), or is it, "For this
is the way (or manner) God loved the world?" There is little doubt that it should be
translated "For God loved the world in this way." Houtos occurs 208 times in the
Greek New Testament. It is a particle that introduces the manner or way
something has been or is done. There is no question that God's love for mankind is
great (pollen agapen). Eph. 2:4 The issue is the most accurate way to translate  
houtos in Jno. 3:16.

     Most versions maintain the traditional rendering "For God so loved the world."
(KJV, RV, ASV, RSV, NASB-77&95, NRSV, TNIV) But, there are some of
the newer versions that "break new ground," elevating textual accuracy above
tradition. The New English Translation (NET) reads, "For this is the way God loved
the world." The Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) reads, "For God loved
the world in this way." The English Standard Version (ESV) maintains the traditional
rendering in the text, but has a footnote that says, "Or For this is how God loved the
world."

     Houtos is not the only word that has been largely confined to the parameters of
traditional translation. The same is true of baptizo, ekklesia, monogenes, baptistes,
hilasmos, and others. When generations have become accustomed to a particular
phraseology, it usually becomes so ingrained that any variation is deemed to be
unorthodox to say the least, or heresy in a worse case scenario.

     I understand many of the difficulties that beset those who translate the scriptures.
People expect their translation "to read like the Bible," by which they usually mean,
they expect the Bible they use to read like the KJV, or they want it to sound like
it has always sounded even if accuracy is sacrificed. Too often translators acquiesce
to the demands of the people. They not only have a translation to produce, they also
have a product to sell, and many times the latter incentive wields the greater
influence on the final product.

                                                                                                                     RD

Copyright 2011
    

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