Last time we talked about what you might call “situational context” and how that helps our understanding of the Bible. This time we will talk about translations – how they can impact our understanding.

The books of the Bible were not originally written in English. The written documents of the Old Testament books were handed down through time in Hebrew language. And the New Testament books were initially written in Greek.

We’re not suggesting that faithful Bible students have to learn those languages.

But translators do know those languages – intimately – and they take their work seriously.

But they have decisions to make.

Types of Translations:

· Formal equivalence = word for word= English Standard Version

· Closest natural equivalence / Meaning for meaning = God’s Word Translation

· Dynamic/functional equivalence Thought for thought / phrase for phrase = New International Version

· Paraphrase/ retelling = The Message; The Living Bible

Link to Episode 203: https://anchor.fm/theologyontap/episodes/Theology-On-Tap--Episode-203-Canon-and-Translations-eqatq3 

Pastor Mark’s 5 (hopefully) easy-to-remember categories:

1. All Scripture is inspired, inerrant word of God - not just the stuff we like.

2. All of Scripture is centered on Christ.

3. The mission of God (Missio Dei) is evident in every book of the Bible.

4. All of Scripture's passages have one of two possible messages: Law or Gospel.

5. The best way to understand how to apply that Bible to your life today is to understand what it meant to the first writers/hearers.

Resources:

D.A. Carson, Douglas Moo, “Introduction to the New Testament”, Zondervan

Temper Longman III, “Introduction to the Old Testament,” Zondervan

Gordon Fee, Douglas Stewart, “How to Read the Bible for all it’s Worth.” Zondervan 4th ed.

https://www.BibleProject.com

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