4. Translating the Bible: An Ongoing Process

Bruce Metzger concludes his series on Bible translation.

Overview of Contemporary English Bible Translations

• Historical Perspective on Translations
  • Ecclesiastes quote about endless creation of books and translations
  • Statistic: 55 different English translations of the New Testament in the last 40 years
• Selection of Translations for Discussion
  • Limitation on the number of translations to be covered due to time constraints
  • Focus on notable translations and their features

Detailed Discussion on Specific Translations

• Revised Standard Version (RSV)
  • Background and reasons for its revision from the American Standard Version (1901)
  • Contributions of newly discovered Biblical papyri
  • Development of the Apocrypha section upon request by the Episcopal Church
• Subsequent Editions of the RSV
  • 1971 second edition: Changes and new Greek text evidence
  • Example changes: Mark 16, John 8, Luke 17:34
• The Common Bible
  • Collaboration with Collins Bible Publishers and audience with Pope Paul VI
  • Inclusion of Apocrypha and arrangement for Roman Catholics and Protestants
• New English Bible
  • British initiative for a new translation in "timeless English"
  • High-level English and uncommon terms (e.g., "batten," "runnels")
  • Unusual translation choices affecting American readers
• American Roman Catholic Translations
  • New American Bible (1970): Characteristics and colloquial style
  • Conservative Protestant Translation: New International Version (NIV) (1978)
  • NIV's international collaboration and reception

Revisions and Updates in Bible Translations

• Revised Versions of King James Bible
  • King James Version II by Jay Green and another Nelson Publishing House revision
  • Retention of the Textus Receptus and elimination of archaic words
• Jewish Translations
  • Tanakh: Accurate English rendering of Hebrew Scriptures
  • Other translations by Jewish Christian scholars with unique features
• Ongoing Revisions and Developments
  • New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) (1990): 17 years of work, diverse committee
  • Significant changes and examples in translation (Luke 7:34, Song of Solomon 1)

Final Reflections

• Best Bible Translation
  • No single best translation; depends on the purpose and audience
  • Importance of reading and heeding the Bible's message
• Closing Prayer
  • Praise to God, gratitude for the Scriptures, and a prayer for understanding and application of the Bible's message

*The above summary is AI-generated, so discrepancies may exist. Please refer to the audio or video file to verify accuracy.