Considering Translations

A Common Controversy

In the church there can be much controversy over the use of Biblical translations. These can take different forms, sometimes even being demonstrated in a congregation emphasizing the use of one translation over the other. This emphasis can even reach the level of fellowship, although there is no Biblical support for such a practice.

What is a Translation?

When examining this issue, it is important to remember what a translation is – a rendering of one particular language into another. Understanding this must remind the reader than no translation can possibly be “perfect” because there is no perfect rendering of one language to another. It is true that some translations are superior to others for some key reasons; however there is no “best” translation.

Historical Perspective

Perhaps one way to examine the issue is to remember that Biblical translations are not solely a modern phenomenon. Throughout much of history Biblical translations of the Bible have existed in various forms. Throughout the Dark and Middle Ages, for instance, it was common for the Bible to be read in Latin – which was a translation from the original languages. Even earlier the Bible was translated into many earlier dialects of Georgian, Coptic, Slavonic, etc.

The most important translation to this discussion was the Septuagint (LXX) translation of the Old Testament (written in Hebrew) into Koine Greek. This translation, while having a few variants, became the common use Bible for Greek speaking Jews throughout the known world. It was so commonplace that it is quoted by New Testament authors, and even by Jesus Himself!

A Key Question

For the purpose of this discussion, one important question must be asked: Was the Septuagint translation perfect? For such a reality to exist it would require that the Jewish translators be inspired writers, something which did not occur. The extant copies of the Septuagint actually show a greatly flawed (by modern standards) translation. The imperfections, however, were minor and did not affect anything of major importance.

Why is all of this important? If Jesus Christ was willing to quote an imperfect translation, than this implies not only His approval of translations, but the acceptance that such translations do not have to be perfect. While some translations are superior (and with added archaeological examination and evidence become even better with time), generally the message always carries through. No translation is perfect, nor has any translation ever been. Therefore, there is never any ground for requiring one over another, ever.