Bible Translation and Interpretation

Principles of Translation

Dynamic Equivalence

This is a thought-for-thought, phrase-for-phrase translation process that attempts to convey the original meaning of the Scriptures in modern language. There are edits from the translator to make the text more readable. There is not the same focus on grammatical form as in the formal equivalence theory. There is some subjectivity introduced in this methodology and so interpretive decisions could potentially introduce foreign ideas. There can be rewording of expressions or customs for the modern reader to understand.

Formal Equivalence

A more literal translation, staying as close to the original text as possible. The goal then is to accurately preserve both the meanings of the words of the original languages (vocabulary) as well as their forms and sentence structure (grammatical syntax). There is little influence from the translator. This methodology retains the direct meaning of the text and allows the reader to come to his own conclusions.

Optimal Equivalence
Utilizes the best of both dynamic and formal equivalence theories. The goal is to be precise with the vocabulary and grammar of the original language and yet at the same time make a clearly understandable translation. This captures the Bible’s original meaning without compromising readability.

It is good to study from different reliable Bible translations!

Biblical Hermeneutics

The science/art of the proper interpretation of scripture.

Golden Rule of Interpretation
When the plain sense of Scripture makes common sense, seek no other sense; therefore, take every word at its primary, ordinary, usual, literal meaning, unless the facts of the immediate context indicate clearly otherwise.

The Law of Double Reference
A passage of Scripture may be speaking of two different persons or two different events separated by a long period of time. Example: OT prophecies regarding the first and second coming, often blended into one picture with no indication of a time gap.

The Law of Double Fulfillment
A single passage can refer to one thing only, unless stated otherwise, and if it is prophecy, it can only have one fulfillment unless the text itself states that it can have many fulfillments.

The Law of Recurrence
There are passages recording an event followed by another passage elsewhere recording the same event giving more details to the first. Example: Genesis 1:1-2:3 and Genesis 2:4-25.

The Law of Context
A verse can only mean what it means in its context and must not be taken out of its context.

Source: The Footsteps of the Messiah, Dr. Arnold G Fruchtenbaum, Ariel Ministries, San Antonio TX, 2003, 2004

Hints to Proper Interpretation
1). Consider the context – read/study the verses and chapters surrounding the passage in question.
2). Consider the whole counsel of God (the whole Bible) – if two passages are similar and seem to be saying the same thing, let the clearer one take precedence.
3). Consider the historical and political context.
4). Consider who the author is and who the audience is. A doctor (Luke) will write things in a different way than a tax-collector (Matthew). A Jewish audience may have different things said to them than a Gentile audience.
5). Let the Bible speak for itself (read out of the scriptures – exegesis). Do not read into things found in the Bible (isogesis). Learn to ask ‘what does this passage mean’, instead of ‘what do I think it means’.
6). Get consensus of reliable theologians on a passage you are studying. You must not underestimate the value of study in which sound Bible teachers have engaged. This is extremely helpful especially on difficult passages.

Hindrances to Proper Interpretation
1). Taking verses out of context. This usually happens when people are trying to prove their opinions.
2). Reliance upon weak Bible teachers or even heretical speakers.
3). Hasty or reckless study. There is the danger of ‘biblical vandalism’ when reading for the sake of fulfilling some pre-planned reading program (Bible-in-a-year, Verse of the Day, etc). Though there is much value in a rigorous disciplined reading/studying program, vigilance is necessary to prevent an empty, mechanical and wooden reading habit.
4). Spiritualizing and/or trying to find hidden messages or mysterious meanings.

Study Helps
Concordance – an alphabetical listing of words occurring in the Bible with the passage in which they occur (Strong’s Concordance)
Commentary – books with systematic series of ‘comments’ about what certain Bible passages mean. Remember that the authors are fallible men.