Dynamic Equivalence - A method of accurate translation ?
This reply was posted on mcd debate site on 9 April 98.
[MCD: 98040918324014534]
[MCD: 98040803210527611]
[MCD: 98040802472827415]What do you mean by "versions"?
How many do you think there are?D: Versions are reflections or representation of the source information. There are at present over 110 English versions. Dozens of which are products of scholars aiming to express the original in the light of certain methods/ideology; such as regarding the NT as originated from Aramaic, or only using the oldest manuscripts available, or using a more up dated English.
Dynamic Equivalence is a liberal method of translation (NIV is a popular version by this method). The translators of this method imagine themselves knowing the whole truth and meaning of the teachings and expression of the Bible and translated the ideas as they understand them. Then came the language stylists, who are not bible scholars but language scholars to streamline the expression. The final product is a version of a version. Accurate? I do not think so. Interesting and readable? Of course!
(eg: in 1Jn2v2 the term propitiation - appeasing the angered God - an official activity of a priest, who is alive while doing the bidding for the people he represents to the God whose anger requires a sacrifice to appease, is translated as Atoning Sacrifice - basicly a dead object. This is the understanding of the scholars behind the NIV. A theological idea substituting another theological idea. Accurate? The believers of like mind would of course point to its absolute accuracy. However, this expression has been used by liberals in attempt to represent God/Christ as dead. Sacrifice for sin is always killed and blood must be drawn for the forgiveness of sin. Atonement (Hebrew theological term - cover) requires blood of an innocent to cover the sins of Israel. An atoning sacrifice is doubly dead, and honestly dead, any angle you like to look at it.
Some would say, but Christ on the other hand is alive. Yes, and BUT, this BUT is not in the passage and not the topic in this phrase.
Some would say, but this atoning sacrifice of Christ is alive. Well, read the OT and NT and learn that no sacrifice for atonment is alive.
Some would say, but this is what the original means. Sure? How do they know? Because their translation say so? Or is it because their leaders say so? The Greek term never has such meaning in any mythology, theology, ideology until such translation come along - an invention.
The question comes to how exactly accurate you want to understand scripture. The ultimate knowledge takes years of hardwork ( and digging). Almost the vocation of full-time scholars.
A Failed Prophesy on Tyre? || Another Failed Prophesy on Tyre? ||
Hebrew Matthew and document Q || Census in Luke Ch 2 ( Anachronism? ) ||
Why 4 Gospels? ||
A Christian Witness ||
Freewill and pre-destination || Similarity warrants Recognition and Unity? ||Photography || Photo Gallery || Portrait Gallery || Architecture ||
Design Consultancy || Preacher || Herbalist || Cool Sites ||