Ask NT Wright Anything #213 Which Bible Translation is the best one? (Replay)
Apr 4, 2024
Listeners ask about the best Bible translations to use, the reason for not capitalizing 'holy spirit', and NT Wright's views on Pope Francis changing the Lords' Prayer. NT Wright also discusses his translation of the New Testament and the importance of accuracy and diversity in Bible translations.
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Decade Of Personal Translation Work
- N.T. Wright describes translating the New Testament as a decade-long personal project while serving as Bishop of Durham.
- He drafted each book quickly then revisited and edited them prayerfully before writing commentary.
Translate For Vividness Not Just Literalism
- Wright insists a translation that makes an exciting book dull is likely wrong even if literally accurate.
- He adapts Greek word order into vivid English to preserve drama and readability.
Greek Words Carry Multiple Cultural Cargoes
- Greek theological words like dikaiosyne carry many overlapping meanings that no single English word contains.
- Translators must paraphrase contextually to capture Paul's shifting allusions and tones.