Working for the Word - a Bible translation podcast

The story continues, and we listen to some samples.  Here's the music video of the Exodus 15 song that we filmed (make sure to activate the English subtitles). Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

The advance of globalization among the minority languages of the world is rapidly changing the landscape of Bible translation. Though a complete written Bible is a worthy goal, in some cases the declining vitality of minority languages and lack of mother-tongue literacy make this approach impractical. By the time the completed Bible is published, there may be few left to read it. Facing this reality among the Fang people of Equatorial Guinea and observing a very low interest in the existing written Fang New Testament (NT), we began an experimental oral adaptation of portions of the Old Testament (OT). Narrative passages of the OT were translated orally from Spanish into Fang by a gifted storyteller, and presented in the traditional Fang troubadour style, called mvét oyeng, including traditional music and rhythms. The resulting recordings have been positively received by the community, and we offer this detailed project report as an alternative and innovative model for other language groups who may be facing similar circumstances. For those of you who are interested, this is what the mvét oyeng instrument looks like. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

In this episode we discuss Judges 5:20, 22, and 25.  The book I reference is The Translator's Invisibility. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

I had the honor of interviewing my lovely wife on this episode, and as you'll soon find out, she has a lot of fascinating linguistic knowledge to share! The book she talks about by Albert Bickford can be found here. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

Today we talk about a translation issue in Lamentations that is more relevant than ever for those who are suffering around the world in this time of danger and difficulty.  Recommendation for today: An Interview with John Piper on NPR. Every so often I recommend this interview with Piper in the aftermath of the tsunami years ago. Today it is still the most relevant, beautiful, pastoral answer to world calamities like this virus. I've never heard anyone give better answers to the world's hard questions in times of crisis. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

Dr. John Meade was kind enough to share some of what he's learned about the canon of Scripture.  Thank you, John! (I apologize for the less-than-ideal audio quality, since the COVID virus has slowed down internet speeds.)  Links to his books and articles can be found here, and you can learn more about The Text & Canon Institute here.  The book he recommends at the end is A Christian’s Pocket Guide to How We Got the Bible by Lanier. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea. my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

Do you know where your Bible came from? We talk about some of the main witnesses to the text of the OT, how it was preserved throughout the centuries, and the task of sifting through the evidence to arrive at a text that represents the original canonical one.   Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea.   my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

Dr. Joel Harlow kindly agreed to share about his experience over the years in Bible translation and consulting. I hope you're as encouraged and inspired by what he had to say as I was. Thank you, Joel! Recommendations at the end: The Old Testament in English (The Knox Bible) by Ronald Knox | Biblegateway.com | Biblehub.com  Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea.   my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

We look at Judges 5:11, and introduce the work of the Hebrew Old Testament Text Project.   ESV  To the sound of musicians at the watering places  KJV   They that are delivered from the noise of archers in the places of drawing water,  NAS   "At the sound of those who divide flocks among the watering places,  NET  Hear the sound of those who divide the sheep among the watering places;  NIV   the voice of the singers at the watering places.  NLT   Listen to the village musicians gathered at the watering holes.  RV60   Lejos del ruido de los arqueros, en los abrevaderos,   Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea.     my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook

Dr. Gentry kindly agreed to chat about the issue of translating and pronouncing the Divine Name. Thank you, Dr. Gentry!   The book he recommends at the end is God Crucified by Richard Bauckham. Music by Canuto Ngui "Nfumayong" from Equatorial Guinea.  You can check out more of his work in Fang at www.facebook.com/nkuwalong.  my books | free Scripture prayer apps | music | Hebrew | academic articles | facebook