Printing and Modern Bibles — Translation Scholarship

Formal and Functional Approaches to Translation

Mid-twentieth century-present

Modern translation theory describes different ways of balancing close correspondence to source forms with natural communication in the receiving language.

Full Account

Formal-equivalence translations tend to retain source-language structures where English permits. Functional or dynamic approaches give greater attention to how meaning is understood by contemporary readers. Many translations occupy a mediating position. Neither label by itself establishes accuracy; translators must interpret grammar, context, genre, idiom, and textual evidence passage by passage.

Historical Significance

Translation philosophy explains many differences among modern Bibles and helps readers choose versions suited to close study, public reading, or initial comprehension.

People, Places and Sources

Key people: Eugene Nida; translation committees; linguists and biblical scholars
Key places: Worldwide
Languages: English, Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 14:9-12