One of the problems in translating the Bible is that the original Greek or Hebrew word may have a broader range of meanings than the corresponding English word. Here is an example from the New Testament: peirazo = “test/trial or tempt(ation)” (James 1:12-14)
“Blessed is anyone who endures temptation. Such a one has stood the test and will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. No one, when tempted, should say, 'I am being tempted by God'; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's one desires...”
The same root word in Greek is employed for these seven appearances of test/tempt. In English, we distinguish between the two meanings. So translators need to wrestle with which meaning or meanings are being referred to.
KJV, NRSV translate the second appearance by test with tempt for others.
RSV, NIV, Jerusalem Bible and Phillips translate the first two as test with tempt for others.
NEB translates the first three as test with tempt for others.
Living Bible uses tempt/temptation for all.
TEV translates the first two as test, temptation and trial for the third, and tempt for the others.
And then there is the NASB which avoids translating the second occurrence altogether and says “has been approved.”
Obviously, the proper word to use in a translation in this particular case is somewhat a judgment call.
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment
Comments