English Bibles

Others have already done more extensive work in this area (see the various resource references and links in the comment section of the MAP post here: https://map.bloomfire.com/questions/201429). But sometimes less can be helpful as well. This is part of a series of presentations for a training meant for those who might be selling Bibles (e.g. Bible Society staff).

Extracted text from English_Bibles.pptx:

Bible Translations in English An embarrassment of richesBackground (Hebrew/Greek/Latin) The Latin Vulgate was the intermediary for the Hebrew Bible/LXX and Greek New Testament for many centuries. The earliest vernacular translations were from the Vulgate. The Hebrew Bible translations have been based on the Masoretic Text which has not changed much over time (the LXX-Orthodox situation was much more fluid and complicated). The Greek NT situation is more complicated, as Erasmus did not have access to Greek manuscripts that were as old as we have now. The KJV and ASV were based on the Textus Receptus derived from Erasmus. Most other modern versions are based on older Greek manuscripts.King James Version (KJV-1611) The KJV (also Authorized Version) was not the first complete Bible in English (in 1611). It was preceded by (among others): Wycliffe (1388 - from the Vulgate) Tyndale/Matthew (1537 from the MT, Erasmus NT, et. al.) Geneva (1560 from MT, TR)King James Version (KJV), cont. A primary concern of the translators was to produce an appropriate Bible, dignified and resonant in public reading. While they stated in the preface that they used stylistic variation, finding multiple English words or verbal forms in places where the original language employed repetition, in practice they also did the opposite; for example, 14 different Hebrew words were translated into the single English word "prince".American Standard Version (ASV-1901) Started as a joint U.S./UK collaborative revision of the KJV. Evolved into separate revisions. Uses Jehovah instead of LORD, rejecting Jewish superstition. Spawned many revisions/adaptations, including RSV, NRSV, NASB, and even the Living Bible.Revised Standard Version (1952/1971) First serious attempt to replace the KJV. Revision of the American Standard Version (ASV). Sponsored by the National Council of Churches. Encountered fierce opposition from conservative evangelicals. Was eventually widely accepted, but not among conservative evangelicals (see NIV, e.g. Isaiah 7:14).Isa 7:14New American Standard Bible (1971/1995) Revision of the American Standard Version (ASV). Team of conservative scholars. Offered as an alternative to the RSV (and ASV). Attempted to produce a modern literal word-for-word translation.New Revised Standard Version (1989) National Council of Churches (inter-faith team). Improved manuscripts and translations (e.g. DSS). Eliminated archaisms (e.g. thee/thou). Made inclusive language changes (but kept cultural patriarchy).New International Version (1984/2011) The Evangelical RSV, but meant to replace the KJV. Theologically controversial passages are translated according to evangelical theology (e.g. Isaiah 7:14) Text-critical problems are solved the same way (e.g. 1 Samuel 13:1) The 2011 (inclusive language) version has been controversial (e.g. Psalm 8:4 mankind for a/the son of man).English Standard Version (2001) A revision of the RSV (1971). Translation philosophy of essentially literal. Some inclusive language used. Vey few changes or updates made since 2001 (07/11/16). Criticized for using dated language. (Mark Strauss)Todays English Version (TEV/GNB - 1976) At first marketed for non-church people (Good News of Modern Man). Popular, but often either ignored or classified as a paraphrase. Tends to make text clear where others do not (Gen 43:34). Tends to let text-critical issues remain (1Sa 13:1)? Translates young woman in Isaiah 7:14. Criticized for having taken the blood out (Rev 1:5).Gen 43:341Sa 13:1Isa 7:14Rev 1:5Contemporary English Bible (1995) Tried to improve upon the TEV/GNB in readability. It adjusted certain texts for its anticipated conservative evangelical readers (Gen 43:34, 1Sa 13:1, Isa 7:14, Rev 1.5). Otherwise it followed the same basic principles as the TEV/GNB.Gen 43:341Sa 13:1Isa 7:14Rev 1:5New Living Translation (96/04/07) Built on the original paraphrase The Living Bible (1971), which was originally the work of one man - Ken Taylor. Used ASV as base. NLT evolved into a new translation with 90 translators. Tried to revise its reputation toward a more literal version. Very popular, second only to NIV in sales in recent years.The Message (2002) Like the original Living Bible, the work of one man (Eugene Pedersen). It is definitely a paraphrase (no attempt to make sure that there are minimal additions/subtractions/changes in meaning). It has had a great impact in many churches which read it as a secondary look at the biblical text in preaching.The Net Bible (05/08/11...) A completely new translation (in theory) not an update nor a revision. This was a many-years-long online project. It was crowd- sourced but curated by a team of scholars (SBL). It reads something like an RSV/NIV, but with numerous notes.The (New) Jerusalem Bible (1966/1985) The most popular Catholic Bible in English. English depends on the French. The French update (1998) gives more weight to the LXX readings. Many Bibles now include the DC books, but the NJB has them in the LXX order. This Bible has extensive notes, some of which are specifically catholic. Certain translations are also catholic: -e.g. Mat 1:25: ...he had not had intercourse with her when she gave birth to a son; and he named him Jesus. (see also other versions until/before, and DHE94) But French (98)/Spanish (76) Jerusalem Bibles both have until !) KJV1611 |DouayRheims1610

ASV1901 RSV52

|Jerusalem66

NASB71 Living Bible71

TEV/GNB76

NIV84

CEV95

NLT96 NRSV89 ESV2001

Message02

NET05The Language/Version Box (English) KJV RSV NIV CEV TEV old new high low