Translation: the Art of “Rubbing and Polishing”

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Part 15 –
Translation: the Art of “Rubbing and Polishing”
This episode addresses the challenges of translation, with the acknowledgment by Miles Smith that no translation is perfect. Miles Smith, writing in the preface of the KJV, described the final work as having “some imperfections and blemishes” as a result of the fallible process of translation. This acknowledgment however shouldn’t be overstated: the goal of new translations is to make good translations even better. “Rubbing and polishing,” Smith declared, are the ongoing tasks of translators. The episode describes the challenges of translating “hapax legomenon,” words that are only found once in the Old or New Testaments. Even though comparison with other places in the Scripture that use a word is not an option, translators can consult the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and note how third century Hebrew scholars rendered the Word of God in Greek. The much larger vocabulary of Greek allowed the translators of the Septuagint to select words that illuminate the translation of hapax legemenoi. Regarding the New Testament, translators can rely now rely on the trove of contemporary correspondences in koine Greek to help translate extremely rare New Testament words.
  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:35 – The King James Translators
  • 00:02:24 – Credentials of the Translators
  • 00:03:52 – Scholarship and Personal Piety
  • 00:06:02 – Handling the Word of God
  • 00:09:10 – Holistic Education and Virtue
  • 00:10:25 – The Aim of the Translators
  • 00:11:32 – The Legacy of the Translators
  • 00:12:41 – Closing Prayer and Reflection
Part 15 –
Translation: the Art of “Rubbing and Polishing”
  • 00:00:12 – Introduction to Kingdom Questions
  • 00:00:35 – The King James Translators
  • 00:02:24 – Credentials of the Translators
  • 00:03:52 – Scholarship and Personal Piety
  • 00:06:02 – Handling the Word of God
  • 00:09:10 – Holistic Education and Virtue
  • 00:10:25 – The Aim of the Translators
  • 00:11:32 – The Legacy of the Translators
  • 00:12:41 – Closing Prayer and Reflection
This episode addresses the challenges of translation, with the acknowledgment by Miles Smith that no translation is perfect. Miles Smith, writing in the preface of the KJV, described the final work as having “some imperfections and blemishes” as a result of the fallible process of translation. This acknowledgment however shouldn’t be overstated: the goal of new translations is to make good translations even better. “Rubbing and polishing,” Smith declared, are the ongoing tasks of translators. The episode describes the challenges of translating “hapax legomenon,” words that are only found once in the Old or New Testaments. Even though comparison with other places in the Scripture that use a word is not an option, translators can consult the Septuagint, the Greek translation of the Hebrew Bible, and note how third century Hebrew scholars rendered the Word of God in Greek. The much larger vocabulary of Greek allowed the translators of the Septuagint to select words that illuminate the translation of hapax legemenoi. Regarding the New Testament, translators can rely now rely on the trove of contemporary correspondences in koine Greek to help translate extremely rare New Testament words.

Episode Scripture References -

Luke 17:10

More About This Episode -

Victor introduces several key translators, including Andrew Lancelot, who knew fifteen languages, and John Boyse, a remarkable scholar who memorized the entire Greek New Testament. He mentions their dedication, including their piety and devotion to God, alongside their scholarly capabilities. The translators were chosen not just for their academic qualifications—many were college presidents, bishops, and professors from prestigious universities—but for their ability to both read and speak the original Greek and Hebrew languages.


Victor emphasizes the importance of how the King James translators considered the auditory experience of their translations, given that many people were illiterate at the time. They prioritized how the text would sound when read aloud, knowing that this was often the only way people would engage with scripture. This approach contributed to the perceived majestic quality of the King James Bible.


The significance of the translators’ humility is highlighted, as they viewed themselves as instruments of God’s word, dedicated to getting the translation right to avoid the “defilement” that could come from handling such sacred text. Victor cites a quote from Miles Smith about the translators seeking the truth rather than personal praise, reinforcing their dedication to both personal piety and scholarly excellence.


Furthermore, he reflects critically on modern educational structures, suggesting that there is often a divide between moral virtue and scholarship today, unlike the holistic approach of the King James translators. He advocates for a connection between mastery of subjects and personal virtue.


Victor concludes with a call for listeners to appreciate the historical sacrifices made by earlier believers to bring forth the scriptures and emphasizes the importance of engaging with the wisdom of the past. He closes with a prayer, asking for help to honor those who came before while sharing the insights gained from the King James version of the Bible.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

    Key Points:

  • Notable translators introduced: Andrew Lancelot: proficient in fifteen languages & John Boyse: memorized the entire Greek New Testament
  • Importance of auditory experience in translations for illiterate audiences
  • Emphasis on the majestic quality of the King James Bible
  • Translators’ humility and view of themselves as instruments of God’s word
  • Critical reflection on modern education: divide between moral virtue and scholarship
  • Episode Scripture References -

    Luke 17:10

    More About This Episode -

    Victor introduces several key translators, including Andrew Lancelot, who knew fifteen languages, and John Boyse, a remarkable scholar who memorized the entire Greek New Testament. He mentions their dedication, including their piety and devotion to God, alongside their scholarly capabilities. The translators were chosen not just for their academic qualifications—many were college presidents, bishops, and professors from prestigious universities—but for their ability to both read and speak the original Greek and Hebrew languages.


    Victor emphasizes the importance of how the King James translators considered the auditory experience of their translations, given that many people were illiterate at the time. They prioritized how the text would sound when read aloud, knowing that this was often the only way people would engage with scripture. This approach contributed to the perceived majestic quality of the King James Bible.


    The significance of the translators’ humility is highlighted, as they viewed themselves as instruments of God’s word, dedicated to getting the translation right to avoid the “defilement” that could come from handling such sacred text. Victor cites a quote from Miles Smith about the translators seeking the truth rather than personal praise, reinforcing their dedication to both personal piety and scholarly excellence.


    Furthermore, he reflects critically on modern educational structures, suggesting that there is often a divide between moral virtue and scholarship today, unlike the holistic approach of the King James translators. He advocates for a connection between mastery of subjects and personal virtue.


    Victor concludes with a call for listeners to appreciate the historical sacrifices made by earlier believers to bring forth the scriptures and emphasizes the importance of engaging with the wisdom of the past. He closes with a prayer, asking for help to honor those who came before while sharing the insights gained from the King James version of the Bible.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

      Key Points:

  • Notable translators introduced: Andrew Lancelot: proficient in fifteen languages & John Boyse: memorized the entire Greek New Testament
  • Importance of auditory experience in translations for illiterate audiences
  • Emphasis on the majestic quality of the King James Bible
  • Translators’ humility and view of themselves as instruments of God’s word
  • Critical reflection on modern education: divide between moral virtue and scholarship
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