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In this episode titled “Translations Matter,” Victor Vigorito addresses a listener’s question about how to determine which version of the Bible is correct, given the multitude of English translations available. He notes that there are over fifty different translations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the text’s accuracy and readability.
Victor introduces two translation methods: literal translations, like the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which translate word-for-word from the original Greek or Hebrew, and thought-for-thought translations, which sometimes take liberties to convey meaning. He uses John 1:14 as a primary example, contrasting the NASB with the New Living Translation (NLT) and The Message paraphrase. He explains that while the NASB provides a literal translation, the NLT alters critical terms, such as “grace” to “unfailing love” and “truth” to “faithfulness,” leading to potential misinterpretation. Victor criticizes The Message for deviating significantly from the original text, describing it as more of a paraphrase rather than a direct translation.
Victor further discusses Ephesians 6, comparing the NASB and NLT, which he finds relatively similar in meaning. However, he highlights that The Message again misses essential metaphors, such as the armor of God, rendering it less effective as a paraphrase.
In conclusion, Victor emphasizes that while literal and thought-to-thought translations often communicate the same messages, paraphrases like The Message can distort the original meaning of the text.
Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options
In this episode titled “Translations Matter,” Victor Vigorito addresses a listener’s question about how to determine which version of the Bible is correct, given the multitude of English translations available. He notes that there are over fifty different translations, emphasizing the importance of understanding the text’s accuracy and readability.
Victor introduces two translation methods: literal translations, like the New American Standard Bible (NASB), which translate word-for-word from the original Greek or Hebrew, and thought-for-thought translations, which sometimes take liberties to convey meaning. He uses John 1:14 as a primary example, contrasting the NASB with the New Living Translation (NLT) and The Message paraphrase. He explains that while the NASB provides a literal translation, the NLT alters critical terms, such as “grace” to “unfailing love” and “truth” to “faithfulness,” leading to potential misinterpretation. Victor criticizes The Message for deviating significantly from the original text, describing it as more of a paraphrase rather than a direct translation.
Victor further discusses Ephesians 6, comparing the NASB and NLT, which he finds relatively similar in meaning. However, he highlights that The Message again misses essential metaphors, such as the armor of God, rendering it less effective as a paraphrase.
In conclusion, Victor emphasizes that while literal and thought-to-thought translations often communicate the same messages, paraphrases like The Message can distort the original meaning of the text.
Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options
