Languages change (try reading Chaucer's fourteenth century English); words and phrases take on meanings incomprehensible outside our own cultural boundaries (we won't even hazard an involvement here), ad infinitum.
Difficulties are compounded, of course, in translating from one language to another. Each has its own structural formats, idioms, innuendoes, overtones, and the like. Given such, far more is involved than merely exchanging a particular Swahili word (not to mention biblical Greek or Hebrew) for its correct English counterpart, and vice versa.
For most Christians, one of the blessings of modern day Bible study lies in the availability of updated - and upgraded - translations. In other words, we share the benefits of others who have given themselves to correct case endings, difficult nuances, and the like. In fact, at one time we had close to twenty Bible translations - Rotherham to Weymouth.
To some extent, we also found paraphrases interesting - including the "far out" Street Christians Version of some thirty or so years ago. (Given our sense of propriety and anticipated response from some "brutherings and sisterns" had we done so, we did not use it in the pulpit; We knew some who did.) There is a place for Biblical paraphrases, however, so long as its primary limitation is recognized (that of a "free" version embodying the author's perception as to meaning of the text.)
In our morning devotions of late, we have been reading from J. B. Phillip's 1958 The New Testament - one of those works combining translation and paraphrase. I was attracted recently to his rendition of Galatians 3:1: "O, you dear idiots of Galatia...," followed later by: "Oh, my dear children... I honestly don't know how to deal with you" (4:19,20; cf. "O foolish Galatians... My little children... I stand in doubt of you," KJV). As I shared with the wife, either Paul or Phillips - most likely both - obviously knew the realities, relationships and emotional responses related to parenthood. Along with a certian humorous send off for the day, the reading contributed as well to our sense of Scripture's continuing relevance.
Burl Ratzsch
P.S. Interested in a good contemporary translation combined with some of the more insightful annotations to be found in a Bible? We have long enjoyed "The New American Bible" (Thomas Nelson Publishers, Nashville; for heaven's sake, don't confuse the title with "The New World Bible" of the Jehovah's Witnesses.)
Before you do consign us to the Protestant nether world, however, permit me to share that the TNAB is a relatively recent Catholic version - one that will delight your evangelical senses. It can be purchased at any good Bible book store. While there are occasional points concerning which an alternate view might be preferred (to what "Study Bible" does this not apply?), there is, simply put, more knowledge and insight in much of its helps than in some "evangelical" Bibles of which I know. It is also of interest to me (and I learned this later) that the Baptist seminary of which one of my immediate family members is a graduate also recommends the work.
Well, anyway...
