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Bibliology - Lesson 5

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Translations

In this engaging session, we explore how the Bible went from ancient Greek and Hebrew texts to the many English translations we read today. Why do translations differ, and can we trust them? Absolutely! With clarity and care, you’ll learn how language works, why word-for-word and meaning-based translations both have value, and how translators faithfully balance accuracy and readability. Drawing on decades of experience with both the ESV and NIV committees, Dr. Mounce shares real-world examples and practical guidance for choosing and using your Bible. Come gain fresh confidence in Scripture—and discover how to study it more deeply and faithfully.

Bill Mounce
Bill Mounce
Bibliology

I. Translation Goals

a. Understand why translations differ

b. Trust in the accuracy of translations

c. Author’s experience on ESV and NIV committees

II. Challenges in Translation

a. Original languages: Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek

b. Languages are not codes; words have bundles of meaning

c. Word “literal” often misunderstood

III. Translation Philosophy

a. All translations must interpret

b. Translators fall between word and meaning emphasis

c. Example: Romans 3:25, different renderings of "hilasterion"

IV. Formal Equivalence

a. Tends to follow Greek structure and wording

b. Examples: NASB, ESV, NRSV

c. Pros: transparency, less interpretive

d. Cons: awkward English, obscured meaning, inconsistent accuracy

V. Dynamic Equivalence

a. Focuses on meaning over form

b. Examples: NIV, CSB, NET

c. Pros: readable, clear, effective

d. Cons: more interpretive choices required

VI. Paraphrase

a. Emphasizes clarity and interpretation

b. Examples: NLT, J.B. Phillips

c. Pro: fresh perspective and easy reading

d. Con: hard to distinguish Bible from commentary

VII. Commentary-Style Translations

a. Examples: Message, original Living Bible

b. Often too interpretive to trust for study

VIII. Translation Comparison Examples

a. Romans 16:16 - holy kiss vs. handshake

b. Acts 27:17 - Syrtis and contextual explanation

c. Matthew 5:41 - soldier vs. broader meaning

IX. Translation Spectrum

a. Literal = Greek

b. Formal: NASB → ESV → CSB

c. Dynamic: NIV → NLT

d. Goal of NLT: replicate original impact for modern readers

X. Final Advice

a. Trust your Bible despite differences

b. Use two translations—one word-focused, one meaning-based

c. OT variations make comparison especially helpful

XI. Conclusion

a. Canon is trustworthy

b. Greek manuscripts are reliable

c. Translations have strengths; pick what serves your study best


Transcription
Quiz
Lessons

So we've been talking about how we got our Bibles. We talked about the issue of the canon. We talked about the issue of the Greek manuscripts. And now we're going to talk about the whole issue of translations—how to get the Bible into your language. In my case, that would be English.

The goal of this talk is to help you understand why translations differ and also to give you confidence in their accuracy. If you compare the same verse in multiple Bibles, you’ll notice slight differences. I want you to know why that is and why those differences can be trusted. There's a reason for them, and it makes sense.

A quick disclaimer: I was the New Testament chair of the English Standard Version (ESV) for the first 10 years. It was a great experience—like a giant Bible study. Afterward, I joined the New International Version (NIV) committee in 2010 and remain on it. I've had significant experience with two very different kinds of Bible translations and enjoy discussing their differences, similarities, and trustworthiness.

There are some real challenges in translating. First, the Bible wasn't originally written in English. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew, some parts in Aramaic, and the New Testament in Greek. Sometimes Jesus spoke Aramaic, which means some parts were translated into Greek before being translated again into English.

Second, languages are not codes. Words have a “bundle of meanings,” not a single definition. There's rarely a one-to-one correspondence between Greek and English words. For example, the Greek word sarx can mean "flesh" or "sinful nature" depending on context. Another example is doulos, which can mean "slave" or "servant" depending on usage. Phrases also convey meaning beyond individual words, such as me genoita in Romans 6:15—translated variously as “may it never be,” “by no means,” or “God forbid.”

Third, the word “literal” is misunderstood. “Literal” refers to understanding language in its intended sense (e.g., as simile or metaphor), not “word-for-word” translation. The desire for a “literal” Bible often implies word-for-word accuracy, but that’s not how language works. I once tried to say “I’m cold” in German by saying “Ich bin kalt,” which actually means “I’m sexually frigid”—a clear example of why direct translation doesn’t always work.

Every translation has a philosophy. Some lean toward “formal equivalence” (word-focused), others toward “dynamic equivalence” (meaning-focused). Think of translation as walking a knife edge between words and meaning. The ESV leans toward the former; the NIV, the latter.

Take Romans 3:25. The Greek word hilasterion can mean “expiation,” “propitiation,” or “mercy seat.” Different translations handle it in various ways. Translators must choose based on philosophy and context.

Formal equivalence translations (e.g., NASB, ESV, CSB) are more transparent to Greek and Hebrew and less interpretive, but they can be poor English and obscure meaning. For example, polis is always translated “city” in the NASB, even when referring to Nazareth, which was more of a hamlet.

Dynamic equivalence translations (e.g., NIV) better convey meaning and are more readable but are slightly more interpretive. For instance, 1 Timothy 3:2 is translated in several ways: “husband of one wife,” “married only once,” “faithful to his wife,” etc.—each representing a nuanced interpretation.

Some translations, like the New Living Translation (NLT) or J.B. Phillips, go even further and aim for paraphrase. These can be helpful for understanding but blur the line between Scripture and commentary. For example, Romans 12:2 is rendered by Phillips as “Don’t let the world squeeze you into its mold,” which vividly conveys meaning though it's not a literal translation.

Other translations, like The Message or the original Living Bible, are essentially running commentaries. They are fun to read but not suitable for serious study due to their highly interpretive nature.

A test case: Romans 16:16. Most translations say “Greet one another with a holy kiss.” Some clarify it—e.g., “a brotherly kiss” or “a handshake”—to make the intent clearer in modern culture.

Here’s a rough chart:

  • Toward word-for-word: NASB → ESV → NRSV → CSB
  • In the middle: NIV, Net Bible
  • Toward meaning: NLT
  • Commentary/paraphrase: The Message, Living Bible

Trust your Bible. Even though translations differ, they essentially say the same thing. When I wrote Greek for the Rest of Us, I compared translations extensively and found they rarely contradict; they’re just more or less specific. Use two Bibles—one for study (e.g., ESV or NIV), and one to provide alternate wording or clearer insight (e.g., NLT or Net Bible).

This approach is especially helpful in the Old Testament, where translation differences are more pronounced. Ultimately, the canon, manuscripts, and translations all reflect God’s providential guidance, and you can trust what you read.

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  • 1. Oral Period

    The New Testament was formed through oral tradition before being written down by eyewitnesses and apostles. Jesus’ teachings were memorized through repetition, common in rabbinic methods, and later recorded as the need to preserve them grew. Key figures like Paul, Peter, and others wrote with authority, and by the 60s AD, a core set of accepted beliefs—orthodoxy—had emerged. Despite modern skepticism, strong evidence like eyewitness accounts, the Holy Spirit’s guidance, and the willingness of early Christians to face persecution support the New Testament’s reliability. Its authority lies in those who lived with Jesus and faithfully conveyed His message.

  • 2. Synoptics

    Are Matthew, Mark, and Luke telling the same story—or different ones? In this fascinating lesson, we explore why these three Gospels, called the Synoptics, are strikingly similar in some places yet surprisingly different in others. You’ll discover how each writer selected stories based on their purpose and audience, and how this intentional process shapes our understanding of Jesus. We’ll also explore the theory of shared sources like Mark and “Q,” and practice harmonizing Gospel accounts—especially around Jesus’ birth. If you’ve ever wondered why the Gospels don’t match perfectly, this class offers thoughtful answers and inspiring insights. Come explore with us!

  • 3. Canonicity

    In this fascinating lesson, we explore the vital question: How did we get the Bible? Focusing on the New Testament canon, you’ll discover how the early church recognized which books were truly inspired—based on apostolic authorship, doctrinal consistency, and widespread church usage. Why were some books accepted and others, like the Gospel of Thomas, rejected? What role did persecution, heresy, and the death of eyewitnesses play in shaping the canon? You’ll also wrestle with whether the canon is closed and whether the church got it right. Join us as we uncover the compelling history behind the Bible you hold today.

  • 4. Transmission

    Ever wondered how the Bible we read today came from ancient handwritten texts? In this engaging lesson, we explore the fascinating world of manuscript transmission—how the original writings of the New Testament were copied and preserved through centuries. You’ll learn what textual variants are, why no original autographs remain, and how scholars determine the most accurate readings among over 6,000 Greek manuscripts. Though some differences exist, none impact core doctrines, and over 99% of the text is certain. Discover how this process, known as textual criticism, strengthens rather than weakens our confidence in Scripture’s reliability and integrity. Come explore with us!

  • 5. Translations

    In this engaging session, we explore how the Bible went from ancient Greek and Hebrew texts to the many English translations we read today. Why do translations differ, and can we trust them? Absolutely! With clarity and care, you’ll learn how language works, why word-for-word and meaning-based translations both have value, and how translators faithfully balance accuracy and readability. Drawing on decades of experience with both the ESV and NIV committees, Dr. Mounce shares real-world examples and practical guidance for choosing and using your Bible. Come gain fresh confidence in Scripture—and discover how to study it more deeply and faithfully.

  • 6. Can We Trust the Bible?

    In this final section of the class, we ask a life-shaping question: Do you truly trust the Bible? Join us as we explore the doctrine of inspiration and what it means for Scripture to come from the very mouth of God. We’ll examine whether Jesus, Paul, and others spoke truth, whether the Gospel accounts are accurate, and—most importantly—whether you’re ready to trust Scripture with your life. This isn’t just theology; it’s preparation for the storms of life. Come wrestle honestly with doubts, test your beliefs, and find a foundation strong enough to carry you through anything. Let’s think it through—together.

  • 7. Inspiration

    In this thought-provoking lesson, we dive deeper into the doctrine of inspiration—what it means for Scripture to come from the very mouth of God. You’ll explore two key views: dictation and dynamic inspiration, and why most Christians affirm that God used human authors without overriding their voice. We’ll also look at the scope of inspiration—whether Scripture is fully trustworthy (inerrant) or only in matters of faith and practice (infallible). Along the way, we’ll tackle apparent contradictions and discover how harmonization and historical context can offer clarity. Come wrestle with these questions and strengthen your confidence in the truth of God’s Word.

  • 8. More on Inspiration

    In this final session, we reflect on what falls outside the scope of biblical inspiration—like footnotes, translations, chapter numbers, and even grammatical oddities—while reaffirming that the original writings are fully trustworthy. Dr. Mounce also shares the why behind his confidence in Scripture: its claims about itself, its unparalleled ability to explain reality, and the deep inner confirmation of the Holy Spirit. With humility and clarity, you’re invited to think deeply, test your assumptions, and arrive at your own conviction. Because when life gets hard—and it will—you need to know where you stand with the Bible. Join the conversation, and decide.

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