The Bible was originally written in ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Today it is available in whole or in part in over 3,000 languages. The vast majority of people who read the Bible do not understand the original languages and therefore must rely on a translation. What principles should guide how the Bible is translated, and how did these govern the rendering of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures?
Some might conclude that a strict, word-for-word, interlinear-style translation would enable the reader to get closest to what was expressed in the original languages. However, that is not always the case. Consider a few of the reasons:
No two languages are exactly alike in grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure. A professor of Hebrew, S. R. Driver, wrote that languages “differ not only in grammar and roots, but also . . . in the manner in which ideas are built up into a sentence.” Different languages require quite different thought patterns. “Consequently,” continues Professor Driver, “the forms taken by the sentence in different languages are not the same.” No modern language exactly mirrors the vocabulary and grammar of Biblical Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, so a word-for-word translation of the Bible could be unclear or at times could even convey the wrong meaning. The meaning of a word or an expression may vary depending on the context in which it is used. A translator may be able to mirror the literal rendering of the original language in some passages, but this must be done very carefully. Here are some examples of how word-for-word translation can be misunderstood: The Scriptures use the expressions “sleep” and “fall asleep” to refer both to physical sleep and to the sleep of death. (Matthew 28:13; Acts 7:60) When these expressions are used in contexts that refer to death, Bible translators can use such wording as “fall asleep in death,” which helps the modern reader avoid confusion.—1 Corinthians 7:39; 1 Thessalonians 4:13; 2 Peter 3:4.The apostle Paul used an expression found at Ephesians 4:14 that can be literally translated “in the playing of dice of men.” This ancient idiom alludes to the practice of cheating others when using dice. In most languages, a literal rendering of this allusion makes little sense. Translating this expression as “the trickery of men” is a clearer way to convey the meaning. At Romans 12:11, a Greek expression is used that literally means “to the spirit boiling.” This wording does not convey the intended meaning in English, so it is rendered “aglow with the spirit” in this translation. During his famous Sermon on the Mount, Jesus used an expression that is often translated “Blessed are the poor in spirit.” (Matthew 5:3, King James Version) But in many languages, a literal rendering of this expression is obscure. In some cases, a strictly literal translation could imply that “the poor in spirit” are mentally unbalanced or lacking in vitality and determination. However, Jesus was here teaching people that their happiness depended, not on satisfying their physical needs, but on recognizing their need for God’s guidance. (Luke 6:20) Thus, such renderings as “those conscious of their spiritual need” or “those who know their need for God” convey more accurately the meaning of the original expression.—Matthew 5:3; The New Testament in Modern English. In many contexts, the Hebrew word translated “jealousy” corresponds to the common meaning of the English word, namely, to feel anger over the apparent unfaithfulness of a close associate or to envy others for their possessions. (Proverbs 6:34; Isaiah 11:13) However, the same Hebrew word also has a positive connotation. For example, it may be used of the “zeal,” or protective ardor, that Jehovah shows for his servants or of his “requiring exclusive devotion.” (Exodus 34:14; 2 Kings 19:31; Ezekiel 5:13; Zechariah 8:2) It may also be used of the “zeal” that his faithful servants have for God and his worship or of their ‘tolerating no rivalry’ toward him.—Psalm 69:9; 119:139; Numbers 25:11.The Hebrew expression that usually refers to the human hand has a wide variety of meanings. Depending on the context, this word may be rendered “authority,” “generosity,” or “power.” (2 Samuel 8:3; 1 Kings 10:13; Proverbs 18:21) In fact, this particular word is translated over 40 different ways in the English edition of the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures. In view of these factors, Bible translation involves more than simply rendering an original-language word with the same term each time it occurs. A translator must use good judgment in order to select words in the target language that best represent the ideas of the original-language text. In addition, there is a need to structure the sentences in a way that conforms to the rules of grammar of the target language, making the text easy to read. At the same time, extremes in rewording the text must be avoided. A translator who liberally paraphrases the Bible according to how he interprets the overall idea could distort the meaning of the text. How so? The translator may erroneously insert his opinion of what the original text means or may omit important details contained in the original text. So while paraphrases of the Bible may be easy to read, their very freeness at times may prevent the reader from getting the true message of the text. Doctrinal bias can easily color a translator’s work. For example, Matthew 7:13 says: “Spacious is the road leading off into destruction.” Some translators, perhaps affected by doctrinal bias, have used the term “hell” rather than what the Greek term really means, namely, “destruction.” A Bible translator must also consider that the Bible was written using the common, everyday language of average people, such as farmers, shepherds, and fishermen. (Nehemiah 8:8, 12; Acts 4:13) Therefore, a good translation of the Bible makes the message it contains understandable to sincere people, regardless of their background. Clear, common, readily understood expressions are preferred over terms that are rarely used by the average person. Quite a number of Bible translators have taken the unjustifiable liberty of omitting God’s name, Jehovah, from modern translations even though that name is found in ancient Bible manuscripts. (See Appendix A4.) Many translations replace the name with a title, such as “Lord,” and some even obscure the fact that God has a name. For example, in some translations, Jesus’ prayer recorded at John 17:26 reads: “I made you known to them,” and at John 17:6, “I have revealed you to those whom you gave me.” However, a faithful rendering of Jesus’ prayer reads: “I have made your name known to them,” and “I have made your name manifest to the men whom you gave me.” As stated in the foreword to the original English edition of the New World Translation: “We offer no paraphrase of the Scriptures. Our endeavor all through has been to give as literal a translation as possible, where the modern English idiom allows and where a literal rendition does not for any clumsiness hide the thought.” Thus, the New World Bible Translation Committee has endeavored to strike a balance between using words and phrasing that mirror the original and, at the same time, avoiding wording that reads awkwardly or hides the intended thought. As a result, the Bible can be read with ease and the reader can have full confidence that its inspired message has been transmitted faithfully.—1 Thessalonians 2:13.A reliable translation must: Sanctify God’s name by restoring it to its rightful place in the Scriptures.—Matthew 6:9.Accurately convey the original message that was inspired by God.—2 Timothy 3:16.Translate expressions literally when the wording and structure of the target language allow for such renderings of the original-language text. Communicate the correct sense of a word or a phrase when a literal rendering would distort or obscure the meaning. Use natural, easy-to-understand language that encourages reading.—Nehemiah 8:8, 12

It is all confusion. How many times have the New World Translation been revised?

MrPresident1:

It is all confusion. How many times have the New World Translation been revised?

Do your own children fully understands the language of your own grandparents?

MaxInDHouse:


Do your own children fully understands the language of your own grandparents?

In how many years interval is the NWT of JW of American always retranslated?

MrPresident1:

In how many years interval is the NWT of JW of American always retranslated?

Each time a scroll is discovered and each time it becomes necessary to revise the words used is reconsidered with context in mind.
So we are always on the move not biased like trying to portray ourselves as perfect.
We humbly admit that there is always a room for improvement in whatever we do.

Read the OP and meditate about the article instead of anxious to complain!

Ohh I thought it was by faith and direction by the Holy Spirit for those who are under the mercy of God
If you read and have your own understanding
I read and get my own understanding
We can table them and learn
Some people read a book everyday for one month before they can journal their understanding some it’s for a week some for a day
The most important is that the seeker finds that which he is looking for in the book
How anyone chooses to eat isn’t your business
Are you the person that sent them to eat?
Let the person that sent them there judge them
You focus on yourself

Zaheertyler:

Ohh I thought it was by faith and direction by the Holy Spirit for those who are under the mercy of God
If you read and have your own understanding
I read and get my own understanding
We can table them and learn
Some people read a book everyday for one month before they can journal their understanding some it’s for a week some for a day
The most important is that the seeker finds that which he is looking for in the book
How anyone chooses to eat isn’t your business
Are you the person that sent them to eat?
Let the person that sent them there judge them
You focus on yourself

Read the OP first!

MaxInDHouse:

Read the OP first!

I did sir

Zaheertyler:

I did sir

No you didn't!

Should i ask you questions to prove you never read the OP?

Is a word for word interpretation perfect when translating what was written in a language?

Let's consider few examples:

The English man may use idioms to express himself like "Jack has shot himself in the foot" if we want to translate this to other languages would it be wise to render the information word for word?

In Greek there are four different words use for just one English word "LOVE" so it's the context that will help the Greek reader to grasp the message.
So simple sentences like.
•I love ice cream.
•I love my mum.
•I love my wife.
•I love my neighbor.
Note that the English man used the same word to express his feelings in all but the Greek will use love in four different ways.

*I love (agape) ice cream.
*I love (storage) my mum.
*I love (erios) my wife.
*I love (phileo) my horse.

So to the Greek if we are to use one word for the four texts then there will be no sense in what we are saying but the English man knows the meaning since they use the same word but with different applications in their hearts.

In the Nigerian pidgin someone will say:
"Bros wetin dey ground?"
If literally translated to English meaning will be:
"Brother what is on the floor?"

But when thoroughly considered the meaning in English is:

"Brother what do you have to share with me?"

Can any reader with the first interpretation get the accurate knowledge of what was said using the literature interpretation:
"Brother what is on the floor?"

When scripts, with missing parts, are translated thousands of years after they were written, in languages no one truly understands again, by people who probably have their own personal views, authorized by rulers who probably have their own political agenda.

But despite all these, you cannot say the books were not divinely inspired.
The main problem is forming doctrines on information you're not certain of, where misinterpretation of a single word can change the true meaning of a 100 other words.
Instead of following the doctrines of men, follow the Holy Spirit, get a concordance and check the origin of the words, not a commentary that is greatly influenced by the doctrines of the commentators. Then you will be truly reborn.

WeirdAlien:

When scripts, with missing parts, are translated thousands of years after they were written, in languages no one truly understands again, by people who probably have their own personal views, authorized by rulers who probably have their own political agenda.

But despite all these, you cannot say the books were not divinely inspired.
The main problem is forming doctrines on information you're not certain of, where misinterpretation of a single word can change the true meaning of a 100 other words.
Instead of following the doctrines of men, follow the Holy Spirit, get a concordance and check the origin of the words, not a commentary that is greatly influenced by the doctrines of the commentators. Then you will be truly reborn.

WRONG!

According to the Bible Jesus sent some out to PREACH and TEACH others {Matthew 28:19-20} Paul emphasized the need for some to TEACH others {Hebrews 13:7} all first century Christians were obedient to the TEACHINGS of a small group! Act 2:42

So you are wrong if you don't want to learn from others no spirit will teach you what united the first century disciples of Christ making them have the same line of thought! John 17:22

May you have PEACE!

MaxInDHouse:


WRONG!

According to the Bible Jesus sent some out to PREACH and TEACH others {Matthew 28:19-20} Paul emphasized the need for some to TEACH others {Hebrews 13:7} all first century Christians were obedient to the TEACHINGS of a small group! Act 2:42

So you are wrong if you don't want to learn from others no spirit will teach you what united the first century disciples of Christ making them have the same line of thought! John 17:22

May you have PEACE!

Teaching others in the context of Matthew 28:19-20. Those others are people who were yet to hear about Jesus, or have not yet received Him.

Mind the context.
That was a period in time when there was no bible and the old testament scriptures that existed were only available on Jewish scholars. And no known new testament books. There was no way to read anything on your own, in your house. So people needed to be taught the word of God by mouth.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit will guide you into ALL TRUTH (John 16:13). That is, every truth of God's word.
1 John 2:27 says you don't need any man to teach you because you have the "Charisma" of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian must get to that point.
Hebrews 5:12-14 chides those who still needed to be taught to grow up from being fed milk to become adults who eat meat. We must transform from being students into teachers.
So when we are in church, it should be a meeting of teachers, sharing knowledge, not a lecture hall. Except for those who just got reborn - And if we teach those correctly, they would also sit with other teachers quickly. In fact, in a few days or weeks, a new convert should be able to start discussing some spiritual insights.

From these it's clear that it's not Jesus's intention for a Christian to be a learning student of other people, at least not for long!

maximumSide has failed to tell us the identity and qualifications of the New Word Translation's proficiency in Aramaic, Hebrew, and Greek languages. The problem between preachers and academics is playing with word's.

JWs are trying to defend their doctrines at all costs from subtle deception of myriads of lazy Christians who don't read their Bibles to the harassment of those who read and even trying to take a step further to learn these original languages of the Bible.

1The rewording of John 1:1 by JW' s NWT is criminal. It gives a bad meaning to the verse. In fact it connotes a plural godhead than the idea of Trinity: A God and a god. These are two gods! A superior God and an inferior god. A big God and a. small god.

This colouration, however, is honestly appreciated by JWs by 'New Lights'. The light has never been dimmed, people with dimmed minds, see through their spectacles that give them blurred vision of the truth.

WeirdAlien:


Teaching others in the context of Matthew 28:19-20. Those others are people who were yet to hear about Jesus, or have not yet received Him.

Mind the context.
That was a period in time when there was no bible and the old testament scriptures that existed were only available on Jewish scholars. And no known new testament books. There was no way to read anything on your own, in your house. So people needed to be taught the word of God by mouth.
Jesus said the Holy Spirit will guide you into ALL TRUTH (John 16:13). That is, every truth of God's word.
1 John 2:27 says you don't need any man to teach you because you have the "Charisma" of the Holy Spirit. Every Christian must get to that point.
Hebrews 5:12-14 chides those who still needed to be taught to grow up from being fed milk to become adults who eat meat. We must transform from being students into teachers.
So when we are in church, it should be a meeting of teachers, sharing knowledge, not a lecture hall. Except for those who just got reborn - And if we teach those correctly, they would also sit with other teachers quickly. In fact, in a few days or weeks, a new convert should be able to start discussing some spiritual insights.

From these it's clear that it's not Jesus's intention for a Christian to be a learning student of other people, at least not for long!

You're WRONG!

The teaching Jesus is talking about has three major goals:
•Teaching them about Jehovah the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob (Israel) His purposes and how He has been working using several humans in the past to achieve it.
•Teaching them about the promised Messiah (Christ) his role in the salvation of mankind and how the sacred secrets of God's purposes were made known through Christ Jesus the only begotten Son of God.
•Teaching them about the way God makes use of His active force (Holy Spirit) as His servants are moved by this force to continue doing His will despite their flaws as imperfect humans.

That's what Jesus meant when he said the new converts should be baptized in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

MightySparrow:
maximumSide has failed to tell.

Go to Oyedepo your Papa, i'm not your Papa!

MaxInDHouse:


Go to Oyedepo your Papa, i'm not your Papa!

Oyedepo doesn't have his own translation of the Bible nah!

What is the identity and qualifications of the translators of the fraudulent New Word Translation of the Scriptures?

MaxInDHouse:


You're WRONG!

The teaching Jesus is talking about has three major goals:
•Teaching them about Jehovah the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob (Israel) His purposes and how He has been working using several humans in the past to achieve it.
•Teaching them about the promised Messiah (Christ) his role in the salvation of mankind and how the sacred secrets of God's purposes were made known through Christ Jesus the only begotten Son of God.
•Teaching them about the way God makes use of His active force (Holy Spirit) as His servants are moved by this force to continue doing His will despite their flaws as imperfect humans.

That's what Jesus meant when he said the new converts should be baptized in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

I am still asking this question from you and all JWs:

1. If God (Jehovah) is a being John 4:24
2. Angels are beings Hebrew 1:7 ; Rev. 5:11
3. Jesus was a mighty spirit in (JWs Michael) before His earthly adventure ?
Demons are beings Jude 1:9

How is it that The Holy Spirit is the only force not a being in the spirit's world?

MaxInDHouse:


You're WRONG!

The teaching Jesus is talking about has three major goals:
•Teaching them about Jehovah the God of Abraham, God of Isaac and God of Jacob (Israel) His purposes and how He has been working using several humans in the past to achieve it.
•Teaching them about the promised Messiah (Christ) his role in the salvation of mankind and how the sacred secrets of God's purposes were made known through Christ Jesus the only begotten Son of God.
•Teaching them about the way God makes use of His active force (Holy Spirit) as His servants are moved by this force to continue doing His will despite their flaws as imperfect humans.

That's what Jesus meant when he said the new converts should be baptized in the name of the father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Matthew 28:19

Listen to yourself oga.
I don't think you even read what I said before you responded. Otherwise, you would have directed me to a certain place in the scriptures.

MaxInDHouse:


Go to Oyedepo your Papa, i'm not your Papa!

He has decamp from Papa tent

WeirdAlien:

Listen to yourself oga.
I don't think you even read what I said before you responded. Otherwise, you would have directed me to a certain place in the scriptures.

People like you are promoting ATHEISM unknowingly because if each of you stands as his or her own teacher deceiving yourselves that God's holy spirit is teaching each one separately that's how contradictions is celebrated in the name of denominations whereas the teacher prayed for all his disciples to have the same line of thought! John 17:22; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3

Today you people have over 40,000 different religions with contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines all in the name of one teacher ọmọ that is absurd! 1Corinthians 14:33

So go ahead and practice what you want it's not welcome in the gathering of God's people where we promote orderliness! 1Corinthians 14:40

MightySparrow:

I am still asking this question from you and all JWs:
1. If God (Jehovah) is a being John 4:24
2. Angels are beings Hebrew 1:7 ; Rev. 5:11
3. Jesus was a mighty spirit in (JWs Michael) before His earthly adventure ?
Demons are beings Jude 1:9
How is it that The Holy Spirit is the only force not a being in the spirit's world?

There is well over 40,000 churches out there with their different teachings so go ahead and choose the one that suits you!

MaxInDHouse:

People like you are promoting ATHEISM unknowingly because if each of you stands as his or her own teacher deceiving yourselves that God's holy spirit is teaching each one separately that's how contradictions is celebrated in the name of denominations whereas the teacher prayed for all his disciples to have the same line of thought! John 17:22; 1Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:3

Today you people have over 40,000 different religions with contradicting teachings and conflicting doctrines all in the name of one teacher ọmọ that is absurd! 1Corinthians 14:33

So go ahead and practice what you want it's not welcome in the gathering of God's people where we promote orderliness! 1Corinthians 14:40

Why do we have 40,000 denominations?
It's because people have decided to follow the doctrines of men, rather than the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Every denomination is one man (or small group) interpreting scriptures based on their own personal circumstances or interests - even JW.
Was it not certain people in the past that came up with your doctrines? Did they not say they read the scriptures and we're taught by divine inspiration? How come you're told now that they must teach you?

MaxInDHouse:


There is well over 40,000 churches out there with their different teachings so go ahead and choose the one that suits you!

You have been asking me to be humble to learn from you, no8I did you are not answering my question?

WeirdAlien:

Why do we have 40,000 denominations?
It's because people have decided to follow the doctrines of men, rather than the teachings of the Holy Spirit. Every denomination is one man (or small group) interpreting scriptures based on their own personal circumstances or interests - even JW.
Was it not certain people in the past that came up with your doctrines? Did they not say they read the scriptures and we're taught by divine inspiration? How come you're told now that they must teach you?

One thing makes JWs the only organization that is QUALIFIED to teach all humans on planet earth:
They are the only group doing God's will today! Matthew 7:15-23

If you don't know what God's will is then let's figure it out only Jehovah's Witnesses are doing it today!

What is the reason why the Bible was given to mankind as a special gift from God?

MaxInDHouse:
In the Nigerian pidgin someone will say:
"Bros wetin dey ground?"
If literally translated to English meaning will be:
"Brother what is on the floor?"

But when thoroughly considered the meaning in English is:

"Brother what do you have to share with me?"

Can any reader with the first interpretation get the accurate knowledge of what was said using the literature interpretation:
"Brother what is on the floor?"

You just proved to everyone that the scripts were about cultural philosophy of a people, now orchestrated to be universally acceptable.

If some people had packaged Igbo folktales in a way to be termed religion, many people will also mistranslate a lot

For example; in Igbo, chi could mean god, guardian angel, morning, luck/fate , executor( Chim egbuo muo), badluck(á gajielem chi) etc.... Depending on the usage or context

There are interesting aspects when they appear as statements like Chioma
Chi in that context means god but oma which is linearly translated as beauty doesn't mean beauty in that context but means "good"

Chioma- good god

Broveens42:

You just proved to everyone that the scripts were about cultural philosophy of a people, now orchestrated to be universally acceptable.
If some people had packaged Igbo folktales in a way to be termed religion, many people will also mistranslate a lot
For example; in Igbo, chi could mean god, guardian angel, morning, luck/fate , executor( Chim egbuo muo), badluck(á gajielem chi) etc.... Depending on the usage or context
There are interesting aspects when they appear as statements like Chioma
Chi in that context means god but oma which is linearly translated as beauty doesn't mean beauty in that context but means "good"
Chioma- good god

The book could have been easily taken the way you concluded but there is more to it.
For instance can you tell me of what Chi foretold some thousands of years ago which is now coming to fulfilment globally?
Again Chi doesn't stand for a specific name as you have explained which makes it difficult for those holding the word serious to conclude on one meaning, in Hebrew there are many titles used for God like ADONAI, ELOHIM, EL-SHADDAI,, ELOHI-SEKENU and so on the Hebrew back then used all these titles randomly when talking about God but their God has a personal name known to the people living back then in fact all the nations that had a dealing with the Israelites in ancient times knew very well this name in Hebrew it is rendered YHWH when translated to English it his rendered JHVH.
Neither the Hebrews nor the nations around them misuse this name because it's the PERSONAL NAME of the Hebrew God not just a title that could be used for other Gods.
To an Egyptian Ra (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD) to a Greek man Zeus is (personal God) is his ADONAI (LORD) to an Indian KRISHNA (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD) to a Roman JUPITER (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD)

So if Chi means guardian angel the personal name of the Hebrew God doesn't mean the same it is a name that no nation call except they are having a dealing with the Hebrews.

That's the difference, this thread is about use of speech or expressions not the name of God or Gods.
Thank you.

MaxInDHouse:


The book could have been easily taken the way you concluded but there is more to it.
For instance can you tell me of what Chi foretold some thousands of years ago which is now coming to fulfilment globally?
Again Chi doesn't stand for a specific name as you have explained which makes it difficult for those holding the word serious to conclude on one meaning, in Hebrew there are many titles used for God like ADONAI, ELOHIM, EL-SHADDAI,, ELOHI-SEKENU and so on the Hebrew back then used all these titles randomly when talking about God but their God has a personal name known to the people living back then in fact all the nations that had a dealing with the Israelites in ancient times knew very well this name in Hebrew it is rendered YHWH when translated to English it his rendered JHVH.
Neither the Hebrews nor the nations around them misuse this name because it's the PERSONAL NAME of the Hebrew God not just a title that could be used for other Gods.
To an Egyptian Ra (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD) to a Greek man Zeus is (personal God) is his ADONAI (LORD) to an Indian KRISHNA (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD) to a Roman JUPITER (personal name) is his ADONAI (LORD)

So if Chi means guardian angel the personal name of the Hebrew God doesn't mean the same it is a name that no nation call except they are having a dealing with the Hebrews.

That's the difference, this thread is about use of speech or expressions not the name of God or Gods.
Thank you.

Stop dribbling yourself.

Same way igbos have an unseen creator (not personal this time around) as chiokikeabiama ....the unseen creator


You still agreed with me, it's about cultural philosophy but made to be universally acceptable

Broveens42:

igbos have an unseen creator (not personal this time around) as chiokikeabiama ....the unseen creator.

So what does your so called "chiokikeabiama" has to say about the future of mankind?

MaxInDHouse:


So what does your so called "chiokikeabiama" has to say about the future of mankind?

Expecting a message from chiokike is not different from Nollywood movies where a native doctor hits his gong or throws some cowries to hear a message which is actually a misrepresentation

Any philosophy that allows a god speak for you is actually cultural and shouldn't be used universally

So what igbos view in chiokikeabiama is not in expectation of any message, charge, commission, judgement etc but in acknowledgment