Category Archives: bible translation

Joseph Conrad, the NEB and a wilderness of words

Longtime readers of this blog will know of my affection for the NEB/REB line of translation and the touches of literary excellence one finds therein. One particular phrase, “a wilderness of words”, has captivated me enough to make its way into my blog tagline and spawn several posts exploring the underlying Greek word, mataiologia, that [...]
Also posted in literature | Tagged , , | 4 Comments

The NIV readalong: You suffered, he suffered, they suffered

Note: This is part of a semi-regular series of posts comparing the NIV translation of scriptures used in my church’s sermons with similar translations. The intent is to identify hurdles that may be encountered when reading along in the pew with a different translation and to determine if they are textually or exegetically significant. * * [...]
Also posted in choosing a bible | 5 Comments

The Wright way of reading along with the NIV…

Note: this is a salvaged draft of something I wrote in late April, but never got around to publishing. I’m revisiting it now because a few bloggers have recently posted or commented on N.T. Wright’s criticism of the NIV as a Protestant translation in his recent book, Justification. * * * * * I’ve mentioned several times [...]
Also posted in choosing a bible | 15 Comments

With all your heart, soul and strength: the world vs. God

In 1 John 2:15-17, John offers a rebuttal to the world’s version of the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your strength. (Deuteronomy 6:5) HCSB REB Do not love the world or the things that belong to the world. If anyone loves the world, love for the [...]
Also posted in scripture study | 2 Comments

Misled, duped and deceived

I was flipping through the prophets a few days ago and couldn’t resist this idiosyncratic rendering in the REB, which I offer compared to examples of traditional, median and functional translation. Jeremiah 20:7 REB TNIV You have duped me, Lord, and I have been your dupe; you have outwitted me and prevailed. All the day long I have been made a laughing-stock; everyone [...]
Posted in bible translation | 4 Comments