Questions tagged [translation-philosophy]

The philosophical basis that grounds the work of translators. Questions about specific translation problems should instead be tagged hebrew, aramaic, or greek as appropriate.

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Whats the reasoning behind the "understands" vs "hears" in Acts 22:9 and Acts 9:7?

In Acts 22:9 (NASB): "And those who were with me saw the light, but did not understand the voice of the One who was speaking to me." And Acts 9:7 (NASB): "The men who traveled with him ...
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Should we ONLY say the Lord's Prayer?

In In Matthew 6:9, the Greek it literally says: "Thus therefore pray you" or "Οὕτως οὖν προσεύχεσθε ὑμεῖς". Is Jesus saying that we should pray like that and only like that? ...
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In 1 Corinthians 8:6, should δι αὐτοῦ ἡμεῖς be translated "because of whom we exist" or "through whom we exist"?

1 Corinthians 8:6 ESV translation: yet for us there is one God, the Father, from whom are all things and for whom we exist, and one Lord, Jesus Christ, through whom are all things and through whom we ...
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Prunes or Cleanses in John 15:1-4 ESV?

Most translations of John 15:1-4 read something like this: “I am the true vine, and my Father is the vinedresser. Every branch in me that does not bear fruit he takes away, and every branch that does ...
Dieter's user avatar
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In Job 24:13, is the possessive for Light (דְרָכָ֑יו) "its", or "his"?

Job 24:13 in ESV translation: There are those who rebel against the light, who are not acquainted with its ways, and do not stay in its paths. Job 24:13 translation proposal: There are those who ...
Joshua B's user avatar
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Is Hosea 13:14, quoted by Apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:55, oddly mistranslated?

Hosea 13:14 from the BSB translation: I will ransom them from the power of Sheol; I will redeem them from Death. Where, O Death, are your plagues? Where, O Sheol, is your sting? Compassion is hidden ...
Joshua B's user avatar
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In Revelation 9:11, should the titles Abaddon and Apollyon be translated into English as "Destruction" and "Destroyer"?

Revelation 9:11 according to ESV translation: They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon. Revelation 9:11 ...
Joshua B's user avatar
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Neh. 5:2 "We are forced to pawn our sons and daughters in order to get grain to eat that we may live.” (competent translation?)

In the Book of Nehemiah, the NABRE is virtually alone in interpreting the people's complaint about the lack of grain in terms of having to indenture their children. Other typical translations usually ...
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Who does God prepare the praise for in Matthew 21:16/Psalm 8:2

When Jesus quotes Psalm 8:2(LXX) in Matthew 21:16(ESV) “‘Out of the mouth of infants and nursing babies you have prepared praise’?” The greek word used for "prepared" is Κατηρτίσω. Who is ...
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What Greek mss (SBLGNT, MGNT and TR) or textual criticism philosophy most influenced main English Bible translations?

Some of the main Greek sources we may use include: SBLGNT MGNT TR (Textus Receptus) Septuagint Others? The _GNT are collections that basically include compilations of most of the same known Greek ...
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Is there an implication of control/governance in Romans 8:6?

Romans 8:6 in the NIV: The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace. The word translated here as "mind governed by" is the word "...
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Genesis 4:5-8. What could Cain have done differently?

Given the understanding that Cain was upset and God tried to reason with Cain to resolve Cain's discomfort, but Cain chose to cause even worse "discomfort" on Abel, how would you have ...
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What is the better rendering of colossians 2:14?

What is the better rendering of Colossians 2:14 ? KJV " blotting out the handwriting of ordinances which was against us " ESV " by canceling the record of debt that stood against us ...
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In Psalm 77:10, is Asaph grieving that God's right hand has changed, or is he grieving for the past years of deliverance by God's right hand?

Most translations like the NASB render it as: Then I said, “It is my grief, that the right hand of the Most High has changed.” But does the Hebrew actually say: Then I said, “I grieve for the years ...
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Why seriously different translations of Deuteronomy 20:19?

I notice Deuteronomy 20:19 has quite a few different translations. An underlying reason is given in Why so many different translations of Deuteronomy 32:8? as differences in Masoretic and Septuagint ...
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How should we understand “…, the ancient heavens … (NIV, NIVUK)” and why is the translation different in other versions like CJB, NABRE?

Psalms 68:33:- “to him who rides across the highest heavens, the ancient heavens, who thunders with mighty voice.”
Tesfaye Wolde's user avatar
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Are there any white people in the Bible? [closed]

Every few months, a photo of a protestor's sign makes the rounds on social media; the sign says, "There are no white people in the Bible. Take all the time you need with this." Reliably, ...
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Is "trumpets" plural in some English translations of Psalm 47:5 based on a textual variant?

In Psalm 47:5, the NIV has "God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets." The NLT, HCSB, CEV/GNT, and NET all similarly translate "trumpets" in ...
Daniel Ockrin's user avatar
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1 answer
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Exodus 19:13 - come near or go up on the mountain?

Is the meaning of the Hebrew text closer to "go up on the mountain" (e.g. NRSV) or "come near the mountain" (e.g. NKJV)?
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What evidence exists that "רְאֵם" ("re'em") is *not* a rhinoceros?

Historic (pre-1800) translations of Scripture translate "רְאֵם" ("re'em") as "unicorn" (KJV), "unicornis" (Vulgate) or "μονόκερως" ("monókerōs&...
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Judges 16:4 Samson "loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was Delilah". Did Samson truly love Delilah or was it sexual lust for Delilah?

Judges 16:1 NASB95 Now Samson went to Gaza and saw a harlot there, and went in to her. Judges 16:4 NASB95 After this it came about that he loved a woman in the valley of Sorek, whose name was ...
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Does Amos 6:10 say that the tetragrammaton "is not" to be remembered, or that it "has not" been remembered? [duplicate]

Traditional translations say: "Hush!" And he will say, "For the name of the LORD is not to be called to remembrance." Or does the Hebrew actually say: "Hush!" And he ...
Joshua B's user avatar
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In Amos 6:10, does the cremator tell the lone survivor to hush up and not mention the name of the LORD?

Does the cremator tell the survivor to hush up and not mention the name of the LORD, or does the survivor continue his response to the cremator's question, telling him that he is the lone survivor ...
Joshua B's user avatar
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1 answer
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Is forever literal in Isaiah 9:7?

Isaiah 9:7 (ESV) (emphasis mine): Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and ...
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Does the KJV translate Proverbs 16:1 as having a different meaning than the other translations? If so, which is the correct translation ? And Why? …

The KJV seems to indicate that both the plans in man’s hearts and the answers on their tongues come from the Lord, is this a correct interpretation? Proverbs 16:1 KJV The preparations of the heart in ...
Judah Girl's user avatar
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What does Hebrews 5:14 mean?

Please explain Hebrews 5:14 in the simplest terms, please. Explain even those by reason of use. What does this mean? Hebrews 5:14 NIV But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have ...
Bonita Johnson's user avatar
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0 answers
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Is my rendering of Dan.8.11-13;11:31;12:11; concerning the "continual transgression", rather than the "daily sacrifice" an accurate translation?

The translation of (H8548, tamiyd) found in (Daniel 8:11-13; 11:31; 12:11) rendered: “the daily sacrifice”; which has the insertion of the word “sacrifice”. Due to the grammatical links found in ...
ThatwemaybethepraiseofHisglory's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
102 views

Why is Satan referred to as the tempter the first time he tempts Jesus and then referred to as Satan or the Devil the other two times?

In the desert when Jesus was being tempted while fasting, is there any significance to the writer referring to Satan as the tempter the first time and the Devil the other two times? Matt 4:3 - The ...
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Can "in the name of Allah", actually be the mark of the beast? [duplicate]

This is where we get the 666 from in the Book of Revelation. Revelation 13:18 (NASB) Here is wisdom. Let him who has understanding calculate the number of the beast, for the number is that of a man; ...
ThatwemaybethepraiseofHisglory's user avatar
0 votes
1 answer
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Why is Iakobos translated as (J)ames

Acts 1:13 When they entered the city they went to the upper room where they were staying, Peter and John and James and Andrew, Philip and Thomas, Bartholomew and Matthew, James son of Alphaeus, Simon ...
I believe I believe's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
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Is "daily sacrifice" (H8548) in Daniel 8:11-13; 11:31; 12:11; an accurate rendering?

When doing a word study of H8548, it speaks of something that is "constantly", in reference to the shewbread, the light of the candles in the holy place, and other references. It seems to be ...
ThatwemaybethepraiseofHisglory's user avatar
0 votes
3 answers
75 views

What are the implications of Gender-Neutral translations for the practice of Biblical Hermeneutics?

Note: to avoid this becoming a an opinion-based issue, the question seeks only answers based on objective analysis rather than arguments for or against gender-neutral translations. Romans 8:12 RSV - ...
Dan Fefferman's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
63 views

Confused about “missing” Greek words. Phil 2:7

Are there NT manuscripts “missing” and/or with different Greek words in Philippians 2:7? Specifically, in reference to the word servant? Also note other word variations seen regarding this verse. ...
Rachel's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
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2 Thess. 2:11; Strong's (G1753, energeia) delusion (G4106, plane); planet energy?

Don't know much about the root meaning of words, but is what these words could be referring to, like the lie is associated with planet energy? 2 Thessalonians 2:11 KJV And for this cause God shall ...
ThatwemaybethepraiseofHisglory's user avatar
-1 votes
1 answer
58 views

Why does Strong's 1510 (εἰμί) have a different translation in the Bible like in John 10:30?

What's your interpretation of εἰμί in John 10:30? He didn't use "are" but instead, He used the "I AM".
Jen Vasquez's user avatar
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1 answer
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Deeper contextual understanding can the bible reader get from Isaiah 34:5 claim that The Lord's sword is "satiated in heaven"

Isaiah 34:5-6 NASB95 5 For My sword is satiated in heaven, Behold it shall descend for judgment upon Edom And upon the people whom I have devoted to destruction. 6 The sword of the Lord is filled ...
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Sarah’s faith and Abraham’s

In Hebrews 11:11, five English translations, one Spanish, one Dutch, and one modern Greek (ESV, NIV, NASB, KJV, NLT, NVI, HTB, FPB) credit Sarah with faith.  But an Italian and a Portuguese give the ...
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3 votes
2 answers
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Does "the apostles" convey something different than "apostles" in the New Testament?

The New Testament regularly refers to a group known as "the apostles", using an article, e.g. οἱ ἀπόστολοι A couple examples: 14 Which when the apostles, Barnabas and Paul, heard of, they ...
Hold To The Rod's user avatar
1 vote
2 answers
173 views

Does 1 Kings 11:28 refer voluntary workers, oppressed laborers, conscripts, slaves or what?

Here are a few translations of the verse in question: AMP - The man Jeroboam was a brave warrior and when Solomon saw that the young man was industrious, he put him in charge of all the forced labor ...
Dan Fefferman's user avatar
-1 votes
2 answers
120 views

Which phrase is grammatically more appropriate: 'Jesus Christ ' OR 'Christ Jesus '? [closed]

Most of the Christian religious texts and prayers in English owe their origin to Latin which follows a distinct protocol in so far as grammatical construction of sentences is concerned. English has ...
Kadalikatt Joseph Sibichan's user avatar
2 votes
2 answers
74 views

How did the early Church, who spoke Greek, understand 1 Timothy 2:1-6? Did they understand “all” to truly mean everyone or some of all types? [duplicate]

How did the early Church, who spoke Greek, understand 1 Timothy 2:1-6? Did they understand “all” to truly mean everyone or some of all types? If you have sources, this would be helpful. 1 Timothy 2:1-...
Tyler's user avatar
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1 answer
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Isaiah 33:15(d) "He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed" modern 21st century English translation issue

In most of the English translations of Isaiah 33:15, when it comes to Isaiah 33:15 (d) Isaiah 33:15 (d) He who stops his ears from hearing about bloodshed it seems like there might have been a ...
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(Song of Solomon 2:15) "Catch the foxes for us, The little foxes" association with false/foolish prophets based on Ezekiel 13:3-4

Song of Solomon 2:14-16 NASB 1995 14 “O my dove, in the clefts of the rock, In the secret place of the steep pathway, Let me see your form, Let me hear your voice; For your voice is sweet, And your ...
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5 votes
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Is this verse in Ezekiel 21:10 obscure due to difficulties in the Hebrew text? If so, how are those difficulties best explained

I have checked a variety of translations of this verse, and they all seem to have differences, indicative of unclear Hebrew language. For example (the relevant part of the verse following the ...
Anne's user avatar
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And God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. 4 God saw that the light was good,

The Beginning Genesis 1:1-5 1 In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. 2 Now the earth was formless and empty, darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was ...
እኔ ነኝ's user avatar
3 votes
1 answer
435 views

How do we know there should be commas in between the titles in Isaiah 9:6?

Isaiah 9:6 commonly reads: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, ...
User880's user avatar
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1 answer
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Isaiah 33:2 & Isaiah 33:6 deeper understanding as to why there is an strange choice when it comes to the possessive adjective & pronouns

I might be getting too nitty-gritty or nit-picky. However, I’m trying to get a deeper understanding as to why there is an strange choice in some translations when it comes to the possessive adjective ...
user1338998's user avatar
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2 votes
1 answer
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What is the earliest known textual witness of Matthew 6:27 and how does it translate directly into English?

Matthew 6:27 is translated to English along the lines of: "Which of you by worrying can say that they've added some time to their life?" I'm wondering what is the earliest known writing of ...
Behacad's user avatar
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What is the difference in meaning between "The Lord" and the "Lord God?"

Context In some parts of the Old Testament, instead of using the Tetragrammaton, the author uses the Tetragrammaton combined with "God" (e.g. ”אֲדֹנָ֣י יְהוִ֔ה“ (2 Samuel 7:19 HMT-W4)). The ...
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2 answers
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What did the people present, including the Pharisees, hear when they heard Jesus say the Holy Spirit in the unpardonable sin verses?

My question is on a specific portion of the unpardonable sin verses. The verses quoted below are from the NASB 1995 Matthew 12:31, 32 31 Therefore I say to you, any sin and blasphemy shall be ...
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