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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What are the arguments for and against YHWH/Yahweh/Jehovah is the name of God forever? [closed]

Exodus 3:15 Literal Standard Version And God says again to Moses, “Thus you say to the sons of Israel: YHWH, God of your fathers, God of Abraham, God of Isaac, and God of Jacob, has sent me to you; ...
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Are there any recognized Rules in Translation Committees that speak to whether a Greek word should be "translated" or "transliterated"?

Are there any Universal Rules for transliterating instead of translating used by translation committees? Or is this practice left up to individual committees, and their traditions, seminary emphasis, ...
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How best to understand the NLT translation of Malachi 2:16?

Malachi 2:16 NLT "For I hate divorce!" says the Lord, the God of Israel. "It is as cruel as putting on a victim's bloodstained coat," says the Lord Almighty. "So guard ...
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Please discuss meaning of Spirit in 1 Peter 1:11

What are the possible renderings of ‘Spirit of Christ” in 1 Peter 1:11 - (BLB) inquiring into what or what manner of time the Spirit of Christ in them was signifying, testifying beforehand of the ...
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Why is Exodus 3:14 translated "I AM that I AM"? [duplicate]

In the imperfect indicative in Hebrew is usually translated as future tense in English, but in Exodus 3:14 it is not translated "I will be what I will be" but "I am that I am." Why ...
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How best to understand the NLT translation of νόμος in Romans 8:2?

Romans 8:2 NLT For the power of the life-giving Spirit has freed you through Christ Jesus from the power of sin that leads to death. KJV Romans 8 : 2 For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ ...
2 votes
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In Romans 8:18, how is the aorist ἀποκαλυφθῆναι translated as a future tense?

ἀποκαλυφθῆναι Is the aorist and would be translated as “was revealed” Does μέλλουσαν (present tense) “is about to be” somehow change the aorist ἀποκαλυφθῆναι to the future tense? Can someone explain ...
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How best to understand the NLT translation of Jeremiah 34:18?

Jeremiah 34:18 NLT Because you have refused the terms of our covenant, I will cut you apart just as you cut apart the calf when you walked between its halves to solemnize your vows. Jeremiah 34:18 ...
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Better translation of Jeremiah 33:16?

Jeremiah 33:16 BEREAN BIBLE In those days Judah will be saved, and Jerusalem will dwell securely, and this is the name by which it will be called: The LORD Our Righteousness.16 f Hebrew YHWH Tsidqenu ...
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‘Vanity’ v ‘Meaningless’ v ‘Futile’ in Ecclesiastes

The book of Ecclesiastes repeats the phrase “vanity of vanities”, or similar, many times in some translations, including ESV. However, in some other translations, it is rendered “meaningless, ...
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Why is "Melchizedek" translated as a name?

The Hebrew text translated as "Melchizedek" actually forms a phrase in Hebrew meaning "my king is righteous" or perhaps "my righteous king." Why is it not translated ...
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Do original languages in Greek and Hebrew Bible texts use formal or informal language where traditional translations in English used Thee and Thou? [closed]

After reading various comments re: use of Thee and Thou vis-a-vis accuracy of translations to modern (not Elizabethan) English, all very informative, I am still wondering if the original texts of ...
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What is the correct translation of Ephe 5:13?

This is the Greek text of Eph 5:13: BGB τὰ δὲ πάντα ἐλεγχόμενα ὑπὸ τοῦ φωτὸς φανεροῦται· πᾶν γὰρ τὸ φανερούμενον φῶς ἐστιν. Here are the English translations: NHEB But all things, when they are ...
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Foot massage - is The Message right on Deut. 33:24; John 11:2; 12:3?

In the Message, some of the verses that normally describe foot washing are described as a foot massage (emphasis added): "Asher, best blessed of the sons! May he be the favorite of his brothers, ...
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How does the KJV translate Revelation 16:16?

KJV Revelation 16 : 16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon. Revelation 16:16 ESV And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called ...
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Is there any significant lexical difference between ἀναπήρος and χωλός in Luke 14:13, and how does this impact our interpretation?

Luke 14:13 But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled (ἀναπήρος), the lame (χωλός), the blind... The word ἀναπήρος is a unique word in the NT (it is only used by Luke, and only twice ...
5 votes
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1 Cor 15:20 - Is the Resurrected Jesus Singular or Plural? Is He the Firstfruit or the Firstfruits

But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the firstfruits[ἀπαρχή] of those who have fallen asleep. -1 Corinthians 15:20 The ἀπαρχή here is in the singular form and seems to clearly be in ...
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Reconciling Ecclesiastes 8:12 claim that sinner might be lengthening his life Vs Ecclesiastes 8:13 claim that the evil man will Not lengthen his days?

8:12-13 The Westminster Leningrad Codex 12 אֲשֶׁ֣ר חֹטֶ֗א עֹשֶׂ֥ה רָ֛ע מְאַ֖ת וּמַאֲרִ֣יךְ ל֑וֹ כִּ֚י גַּם־יוֹדֵ֣עַ אָ֔נִי אֲשֶׁ֤ר יִהְיֶה־טּוֹב֙ לְיִרְאֵ֣י הָאֱלֹהִ֔ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר יִֽירְא֖וּ מִלְּפָנָֽיו׃...
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Did Jehu massacre only Baal's functionaries or also his worshipers in 2 Kings 10?

The Biblical account narrates King Jehu's actions as destroying Baal worship in Israel. It describes a mass murder conducted by Jehu in which hundreds of Baal devotees are destroyed in the Temple of ...
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Is Ecclesiastes 8:10 about pretentiously deceptive followers of God Or just the customary funeral ceremony that most of the dead undergo?

8:9-11 The Westminster Leningrad Codex 9 אֶת־כָּל־זֶ֤ה רָאִ֙יתִי֙ וְנָת֣וֹן אֶת־לִבִּ֔י לְכָֽל־מַעֲשֶׂ֔ה אֲשֶׁ֥ר נַעֲשָׂ֖ה תַּ֣חַת הַשָּׁ֑מֶשׁ עֵ֗ת אֲשֶׁ֨ר שָׁלַ֧ט הָאָדָ֛ם בְּאָדָ֖ם לְרַ֥ע לֽוֹ׃ 10 ...
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Hebrews 1:3 What is the Relationship Between Jesus and The Word of His Power?

Hebrews 1:3 Smith's Literal Translation Who being the brightness of glory, and the figure of his foundation, and bearing all things by the word of his power, having made by himself the purification ...
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How does the kjv translate Amos 4:4?

KJV Amos 4 : 4 Come to Beth-el, and transgress; at Gilgal multiply transgression; and bring your sacrifices every morning, and your tithes after three years: באו בית אל ופשעו הגלגל הרבו לפשע והביאו ...
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Strong's 203 ἀκροβυστία uncircumcision and bible translations in general

The more mature I get in my faith, the more I realize love and faith matter above all else, and the works that are the product of true faith are good: too to feed the poor and visit the orphans and ...
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Is there a much simplified version of the Old Testament?

I'm new to reading the Bible, I'm currently focused on the Old Testament and there's something I've been wondering about when looking through various translations and English-Hebrew interlinear ...
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Is there a plural form of pneuma in the Greek manuscripts of the Bible? [closed]

Thanks so far.....however I am specifically asking if there are two different forms found in the ancient greek manuscripts. Strongs only references 4151 for singular and plural. Where might I find ...
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Why did so many translators choose to interpret Exodus 34:7 as punishment deliberately inflicted by God?

According to the King James Version: Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon ...
2 votes
2 answers
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Do translators leave out the definite article of Satan in the New Testement?

It is well known that in many cases in the Old Testament that whenever Satan is described, it is accompanied by a definite article rendering it as ‘Ha-Satan’ (The Satan). (This question will not go ...
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(Proverbs 30:5)'s "word" about a revelatory message specific to contextual circumstances at a particular time to... Or God's Word as a whole

30:5 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex כָּל־אִמְרַ֣ת אֱלֹ֣והַּ צְרוּפָ֑ה מָגֵ֥ן ה֝֗וּא לַֽחֹסִ֥ים בֹּֽו׃ (Proverbs 30:5) New American Standard Bible 1995 5 Every word of God is tested; He is a ...
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Could there be a broader interpretation for Old Testament bible hebrew word/term for Proverbs 29:18's revelation/vision/prophetic vision?

29:18 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex בְּאֵ֣ין חָ֭זֹון יִפָּ֣רַֽע עָ֑ם וְשֹׁמֵ֖ר תֹּורָ֣ה אַשְׁרֵֽהוּ׃ 29:19 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex בִּ֭דְבָרִים לֹא־יִוָּ֣סֶר עָ֑בֶד כִּֽי־...
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"Worthwhile fight" in 2 Timothy 4:7

In 2 Timothy 4:7 (and 1 Timothy 6:12) there's a famous phrase "fight the good fight." I can find a number of examples (here, here, and possibly here) where this seems to be quoted as "...
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Should "among" in John 1:14 really be translated "within"?

I’ve heard that in John 1:14 the word “among” was wrongly translated from its Greek origin and that it truly meant “within”. Can you shed some light on that please? And the Word was made flesh, and ...
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Romans 8:16 -" τῷ πνεύματι ἡμῶν" - Is it the Holy Spirit bears witness "with" or "to" our spirit?

Most English versions translate "with our spirit," while the Bishop's Bible 1558, Mace NT, Douay, Catholic Public Domain Versions, and Lamsa and Aramaic Bible in Plain English translate &...
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How should intentionally repeated words in Hebrew be translated? (e.g. Gen 2:17, 45:10) [closed]

In Gen. 2:17 God warns: "you shall surely die." The Hebrew for "surely die" is מוּת מוּת מוּת (mut, mut mut) or die.. die DIE! ( Blue Letter Bible) There are many other examples. ...
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Why are some words in the Hebrew Bible doubled? [closed]

With the Strong's dictionary App, i was trying to make sense of Ezekiel 37:25. Here some Hebrew words are repeated twice. For instance the Hebrew word “ben” means “son”. But what does “ben ben” mean? ...
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'God' or 'gods' in 1 Kings 12:28 and Exodus 32:4?

The verses in the main question refer to the golden calves of Jeroboam I and Aaron, respectively. The term at issue is elohim. Does the phrase "behold elohim" refer to "the gods" ...
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Revelation 5:10 - Is kingdom really the best translation for βασιλείαν

Revelation 5:9-10 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and ...
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Could someone please give an elaborate explanation as to how Wisdom, knowledge & understanding are different and/or overlap in Proverbs 24:3-5?

( reference: https://www.gotquestions.org/wisdom-knowledge.html ) Proverbs 24:3-5 New American Standard Bible 1995 3 By wisdom a house is built, And by understanding it is established; 4 And by ...
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4 votes
3 answers
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Should John 9:3 end in a comma or a period?

Let's look at John 9:2-4 to put v. 3 in context (NKJV): 2 And His disciples asked Him, saying, "Rabbi, who sinned, this man or his parents, that he was born blind?" 3 Jesus answered, "...
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Genesis 3:6 "Desirable to make one wise"

I'm trying to understand why translations from KJV on have translated this part of Genesis 3:6, that the tree of the knowledge of good and evil was "a tree to be desired to make one wise." ...
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1 Cor 15:24-28 Are translators translating the subjunctive? If not are we missing anything by leaving it untranslated?

So 1 Cor 15:24-28 has a surprising amount of verbs in the subjective, whose mood seems to be largely untranslated as indicated by the bold in the quote below. 1 Corinthians 15:24-28 24 Then comes the ...
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Does Proverbs 20:16b warning about pledging to someone narrowly focus on sexual promiscuity Or is it a broader warning?

20:16 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex לְֽקַח־בִּ֭גְדֹו כִּי־עָ֣רַב זָ֑ר וּבְעַ֖ד [נָכְרִים כ] (נָכְרִיָּ֣ה ק) חַבְלֵֽהוּ׃ ( Proverbs 20:16 ) (NASB 1995) Take his garment when he becomes surety ...
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2 Thess. 2:6 "...you know what is holding him back.." [duplicate]

While the usual question about this verse concerns who or what restrains, my concern is with what is restrained. I understand why those sold on the Nero theory like this translation because a "...
3 votes
3 answers
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Did Protestants prefer "children" as opposed to "sons" of God in their translations of Matthew 5:9?

In the Wikipedia page for Matthew 5:9 it says this about protestants preferring the translation of children rather than sons. (Huios) As there is no citation for this point, can someone point to any ...
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Query on translation to "angels" in Luke 9:26b

9:26b "when he shall come in his own glory, and in his Father's, and of the holy angels." Luke 9:26 I have been told that the greek word "ἄγγελος" can be translated to both the ...
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The difference between zao and zaomai

The New testament uses both forms: zao and zaomai. The word zao means to live and zaomai is its medium(middle)/passive form. However I have never seen that anyone would have made any difference ...
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Habakkuk 1:11 true meaning

I am just curious about the translation choice in KJV Habakkuk 1:11, which is the following: Then shall his mind change, and he shall pass over, and offend, imputing this his power unto his god. The ...
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What is the difference of the words πόρνος (pornos) alongside μοιχός (moichos) in Hebrews 13:4 compared to πορνείας (porneias) in 1 Thess 4:3?

Q: What is the difference of the words πόρνος (pornos) alongside μοιχός (moichos) in Hebrews 13:4 compared to πορνείας (porneias) in 1 Thess 4:3? Texts to compare: “Marriage is honorable among all, ...
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Proverbs 18:22's grossly oversimplified, glib, nonchalant view about getting married [closed]

Most of the verses in the Bible's Proverbs can be read by and in themselves. In other words, in general, for the most part, we would Not need to apply hermeneutic tools like scripture-interprets-...
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3 votes
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1 Peter 2:2 textual variations, which is proper?

The NKJV says: “Therefore, laying aside all malice, all deceit, hypocrisy, envy, and all evil speaking, as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby, if indeed you ...
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(Proverbs 17:19 b) "raises his door" Vs "makes his door high"/"exalts his gate"

(Closely Related Posting: In Proverbs 17:19, what does "makes his door high" mean? ) 17:19 Hebrew OT: Westminster Leningrad Codex אֹ֣הֵֽב פֶּ֭שַׁע אֹהֵ֣ב מַצָּ֑ה מַגְבִּ֥יהַּ פִּ֝תְחֹ֗ו ...
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