A densely packed yet fruitful review of the philosophy behind Bible translation.
A study of the craft of translating the Bible.
Esteemed biblical scholar Barton, the author of many books on the Bible and Christianity, introduces readers to the art of translation. After barreling through a cursory but serviceable history of Bible translation, the author moves on to explore his topic in depth. “This book is about how translators negotiate the difficult task of producing usable versions of the Bible in the language of their own day, while remaining true to the original,” he writes. “It is a task that raises issues of faith and interpretation, as well as the obvious technical requirements, such as an intimate knowledge of the languages in which the Bible was written.” Barton explores the many nuances of a dichotomy he characterizes as either “bringing the Bible to the reader” or “taking the reader to the Bible.” In the former case, the translator stresses meaning and message over technical correctness. In the latter, the translator focuses on an accurate, even “literal,” rendering of the original text. Barton argues, however, that there are more possibilities available to translators than this single choice. He also notes that “the ‘adequacy’ (rather than perfection) of a translation is time- and context-bound.” In other words, a translation’s value should be judged by how it fulfills its purpose in a given culture, time, or setting. The author also examines a variety of challenges unique to Bible translators. For instance, which primary texts should one use as a basis for a translation? With Hebrew Scriptures, especially, there are a wide variety of possibilities. Also, in what ways can and should inclusive language be used in a Bible translation? Barton’s work is accessible but certainly geared toward students of language and of Biblical history and content. His choice of translation examples is broad, illustrative, and erudite.
A densely packed yet fruitful review of the philosophy behind Bible translation.Pub Date: May 2, 2023
ISBN: 9781541603684
Page Count: 368
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: March 8, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: April 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.
A compendium of charts, time lines, lists and illustrations to accompany study of the Bible.
This visually appealing resource provides a wide array of illustrative and textually concise references, beginning with three sets of charts covering the Bible as a whole, the Old Testament and the New Testament. These charts cover such topics as biblical weights and measures, feasts and holidays and the 12 disciples. Most of the charts use a variety of illustrative techniques to convey lessons and provide visual interest. A worthwhile example is “How We Got the Bible,” which provides a time line of translation history, comparisons of canons among faiths and portraits of important figures in biblical translation, such as Jerome and John Wycliffe. The book then presents a section of maps, followed by diagrams to conceptualize such structures as Noah’s Ark and Solomon’s Temple. Finally, a section on Christianity, cults and other religions describes key aspects of history and doctrine for certain Christian sects and other faith traditions. Overall, the authors take a traditionalist, conservative approach. For instance, they list Moses as the author of the Pentateuch (the first five books of the Hebrew Bible) without making mention of claims to the contrary. When comparing various Christian sects and world religions, the emphasis is on doctrine and orthodox theology. Some chapters, however, may not completely align with the needs of Catholic and Orthodox churches. But the authors’ leanings are muted enough and do not detract from the work’s usefulness. As a resource, it’s well organized, inviting and visually stimulating. Even the most seasoned reader will learn something while browsing.
Worthwhile reference stuffed with facts and illustrations.Pub Date: Sept. 1, 2005
ISBN: 978-1-5963-6022-8
Page Count: -
Publisher: N/A
Review Posted Online: May 23, 2010
Review Program: Kirkus Indie
This a book of earlier, philosophical essays concerned with the essential "absurdity" of life and the concept that- to overcome the strong tendency to suicide in every thoughtful man-one must accept life on its own terms with its values of revolt, liberty and passion. A dreary thesis- derived from and distorting the beliefs of the founders of existentialism, Jaspers, Heldegger and Kierkegaard, etc., the point of view seems peculiarly outmoded. It is based on the experience of war and the resistance, liberally laced with Andre Gide's excessive intellectualism. The younger existentialists such as Sartre and Camus, with their gift for the terse novel or intense drama, seem to have omitted from their philosophy all the deep religiosity which permeates the work of the great existentialist thinkers. This contributes to a basic lack of vitality in themselves, in these essays, and ten years after the war Camus seems unaware that the life force has healed old wounds... Largely for avant garde aesthetes and his special coterie.
Pub Date: Sept. 26, 1955
ISBN: 0679733736
Page Count: 228
Publisher: Knopf
Review Posted Online: Sept. 19, 2011
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Sept. 1, 1955
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