This is not strictly speaking an Olive Tree post, but I feel compelled to put in a good word for studying any Scripture with at least two translations. This study habit takes English-only students more than half the way towards original-language studies. It is the single best text-observation habit that I can think of.
Of course, this is greatly enhanced if you pick two reliable translations that are a little bit apart in their philosophies of translation. Having a parallel King James and New King James is not what I’m talking about. I recommend a fairly literal translation (KJV, ESV, NASB) paired with a more free translation (NIV, NET, CSB/HCSB). This allows you to see when a translator feels like there is some leeway in the rendering of the meanings into English. No two translations are going to make the same decisions, but you need to realize those decisions happen. Mono-translation Christians may never realize how much work translation actually is.
Today I was looking at Ephesians 2 for our small group. In my Olive Tree I put the free ESV on the left and the free HCSB on the right:
After you’ve done this, start reading carefully and noting things you might want to look into more deeply. Here are just a few things that stood out for further study.
First, the identity and role of Satan. I’m totally used to the terminology “prince of the power of the air,” but the HCSB translators see the need for further clarification. They have “ruler who exercises authority over the lower heavens.”
Remember, I’m only looking for clues for further study right now. I’m not taking sides. But it looks like that word “prince” and that word “air” could use some more research.
Next, I see how the ESV tends to preserve Hebrew-sounding idioms while the HCSB feels free to render them into more normal English. The “sons of disobedience” in ESV (reflecting the original words in Greek) becomes merely “the disobedient” in HCSB. This is not an error or an omission, it is the translator’s decision that “sons of” is not a helpful 21st century carrier of meaning. At least it merits further study.
Thirdly, I notice that by using two translations side by side, I’m reminded that “Christ” is not just Jesus’s last name, it is the word “Messiah.” Having the two together reminds me that when Paul wrote “Christ,” his readers would think more or less “Messiah,” depending on their Jewish or non-Jewish background.
Finally, I see that we are “his workmanship” in verse 10, and merely “his creation” in the HCSB. This gives me a mental note to try to find out whether this is just the run-of-the-mill word for “creation,” or is it a special word for craftsmanship? Again, I don’t know just yet, but it gives me fruitful thoughts for later study and research.
This is just a sample of the benefits of having two Bibles at your fingertips at all times, which is a habit that Olive Tree makes simple!
