Define the terms formally equivalent and functionally equivalent with regard to translation theories.

The student must then post at least one (1) reply of at least 200 words. For each thread, students must support their assertions with at least three (3) scholarly citations from a minimum of two (2) sources in current Turabian format. Each reply must incorporate at least one (1) scholarly citation in current Turabian format. Any sources cited must have been published within the last five years. Acceptable sources include the Bible, textbooks, scholarly articles,

1. Define the terms formally equivalent and functionally equivalent with regard to translation theories. Which one is considered more word-for-word and which is more thought-for-thought? What criteria should a person use to choose a Bible translation? Respond to this quote: If they cant read Hebrew and Greek, then Christians should use at least 2 Bibles: one formal and one functional equivalent. That way they can see some of the nuances in the languages as understood by the translators. Do you agree or disagree? Be sure to give reasons. What translation would you recommend for a new believer and why? What is your favorite translation?

Student Response

2. Define the terms formally equivalent and functionally equivalent with regard to translation theories. Which one is considered more word-for-word and which is more thought-for-thought? What criteria should a person use to choose a Bible translation? Respond to this quote: If they cant read Hebrew and Greek, then Christians should use at least 2 Bibles: one formal and one functional equivalent. That way they can see some of the nuances in the languages as understood by the translators. Do you agree or disagree? Be sure to give reasons. What translation would you recommend for a new believer and why? What is your favorite translation?
Formally equivalent translations of scripture attempt to preserve form and structure of an original text as a priority, with understandability as a secondary priority. The King James and even New King James Version are known for being literal, with the latter being more reader friendly, which is actually my preference amongst all translations. The opposite spectrum of translations are those considered functionally equivalent which are understood more clearly by readers2. They may not be as accurate with regards to translating word for word, but they are certainly more reader friendly, relating interpretation of text as a thought-for-thought. Another way of categorizing the above is original context and contemporary context3. Most would agree that its probably best to understand the original context prior to blindly accepting somebodys interpretation of what is contemporary.
I believe that a Bible reader should choose a Bible translation that she most effectively and clearly understands, keeping her interested in continued reading. Being comfortable with a book is most desired initially. How many times have we begun a book, only to never pick it up again just 5-10 pages into it? We have probably all known people who have showed frustration with the King James use of English, to which weve probably replied, You know, there are other translations that are easier to read. I think that the New International Version is a good middle ground, which balances formality with functionality. As a reader increases his understanding of and thirst for Scripture, Id encourage him to move towards the more formal side of translation to begin seeing the complexity of interpretation.
My favorite translation used to be the King James Version, due to memorizing many different verses and chapters, when I was younger. This is a pleasant way of reminding me of the honeymoon stages of surrendering to Christ as a young adult. However, the King James Version was the only translation I was exposed to as a kid, and Ive actually heard older people advocating for only the KJV, as if it was the only inspired translation. When talking to others, I choose to use NKJV or NIV because I believe it is gentler to their ears, and certainly more common than the KJV. After all, the Greek in which the New Testament was written in, was considered to be very easy for Greek speaking people to understand. Reminds me of taking some Ancient Greek courses in college. I asked the professor why we cant read the New Testament for the next semester. He basically said, its not challenging enough! Thus I spent the next semester trudging through Homers Iliad and Odyssey. That was not fun, but I carry that message to others to explain that God chose a certain language vehicle at a certain point in time to complete His love story for us.
(1) Klein, William W., Blomberg, Craig L., and Hubbard, Robert L., Jr.. Introduction to Biblical Interpretation : 3rd Edition. Grand Rapids: HarperCollins Christian Publishing, 2017, p 191
(2) Ibid.
(3) Kotze, Gideon R., Messarra, John A., Locatell, Christian S. Ancient Texts and Modern Readers: Leiden, Boston: Brill, 2019, p 4

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