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Biblical Manuscripts, Translations, and Genres

Biblical Manuscripts, Translations, and Genres. SCTR 19: Religions of the Book by Molly Leaverton. Why are there Different Versions of the Bible Today?. Manuscripts = ancient (or modern) texts "written by hand“ often copies of copies of copies, with significant differences

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Biblical Manuscripts, Translations, and Genres

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  1. Biblical Manuscripts, Translations, and Genres SCTR 19: Religions of the Book by Molly Leaverton

  2. Why are there Different Versions of the Bible Today? • Manuscripts = ancient (or modern) texts "written by hand“ • often copies of copies of copies, with significant differences • We have no original manuscripts, only “copies of copies” • Original manuscripts written 100’s of years after events • Existing copies even later, up until invention of printing (16th Cent.) • Oldest HB texts (prior to 1945): "Masoretic text" (9th -10th CE) • Copies we DO have contain numerous textual variations: • Many small differences • Spelling, grammar, word choice • Some larger differences • Book placement • Omission of books altogether

  3. No “Perfect” Translation Exists • Important recent discoveries of older manuscripts - Dead Sea Scrolls (written before 100 CE, found 1947-1956 - Codex Sinaiticus (written 350-400 BCE, found 1859) • Meanings of some biblical texts remain unknown/uncertain • Ancient languages are different from modern languages • Every "translation" is an "interpretation" • All living languages change and develop • Cultural developments require new sensitivities in language • Sensitivity to racism, sexism, anti-Semitism, other forms of discrimination • slanted or biased language • "inclusive" language alternatives

  4. What is the Difference betweena Translation and an Edition? • Translation of the Bible • Interpretation of the meaning of the Bible from original languages into another (modern) language • Ex: King James Bible, Authorized Version, New English Bible, Revised Standard Version, New American Bible, etc. • Edition of the Bible • Publication of an already published translation • Adds introductions, study helps, commentary, or references to existing translation • Ex: “Study Edition”; “Children’s Edition”; “Catholic Study Bible”; “Oxford Study Bible”

  5. English Biblical Translations • Over 500 different English translations of Bible • Modern Translations are More Accurate • Changes in English over the centuries • New discoveries in past 50-150 years

  6. Two Types of Translations Used in Modern Bibles • “Formal Correspondence Translations” • Preserve original wording & word-order of Hebrew & Greek  • Require explanations (footnotes) to avoid misinterpretations • Good for in-depth academic study of the Bible • Difficult to understand when heard or read aloud • Ex: Douay-Rheims, KJV/NKJV, RSV/NRSV, NAB, NIV • “Dynamic Equivalence Translations” • Focus on meaning & ideas, not “word for word” translation • better for public proclamation or liturgical use • Ex: NEB/REB, TEV/CEV, JB/NJB

  7. Alternative Translations • “Biblical Paraphrases” • Not (don’t even claim to be) accurate translations  • Often intended for children or teenagers • Condense and/or omit much of the material • Freely change the wording of the original texts • “Amplified Bible” • "amplifies" text, adding many extra words & phrases

  8. What is a Genre? • "GENRE”- category or type of literature (or of art, music, etc.) characterized by a particular form, style, or content. • Ways of Distinguishing • Verbal vs. nonverbal • Poetry vs. prose • Place/Form published • Smaller genres or subgroups

  9. Literary Genre • Genres & Sub-genres: • Fiction vs. Non-Fiction • Biographies, histories, technical manuals, textbooks, poetic anthologies, legal codes, etc. • Some publications contain multiple genres • Newspapers have news articles, editorials, comics, sports results, financial reports, classified ads, obituaries, movie reviews, etc. • Bible similarly contains many different genres

  10. Hebrew Bible Genres • Foundational Myths & Legends (Genesis, parts of Exodus, Numbers, Deuteronomy) • Legal Codes (Leviticus, parts of Exod, Numb, Deut) • Genealogies (parts of Genesis, much of Numbers) • Annals (Josh, Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel, 1 & 2 Kings, etc.) • Prophetic Books (Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, etc.) • Psalms/Odes/Songs (Psalms) • Prayers/Laments (Lamentations) • Proverbs (Proverbs) • Wisdom Literature (Job, Wisdom, etc.) • Apocalypse (Daniel)

  11. New Testament Genres • Gospels (Mark, Matt, Luke, John) • Acts (Acts) • Letters (esp. Paul's) • Church Orders (1 Timothy, Titus) • Testament (2 Timothy & 2 Peter) • Homily/Sermon (Hebrews) • Wisdom Collection (James) • Epistles/Encyclicals (1 & 2 Peter) • Apocalypse (Revelation)

  12. Summary • Bible is not one book, but a library • Bible contains many different literary genres • No “perfect” translation of the Bible exists • Different translations dramatically affect our understanding of the Bible’s meaning • Recent discoveries & developments make modern translations more accurate

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