Comments on: The living word

By: Darrell Grizzle

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 23:14:48 +0000

Thanks for helping me see paraphrases in a new light, John. For such a liberal guy, I can be remarkably conservative when it comes to Bible translations!

I especially like the newest translation. the English Standard Version, translated by some very conservative scholars who were, I believe, very faithful to the original texts. My church (Episcopal) uses the NRSV, which I like, but I believe it veers into paraphrase territory occasionally. Is the NRSV used in the UMC?

By: Darrell Grizzle

Darrell Grizzle — Thu, 23 Jun 2005 22:14:48 +0000

Thanks for helping me see paraphrases in a new light, John. For such a liberal guy, I can be remarkably conservative when it comes to Bible translations!

By: Phisch

Phisch — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 22:11:45 +0000

Good explanation on paraphrase vs. translation. Paraphrases do change with the times and perhaps that's why some are leery of them. But as the popular culture changes, so does the language and so to communication you need to adjust to vernacular so it "hits home" more.

Perhaps this isnt' a paraphrase, but it does somewhat go in the direction of getting the message across using examples, ideas and language that suit pop culture: http://inthecedarroom.blogspot.com/2005/06/girl...

By: Phisch

Phisch — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 21:11:45 +0000

Good explanation on paraphrase vs. translation. Paraphrases do change with the times and perhaps that’s why some are leery of them. But as the popular culture changes, so does the language and so to communication you need to adjust to vernacular so it “hits home” more.

Perhaps this isnt’ a paraphrase, but it does somewhat go in the direction of getting the message across using examples, ideas and language that suit pop culture: http://inthecedarroom.blogspot.com/2005/06/girl-of-your-dreams.html

By: Georganna Hancock

Georganna Hancock — Tue, 14 Jun 2005 00:59:23 +0000

People who rely on translations as being accurate are only fooling themselves. For some words, some phrases, there is no translation into another language. Sometimes the same word or phrase translates into many words, each with a differing nuance.

I’m with you on the paraphrases offering insight. Some of the most profound ones I’ve experienced come from Mary Baker Eddy’s interpretation of the Bible, especially part of The Lord’s Prayer, where she paraphrases “Give us our daily bread” as “Feed the famished affections”. Realizing that people’s feelings are about as important as real food is a powerful insight.