This is a very good article. The idea of a “literal” translation is usually misunderstood by people who either don’t know a foreign language, or have never done any Biblical translation at all. Anybody who has had two years of Greek should raise their eyebrows a bit when somebody says they like “word for word” translations because they’re more “literal.” If somebody wants a literal (yes, pun intended) word for word translation, they need to look for an interlinear.
Fun tidbit - in southern Italy, there are these fast food shops in the towns. Now, it’s not fast food like you’re thinking. They sell pastries and other quick little snacks. The sign usually reads “Tavola Calda.” This, literally, means “Table Hot.” Nobody would translate it that way. It really means something like “fast food.”
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.
Discussion
NewGood
This is a very good article. The idea of a “literal” translation is usually misunderstood by people who either don’t know a foreign language, or have never done any Biblical translation at all. Anybody who has had two years of Greek should raise their eyebrows a bit when somebody says they like “word for word” translations because they’re more “literal.” If somebody wants a literal (yes, pun intended) word for word translation, they need to look for an interlinear.
Fun tidbit - in southern Italy, there are these fast food shops in the towns. Now, it’s not fast food like you’re thinking. They sell pastries and other quick little snacks. The sign usually reads “Tavola Calda.” This, literally, means “Table Hot.” Nobody would translate it that way. It really means something like “fast food.”
Tyler is a pastor in Olympia, WA and works in State government.