當今的國際新版圣經翻譯
這篇文章的目的在于給大家提供一些關于圣經翻譯的背景和歷史知識,就像眾所周知的當今國際新版圣經翻譯。有幾個組織對翻譯方面的比較提出了許多的問題,以便于更有利的翻譯,像國王詹姆斯版本和新的國際版本。簡要的歷史翻譯,討論的問題,引起爭議的歷史,以及一些個人思考的問題都包括在這篇文章里。在讀過這篇文章之后,讀者們可能會在參考的基礎上抱著更開放和誠實的態度,如果這樣的話,這篇文章的目的就達到了(文章目的還包括當今新的國際版的給與的一個啟發性的解釋)。
在一九六七年的國際圣經協會宣布為翻譯圣經作出不懈的努力,一六零零年英國人邁入了世界和語言更具現代化和精確化的世界。
Today’s New International Version Biblical Translation
The purpose of this paper is to provide a little background and history into the biblical translation known as “Today’s New International Version”. There are many issues brought forth by several organizations in regards to the translation in comparison to more favorable translations like the King James Version and the New International Version. Included in this paper will be a brief history of the translation, discussion of the issues that are causing controversy, and a few personal reflections on the matter. After reading this paper a more open and honest attitude in reference to the issues at the base of this controversy may be reflected by the reader. If so, then the purpose of this paper will have been met and should, coherently, include an enlightening interpretation of “Today’s New International Version.”
In 1967 the International Bible Society announced the need and made an effort to translate the Bible and it’s English of the 1600’s into a more contemporary and accurate volume pertaining to the world and language of that day. After partnering with Zondervan, a Christian publisher, the completion of the NIV was announced in 1978. Faced with opposition from some religious leaders who felt certain passages were being taken out of context by changing certain gender-specific terms in the translation , the movement pressed on. This is an important note because when the IBS distributed advance review copies of the New Testament of the TNIV, they were blasted with the same kind of scrutiny as when the NIV hit the shelves. All in all the New Testament was released to the public during the spring of 2001 and the Old Testament is expected to be completed in 2005.
While discussing the issues that are causing the controversy may be easy for some of the readers, it may be hard for some of those readers who find them selves lost due to the changes and omissions found in the TNIV. The gender-neutral text features some of the usual changes found in the NIV. “Brothers and sisters” is put instead of “brothers” (Stek, 2002). Even with these changes, the translation is grammatically correct, but some of the other alterations appear to break the rules of English grammar. With this in mind it has been reported that the changes that have this effect also contribute to the text being somewhat confusing. In the cases where there are omissions found it was helpful in other versions if they were noted in the footnotes. In the case of the TNIV, even the footnotes mentioning the omission are frequently omitted. This may lead to some hard reading and some, equally, hard interpretations. #p#分頁標題#e#
Another issue being looked at in regards to the TNIV is the fact that most of the scholars who worked on the NIV are collectively conveyed to have worked on the TNIV. There have been preview editions on the market stating that the TNIV incorporates the continuing work of the translators from the NIV, which in fact are not true. As a matter of fact, readers should not assume that all of the scholars who contributed to the NIV even support the TNIV. One scholar, for example, was Dr. Wes Gerig, who helped out on the NIV, but was not even consulted and was opposed to the work on the TNIV.
In conclusion, there have been pros and cons brought to the table when the subject of the TNIV is directed toward, scholars, theologians, and readers of the text in general. Whether the translation is being called “trendy” or “appropriate” depends on the motive of the person you are listening or speaking to. It is not hard to understand why some people may feel it to be o.k. to change the words of Shakespeare, but not the writings of Matthew, John, Moses, etc. I would call it an insult as well if the message of the writings were being manipulated by wording, which may lead to the manipulation of interpretation.
Sure, there are many questions that can be asked to determine the impact this version will have on the community. Is it a retrograde or passing modern fad? Maybe it is. Is it the best translation available to the public? Who can say for sure? Is it inspiring and bringing new followers to the faith may be the most important question of them all. I say this because whether or not the TNIV has other underlying motives (i.e. the egalitarian mission) the true intent of the publication is to preserve the message of the scripture and continue to rejuvenate the faith with new followers. Will it do this? This question remains to be answered.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
http://www.tniv.info/
Stek, John. H. et al. The New Testament: Today’s New International Version. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2002
Poythress, Vern, s. “The TNIV Debate”. Christianity Today Magazine. October 7, 2002, Vol. 46, No. 11, Page 36