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 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

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

What is the Difference between a 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”

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

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

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

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

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

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)

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)

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