Bible Readers’ Views on Translation Characteristics Survey of 2,000 Bible Reading Adults

2 Methodology  A representative sample of American adults was surveyed. Two thousand people who read the Bible once a month or more qualified for the study.  Only people who read the Bible personally (outside of group activities) or as part of a family activity were included – those who only read it at church, small group, etc. were excluded.  Respondents were not informed the research was being conducted on behalf of LifeWay Research.

3 Methodology Continued  A demographically balanced online panel was used for the interviewing.  Surveys were conducted during August  The sample provides 95% confidence that the sampling error does not exceed +2.2%.  Margins of error are higher in sub-groups.

Survey Responses

5 Translation Preferences Word-for-word vs. Thought-for-thought 5 Q. Bible translators have different views on some important issues. For instance, some use “word-for-word” translations, where the original words are translated as exactly as possible. Others use “thought-for-thought” translations, where the translators attempt to reproduce the intent of the original thought rather than translating the exact words. Which do you prefer? Among all Bible readers, 61% prefer a word-for-word translation, and just 20% would opt for a thought-for-thought translation. Nineteen percent have no preference or are not sure.

6 Translation Preferences Accuracy vs. Readability 6 Q. In general, what is more important to you in a Bible: total accuracy to the original words, or easy readability? Three out of four Bible readers felt total accuracy to the original words is more important than easy readability.

7 Translation Preferences Literal vs. Contextual Translation 7 Q. In the original Greek and Hebrew, the Bible occasionally uses words that some might think do not fit in our society today, such as “slave.” Some translators think these should be translated literally as “slave,” while others think they should reflect current context and be translated as “servant.” Which do you prefer? Three out of four Bible readers also want literal, not contextual, translation.

8 Translating God’s Name 8 Q. God's name in the Old Testament has traditionally been translated as “the LORD” in most Bible translations. Scholars believe the Hebrew for God's name was originally pronounced “Yahweh.” Some translators favor continuing the traditional translation of “the LORD.” Others favor using “Yahweh,” especially in passages where God's “name” is the subject. Which do you prefer? Almost eight out of ten readers prefer “the LORD” to “Yahweh” in the Old Testament.

9 Translation Preferences Literal vs. Gender-inclusive Q. Bible translators have to make choices regarding gender issues. For example, the original Greek and Hebrew the Bible was written in often use masculine words such as those literally meaning “man” to describe people in general. Some translators think these should be translated literally as “man” while others think they should be translated into gender-inclusive terms such as “humankind,” “human being,” “person,” or “one.” Which do you prefer? Over eight out of ten Bible readers prefer literal translations to those which are purposely gender-inclusive.

10 Translating References to God 10 Q. Another issue Bible translators face relates to references to God as “father” in the Greek and Hebrew. Some translators think these should be translated literally as “father” while others think they should be translated into gender-inclusive terms such as “parent.” Do you prefer the literal or more gender-inclusive? Keeping references to God masculine is strongly preferred, rather than gender-inclusive.

11 Style of Language Desired Q. Think about how you would describe the style of language you would want in a Bible translation for your personal reading – would you prefer it to be (INSERT LEFT OPTION) or (INSERT RIGHT OPTION)?

Bible Readers’ Views on Translation Characteristics Survey of 2,000 Bible Reading Adults