Understanding Bible Translation: Bringing God’s Word into New Contexts

by William D. Barrick

Publisher:

Kregel

, 2019

Overview

In Understanding Bible Translation, William Barrick surveys the fascinating work of Bible translation worldwide. Drawing on decades of experience translating the Bible, Barrick explains best practices for Bible translation and walks the reader through the translation process. In addition, he provides insight for evaluating English translations and highlights resources for understanding difficult passages of Scripture.

Key Features

• Reflects the author’s personal experiences in Bible translation
• Explore the relevance of Bible translation, as well as issues, techniques and principles that must be considered and applied in the translation of Scriptures into other languages
• Seeks to capture the minds and hearts of people who will commit themselves in some fashion to the ministry of Bible translation

Contents

• Chapter 1: Because They Understand
• Chapter 2: Common Language for Common People
• Chapter 3: Semantics and Context in Bible Translation
• Chapter 4: Simplicity and Clarity in Bible Translation
• Chapter 5: Theology and Bible Translation
• Chapter 6: Translating the Shepherd Psalm’s First Verse
• Chapter 7: The Ultimate Challenge of Bible Translation
• Chapter 8: Which English Bible Version is Best
• Chapter 9: What Does It Take to Be a Bible Translator
• Chapter 10: Preparing for the Project - Establish Translation Principles
• Chapter 11: A Final Request

Top Highlights

“God did not design Scripture to encourage lazy thinkers. Instead, He commands believers, ‘prepare your minds for action’” (Page 38)

“A translation must be fully accurate, not selective or partial in its translational integrity” (Page 35)

“No matter how many languages we speak, we most readily pray and dream in our native tongue” (Page 31)

“Refer to good commentaries based upon the original languages of Scripture” (Page 35)

“In His interpretation of the parable of the sower (vv. 19–23), Jesus makes it clear that dissemination of God’s Word depends upon understanding His words.” (Page 38)

Praise for Understanding Bible Translation

Understanding Bible Translation is an engagingly written, hands-on study of the art and science of Bible translation by a veteran translator and long-time professor of Old Testament. If you are looking for a treatment of the theory and practice of Bible translation that is balanced, up-to-date, and linguistically informed, this is the book for you.

—R. Bruce Compton, Detroit Baptist Theological Seminary

Bill Barrick has labored for decades in training translators, theologians, and pastors. Add his work on translation committees and his expertise in the biblical languages and theology, and you get a sure guide to better understand the challenges translators face.

—Kyle Davis, Bible Translation Fellowship

Barrick takes us on an engaging tour of the social and linguistic challenges facing Bible translators, as they move between language systems to make the Bible accessible to common people in their heart language.

—George Athas, Moore Theological College

Product Details

• Title: Understanding Bible Translation: Bringing God’s Word into New Contexts
• Author: William D. Barrick
• Publisher: Kregel
• Print Publication Date: 2019
• Logos Release Date: 2021
• Pages: 248
• Era: era:contemporary
• Language: English
• Resources: 1
• Format: Digital › Logos Reader Edition
• Subjects: Bible › Translating; Bible › Versions
• ISBNs: 9780825420252, 0825420253
• Resource ID: LLS:NDRSTNDNGCNTXTS
• Resource Type: Monograph
• Metadata Last Updated: 2022-09-30T01:45:51Z

About William D. Barrick

Before joining The Master’s Seminary faculty in 1997, Dr. Barrick served with the Association of Baptists for World Evangelism (ABWE). In 1981 he and his family moved to Bangladesh. In that ministry Dr. Barrick served as the Exegetical Consultant for Bible translation projects, theological consultant for the Literature Division, and adjunct faculty member of the Baptist Bible Institute of Bangladesh, Bangladesh Theological Seminary, and Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary Extension Program (Singapore). Prior to joining ABWE in 1979, Dr. Barrick had been Professor and Chairman of the Old Testament Department at Denver Baptist Theological Seminary from 1972 to 1978. Beyond his teaching and Bible translation work, Dr. Barrick has been active in a variety of ministries including three years as Director of Church Planting in Chittagong, Bangladesh. He has also had a varied writing ministry from scholarly journals to adult Sunday School materials. Dr. Barrick has been writing in the areas of Bible and theology for forty years. His writings range from adult Sunday school materials, in-house library publications, and newspaper editorials to technical journal articles in English and a commentary on the book of Daniel in Bengali. In addition, as a result of his fifteen years of Bible translation ministry in Bangladesh, he has participated in the production of Bibles, New Testaments, and Bible sections in six different languages. While in Bangladesh he participated in the editing of over twenty books and tracts, including a Bengali translation of Unger’s Bible Handbook. During his doctoral studies he worked as a phototypesetter and proofreader for the first fascicle of The Hittite Dictionary of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago and a number of other major volumes. Dr. Barrick has been involved in writing or contributing to 24 books, and has authored over 120 periodical articles and book reviews. Dr. Barrick has been married to his wife Barbara for 42 years. They have four married children and fourteen grandchildren. He is currently Professor of Old Testament and Director of Th.D. Studies at The Master’s Seminary.