1. What manuscript should be used for the Bible translation? How do you know which one is the most authentic and correct?

Textual Criticism is the scientific method used to evaluate the authenticity and reliability of the ancient manuscripts and provides the means to determine how they relate to each other; the objective is to find the earliest copy. Textual Criticism considers 2 types of evidences but a third factor plays a role in this first of a two-step process:

a) External evidence: This process evaluates the quality and age of the manuscripts as the means to evaluate the variant under study.

b) Internal evidence: This process focuses on studying the copyist / authors such as their scribal methods, habits, and vocabulary.

Here is an example of differences that occur when different manuscripts are used for translation:

And if I give away all my possessions to charity, and if I surrender my body so that I may glory, but do not have love, it does me no good. (1 Cor 13:3, NKJV)

If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. (1 Cor 13:3, NIV)

2. What method should be used to translate the manuscript into the desired language? How do you approach the historical time difference between the two languages (i.e. words, grammar, phrases, history, culture, etc.)? For example, how do you translate weights (i.e. talents vs. pounds, etc.), measure (i.e. cubits vs. meters, etc.), money (shekel vs. dollar, etc.), and euphemisms (i.e. outhouse, toilet, water closet, etc.)?

Literal / Formal Equivalence / Word for Word: This method attempts to translate the grammar, language, and style of the original language with little attempt to bridge the historical distance between the two languages. Some of the challenges are a) words, terms, phrases of one language that lack any complement in another, and b) the translation is harder to read and understand. Examples of American Bible translations using this approach:

NASB (Lockman Foundation, 1970 – original translation): For in Him all the fullness of Deity dwells in bodily form, and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority; (Col 2:9-10)

NKJV (Thomas Nelson Publishers, 1982 - derived from KJV 1611): For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power. (Col 2:9-10)

ESV (Crossway Publisher, 2001 - derived from RSV 1971): For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority. (Col 2:9-10)

Dynamic / Dynamic Equivalence / Thought for Thought: Concentrating on the thematic interpretation for the target language, this method attempts to translate the grammar, words, and style of the original language into the equivalent of the other but maintains the historical distance of historical facts and objects.

NIV (Biblica / International Bible Society 1978 - original translation): For in Christ all the fullness of the Deity lives in bodily form, and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head over every power and authority. (Col 2:9-10)

Free: This method attempts to translate the ideas of the original language into another and is usually done by a single translator. There are three main areas of risk here: a) the reader is accepting the interpretation of the paraphraser, b) there is the possibility of theological distortion despite the translator’s best effort, and c) the reader does not realize that the translation is a paraphrase. All translators are very cognizant of the dangers of paraphrases and state it clearly in their introductions. For the severe critic, the question that one would have to consider is, "if any comprehension is paramount, which translation would you want?"

The Living Bible: (Kenneth Taylor, 1970 – derived from ASV 1901): For in Christ there is all of God in a human body; so you have everything when you have Christ, and you are filled with God through your union with Christ. He is the highest Ruler, with authority over every other power. (Col 2:9-10)

The Message (Eugene H. Peterson, 1993-2002 – original paraphrase): Everything of God gets expressed in him, so you can see and hear him clearly. You don’t need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ, and the emptiness of the universe without him. When you come to him, that fullness comes together for you, too. His power extends over everything. (Col 2:9-10)

For Bible study, it is recommended that one have available two Bibles: 1) one with dynamic translation for its accuracy (of historical distance) and ease of reading, and 2) one with literal translation for its literal fidelity to the manuscripts that the Bible is based on. The Free translation would not be recommended for serious Bible study but does have a place in one’s library for those who seldom read or for those who desire a simpler text for reading (i.e. children).