All Translations Are The Same, Are They?

• Posted by Rev Robert Fuller February 21, 2010 - 1,224 views

                

  "All translations of the Bible say the same thing" I hear this all the time, but do they really?

  I am the first to agree that the different translations are very similar in most respects and for those of us with a familiarity of scripture, easily understood. Individuals with no biblical back ground, the answer may not be so simple.

  I offer the following as an example; The Greek for Mar9:5 is καὶ ἀποκριθεὶς ὁ Πέτρος λέγει τῷ Ἰησοῦ; ῥαββὶ, καλόν ἐστιν ἡμᾶς ὧδε εἶναι, καὶ ποιήσωμεν τρεῖς σκηνάς, σοὶ μίαν καὶ Μωυσεῖ μίαν καὶ Ἠλίᾳ μίαν.

  KVJ Mar9:5 And Peter answered and said to Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias.

  The word tabernacles translates to a place of worship, sanctuary. The NKJV, NASB,ASV, DBY, and WEB says the same thing.

  NLT Mar9:5 "Teacher, this is wonderful!" Peter exclaimed. "We will make three shrines one for you, one for Moses, and one for Elijah."

  The word Shrines translates to a structure or location devoted to a god or saint; receptacle for sacred items; alcove containing a religious image; location ***ociated with sacred persons or events; tomb of a saint,  So far all pretty close.

  ESV Mar9:5 And Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good that we are here. Let us make three tents, one for you and one for Moses and one for Elijah."

  The word tents translates to temporary cloth shelter. The HNV says the same thing. To the la-men something to go camping in.

  RSV Mar9:5 And Peter said to Jesus, "Master, it is well that we are here; let us make three booths, one for you and one for Moses and one for Eli'jah."

  The word booths translates to stalls, telephone booths, telephone compartments, place to sit while eating. The YNG says the same thing

  Latin Vulgate 9-5 et respondens Petrus ait Iesu rabbi bonum est hic nos esse et faciamus tria tabernacula tibi unum et Mosi unum et Heliae unum The word Tabernacula translates to a large place of worship.

  My point is that these differences may be of no consequence to those of us that are familiar with scripture, but to those with no back ground in scripture they can change the entire meaning of the scripture.

  This is just one small example of the many differences in the different Bibles we read today. So when we say they all say the same thing, are we sure?

  Just An Old Preacher's Opinion

  Rev Robert Fuller