Bible Translation Spectrum

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See also
 Bible Book Abbreviations
 Common Resource Abbreviations
 Bibles @ Logos.com
 Bible-Researcher English
 Bible Gateway Reading Levels
 Reading Level of the KJV
 Scott David: Spectrum Chart
 Scott David: Bible Table
 Jan Krohn: Source&Affiliation

Bible Translating has a spectrum of target equivalence approaches ranging from formal to functional with dynamic in between. Formal seeks literal rendering of original language into target language, which wants to preserve original word order as much as practical. Also literal goal is one translated word for one original word. This translation philosophy assumes that the reader is familiar with the culture of the original text. In contrast, functional equivalence focuses on phrasing meaning using contemporary colloquialism. Here the assumption is that the reader is not familiar with the original culture but must have the cultural meaning translated. In a sense, functional equivalence is an application commentary of the original text. In the middle of the spectrum is dynamic thought for thought, which seeks a mediating balance from stilted literal expression and current colloquialism.

Comparing Bibles from across spectrum of equivalent approaches can be insightful. Essentially all Bible translations are a commentary on the original text (within bounds of translator’s believability) so look for commonality (agreement) between apparently different renditions.

For Bible Study of a passage, one practical approach is praying Psalms 119:18 followed by using S.O.A.P.
S = Scripture (Where’s it at ?)
O = Observe (What jumps out ?)
A = Apply (What to do ?)
P = Pray (about it)
At times, the “O = Observe” needs to seek meaning in Original Context to discover Truth gem(s).

Page Contents

Word for Word
Thought for Thought
Paraphrase

Year released or revised (with ~ suffix for Bibles not offered by Faithlife)
Bible abbreviation for resource filtering
Reading level (R#) reflects number of different words used and length of sentences.
Language (L) can be: A for Archaic (Ye, thee, thine, thou, thy), a for a little archaic (under 7 in Bible text), I for Inclusive, or N for Neutral.
* Apocrypha or DeuteroCanonical books are included in Bible Resource by Faithlife.