Question on what it takes to work for a Bible Translation organization

Jason Finch

So this is an interesting question, not so much a Bible question but an educational question.

Thoughts anybody?

What does take to work for a Bible Translation organization; to actually be a part of editing team and type each verse and chapter when making a Bible? How many years of college do you need?

Like Comment

Seen by 50
Comments
- Joseph Ford You must be a scholar in Greek and Hebrew first and foremost. Without a solid background in the original languages of the Bible, no one of any intelligence will accept you or your product. Take the New World Translation for example. The “compilers” wouldn’t put their names on the final product, saying it was because they gave God the glory for it when, in actuality, none of them were language scholars and pieced the NWT together using 23 different liberal translations. You must have the solid credentials and deep understanding of the original languages to get a “seat in the house.”
  
  Like · Reply · 1 · October 10 at 8:08am
- Jason Finch Thanks Joseph.
  
  Like · Reply · October 10 at 8:20am
- William Brenner I’m wondering why anyone needs yet another translation when there are many good ones already (as well as bad ones).
  
  Like · Reply · 1 · October 10 at 8:50am
- - Joseph Ford Agreed. They should just update the good ones as more of the original languages are understood. KJV/NKJV, NASB, ESV.
    
    Like · Reply · 1 · October 11 at 7:36am
  - William Brenner It is the temptation of each new version to “fit into the culture” downplaying what scripture teaches about homosexuality, etc.
    
    Like · Reply · October 11 at 9:05am
  - Joseph Ford William, I would tend to disagree with that assessment. The NKJV simply brought the KJV into modern English. The NASB is the most literal translation of the original languages. The cultural (and IMHO heretical) versions would be The Message, the New World Translation and the “Queen James” version. Best to look at the history behind our favorite version to ensure the translators had the proper credentials and used the original languages and manuscripts.
    
    Like · Reply · October 11 at 11:33am
  - William Brenner The Message is not a translation at all, not even a paraphrase. Not sure why you think we disagree. I did not attempt to give an assessment of particular translations, but only to say we have more than enough now, and new ones tend to add nothing we needed, but are often bad translations.
    
    Like · Reply · October 11 at 12:29pm
  - Joseph Ford Well, then, I guess we agree. smile emoticon
    
    Like · Reply · 1 · October 11 at 12:42pm
  - Write a reply…
- Fred Becker Could he mean translating to other languages.
  
  Like · Reply · October 10 at 10:47am
- William Brenner Maybe. JAARS (Wycliffe Bible Translators) in Waxhaw, NC has done this entirely through volunteer translators. They project all translations in every language to be complete in less than 20 years.