Comments on: The Aussie Bible

By: Kirk

Kirk — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

The problem with your argument is that both Greek and Hebrew are totally alien languages to English. As a Greek major and also a person who took a few courses in Hebrew, I can assure you reading the texts in their original form is mind bogglingly different from the KJV or NASB. To give an example, in Hebrew we spent the whole time simply translating the old testament. The teacher didn’t have to be nervous about any of us simply picking up an English copy, because we could all tell immediately if someone had done so by the disparity in their translation.

The point of my argument is that I’m sure to a Greek Christian 1000 years ago or a Jew the KJV or NASB are potentially as offensive a version as the Aussie or Rap Bible to you. Simply because you are unable to relate to their texts does not make them any less important. If people are going to find God, they need to be able to relate to his teachings. It doesn’t matter how the message is said, as long as it teaches the same lessons we’ve all been taught.

By: Robert Williams

Robert Williams — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

both Greek and Hebrew are totally alien languages to English

I’m not sure what you are attempting to refute by this statement? Are you denying that a (more or less) word-for-word translation is possible?

I’ve heard the argument before so I thought I’d do what I could to verify it. I found a site that lets you compare Bible versions including the Greek interlinear.

Here is the interlinear rendering of Luke 9:44 -
qesqe (5640) {LAY BY} umeiV {YE} eiV ta {INTO} wta umwn touV {YOUR EARS} logouV toutouV o gar {THESE WORDS:} uioV tou {FOR THE SON} anqrwpou {OF MAN} mellei (5719) {IS ABOUT} paradidosqai (5745) {TO BE DELIVERED UP} eiV {INTO [THE]} ceiraV {HANDS} anqrwpwn {OF MEN.}

This is certainly closer to the KJV or NASB than it is to the NIV. While a 100% word-for-word translation is clearly impossible, it appears that, as I originally claimed, the KJV and NASB translators did their best to leave the words themselves intact.

Your argument sounds to me like “Well, it’s impossible to get it perfect, so don’t even bother.” It may be impossible to get it perfect, since it is a different language, but it’s clearly possible to do pretty good, like the KJV and NAS.

I’m sure to a Greek Christian 1000 years ago or a Jew the KJV or NASB are potentially as offensive a version as the Aussie or Rap Bible to you

Translating a Bible into a different language is different than paraphrasing God’s Word into “slang”, and I think that should be obvious.

It doesn’t matter how the message is said, as long as it teaches the same lessons we’ve all been taught.

I strongly disagree with this sentiment, so much so that it warrants a separate post. I believe that the words themselves are important, not just what we perceive the message to be.

By: Kirk

Kirk — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Well, I’m glad you realize that a 100% accurate translation is impossible. I agree, and also agree that its irrelevant (I certainly don’t think people should give up!) Contrary to what most Americans think, just because a foreign country speaks English does not mean the only difference is a cute accent. If you’ve ever talked to someone from England, they tend to be incomprehensible at times. While you call this “slang”, I call it their version of English. Thats why people write the Bible in Gullah, Aussie, etc. The words mean different things in their culture. Egghead means Wise Man to an Australian.
As I said before, just because their version doesn’t conform to your culture or views does not make it any less valid. Should everyone be expected to learn the “King’s Good English” just so they can read about God? Do you expect an Australian to read the KJV with a dictionary so he can look up every word that, although we use daily, they might have never heard before?
As for the importance of the words themselves, I believe thats going to just boil to a matter of opinion. I care more about other people discovering God in their lives in any way possible, rather than expecting everyone to accept him the exact way I did. To declare otherwise is no different than me walking into a Methodist Church and telling them they are worshipping incorrectly, simply because I was raised in a different Church.

By: Robert Williams

Robert Williams — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I’m glad you realize that a 100% accurate translation is impossible.

I didn’t say that, nor do I believe it. I said a 100% word-for-word translation is impossible, due to differences among, and limitations of, language. For example, we don’t have enough English words to perfectly translate, word for word, the several Greek words for “love”.

I call it their version of English.

Referring to Mary as “a pretty special sheila” and calling the three wise men “eggheads from out east” is not a translation of the Bible into a language or dialect. It’s profaning the Word of God and we ought to be ashamed of it.

By: Martin Johnson

Martin Johnson — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

As the publisher of The Aussie Bible, let me make a few comments.
Firstly, The Aussie Bible (well, bits of it anyway!) is NOT a translation, but rather a retelling of the story of Jesus’ life, based mainly on Mark’s Gospel, presented in chronological order. Bible Society NSW takes its responsibility to handle the Word of God properly very seriously. The Aussie Bible (well, bits of it anyway!) is not the first re-telling of parts of the Bible. Walter Wangerin’s ‘Book of God’ and Jamie Stuart’s ‘The Glasgow Gospel’ are two other examples.
Our aim by publishing this book is to interact with people who would otherwise never pick up a Bible or New Testament. Each copy will have a coupon so people can get a full New Testament to “read the full story for themselves.” The Aussie slang – which may sound strange to ‘non down-under ears’ is quite acceptable and Kel’s writings are in a long tradition of Australian story tellers.
The Aussie Bible (well, bits of it anyway) is pre-evangelism and our prayer is that people will come to know the ‘fair-dinkum’ Jesus. The media and press interest has been astounding and Kel and I have had many opportunities to publicly share the Gospel story.
Happy to answer any questions.
MJohnson@biblesociety.com.au

By: Jim

Jim — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Martin, thanks for the comments about The Aussie Bible (well, bits of it anyway). We should all be happy that, in these uncertain days, someone out there is attempting to get The Word out to people who may not know it, no matter the form. Kel is just telling a story, right? Stories are what make up large parts the Bible. Jesus told stories in the form of parables to explain things to the masses, didn’t he. I say, right on to any opportunity to spread The Word!
And Robert Williams: get a life, dude. If you’re going to be such a downer about the whole thing, why are you bothering to worry about the multitude of English translations? Go read the original Greek & Hebrew and let the rest of us use what works for us. N’est pas??!!

By: Robert Williams

Robert Williams — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Jim, didn’t Jesus say that man does not live by bread alone, but by EVERY WORD that proceeds from the mouth of God? Words are important. I believe God verbally inspired the Bible and we must take great care in translating or paraphrasing it. We must treat the Bible with reverence. I do not believe this is a reverent handling of God’s word.

By: Tony Veasey

Tony Veasey — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I think that the Aussie Bible (well, parts of it anyway) is not only an excellent way to bring the story of the gospel and salvation to people who might otherwise never read about it, but it is also in accordance with Jesus when he said to go out into the world and spread the gospel.

By: Jon

Jon — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

I have three quote that sum up my opinion

1) In the last days perilous times shall come.

2 They shall heap to themselves teachers having iching ears.

3) Having a form of Godliness but denying the power ther of.

In fact all of 11 Tim 3 sums up the blasphemy that has been printed in this sinfull creation of man.

Remember the words written “I am God I change not” this is yet another simble that the times of the Gentiles are nearly fulfilled.

By: Graham

Graham — Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000

Relax