Journal: Journal of Dispensational Theology
Volume: JODT 22:65 (Autumn 2018)
Article: Abandoning Equivalence In Bible Translation
Author: Drew Curley

JODT 22:65 (Autumn 2018) p. 155

Abandoning Equivalence In Bible Translation

Drew Curley

* Drew Curley, M.Div., Ph.D., associate professor, Carolina College of Biblical Studies, Fayetteville, North Carolina

The battle between formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence has consumed English Bible translations over the better part of the last half-century.1 Christians, whether educated on these matters or not, are highly opinionated about translation methodology. While many writers have articulated a definition of these different approaches, recent trends and developments necessitate a fresh examination of Bible translation methodology. The scope of this discussion also goes beyond just English Bible translation methodology because flaws in translation methodology are greatly affecting Bible translation all over the world. Recently, churches have been startled to learn that some missionaries (mistakenly) avoided translating Jesus as the “Son of God” in Muslim-majority contexts. Others have been wondering why certain translations have chosen to use gender-neutral pronouns to promote a particular interpretation of the biblical text. Bible translation methodology is at the heart of these issues. The solution proposed here is to (1) educate the global church about the role Bible translation has in these discussions, (2) abandon the “equivalence” as a technical term in defining different translation methodologies, and (3) articulate the intent of a “literal” Bible translation methodology.

The Problem Of Equivalence

Equivalence is not a real point of division in Bible translations. All translators want their work in the target language to be as near as possible, or equivalent, to the meaning of the work in their original, source language. So what is truly the difference between a dynamic equivalence and formal equivalence translations?

JODT 22:65 (Autumn 2018) p. 156

Formal Equivalence Translations

Although formal equivalence is usually the preferred technical term for types of translations, they are more often called “literal” Bible translations. Unfortunately, this common terminology is notoriously unhelpful. What is translated literally; is it the meaning, the source text, or something else entirely? As a technical term in the field of Bible translation, “literal” has often become shorthand for “form-centric.”

A form-centric translation is one which follows the form of the source text so closely that its wording becomes unnatural in the target language. Form-centric translations follow the syntax of the source text to the detriment of the target language translation, often to the point of absurdity. A form-centric approach to