Product Description

Truth in Translation is a critical study of Biblical translation, assessing the accuracy of nine English versions of the New Testament in wide use today. By looking at passages where theological investment is at a premium, the author demonstrates that man

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #146628 in Books
• Published on: 2003-04-28
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 220 pages

Customer Reviews

It says the truth about Bible translations
I am Greek, I have been raised in Greece, I have studied Classical Greek for two years in high school (Classical Greek is much more complicated than koine, or Common Greek) and I have been studding the original Greek text of the Bible for about 10 years. Having this background, I responsibly say that this book presents quite right, well documented and reliable linguistic information. Yes, its writer must be considered adequate as regards his knowledge of the Biblical Greek. So, this book sheds plenty of light about subjects of whitch the common English reader has no idea. For example: English readers often claim that NW is false in Jonh 1:1. Trinitarians in Greece have never used this specific verse to claim that the New World Translation (NW) is wrong, since all the Orthodox versions read actually the same with the greek version of the NW. And this happens because the wording of this verse is very clear for the Greek reader, and there is no place for debate. I am sorry to say this, but for a Greek it is rediculus to debate on John 1:1.

Of course, many will be disappointed by BeDunh because he proves that many of the famous Bible versions are inaccurate and mislead their readers. But face the facts! What matters is not what translators say but what Bible says!

So you think your New Testament is an unbiased translation??
This welcome treatise might appropriately be subtitled: "To Boldly Go Where No Man Has Gone Before," as it takes a hard, objective look at the accuracy of our popular New Testament Bibles in a way that hasn't been done before (at least any time recently, to my knowledge - and I've been looking for a long time).

The author must be credited for his boldness in tackling this volatile subject with such an objective approach, as he adds up the score card of accuracy (plus points) and bias (minus points) on 9 very popular New Testament translations.

If your favorite is in here (mine is), you will be challenged by the information in this book. But also, hopefully, inspired to dig deeper, think harder, pray more, and search ever more diligently, as you evaluate those cherished beliefs which are based on your favorite Bible translation. There are winners (two very surprising translations stand out from the rest) and losers (again, two others are rated so low that the author contends they shouldn't be called "Bibles" at all, but labeled as "Commentaries"), but absolutely none remain unscathed by Beduhn's burning textual spotlight.

The author is detailed and specific - nothing vague or nebulous about his approach. The Greek original is shown (in "interlinear" English), and the 9 are lined up for comparison. The criteria and conclusions are explained in detail, in layman's terminology that is easy to follow (in just a very few places the book lapses into technical jargon that I had to struggle with). The author must be credited with bringing us non-Greek-speaking Bible adherents one step closer to the Greek manuscripts upon which all modern New Testament translations are based.

The 9 translations discussed are the King James (or Authorized Version), the Amplified Bible, the Living Bible, the New American Bible, the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version, the New World Translation, and Today's English Version. The verses chosen for analysis are so clearly explained that any translation could be tested, so the book will be of equal benefit to those who might favor another less popular translation.

I can't say I agree with every conclusion that the author reaches, but I'm grateful for his opening this dialogue, and for doing so with an obviously studied attempt to avoid bias and polemics himself, a rarity among textual critics. I paid a little more for this book (the softcover edition) than I usually do, but it was worth every penny. This is a thoughtful and thought-provoking work that should be welcomed by any who are curious about the accuracy of our modern Bibles, and by all who look to their Bible for life-giving words of truth ~ for it is only by the truth that we are set free.

As a parting note to the author: You challenged my beliefs and my Bible, so I would like to make this challenge to you...(it's so obvious that your book begs the comment without my saying it) - Produce and publish a New Testament of your own, one that scores 100% on your Truth in Translation scale. I'll be one of the first to buy it and review it. Note: a complimentary review copy would help =)

Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament
Truth in translation was a very enlightening book. To have ones faith decided by the consciences and traditions of others, and the maneuvering of religions to keep us in the dark to the truth and enlightenment of the scriptures, is a real crime. I am very glad Jason had the guts to finally speak out and straighten out the falsehoods that have been handed down. The arguments are easy to understand and very clear. It has inspired me to dig deeper into God's word, and even more glad to rest assured that I am using one of the best translations into the English language ever - the New World Translation.
Mike Trissel