Lesson 2 | Learning to slow down: making observations, comparing versions
Compare versions
While, on the one hand, the variety of Bible versions may be overwhelming, it can also be seen as a great opportunity. One way to take advantage of the opportunity is to carefully compare a handful of sound translations. Doing so will refine our observations, stir new questions, and possibly help answer other questions.
Consider the following example from Galatians 3:1-5. Once again, take out pen and paper, and record observations and questions before reading mine at the bottom of this lesson step.
(Note that it is not just the differences which are highlighted, but also the similarities.)
Observations
- Paul’s astonishment comes through clearly in all versions.
- There is significant consistency among the versions throughout this passage. No major translation issues seem to be present here.
- v.1, publicly (NASB, ESV) = vividly, clearly (NET, NIV, MSG).
- v.2, All versions except the Message keep the phrase “works of the law” intact.
- v.2, There is a slightly stronger emphasis on both hearing and faith in NASB. ESV
- v.3, perfected (NASB, ESV) = finish (NET, NIV)
- v.4, The MSG helpfully unpacks the second part of Paul’s question, “if indeed...” by emphasizing the potential total loss.
- v.5, There is subtle variation in expressing God’s gift of the Holy Spirit: provides, supplies, give, lavishly provides.
- v.5, Again, the phrase, “works of the law” is consistently maintained. MSG now uses a bit narrower phrase than in v.2: “your strenuous moral striving.”
- v.5, MSG shifts the connection “by...” to “because...”
Questions
- v.1, Is the public nature of the gospel significant to Paul’s argument?
- v.2, Is “works of the law” a technical term for Paul with a specific referent? Is “Working your heads off to please God” (MSG) a broader concept than Paul intends?
- v.3, Is “human effort” an adequate expression for “the flesh”?
- v.4, In what way did the Galatians suffer? (NIV expands the idea to their general experience; MSG is more specific than all the others with, “this whole learning process.”)
- v.5, Is there something important intended by the connection “by...” or “because...”?