“New Revised Standard Version”

Monday, October 08, 2012

Hi, there.  I had a question about translation, specifically the KJV vs. NRSV and NIV.  Numbers 11:25 KJV: "They prophesied, and they did not cease."  Whereas the NRSV/ NIV: "They prophesied and did not do so again.”  Seems like a major difference.  What is up with that?  I am trying to make some decisions regarding which Bible to choose, and things like this make it difficult.

Sincerely,
Word Works

Dear Word Works,

You are right that the King James Version (KJV) translates that verse as “did not cease”, and others translate it as “did not repeat”.  However, the translators of other versions often put into the footnotes that the KJV’s rendering is also appropriate.  Num 11:25 is a case where the Hebrew word being translated can mean either “add to over and over again” or “to add so as to alter behavior” – context defines which way it is used.  Therefore, there is some debate over which translation is correct.  All good translations will recognize that difference and usually provide a footnote.

As for which translation to use, we ALWAYS recommend a strict, literal, word-for-word translation.  The King James, New King James, American Standard, and New American Standard versions are all word-for-word translations.  ‘Word-for-word’ means that the translators did everything they could to translate each word separately and accurately; they did everything possible to not take liberties with the original text.  The New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) are a mix between word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation.  ‘Thought-for-thought’ translations allow the translators to change the words and simply convey the general idea of the sentence.  This allows the translators to instill their personal attitudes and theological perspectives into the text.  God gave us the Bible with precision.  The apostle Paul said that God conveyed the exact words that the apostles should speak and write (1 Cor 2:13).  Jesus said that not even the smallest stroke of the Bible would perish (Matt 5:18).  Translations need to be as precise as God was… word for word.  We recommend you read “New International Version” for a more specific breakdown on the flaws in that translation – we would put the NRSV in the same category.

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