Translating the Bible (Fall 2014)
B 468
Instructor: Kelly Whitcomb
e-mail: kwhitcomb@mccormick.edu
Time: Wed 6-8:50pm
Location: 320
Office Hours: Wed 2:00-4:00 (or by appointment)
Office: 315
Course Description
Who creates a translation? Who authorizes a translation? Who interprets a translation? What
cultural and theological forces affect our translations, and how, in turn, are our interpretations
affected by both the modern translations we read and the contexts in which we interpret? Such
questions will guide the course as students learn to compare translations and understand the
reasons for different translation choices and the effects of such choices in order to make
informed decisions about which version to use with a particular audience and context as we
explore issues related to translating the Bible from the original languages. Since antiquity,
Jewish and Christian scripture has been translated into various languages for scholarly and lay
use. Students will investigate the history of bible translation among Christians and Jews from
antiquity to modernity in order to better understand the impetuses driving different versions and
translations of the Bible. Alongside such issues, students will gain insight into the choices made
regarding versions and translations at the communal and individual levels. Of particular interest
will be contextual questions related to translation and interpretation of scripture.
Course Goals
The following are the major goals of the course. Curricular learning outcomes for the M.Div.,
M.A.M. and M.T.S. degrees are listed in parentheses for ease of cross-reference and intersection.
Students are welcome to address concerns to the instructor regarding the achievement of degree
learning outcomes through the course goals at the beginning or end of class sessions, via e-mail
or phone call or during office hours or other scheduled meeting.
1. To be familiar with the process of biblical translation, especially pertaining to theologically-,
ethically- and culturally-laden choices [think critically (M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); exhibit crosscultural competence (M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.)]
2. To be conversant with the history of biblical translation from antiquity to modernity [think
critically (M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); construct theological meaning using Christian
tradition(s) (M.Div, M.A.M., M.T.S.); exhibit cross-cultural competence (M.Div., M.A.M.,
M.T.S.)]
3. To understand the history and character of modern versions of the Bible [think critically
(M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); construct theological meaning using Christian tradition(s) (M.Div,
M.A.M., M.T.S.)]
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4. To reflect critically on the influence of modern versions on our understanding of biblical
passages and theological and ethical issues associated with translation and interpretation [think
critically (M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); construct theological meaning using Christian
tradition(s) (M.Div, M.A.M., M.T.S.); lead just and sustainable communities (M.Div.)]
5. To be able to choose modern versions appropriate to particular audiences and articulate the
reasoning for such choices [think critically (M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); construct theological
meaning using Christian tradition(s) (M.Div, M.A.M., M.T.S.); communicate effectively
(M.Div., M.A.M., M.T.S.); exhibit pastoral imagination (M.Div.); serve effectively in
congregational ministries (M.A.M.)]
Prerequisites
B300 Introduction to Biblical Studies
Course Structure
Since the focus of this course is on bible translations, the relationship of translation to
interpretation and the ethical, theological and practical issues related to translation and
interpretation, the course structure is designed to facilitate the understanding of how and why
bible translations have developed through the centuries and the questions of interpretation that
have arisen and continue to arise for different interpreting individuals and groups.
Readings have been chosen with one or more of the following purposes: to provide background
on the history of bible translation and on the character and purpose of the prominent modern
English translations; to raise awareness concerning how different groups (Jewish, Christian,
African American, Korean, Latin@, women, men, youth, etc.) understand and/or are taught to
understand scripture and the relationship of biblical translation to such understandings; to raise
questions regarding the types of theological and ethical issues translators and interpreters of the
bible encounter or should encounter regardless of affiliations and identities.
Class sessions will focus on readings of scripture in various modern translations in order to
develop awareness of and exegetical skills to address the ways in which translation choices affect
our understandings of scripture. In addition, class sessions will both help to integrate readings
with interpretive skill development, as well as provide opportunities for discussion of important
theological and ethical issues related to bible translations and interpretation.
Assignments have been created in order to accomplish one or more of the following goals: to
further develop exegetical skills, especially as they relate to comparing and choosing modern
translations of the Bible; to practice skills in sharing important information regarding scripture
translations and interpretation with ecclesial, church-related and/or academic communities; to
integrate knowledge of bible translations with day to day practices of the church (i.e., Bible
study, preaching, worship, etc.).
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Requirements and Grading
The following are required components of the course for all students. There is a possible total of
100 points for the semester:
Translation Comparison Assignments (3; 15 points each)
Christian and Jewish Scripture Assignment (15 points)
Final project (20 points)
Attendance and Participation (20 points)
Translation Comparison Assignment (due by 6pm Week 5, 10/1; Week 8, 10/22; Week 10, 11/5)
Three times during the semester, each student will focus on a short biblical passage and
investigate the language, theology and translation differences among 3-4 modern translations.
One passage should be from the Hebrew Bible and one from the New Testament. For the third
passage, students may choose from either testament. Students taking the course for Hebrew Bible
or New Testament credit are encouraged but not required to choose a second passage from the
testament of credit. Further instructions are provided on Moodle.
Christian and Jewish Scripture Assignment (due by 6pm Week 3, 9/17)
Each student will work individually or with others (in the class or elsewhere) to create a 500-800
word blog, news article, talk or other medium used by churches today for conveying information
and ideas. The content and purpose of the writing is to inform a church-related group about the
differences between Jewish and Christian Bible translation and interpretation. Further
instructions are provided on Moodle.
Final Project (due by 5pm, Friday 12/12)
Each student will choose an ecclesial or academic audience and investigate bibles for use with/by
the designated group. M.Div. and M.A.M. students are encouraged to work with an ecclesial or
church-related audience, and M.T.S. students are encouraged to work with an academic
audience, but the possibilities are flexible for all students depending on vocational goals and
portfolio and other needs. Further instructions are provided on Moodle.
Grading Scale
The following grading scale is used in reporting a final course grade to the registrar:
A+
A
A-
97-100%
93-96%
90-92%
B+
B
B-
87-89%
83-86%
80-82%
C+
C
C-
77-79%
73-76%
70-72%
3
F
less than 70%
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Resources
Required
1. Bible (NRSV study bible recommended, but any print or electronic version of a modern
translation is acceptable)
2. Metzger, Bruce M. The Bible in Translation: Ancient and English Versions. Grand Rapids:
Baker, 2001.
Recommended
1. Brenner, Athalya and Jan Willem van Henten, eds. Bible Translation On The Threshold Of
The Twenty-First Century: Authority, Reception, Culture and Religion. London: Sheffield, 2002.
Weekly Topics and Assignments
Week 1 (9/3)
Topics: Introduction
Readings: (70)
 Metzger, 2.16 (pp. 175-185) and Postscript (186-190): (on Moodle)
o read closely the section on The Message
o skim other sections to get an idea of the other English paraphrases; read closely as
interested
o read the Postscript for a sense both of the author's perspective on Bible translations
and of the primary issues related to translating the Bible
 Noorda, Subolt. "New and Familiar: The Dynamics of Bible Translation." Pages 8-16 in
Bible Translation on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century: Authority, Reception,
Culture and Religion. Edited by Athalya Brenner and Jan Willem van Henten. London:
Sheffield, 2002. (on Moodle)
 ch. 2 in Swenson, Kristin. Bible Babel: Making Sense of the Most Talked about Book of All
Time. New York: Harper Collins, 2010. (on Moodle)
 ch. 2 in Kraus, Donald. Choosing a Bible for Worship, Teaching, Study, Preaching and
Prayer. New York: Seabury Books, 2004. (on Moodle)
o Swenson and Kraus do similar things but with different audiences in mind (Kraus
writes for church audiences, while Swenson writes for broader audiences). Read both
with this in mind, considering the information they provide and whether it is wellpresented and/or appropriate for the designated audiences. Is anything missing that
you would like to see, especially if you were to recommend it to a parishioner, family
member, friend, etc.?
 ch. 21 in Wegner, Paul D. The Journey from Texts to Translations: The Origin and
Development of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1999. (on Moodle)
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Week 2 (9/10)
Topics: History of Bible Translations; Jewish Bibles and Related Resources
Readings: (50+)
 Metzger, 1.1 (pp. 13-24); 1.2 (pp. 29-35, Latin Versions); 2.3 (pp. 55-69); 2.13 (pp. 142-148)
o read closely the sections on the Septuagint, Vulgate and JPS
o skim other noted sections for understanding of general history of Bible interpretations
and translations among Jews and Christians
o look at the list of ancient Christian translations in the table of contents for 1.2 to get
an idea of the range of translations in the ancient churches, then choose two
additional Christian translations from 1.2 to read for further information (Syriac,
Coptic, etc.; you may read more, but two are sufficient)
 Preface to Jewish Publication Society 1985 translation (JPS) (on Moodle)
 Preface to NRSV Jewish Annotated New Testament (on Moodle)
o For both prefaces, please read the preface itself and skim the other scanned
introductory pages to get a sense of what is provided by the study bible
 Meyer, Michael A. "Scripture in Modern Judaism." Pages 191-206 in Living Traditions of the
Bible: Scripture in Jewish, Christian, and Muslim Practice. Edited by James E. Bowley. St.
Louis: Chalice Press, 1999. (on Moodle)
 pp. 400-498 in Knoll, Mark A. A History of Christianity in the United States and Canada.
Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1992. (on Moodle)
 ch. 3 in Ehrman, Bart D. Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and
Why. New York: HarperOne, 2005. (recommended, on Moodle)
o This chapter provides a decent survey of the New Testament manuscripts in order to
better understand especially why the KJV differs significantly at times from more
recent translations (and also to better understand what your footnotes are telling you
when these differences occur). It is not required, but if you have time and/or interest,
it's a helpful chapter from a church historian who has done a lot of work on the New
Testament in the early church. This book was written with a lay audience in mind, so
the language is accessible and any technicalities are explained clearly.
Week 3 (9/17)
Topics: KJV, NKJV, RSV, NRSV; "Literal" or "Formal" Translations
Readings: (50)
 Metzger, 2.4 (pp. 70-80); 2.8 (pp. 117-122); 2.14 (149-62); 2.15 (p. 171-74 New
International Reader's Version)
 pp. xvii-xxi in The New Oxford Annotated Bible: With Apocryphal/Deuterocanonical Books.
3rd ed. Edited by Michael D. Coogan, et al. Oxford: Oxford University Press, 2007. (on
Moodle)
 Sweeney, Jon M. "KJV at 400." Christian Century 128,14 (July 2011): 30-32. (link on
Moodle)
 Bassard, Katherine Clay. "The King James Bible and African American Literature." Pages
294-317 in The King James Bible after 400 Years. Edited by Hannibal Hamlin and Norman
W. Jones. New York: Cambridge, 2010. (on Moodle)
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
ch. 14 in Lewis, Jack P. The English Bible from KJV to NIV: A History and Evaluation. 2nd
ed. Grand Rapids: Baker, 1991. (recommended, on Moodle)
o This reading is recommended because it provides more in-depth information on the
NKJV than Metzger does. For those who use the NKJV in their churches and want to
know more about how it differs from the KJV, this chapter could be helpful.
DUE: Christian and Jewish Scripture Assignment (by 6:00pm on Wed 9/17)
Week 4 (9/24)
Topics: NLT, GNB and "Dynamic" Translations; NIV, CEB and "Hybrid" Translations
Readings: (20)
 Metzger, 2.10 (pp. 127-31); 2.12 (pp. 138-141); 2.15 (pp. 167-68 GNB/TEV)
 "Preface" in Common English Bible: A Fresh Translation to Touch the Heart and Mind.
Nashville: Common English Bible, 2011. (on Moodle)
 "Preface" in Good News Bible with Deuterocanonicals/Apocrypha: The Bible in Today's
English Version. New York: American Bible Society, 1979. (on Moodle)
 browse website for Common English Bible (link on Moodle)
 browse website for New Living Translation (link on Moodle)
 Grime, Paul J. "Notes on the NIV." Concordia Theological Quarterly 76, 3-4 (Jul-Oct 2012):
338-39. (link on Moodle)
 Dart, John. "Plain-talk Bible Debuts with Mainstream Backing." Christian Century 128,22
(Nov. 1, 2011): 15. (link on Moodle)
Week 5 (10/1)
Topics: Authority and Translation: Translation or Hermeneutic of Interpretation?
Readings: (65)
 Rogerson, John. "Can a Translation of the Bible Be Authoritative?" Pages 17-30 in Bible
Translation on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century: Authority, Reception, Culture and
Religion. Edited by Athalya Brenner and Jan Willem van Henten. London: Sheffield, 2002.
(on reserve)
 Frishman, Judith. "Why a Translation of the Bible Can't Be Authoritative: A Response to
John Rogerson." Pages 31-35 in Bible Translation on the Threshold of the Twenty-First
Century: Authority, Reception, Culture and Religion. Edited by Athalya Brenner and Jan
Willem van Henten. London: Sheffield, 2002. (recommended, on reserve)
 Banana, Canaan S. "The Case for a New Bible." Pages 69-82 in Voices from the Margin:
Interpreting the Bible in the Third World. New edition. Edited by R.S. Sugirtharajah.
Maryknoll, NY: Orbis, 1995. (on Moodle)
 Burridge, Richard A. "Priorities, Principles, and Prefaces: From the KJV to Today (16112011)." Pages 195-226 in The King James Version at 400: Assessing Its Genius as Bible
Translation and Its Literary Influence. Edited by David G. Burke, John F. Kutsko and Philip
H. Towner. Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2013. (on Moodle)
 Murrell, Nathaniel Samuel. "Song of Songs." Pages 255-259 in The Africana Bible: Reading
Israel's Scriptures from Africa and the African Diaspora. Edited by Hugh R. Page Jr.
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2010. (on Moodle)
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
ch. 3 in Torre, Miguel de la. Reading the Bible from the Margins. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis,
2002. (recommended, on Moodle)
o We will discuss questions of race and ethnicity related to the Song of Songs
(especially chapter 1) this week. In preparation, the article on Song of Songs in The
Africana Bible is required reading. Miguel de la Torre provides a helpful discussion
on more general racial and ethnic oppression in theology and religion, so his chapter
has been provided as a potential connecting piece between bible translation and
questions of theology and ethics. If you have not read it before, it's recommended,
especially for those who have done much coursework and/or reading on these issues
in theology and ethics.
DUE: Translation Comparison 1 (by 6:00pm on Wed 10/1)
Week 6 (10/8)
Topics: Linguistic and Cultural Literacy
Readings: (50)
 Introduction in Maxey, James A. From Orality to Orality: A New Paradigm for Contextual
Translation of the Bible. Biblical Performance Criticism 2. Edited by David Rhoads. Eugene,
OR: Cascade Books, 2009. (on Moodle)
 ch. 6 in Fee, Gordon D. and Strauss, Mark L. How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth:
A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versions. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2007. (on
Moodle)
 Swenson, Kristin. "Biblically Challenged: Overcoming Scriptural Illiteracy." Christian
Century 126,22 (Nov. 3, 2009): 22-25. (link on Moodle)
 Draper, Jonathan. "'Less Literate are Safer': The Politics of Orality and Literacy in Biblical
Interpretation." Anglican Theological Review 84,2 (Spring 2002): 303-318. (link on Moodle)
Week 7 (10/15) (Reading Week)
Week 8 (10/22)
Topics: Bibles among Different Cultures and Traditions
Readings: (65)
 Gilkes, Cheryl Townsend. "A Prophetic Apocalyptic Reading: Resurrection in Prophetic
Context." Pages 1-19 in Engaging the Bible: Critical Readings from Contemporary Women.
Edited by Choi Hee An and Katheryn Pfisterer Darr. Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2006. (on
Moodle)
 Sanders, Cheryl J. "The KJV's Influence on African Americans and Their Churches." Pages
139-154 in Translation that Openeth the Window: Reflections on the History and Legacy of
the King James Bible. Edited by David G. Burke. Leiden: Brill, 2009. (?) (on Moodle)
 Mahabir, Olive Sampath. "Reconfiguring the Caribbean Family. Pages 64-71 in Righting
Her-Story: Caribbean Women Encounter the Bible Story. Edited by Patricia SheerattanBisnauth. Geneva: World Communion of Reformed Churches, 2011. (on Moodle)
 Cheon, Samuel. "Biblical Interpretation in Korea: History and Issues." Pages 31-44 in Ways
of Being, Ways of Reading: Asian American Biblical Interpretation. Edited by Mary F.
Foskett and Jeffrey Kah-Jin Kuan. St. Louis: Chalice Press, 2006. (on Moodle)
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DUE: Translation Comparison 2 (by 6:00pm on Wed 10/22)
Week 9 (10/29)
Topics: Gender, Sexuality and Inclusive Language
Readings: (65)
 Korsak, Mary Phil. "Translating the Bible: Bible Translations and Gender Issues." Pages
132-146 in Bible Translation on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century: Authority,
Reception, Culture and Religion. Edited by Athalya Brenner and Jan Willem van Henten.
London: Sheffield, 2002. (on reserve)
 Stichele, Caroline Vander. "A Response to Mary Phil Korsak's 'Translating the Bible.'" Pages
147-155 in Bible Translation on the Threshold of the Twenty-First Century: Authority,
Reception, Culture and Religion. Edited by Athalya Brenner and Jan Willem van Henten.
London: Sheffield, 2002. (recommended, on reserve)
 ch. 4 in Dewey, David. A User's Guide to Bible Translations: Making the Most of Different
Versions. Downers Grove, IL: Intervarsity Press, 2004. (on Moodle)
 ch. 13 in Lings, K. Renato. Love Lost in Translation: Homosexuality and the Bible. [United
States]:Trafford Publishing, 2013. (on Moodle)
 ch. 4 in Metzger, Bruce M., Dentan, Robert C. and Harrelson, Walter. The Making of the
New Revised Standard Version of the Bible. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991. (on Moodle)
Week 10 (11/5)
Topics: Translating Metaphor and other Literary Techniques
Readings: (65)
 ch. 6 in Yee, Gale A. Poor Banished Children of Eve: Woman as Evil in the Hebrew Bible.
Minneapolis: Fortress Press, 2003. (on Moodle)
 ch. 6 in O'Brien, Julia M. Challenging Prophetic Metaphor: Theology and Ideology in the
Prophets. Louisville: Westminster John Knox, 2006.
 selections from Alter, Robert. The Book of Psalms: A Translation with Commentary. New
York: W.W. Norton and Co., 2007. (on Moodle)
o read closely pp. xxviii-xxxv (IV. The Challenge of Translating the Psalms)
o read closely Psalms 23 and 95 (including footnotes)
o pp. xx-xxviii (III. The Poetry of the Psalms) have also been included; read if
interested
DUE: Translation Comparison 3 (by 6:00pm on Wed 11/5)
Week 11 (11/12)
Topics: Study Bibles and Bibles for Different Groups and Purposes
Readings: (15)
 Caldwell, Elizabeth Francis. "Reading the Bible with Children and Youth." Currents in
Theology and Mission 40,4 (August 2013): 249-254. (link on Moodle)
 ch. 1 in Fewell, Danna Nolan. The Children of Israel: Reading the Bible for the Sake of Our
Children. Nashville: Abingdon, 2003.
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children and youth bibles (see bibliography on Moodle "Bibles in Reference and on Reserve
at JKM")
Week 12 (11/19)
Topics: Study Bibles and Bibles for Different Groups and Purposes
Readings:
 study bibles and other resources (see bibliography "Bibles in Reference and on Reserve at
JKM")
Week 13 (11/26) (Thanksgiving Break 11/27-28)
No Class
Please take this week to think about your final project topic and format and e-mail the instructor
if you have not already done so.
Week 14 (12/3)
Topics: Conclusions
Readings:
 ch. 11 in hooks, bell. Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom. New
York: Routledge, 1994. (on Moodle)
 Arias, Mortimer. "Liberation Hermeneutics: A Pastoral Journey." Pages 225-234 in The Bible
and the Hermeneutics of Liberation. Edited by Alejandro F. Botta and Pablo R. Andiñach.
Atlanta: Society of Biblical Literature, 2006. (on Moodle)
 pp. 1-20 in Wimberly, Anne E. Streaty. Soul Stories: African American Christian Education.
Rev. ed. Nashville: Abingdon, 2005. (on Moodle)
Week 15
DUE: Final project (by 5:00pm on Friday, 12/12)
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