VERSIONS, BIBLE

A version is a translation of the Scriptures from the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) into another language. Versions may be classified as ancient or modern. (a) Some ancient versions are noteworthy. The Septuagint (represented by the Roman numerals LXX) is a Greek translation of the O.T. that dates from the third century before Christ; it was produced by Jews in Alexandria. It contains significant variations from the Hebrew text. Esther is much longer in the LXX, while Job is about one-fourth shorter. It also contained apocryphal books. The LXX was, however, the common Bible for the man-on-the-street in the days of Christ, and it was used by Jesus and the apostles in their teaching endeavors. The Syriac version of the O.T. dates from the mid-second/early third century A.D.; it omits the apocryphal books. The Syriac version of the N.T. dates from the mid-to-late fifth century A.D., and resulted in the widespread distribution of the Scriptures. The Ethiopic version (fourth century) facilitated the spread of the Scriptures in Africa. The Gothic version (fourth century) propagated the Bible in Germany. The Latin Vulgate (fourth century) became the official version of the Roman Catholic Church. In the ninth century, Arabic versions were produced in an attempt to negate the spreading influence of Islam. (b) For our purposes, modern versions date from the time of the King James Version (1611). The English Revised Version came in 1881, and its American cousin, the American Standard Version, arrived in 1901. Each of these was a faithful attempt to reproduce the original texts as accurately as possible. The Revised Standard Version (1946/52) was also a fairly literal translation, but its translators were theologically liberal and that inclination shows at times (cf. Isa. 7:14). The New English Bible (1970) charted new territory. It was a "looser" rendition of the original text, attempting to bring "thoughts" across, rather than "words." The New International Version (1973/78) admitted that it did not attempt a word-for-word rendition; it adopts the "Dynamic Equivalence" procedure. Both the New American Standard Bible (1963/70/97) and the New King James Version (1979/82) attempt a literal translation and are reliable versions, though the NASB has the better textual base. The English Standard Version (2001) appears to be a strong translation with a literal rendition is most instances. See TRANSLATION.