I almost put this as a link in a “More Cool Bible Stuff” post, but it deserves much more attention than that. It’s too funny.
Wayne Leman at the Better Bibles Blog has reprinted Why the English Standard Version (ESV) should not become the Standard English Version by Mark Strauss. It is definitely worth reading, especially since it’s Friday.
Although it is not my primary reading Bible, I am a fan of the ESV. But, Mark Stauss does highlight a few comical renderings that result from the attempt to produce a literal translation. Enjoy!
“Oops” Translations in the ESV
We can start on a more lighthearted note. Occasionally translators will render a text “literally” without realizing the potential for misunderstanding or double meaning. All versions must watch out for this, but literal ones are particularly susceptible. For example, the ESV (following the RSV) originally rendered Gen. 30:35, “But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped …and put them in charge of his sons.” It is remarkable that Laban had so much confidence in his goats! This gaffe was pointed out and a second printing of the ESV corrected it, taking authority away from Laban’s goats: “… and put them in the charge of his sons.” Here are a few more “oops” translations that I have found in the ESV.
“Grinding Together”?!
Luke 17:35 ESV “There will be two women grinding together. One will be taken and the other left.”
Comment: In contemporary English, “grinding together” suggests seductive dancing or something worse. (Perhaps both should have been taken for judgment!) Most versions clarify that this means grinding “grain,” “meal” or “flour” (cf. TNIV, NIV, NLT, HCSB, NET, NRSV, REB, etc.) (in-quotation emphasis added).
If you would like to read a few others, you can at ESV #2, ESV #3, ESV #4, ESV #5, ESV #6, ESV #7, ESV #8, ESV #9, ESV #10, ESV #11, ESV #12, and ESV #13.
Have a good weekend.
#1 by Wayne Leman on November 21, 2008 - 2:55 pm
And there’s more to come as I continue posting Strauss’ paper. I’m glad you could see the humor. Mark Strauss seems to have quite a good sense of humor.
#2 by Lavonda Pflug on November 21, 2008 - 5:44 pm
That’s funny. But I can see how, as our language chages, things like this will always be. Twenty years ago everyone would have known what “grinding together” was all about. But today, with text messages and instant messages and email and all, who knows what anything means any more? I’m nervous visiting with my children and their generation. I never know when I’m going to say somthing that no longer means what it used to. One can be “talkin’ trash” and not know it!
#3 by livingjourney on November 22, 2008 - 12:46 am
The King James really freaked me out when I read the verses…
Luk 17:34 I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Luk 17:35 Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.
At least the ESV doesn’t have the two men in one bed scenario as well as the two women grinding together….
#4 by CShula on November 22, 2008 - 11:53 am
That is funny now that you point it out! I also use the ESV – mainly for quotes when I’m blogging – but I don’t try to study from it!
#5 by A.W. Ellingsen on November 22, 2008 - 10:15 pm
You stated it says: “But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped …and put them in charge of his sons.”
To me this a perfectly good translation. Jesus is The Son. Jesus is the Son of Man and so the meaning of life. He is the outcome of every action, he is the life after the death of any thing we do. King David wrote (Psalm, 2:11-12): “Serve the LORD with fear and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry and you be destroyed in your way, for his wrath can flare up in a moment. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.”
INVITATION
Invited hereby to my site
please be. You see I poems write
and knight like fight and youth alight.
This poem says it. Godly, right?
I want more readers. I want you
to come as if out from the blue
and tell me what I write is true
and make my motivation new.
Why you? This is not spam, God’s dear.
I stand by what I do. I care.
Your senseless love to me I fear.
I mean it. I am good. Take care.
#6 by petermlopez on November 23, 2008 - 9:09 pm
Thanks, Wayne. I will add links to those as well.
Lavonda, I know what you mean. It takes a lot of effort just to stay current anymore.
Indeed, Living Journey, progress.
CShula, I actually think the ESV is a good Bible to use for study, but I don’t use it for my everyday reading Bible.
#7 by petermlopez on November 23, 2008 - 9:13 pm
I agree with you Mr. Ellingsen, but I think the ambiguity would be removed if Laban had left the goats in the charge of his sons, and I will certainly check out your site.
#8 by Gilbert Purtee on November 28, 2008 - 1:25 pm
lol…
I know the whole ‘translation’ thing can be a big can of worms to open. Great insight.
Have a good weekend..
CBO Gib
#9 by petermlopez on December 1, 2008 - 11:17 am
Thanks, Gilbert. I appreciate you taking the time to read. I hope you had a happy Thanksgiving.