Often on Facebook we get a questions about a nuance of a particular translation in the HCSB. The questions are usually very sophisticated, and require the expertise of the contributor who helped translate that particular book, chapter, and verse. The questions prompt a chain of emails from social media moderators that persist until the "expert" repsonds with an explanation for why the Greek/Hebrew was rendered into English in a particular way.
Biblical studies are an important discipline for local church ministry. Increasingly, churches are faced with more and more choices in regards to English Bible translations. There are many good English Bible translations to choose from, so church leaders continue to examine deeper issues in translation when selecting a Bible for their churches.
Back in 2010, we highlighted the launch of new blog co-sponsored by BibleGateway.com and the Gospel Coalition. 'Perspectives in Translation' is described on the site as "a discussion on English Bible translations." Drawing from a diverse pool of biblical scholars, the blog goes deep on issues in translation. We would heartily recommend this as a resource in keeping up to date on trends in biblical studies, and for those of you who are examining (or re-examining) all of the issues related to choosing an English Bible.
Contributors to 'Perspectives in Translation' include:
Collin Hansen - editorial director for The Gospel Coalition
Craig Blomberg - distinguished professor of New Testament at Denver Seminary in Littleton, Colorado
Douglas J. Moo - Blachard Professor of New Testament at Wheaton College in Wheaton, Illinois
Tremper Longman III - Robert H. Gundry professor of biblical studies at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California
Denny Burk - associate professor of New Testament and dean of Boyce College in Louisville, Kentucky
James M. Hamilton - associate professor of biblical theology at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky
Ray Van Neste - associate professor of biblical studies at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee
Michael Bird - lecturer in theology and New Testament at Crossway College in Brisbane, Australia
E. Ray Clendenen - Bible commentary editor for B&H Publishing and associate editor of the HCSB
Darrell L. Bock - research professor of New Testament studies at Dallas Theological Seminary
T. David Gordon - professor of religion and Greek at Grove City College in Grove City, Pennsylvania
Thom S. Schreiner - James Buchanan Harrison professor of New Testament interpretation at The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky and chairman of the HCSB translation oversight committee
Robert Yarbrough - professor of New Testament at Covenant Theological Seminary in St. Louis, Missouri
Richard L. Pratt Jr. - president of Third Millennium Ministries
George Guthrie - Benjamin W. Perry professor of Bible at Union University in Jackson, Tennessee
We are grateful for increasing awareness and engagement in these issues, indication of growing concern for maintaining the authority and sufficiency of Scripture. We pray you will find this resource (and others from B&H and HCSB as well) useful as you study the Scriptures to the glory of God.