(Women and Words) Bible Translation in Global Perspective with Rev. Dr. Marlon Winedt

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, Rev. Dr. Marlon Winedt shows how the biblical narratives often oppose oppressive cultural practices. Examples include Mary and Mary who are portrayed as disciples. Jesus does not scold them for sitting at his feet versus feeding the disciples. Further, throughout Scripture, women are often subjects and not objects of leadership and discipleship. Consider Priscilla and Aquila, cited 6 times in the NT—texts in which Priscilla precedes her husband 4 of the 6 references according to the earliest, most reliable manuscripts. Later translations were altered in accommodating to patriarchal expectations by moving Aquila ahead of Priscilla. 

Other places that minimize women’s agency and voice include the preponderance of masculine pronouns and words like “brother.” In such cases it’s important to observe not only inconsistencies but also patterns that demean women like using feminine words to align women with negative qualities whereas masculine language represents positive characteristics. Or when Paul tells us we are all adopted as “sons,” which is legal language. Even so, translations work to preserve the legal notion that salvation is universal which always includes women. Other examples include words used to accurately translate Eve as ezer, meaning a worthy, strong partner versus a lowly assistant, a subordinate or subservient helper… making clear that ezer is most often used for God’s rescue! 

Marlon also considered the significant calling women had as church planters and as custodians of language, culture, and faith. In his region—the Caribbean—women led missionary activity—a leadership often not permitted in their northern context. In the Caribbean, the culture is also more pragmatic and women enjoy many roles denied them in the north. What is more, in the Caribbean, the narratives of Scripture have far greater weight than proclamation texts, here again elevating women often included in the narratives of the Bible.  

 

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters 

00:38 Meet Marlon Winedt: Scholar and Translator 

02:24 Exploring Biblical Women and Cultural Contexts 

06:07 Translation Challenges and Gender Bias 

10:09 The Importance of Inclusive Language 

16:21 CBE Conference and Translation Efforts 

21:06 Global Perspectives on Women in Leadership 

28:51 Concluding Thoughts and Future Episodes 

 

Bio 

Rev. Dr. Marlon Winedt, a theologian, philosopher, and Bible translator, earned his BA in Theology/Philosophy from the University of Steubenville, Ohio (magna cum laude 1985) and his Drs-MA in Philosophy (cum laude) from the University of Tilburg (1988). He completed post-graduate work in Bible translation and linguistics (1996, 2001), earning a PhD in Bible Translation (1999), all at the Free University of Amsterdam. Engaged in Bible translation for 35 years, he contributed to the Common Language Papiamentu Bible and serves as a Bible Translation Consultant for the United Bible Societies, mentoring teams across the Caribbean and the Americas. He also trains translation consultants worldwide. Marlon, a pastor, radio host, and columnist, contributes to academic and popular discourse in various languages, with his fields of interests being, among others, biblical languages, Greco-Roman world, Performance Criticism and Creolistics. He resides with his wife Sandra on Curaçao, engaging in diverse international teaching roles.  

Related Resources 

Unveiling Old Testament Women with Accurate Translation 

She’s Not a Whore: Pejorative Language and Translation Bias in Ezekiel 16 

Vindicating the Vixens: How We View Bible Women Shapes Our Response to #MeToo 

 

Disclaimer: 

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.