(Women and Words) Comparing Bible Translations with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer

In the first episode, host Dr. Mimi Haddad meets with Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer to discuss Bible translation. Aída considers the different goals of translation teams from translations focused on a word for word translation; to meaning for meaning; to thought for thought and those that are a paraphrase. Each translation team from the NRSV, to the NIV, KJV and the ESV elevate their priorities in ways that are often helpful. In addressing the complexities of Bible translation, Aída gave the following helpful insight. She said: 

• Translators are caught between rendering Form vs. meaning. A “formal translation”/formal-equivalence/literal/word for word/linguistic= Translation tries to preserve form (syntax and sentence structure) of the original to convey meaning. The emphasis is the original text, E.g. NRSV, NAS. It Allows the reader to interpret. 

• A “dynamic-equivalence”/functional-equivalence/cultural =Translation expresses the original meaning in the natural form of the receptor language. The receptor language is emphasized. Translators seek equivalence in meaning or thought for thought translation, E.g., TEV, NEB. It does more interpretation for readers. 

• A “paraphrase”=A freely rendered restatement (of another translation) of the author’s thoughts in different words. But it is not a commentary, e.g. Living Bible, The Message. 

 

Aída cited those who contribute to the ESV team, noting their commitment to male-authority. She also expressed her preference for the NRSV assessing how the different translations render the crucial text 1 Tim 2:4–5—as it explains the work of Christ. She said: 

1. “who desires all people (anthrōpōs) to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men (anthrōpōs), the man (anthrōpōs) Christ Jesus,” ESV
2. “who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,” NIV
3. “who wants all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, (NASB)
4. “Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (KJV)
5. “who desires everyone to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God; there is also one mediator between God and humankind, Christ Jesus, himself human, (NRSVupdated)+ CEB
6. “God wants everyone to be saved and to know the whole truth, which is, There is only one God, and Christ Jesus is the only one who can bring us to God. Jesus was truly human. (CEV)-a dynamic equivalent
7. “Our Creator longs to set all people free and guide them into the full understanding of the truth. For there is only one Great Spirit, and only one who can bring the Great Spirit and human beings together in peace. That one is Creator Sets Free (Jesus) the Chosen One, who is himself human.” (First Nations Version)
8. “Our Savior God wants all humans to be saved and to come into knowledge of truth. For God is one, one is also a mediator between God and humans, human Christ Jesus, the One having given himself as a ransom on behalf of all” (ABS). 1 Timothy NCCS ABS 48-51 

For clarity on confusing passages that seem to diminish the dignity, value and agency of women or minorities, Aída recommends Bible translation teams comprised of men and women who do not unite in their preference for male-leadership as the ESV translation team does. Aída also celebrated the diversity of opinion on the NIV translation team which is led by expert Bible translators who differ on their view on women’s leadership. It’s always better to move beyond a single narrative on key issues. 

Aída discussed the NT and OT texts that challenge 3 New Testament passages (1 Tim. 2:11-15; 1 Cor. 14:34-36; Eph. 5:21-23) which routinely eclipse the many passages that demonstrate women’s leadership, like Acts 2:2-21; Gal. 3:28 and passages that demonstrate the leadership of Huldah and Deborah.  

 

Aída ends by emphasizing the oneness of man and woman, cited in Genesis 1:26-30 as both were called to rule over the world together, in a world without sin. Paul picks this up in Galatians 3:28, we are clothed in Christ—a purple robe, our true identity. 

In considering marriage, specifically in Eph. 5. Aída explained that Ephesians 5:18-21 is one sentence in Greek, with 2 main ideas: 

“And do not get yourself intoxicated with an intoxicating substance, in which is wild living, but be filled with the Spirit. 

What does it mean to be filled with the Spirit? 

Paul then uses 5 participles to describe what it means to be filled with the Spirit: 

1. “speaking to one another in psalm and hymns and spiritual songs, 
2. Singing 
3. Making melody in your heart to the Lord 
4. Thanking always for all in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to Father- God 
5. Submitting yourselves to one another in fear/respect of Christ.” 

Verse 22 has no verb in the best Greek manuscripts: “the women…to own husbands as to the Lord…” 

Aída will return next month to address Bible translation as it has been used to further abuse and ethnic prejudice rather than human flourishing. 

 

Guest Bio 

Rev. Dr. Aída Besançon Spencer, Ph.D., Th.M., M.Div., is senior professor of New Testament at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, S. Hamilton, MA. Born and reared in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, she has served as community organizer, minister, and educator in a variety of urban and suburban settings. She has over 200 publications, including 20 books, among these are commentaries of James, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, Titus, 1 Peter, and 2 Corinthians and books encouraging women in leadership, such as Beyond the Curse: Women Called to Ministry, Global Voices on Biblical Equality, Christian Egalitarian Leadership, The Goddess Revival: A Biblical Response to Goddess Spirituality, Marriage at the Crossroads, and the novel, Cave of Little Faces. An ordained Presbyterian minister, she is married to the Rev. Dr. William David Spencer. Their blog is entitled Applying Biblical Truths Today. They have one adult son, Stephen. 

 

Related Resources 

Creating Gender-Accurate Bible Translations 

Video: Gender-Accurate Bible Translation Panel 

Presumption, Bias, and Gender Accuracy in Bible Translation 

 

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.