Format Variations
Text formatting issues include punctuation, capitalization, arrangement
(one verse per line versus paragraphs) and print styles, such
as the use of italics for smoothing out English sentences.
The capitalization of a pronoun referring to Jesus has some difficulties.
This is not part of the original Hebrew which does not have any
capitalization anywhere. The NASB, MLB (Modern Language Bible)
and NKJV do use capitalization of these pronouns. While it is
intended to refer to deity, sometimes the person in a particular
passage does not intend to consider Christ to be God. To capitalize
a pronoun used by such a person is to reflect the opinion of the
translator instead.
Quotation marks were first added to the American Standard Version
of 1901. For a translator to include these, he must make an interpretive
decision about where the quote begins and ends. Sometimes it is
unclear whether part of the section may be the writer's commentary
rather than a complete quote (e.g. Gal. 2:14-21).
What do the italic letters in some translations mean? The italic
lettering indicates words which do not translate a specific Hebrew
or Greek word. They are implied by the sense of the original,
but not explicitly expressed. They are used to complete an English
sentence properly. The Geneva Bible (1560), the KJV (1611), the
ASV (1901) and NASB (1971) use this convention. The RSV (1881-85)
and NKJV (1982) do not use this format.
The KJV initiated the custom of beginning each new verse on its
own line. This is useful in finding the beginning of a particular
verse in contrast to a paragraph style. Poetry is usually indicated
by indentation with each poetic line on its own line.
What about a single translator versus a committee? One translator
has the advantage of consistency from one passage to another.
He will make the same kinds of decisions throughout regarding
wording. A group of translators does not have this consistency
of vocabulary; however, a group will have less inclination to
maintain personal prejudices, pet doctrines and individual peculiarities.
Next page --> Theological Bias
|
Format
Variations