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Bible Research Paper

Introduction

Bible translation is the process of rendering text from one language to the next. Version is the manner in which the translated words are rendered. This paper does an analysis of a single passage that, as represented in the New International Version Study Bible and the New Living Translation Study Bible.

Comparison of Translations on an Internet Resource

The translation between the New International Version and the New Living Translation has various similarities and differences. The difference at the beginning is merely a choice of words and does not affect the meaning of the statement. In Exodus 3:1:1 (New Living Translation), it says that “One day Moses was tending the flock of his father-in-law” while Exodus 3:1:1 (New International Version) uses “Now Moses was tending the flock of Jethro, his father-in-law.” The NLT begins the chapter in a manner that makes it a continuation of another passage. The NIV, on the other hand, can be comfortable using the word only and making the passage appear to be independent. There is an enormous contradiction, however, in the second line of the first verse because one of the versions (NLT) says Moses went to Mount Sinai as he shepherds his father-in-law’s sheep while the other (NIV) says, Mount Sinai. There is a huge probability that both names refer to the same mountain, and they are different because they originate from alternate exodus traditions.

Other differences include the choice of words such as the use of blazing in NIV and flames in NLT in reference to the burning bush. The thoughts of Moses are also represented differently. NLT quotes Moses thinking his amazement, “This is Amazing” While there is no mention of amazement in NIV. The language and choice of word in both books is different. The meaning is not altered in any significant manner, but the language used is not similar. Sentences are arranged differently. For example, the NIV says, And Moses said, “Here I am.” While the NLT structures its verse like, “Here I am!” Moses replied. Verse 5 is identical in both versions. Verse 7 has some difference; in the NLV version, God says he is aware of the suffering of the children of Israel while in the NIV, the term concerned is used in the place of aware.

Information Found in a Study Bible and Commentary

God does not show himself fully. The idea in Exodus is not about the presentation of God to covenant people but rather his limited presence (Orr). God revealed himself through symbols behind barriers. God uses symbols of greatness, such as the blazing bush but behind barriers. The sight of the flames is distorted by the bush means God does not even permit direct sight of these symbols.

Information Found in a Bible Dictionary

Moses is a godly man that towers above any other individual in the Old Testament because he was instrumental in the introduction of God’s covenant with his people (Orr). In most of his life he has acted on God’s behalf in the creation of the nation of Israel, and has worked in a prophetic capacity, a judge, recorded the pronouncements of God, led God’ people during war, acted as an intercessor, performed miracles, and shepherded tribes of Israel who were unruly without tiring. By the time of his death, Moses had created a nation with strong military capabilities to displace the people that had occupied the land promised to Abraham.

Conclusion

The two Bible versions, NLT and NLV, renders the concept present in Exodus 3:1-10 differently but do not distort the meaning significantly. It is important to note that the rendering of information in this manner may result in a slight meaning difference in some people. This, however, does mean the two different versions provide contradicting information to the original.

References

Orr, James, M.A., D.D. General Editor. “Entry for ‘MOSES'”. “International Standard Bible Encyclopedia”. 1915.  

Stuart, D. K. Exodus (Vol. 2). B&H Publishing Group. 2006