BIBLE TRANSLATION: A ROLE OF UNIVERSAL TO VERNACULAR LANGUAGE

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Introduction

From Latin Vulgate to many Languages and Dialects translated from original biblical manuscript languages, like Hebrew, Greek, or sometimes Aramaic. While most modern translations now use the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts, several prominent versions in English and Filipino remain rooted in the Vulgate. 

Old English

The translation of the Bible into English spans centuries, from early medieval efforts to modern versions, with significant milestones driven by religious reform and technological advances like the printing press. 

John Wycliffe's Bible (c. 1382): This was the first complete English-language version of the Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate. It was circulated in manuscript form before the printing press and played a key role in the early reform movement, though it was condemned by the Church.

William Tyndale's New Testament (1526): Tyndale produced the first English translation based directly on the original Greek and Hebrew texts. His work became a model for subsequent English translations, and he was executed for his efforts, highlighting the dangers associated with translating the Bible into the vernacular.

Popular English

The King James Version (KJV) (1611): Also known as the Authorized Version, this translation was commissioned by King James I and prepared by 54 scholars. It became the principal Bible for English-speaking Protestants for centuries and is a masterpiece of Jacobean English. In addition, New King James Version is a direct update to the classic King James Version, it replaces archaic words ("thee," "thou") with modern English while keeping the traditional KJV sentence structure and literary style. Readers who love the traditional, majestic feel and style of the KJV but desire the accessibility of modern language. This serves as a perfect bridge between the classic feel and modern accessibility.

New International Version (NIV): Balances a "word-for-word" and "thought-for-thought" approach, aiming for clarity in contemporary language. Widely used as an all-purpose Bible, great for personal reading, public teaching, and group study, making it a popular choice for new believers and churches. It is the world's bestselling modern English Bible translation, renowned for its reliability and readability.

English Standard Version (ESV): An "essentially literal" or "word-for-word" translation that seeks to reproduce the precise wording of the original text while remaining readable.  Ideal for in-depth study and scholarly use due to its precision and fidelity to the original languages. It maintains a formal, literary style. Highly respected among scholars and pastors who prefer a more literal translation without the archaic language of older versions like the KJV.

New Living Translation (NLT): A "thought-for-thought" (dynamic equivalence) translation that focuses on conveying the original meaning in natural, modern English. Excellent for daily devotional reading, personal reflection, and for those who find more formal translations difficult to follow. It reads smoothly like a modern book. Known for its exceptional clarity and warmth, making complex ideas understandable for a wide range of readers, including children and new Christians.

New Revised Standard Version (NRSV): An academically rigorous and ecumenical translation that balances formal and dynamic equivalence and is known for using gender-inclusive language. Widely used in academic and ecumenical settings, it is a strong choice for those seeking a translation based on the latest scholarly research and modern, inclusive language. Approved for Catholic use in its Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), it is considered a standard for scholarship. 

Filipino Edition

The history of the Bible in Filipino languages also progressed from portions for religious instruction to complete Bibles in various modern versions, reflecting the diverse religious landscape of the Philippines. 

Early Portions and the Doctrina Cristiana (16th Century): Spanish friars produced the first translations of Bible portions into Philippine languages for use in catechisms. The Doctrina Cristiana (1593) was the first book published in Tagalog script and contained basic Christian teachings and prayers.

Early Complete Gospel (1873): Rev. Fr. Manrique Alonzo Lallave completed the translation of the Gospel of Luke into Pangasinan, marking the first book of the Bible translated into a Filipino language.

Modern Filipino Editions

Magandang Balita Biblia (MBB): A dynamic-equivalent translation (meaning-for-meaning) widely used across denominations. Notable revisions include the MBB 2005 and MBB 2012. This a version of the Good News Bible, is popular among mainline Protestant denominations.

Ang Biblia (AB): A more formal, word-for-word translation. Protestant denominations published the first complete Bible in Tagalog, known as Ang Biblia, which was based on the Spanish version of the American Standard Version. It was later revised in 2001.

Filipino Standard Version (FSV): Launched in 2009, this is the first "Standard" Filipino translation aimed at balancing formal accuracy with modern readability.

Ang Salita ng Diyos (ASD): A dynamic translation produced by Biblica, often considered the Filipino equivalent of the New International Version (NIV).

Pinoy Version (PV): A 2018 New Testament translation featuring "Taglish" (Tagalog-English code-switching). It is specifically designed to engage millennial and Gen Z readers. 

Ang Banal na Biblia: Msgr. Jose Abriol produced a dynamic, full Catholic translation of the Bible into Tagalog, translating directly from the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

Ang Biblia ng Sambayanang Pilipino: The Filipino version of the Christian Community Bible, featuring extensive pastoral notes.

May They Be One (MTBO) Bible: A modern campaign-driven edition by the Philippine Bible Society aimed at making the MBB more accessible to Catholic families. 

Bagong Sanlibutang Salin: The modern Filipino translation of the New World Translation, used by Jehovah's Witnesses (revised in 2019).

Identity: Identified: A special 2023 New Testament edition for youth that includes 24 articles addressing modern life challenges.

A recent translation is the Ang Bible Pinoy Version, a translation into "Taglish" aimed at a younger, urban Filipino audience, which sparked debate over its informal language choices. 

Copyright note

The original Hebrew and Greek texts of the Bible are in the public domain and have no copyright. But, in honor the work and translators and publishers, modern translations are protected by copyright law.

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