If people only really knew how Bible committees work now a days they would just stick with the ASV or NASV..... One would think that when it comes to Bible Translation and making a new improved Bible that is would be one of the holiest events of all times. One would rightly expect trained men in the languages and theology and much prayer and even fasting. In reality though many of the recent translations all have: (1) marketing deadlines, (2) compromises on the meaning of certain texts (one notable one is the way Psa 23:6 actually reads in Hebrew, but because of the traditional reading it has not been changed…), (3) the way a text is sometimes stated is by a majority vote vs. that much talked about exegesis of the text, etc. <img src="/forum/images/graemlins/Banghead.gif" alt="" />

Example: When the ESV was being translated when it came to vs 6 of Pas 23 the translators knew that “Forever,” literally meant “for length of days,” ….. through all the days. However, this posed a problem with some—because of the Psalms use at funerals. Since, the Hebrew phrase would have to be explained at funerals (and they actually reasoned…. who would desire to market a Bible which could not be used without complications at funerals or at deathbeds....) it was decided to use the term “Forever” instead of the literal translation with a footnote which states, “Hebrew for length of days”.


Reformed and Always Reforming,