Where do I start?
What do I need to know to be a Bible translator?
I often hear this question. It’s a good question, and a question that starts me thinking about training for Bible translation, biblical languages, the role of software and AI, and many other topics.
Yet Bible translation begins and ends with Jesus Christ.
Here are four key truths about Jesus that you need to grasp as you think about being a Bible translator.
Jesus Christ as Savior
It is common today to say that a translator starts the process of translation by asking about the purpose of the work and the audience. The topic of the author of the text and the appropriateness of translating it is not addressed. Isn’t it always appropriate to translate the Bible?
When you open the Scriptures and consider the words of Jesus Christ, it is essential to consider what He says about Himself and you, the reader. He states that He came to find you and save you (Luke 19:10, John 3:16.). He also states that He will return to condemn you if you do not accept what He says as true and put your complete trust in Him (Matthew 16:27, Revelation 22:2).
In other words, the text you are considering translating is actually a message to you, offering either salvation or condemnation.
If you confess Jesus as your Savior, you are ready for the next point. If not, please read the words of Jesus again and again. Pray for Jesus to have mercy on you and show you who He truly is, through the reading of the Bible.
Jesus Christ as Lord
If you confess Jesus as our Savior, it follows that He is also your Lord. We work for Him and seek to accomplish His purposes to the glory of the Father.
Jesus is over us, and we respect Him and what He says. He is authoritative, and the Scriptures are authoritative, even in translation.
Prayerfully consider if it His will that you translate His Word. Remember that you are not your own, free to do whatever you like. Similarly, the Bible is not our own words or words that we can freely interpret as we translate.
Jesus Christ as Message
If you know Jesus as Savior and Lord, then your greatest message is a message about Him. Moreover, what He has said is what you want to say.
The truths recorded in God’s word are what you want to communicate. We should endeavor to communicate the message of the Scriptures through how we live, what we say, and even what we translate.
Is your interest in translation an overflow of your desire to make Jesus’ greatness and glory know to others? To communicate what He said? Examine your heart to see what is motivating you and if you are approaching translation for the glory of God in Christ.
Jesus Christ as Model
If you know Jesus as Savior and Lord, and are committed to what He says, then you are ready to translate with Him as your model.
Please read John 12:49-50. Jesus says that He only spoke what the Father told Him. That is our model. We should only translate what the text says, the Bible being the very words of God, the very moving of the Holy Spirit in the hearts and hands of prophets through the centuries.
With Jesus’ model of a humble and faithful messenger, we translate what we have received, making accuracy to the source our highest priority. We translate first and foremost for the glory of God, not the benefit of our intended audience.
What about competency to translate?
What about all the things I need to know to be a competent translator? What about training and degrees? Biblical languages? Cultural studies and anthropology? Software and AI?
Yes, there is more to learn. As a Bible translator, you never stop studying and learning. But if you don’t have the right view of Jesus Christ, you should stop all your learning, studying, and planning.
Reflect on Psalm 51:16-17. God is not please with what we do for Him, even all our studies and eventually producing a quality Bible translation, apart from humble and contrite hearts.
Bible translation begins with a right relationship with Jesus Christ.
Are personal views beside the point?
Many view translation as a procedure, almost mechanical in nature. And with the growing use of software and AI, it might seem like individual translators and their beliefs are less and less important.
I have had Bible translators remind me that individuals who don’t accept Jesus as Lord and Savior have been a valuable part of Bible translation projects, whether in draft or checking or teaching others to read.
Yes, by God’s common grace, even those who reject Him are able to read and translate the Scriptures. And what does this mean?
Does this mean that faith in Jesus Christ is not relevant? Or does it mean that we should pray earnestly that God would work in these individuals lives and that they would come to faith in Christ?
Does it mean that the Holy Spirit is not relevant? Or does it mean that we should pray more earnestly for the Spirit’s help and guiding presence?
Does it mean that the Father has given us freedom to translate as we deem best, regardless of the stated desire of the Son to communicate faithfully according to what the Father told Him? Or should we seek to please Christ, regardless of whatever motives may move others to be involved in Bible translation?
Conclusion
Bible translation begins and ends with one question: Have you recognized the true center of Bible translation, the high point of God’s revelation, Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord?
Are you translating for the glory of Christ or for another reason?
If you want to translate for the glory of God in Christ, please read my blog post on steps to becoming a Bible translator. It will give you specific topics to prayerfully consider next.