📜 Chart: Translation Philosophies and The Fidelity of the Word
This chart visually demonstrates the fundamental divide between the approach used by the KJV translators and the methods employed by many modern versions, showing how the goal shifts from maximal fidelity to maximal readability.
| Translation Philosophy | Primary Goal | Definition of Success | Example Approach | Potential Risk |
| Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word) | Fidelity to the original language structure, vocabulary, and grammar. | The translation is faithful if it preserves the exact form and wording of the original text wherever possible. | Retains original structure and usage (e.g., using “thy” or “thou” for specific pronouns). | Can occasionally feel archaic or difficult to read for a modern audience. |
| Example Translation | King James Version (KJV), Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) | |||
| Dynamic/Functional Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought) | Clarity of the original meaning in the contemporary language context. | The translation is successful if the modern reader experiences the same effect as the original reader. | Translates idioms and concepts into modern equivalents, often restructuring sentences. | Erosion of Specificity—Translator interpretation can replace the exact phrasing of the Holy Ghost. |
| Example Translation | New International Version (NIV), The Living Bible (TLB) |