Understanding Bible Translation: Bringing God's Word into New Contexts

by William Barrick

In Understanding Bible Translation , William Barrick surveys the fascinating work of Bible translation worldwide. Drawing on decades of experience translating the Bible, Barrick explains best practices for Bible translation and walks the reader through the translation process. In addition, he provides insight for evaluating English translations and highlights resources for understanding difficult passages of Scripture.

256 pages, Paperback

Published May 28, 2019

Reviews

[Luke Romero · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very helpful!! I would highly recommend this book to those who want to better understand the process of Bible translation and some of the difficulties involved. Dr. Barrick does a good job sifting through many of the overly simplistic understandings of Bible translation that are all to common in evangelical circles. No prior knowledge of Hebrew or Greek is required. This book is for everyone.

[Ander Blowers · Rating 4 out of 5]

It helped to understand on a greater level what goes into Bible translation. Especially on hard decisions made during the process. Helped especially giving examples and seeing Dr. Barricks personal testimony on translation into Bengali. 100% would recommend to anyone wanting to know more about translation as a whole.

[Kyle Dunham · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brimming with wisdom and practical instruction, Understanding Bible Translation offers both the experienced translator and the beginning reader a wealth of insight into the process and goals of Bible translation. With decades of international experience in Bible translation, Barrick is a seasoned and astute guide to the riches and complexities of the biblical text. With clarity of explanation and an engaging style, Barrick walks the reader through the interpretive steps necessary to render the text of Scripture faithfully and clearly from original language to target language. Readers of this volume will come away with a better grasp of the diligence and care required to provide readable and accurate translations and will likely catch Barrick’s excitement for the task along the way. Unique contributions include a refined matrix and principles for assessing popular English Bible versions, first-person accounts of the feats and challenges of missionaries on the front lines of Bible translation, and a detailed sketch of the qualities and training needed to be an effective Bible translator. I highly commend this book to anyone who wants to understand better how we got our English Bible, what it takes to be an adept Bible translator, and why the task of Bible translation is never finished.

[Justin Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

An inspiring and informative book. A seasoned veteran, Mr. Barrick sheds new light on missions and translating. Though the meat of the book means more to those who practice translation, every believer is sure to find value in the several chapters that open and close the book.