How should Scripture translation be approached to preserve core doctrine while communicating effectively?

How should Scripture translation be approached to preserve core doctrine while communicating effectively?

• A. Change doctrine to fit culture.
• B. Translate only for scholars.
• C. Seek faithful translation and contextualized expression without altering core doctrine.
• D. Avoid translation entirely.

Answer: (C)

In Scripture translation, the aim is to preserve what Scripture teaches while communicating clearly in another language. This involves faithful translation—staying true to meaning, nuance, and intent of the original text—and contextualized expression—finding natural, culturally appropriate ways to convey that meaning without altering the doctrines themselves. By combining accuracy with relevance, readers in the target language encounter the same truths and can grasp and apply them in their context. Changing doctrine to fit culture would compromise truth; translating only for scholars narrows access and misses the broader mission; avoiding translation entirely prevents people from hearing the message at all. The best approach is faithful translation paired with contextualized expression that preserves doctrinal content.

In Scripture translation, the aim is to preserve what Scripture teaches while communicating clearly in another language. This involves faithful translation—staying true to meaning, nuance, and intent of the original text—and contextualized expression—finding natural, culturally appropriate ways to convey that meaning without altering the doctrines themselves. By combining accuracy with relevance, readers in the target language encounter the same truths and can grasp and apply them in their context.

Changing doctrine to fit culture would compromise truth; translating only for scholars narrows access and misses the broader mission; avoiding translation entirely prevents people from hearing the message at all. The best approach is faithful translation paired with contextualized expression that preserves doctrinal content.