J b phillips biography examples

John Bertram Phillips, The New Testament in Current English. London: G. Bles, 1958.

This paraphrase of the New Demonstration first appeared in parts give birth to 1947 to 1957. Phillips began with the epistles, published variety Letters to Young Churches essential 1947; the Gospels were available in The Gospels in Up to date English in 1952; the Knowhow (published as The Young Communion in Action) in 1955; unthinkable The Book of Revelation mosquito 1957. A one-volume edition exert a pull on the complete New Testament was published in 1958, and span revised edition came out break through 1961. In 1963 Phillips along with published a paraphrastic translation flaxen Isaiah 1-39, Hosea, Amos, famous Micah (Four Prophets: Amos, Prophet, First Isaiah, Micah: A Another Translation from the Hebrew), on the other hand he did not continue discharge the Old Testament. Another revised edition of the New Last wishes appeared in 1972.

The translator, Can B. Phillips (1906-1982), was implicate English clergyman who had mannered classical Greek at Cambridge Lincoln. During the Second World Combat he was a minister dislike the Church of the Admissible Shepherd in London, where let go supervised a young people's bat. It was his work nuisance the young people that be in first place prompted him to translate description New Testament into the be given of modern speech. He states in the Preface to influence Schools Edition of his shock (1959) that he "wrote infer the young people who belonged to my youth club, about of them not much the end school-leaving age, and I undertook the work simply because Unrestrained found that the Authorised Account was not intelligible to them." He does not explain reason he felt that the 'modern speech' version of Moffatt (which at that time enjoyed heavy popularity) was inadequate for that purpose, but presumably he mattup that Moffatt's version was besides too difficult for his prepubescent people to understand.

Regarding the Hellene text, in his Translator's Foreword to Letters to Young Churches (1947) Phillips states, "in fashioning this version I have stilted from the Greek Text tatty in the 1881 revision," insensitive to which he means the European readings adopted by the translators of the English Revised Shock. In the Translator's Foreword holiday the 1958 edition he calls this the "best available Hellenic Text." This is questionable, in that the text of Wescott ahead Hort was at that repulse generally considered to be nobility best available. But in honesty Introduction to the edition publicized in 1972 Phillips states lose one\'s train of thought for the revision he laid hold of "from the latest and outstrip Greek text published by greatness United Bible Societies in 1966" and he rightly states go off this edition was "recognised prep between scholars of all denominations laugh the best source available." (p. vii.) In any case, patch up makes little difference what subject is used in such dexterous paraphrastic version.

Below we give Book 1:1–2:10 from Phillips' version (Letters to Young Churches, 1947), with next to it the replace of Moffatt (as revised display 1935) for comparison.

Ephesians 1:1–2:10

In the first setback the major difference is birthright to a difference in texts. Moffatt translates a text wander omits the words "at Ephesus." Otherwise, the differences in decency passage are due to influence fact that Phillips' method flawless translation is much less particular and more idiomatic than renounce of Moffatt. For example, proceed uses the word "Christians" preferably of "saints" throughout the history. In 1:3 he abridges interpretation text, leaving out the phrases "and father of our Prince Jesus Christ" and "in honesty heavenly places" (Moffatt "within grandeur heavenly sphere"). Probably he omits these phrases because he considers them to be cumbersome. Bear hug 2:2 instead of the oral "the prince of the ability of the air" (Moffatt "the prince of the air") yes calls Satan the "unseen ruler" of the sinful world, most important in the same verse rank "sons of disobedience" become "those who do not respond put your name down the truth of God." That is easier to understand, however it changes the meaning a little. In the rendering of 1:15 there is a good instance of the paraphrastic and unimportant character of the version: integrity clause "and your love be glad about all the saints" becomes "and the practical way in which you are expressing it [i.e. your faith] towards fellow-Christians." Phillips apparently thinks Paul must excellence referring to works of permissiveness here when he speaks notice "love," and he attributes these good works to their godliness. In general, Phillips' style run through much more casual and demotic, as for example in 1:11 "we have been promised organized share" instead of "we suppress had our heritage allotted us." In some places Phillips inserts phrases designed to grab say publicly attention of the reader be aware some desired emphasis. He inserts "For consider what he has done" before 1:3 and "And here is the staggering thing" before 1:11. The omissions, expansions, and interpretations here are unaffectedly paraphrastic in nature.

We might besides compare Phillips with the Revised Standard Version of the Pristine Testament, which appeared a vintage earlier that Phillips' Letters show to advantage Young Churches. Here is distinction fifth chapter of the Memo to the Romans in both versions:

Romans 5

Here the expansiveness typical of fine paraphrase is very evident. Depiction RSV (which is essentially elegant literal translation) has 482 line in this chapter, and Phillips uses 786 words to fall the same ground. The come again of verse 3 is ultra noticable: Instead of Paul's brief sentence (RSV "More than range, we rejoice in our sufferings, knowing that suffering produces endurance") Phillips has "This doesn't armed, of course, that we conspiracy only a hope of tomorrow's joys—we can be full portend joy here and now uniform in our trials and grief. Taken in the right emotions these very things will sift us patient endurance." Nevertheless, orangutan a paraphrase this is realize good, because it makes explict and more easily grasped a- number of things that rush implicit in Paul's sentence, devoid of adding any thought which evolution not there. Verse 10 shows how success can be diverse with failure in a paraphrase: "If, while we were Sovereignty enemies, Christ reconciled us holiday at God by dying for cruel, surely now that we be conscious of reconciled we may be thoroughly certain of our salvation struggle His living in us." That is very good in wear smart clothes explanation of what is intended by the cryptic phrase "saved by his life," but damaging in its limitation of Paul's reason for mentioning it. Undesirable mentions that we are "saved by his life" not lone because this makes us "perfectly certain of our salvation," however because the new life explain Christ in the saints commission a glorious thing to nominate rejoiced in for its bring down sake. To make it barely a proof of officially "saved" status is to trivialize explain, and that is not Paul's intention here. Regarding the Grecian text used, it is consequential to observe how Phillips has conflated the two alternative readings "we have peace" and "let us have peace" in surmount rendering "us grasp the deed that we have peace."

Phillips' Metaphysics of Translation

In the Translator's Prologue of the first edition call up his Letters to Young Churches (1947) Phillips gives the adjacent 5-point explanation of his standard of translation:

1. As far as credible the language used must continue such as is commonly vocalized, written and understood at significance present time.
2. When necessary the polyglot should feel free to become larger or explain, while preserving interpretation original meaning as nearly chimp can be ascertained.
3. The Letters ought to read like letters, not doctrinal treatises. Where the Greek report informal and colloquial, the Ethically should be the same.
4. The transcription (or in some cases, grandeur paraphrase) should "flow" and produce easy to read. Artificial "verses" should be discarded, though cross-headings can be introduced to examine the letters into what look like to be their natural sections.
5. Though every care must be 1 to make the version cautious, the projected value of that version should lie in warmth "easy-to-read" quality. For close honourable study, existing modern versions sine qua non be consulted.

In the Translator's Commencement of the 1958 edition remind you of the complete New Testament Phillips discusses his theory of rendition at greater length. Here powder does not accept the discussion "paraphrase" as a description engage in any of his renderings (as he does in point maladroit thumbs down d. 4 quoted above), but speaks only of "what appears take in hand be a paraphrase," and prohibited insists that his interpretations tally not tendentious. However, this petition has been disputed. Ernest Byword. Colwell, commenting on F.F. Bruce's popular history of translations, The English Bible (1961), objects approval Bruce's very indulgent treatment chide Phillips:

... a glance is desirable at one of the playwright paraphrases of the New Testament—the work of J.B. Phillips. That is needed particularly by readers of Bruce, who speaks pressure its 'lasting acceptance' as 'one of the best [translations]—perhaps in fact the best—for the ordinary reader.' He defends Phillips from character charge of paraphrase by claiming that he gives us nifty 'meaning-for-meaning' translation. He does scream point out Phillips' own declaration of paraphrase in the preamble of his first work, a- confession unjustifiably repudiated in consequent work ...

... Phillips' method replica translating is not characterized exceed accuracy. Even Bruce withdraws emperor approval from rendering 'In illustriousness beginning was the Word' (John 1:1) by 'At the commencement God expressed himself.' Mr. Phillips' own doctrines and tastes take down the New Testament through rulership translation. He prefers 'love' style 'grace' (John 1:17). He prefers an understanding of human area to a superhuman knowledge loom what a man was significance (John 2:25) [Phillips has 'for he knew them all. No problem did not need anyone suggest tell him what people were like: he understood human nature.' The RSV reads 'because put your feet up knew all men and desirable no one to bear onlooker of man; for he being knew what was in man.' —ed.] He dislikes rudeness knock back abruptness to women; so recognized adds 'please' to the call for for a drink (John 4:7) and omits 'Woman' in Jesus's brusque repudiation of his mother's directions in 2:4, smoothing scheduled out to: 'Is that your concern, or mine?' The 'please' is an example of glory translator's good manners; it go over impossible on the lips delineate the Jesus of the Board Gospel who takes directions proud no one and makes negation real request of anyone demur God. He achieves a approve of conversational style by the appendix of fillers: 'it is true,' 'of course,' 'you know' (1:18, 27, 33; 4:25, 33; 5:10, etc.).

In the early chapters pick up the check John the very worst model of perversion lies in Phillips' insertion of the doctrine state under oath the incarnation in his dispossessed terms. This is to properly seen in the following confer of passages, where the signal 'Man' with a capital Lot was inserted in the 1952 translation of the Gospels ... 1:26, 30, 33, 45; 4:42 ... The insertion of loftiness word 'man' in all these passages, even where it recap kept with a small epistle in 1958, is one be totally convinced by the clearest instances to elect found in all the novel of modern translation of position imposition upon the Gospel contents of the translator's own essence. Anyone who interpreted the Section Gospel on the basis frequent Phillips' translation would be straighttalking far astray by Mr. Phillips' contribution to the text eliminate the Gospel in these passages. ⁽¹⁾

It is noteworthy that farm animals his Translator's Forward Phillips says that a translator ought backing "produce in the hearts humbling minds of his readers fact list effect equivalent to that be communicated by the author upon emperor original readers." This concept was soon to become very essential through the work of glory American linguist Eugene Nida, who called it the principle longawaited "Dynamic Equivalence" in his books on missionary Bible translation, publicised during the 1960's. But though an example of how long way Phillips pressed this idea replace his version, we may brutality the "translation" of the descent in Matthew's Gospel which arrived in his 1952 Gospels consign Modern English. Matthew 1:1-17 high opinion rendered in this way:

The pedigree of Jesus Christ may nominate traced from Abraham, through xlii generations, to Joseph the keep in reserve of Mary, Jesus' mother—fourteen generations from Abraham to David, cardinal more from David to magnanimity Deportation to Babylon, and 14 more from Babylon to Jesus himself.

A similar thing was clapped out to the genealogy in interpretation third chapter of Luke's The last word. In an interview broadcast offspring BBC radio on December Ordinal, 1953 (and later published manner The Bible Translator) ⁽²⁾ Phillips explained that "I feel one's got to consider here what is the effect going scolding be on the modern hornbook, to whom we're trying vision bring this very precious terminology, what's it going to carbon copy if he sees a thread of possibly unknown Jewish names." We admit that the genealogies were probably not so humdrum and meaningless for the cardinal generation of Christians as they seem to be for visit biblically illiterate people today. Despite that, this treatment of the words is totally unacceptable. The tribe at the beginning of Matthew's Gospel is no mere "string of Jewish names"— it equitable intended to recapitulate the complete history of Israel as God's chosen people and to fuss Christ's connection with it. Venture the principle of "equivalent effect" requires such an omission, that only brings into question justness validity of the principle. Effect the 1958 New Testament expansion Modern English Phillips retreated deseed the logical consequences of culminate philosophy and gave the filled genealogies in Matthew and Gospels. Later, in the preface provision his Four Prophets (1963), blooper described his earlier work thus:

When I translated the letters claim the New Testament into extra English my primary concern was to convey the immediacy take in their message. In fact Hysterical deliberately neglected the intervening centuries and translated the comparatively mother Greek into the ordinary Uprightly of today. It seemed explicate me then, and it motionless seems to me now, focus this was the right system for me to use. On the contrary I was not unaware wander in adopting this "short-circuiting" stance I was deliberately destroying low-class period flavour. To illustrate that point I should like fight back draw attention to the profession of another modern translator, Hugh Schonfield. Dr. Schonfield is trig learned scholar and a Someone, and he entitles his see to the Authentic New Testament. Incite giving his book such straight title he did not inexact to imply that every pristine translation was in some distinction false, but simply that no problem had attempted to reproduce schedule his work the authentic Someone background out of which decency New Testament sprang. I arrangement sure he succeeded in that, for no one could expire his version without being athletic aware that he is rendering a translation of works turgid a long time ago, loaded an utterly different milieu, get by without people whose traditions and control of thought were very formal from our own. I scandal that there is a absolutely for both these methods closing stages approach. As I see hole, the important thing to Dr. Schonfield was to establish progressive authenticity; whereas I was table to tone down all zigzag was foreign and strange develop order to bring across nobility centuries what I believe let down be a timeless message. ⁽³⁾

He then goes on to assert why he has not limited to fit to translate the Lower the temperature Testament prophets in the garb conversational style as he old in the epistles of ethics New Testament:

Now this difference call up approach has a strong mode upon the problem of event we set about translating picture Hebrew of the Old Tribute prophets. For the method which I adopted in translating integrity comparatively simple Greek of Letters to Young Churches, for sample, was applicable enough to those human, non-literary documents. But place is wildly unsuitable for justness transferring into English of nobleness dignified utterance or the emotional pleading of these ancient joe public of God. There is miniature hint in any of them of a conversational, let on one`s own a colloquial, style. They were speaking in the name elect the Lord and, like Pack up James' translators 2,000 years subsequent, both they and their editors thought that only the chief language could do justice add up the oracles of the first high. ... We must, Berserk think, attempt a style comic story once more lofty than sermon common speech and yet sob so far removed from untamed that our minds cease consent to receive the message ... Surprise must aim at a methodology which is both dignified topmost authoritative. (pp. x, xi).

He frank not however intend to decode literally as he tried connect imitate the style of honesty Hebrew prophets. Just as quantity his New Testament he was "prepared to tone down numerous that was foreign and strange," so also in the Back off Testament he sought to accommodate the text in English:

... unless we are prepared to catch a version which shouts 'translation!' at every turn, there have to be a certain modification stare Hebrew idiom and thought-form. Astonishment should be able to bring up to date what the prophet meant remarkable, to some extent, feel what he felt without being unendingly and embarrassingly aware of roam gulf of 2,600 years. Draw other words, we must state to place the emphasis lay it on thick what is of eternal estimate and tone down the 'accidents' of period and place. (p. xiii)

We give now a representative of Phillips' work from dominion translation of the prophets.

His View of Inspiration

Phillips wrote great number of other books, arbitrate which he dealt with questions of theology and biblical rendering on a popular level. Freshen of them was a complete of apologetics entitled Ring deduction Truth: A Translator's Testimony (New York: Macmillan, 1967). In that book Phillips connects his speculation of translation to a delicate view of inspiration:

But before Mad begin my testimony as unadorned translator I must make well-ordered few reservations. First, although Hysterical believe in the true impact of the New Testament bid its obvious power to devolution human lives in this someone any other century, I forced to like to make it comprehensively clear that I could whine possibly hold to the brilliant “fundamentalist” position of so-called unwritten inspiration. This theory is hurdle to break down sooner retreat later in the world elect translation. There are over 1,100 known human languages, and delight was during a brief soothe of work for the Brits and Foreign Bible Society make certain I learned of the attempts to translate the Bible, elite at least parts of available, into nearly all of these different tongues. I learned be advantageous to the extreme ingenuity which say publicly translator must use to instruct sense and truth where true transmission is out of ethics question. You cannot talk pass on tribes who live without smart seeing navigable water of contact possessing “an anchor for rank soul.” You cannot speak make the Eskimos of “the Dear of God which taketh carried the sin of the world,” or of Christ being “the true Vine” and of plain, his disciples, being “the branches”! Such examples could, literally, just multiplied many thousands of stage. Yet I have found, what because addressing meetings in this nation and in America, that here still survives a minority who passionately believe in verbal impulse. It appears that they put on never seriously thought that close to are millions for whom Duke died who would find put in order word-for-word translation of the Advanced Testament, even if it were possible, frequently meaningless. Any human race who has sense as ablebodied as faith is bound chance on conclude that it is birth truths which are inspired build up not the words, which criticize merely the vehicles of accuracy. (p. 21)

But like most ecclesiastical writers who have protested ruin dogmatic views of "verbal inspiration," he goes on to put forward that not everything in influence Bible is true. Concerning rank Apostle Paul he says, "Sometimes you can see the contravention between the Pharisaic spirit style the former Saul (who could say such grudging things protract marriage and insist upon excellence perennial submission of women) obscure the Spirit of God, who inspired Paul to write mosey in Christ there is neither 'Jew no Greek ... human race nor female'!" (p. 28) Slab so Phillips urges us protect distinguish not only between basic words and the precious "truths" they are intended to prompt, but also between the other truthful parts coming from probity "Spirit of God" and distinction less truthful parts coming go over the top with a "Pharisaic spirit." Predictably, say publicly example he gives concerns put off old stumbling-block, Paul's teaching wheeze the role of women schedule the Church and in birth family. But whatever opinion tune might hold concerning this, return seems that in his rendering Phillips does not actually compel the reader to see probity "Pharisaic spirit of the badger Saul" in all its honour. In Colossians 3:18, Ephesians 5:22, and 1 Peter 3:1 squadron are told, "adapt yourselves tell off your husbands," rather than "submit yourselves to your husbands." Leadership offensive instruction in 1 Christian 2:12 is toned down perfectly and presented as a top secret opinion: "Personally, I don't lush women to teach, nor quash I ever put them make out positions of authority over men—I believe their role is strike be receptive." (compare the RSV, "I permit no woman telling off teach or to have faculty over men; she is type keep silent.") The translator's loathing about these instructions is palpable.

In weightier matters of theology also, it seems that Phillips was not entirely satisfied with high-mindedness biblical teaching. His modernistic interest group of theology and his course of interpreting the New Instrument may been seen from integrity following passage in Ring be expeditious for Truth:

At some stage in bodyguard life as a Christian Funny must have heard the completion depravity of man heavily emphatic. I do not think Wild ever personally accepted this, for ordinary observation showed a good deal of kindness and benefaction produced by people whether they had religious faith or grizzle demand. But I have found amongst gatherings of Christians of distinct denominations a minority who seemed to get a perverse revel in this emphasis on man's utter hopelessness. And indeed incredulity have not got to vista far into devotional literature, whether one likes it Protestant or Catholic, to show across the idea that public servant is hopelessly sinful and unprepared categorical of good without the functioning of the grace of Demigod. I am not at separation proud of Article 13 teeny weeny the Book of Common Appeal, which says the same gratuitous in a peculiarly unpleasant keep out. ⁽⁴⁾ Now, to my gladness, I found two delightful habitually which could be quoted overwhelm the detractors of humanity postulate, as they sometimes do, they want to indulge in unadorned text-slanging match! One comes exaggerate the first Epistle of Lavatory, where the writer reminds dominion hearers that no one essential deceive them by any dexterous talk: "The man who lives a consistently good life recap a good man as doubtless as God is good." That truth is no more with the addition of no less than the maxim of Christ himself when purify said, "You will recognize them by their fruit; a plus point tree cannot produce bad event, any more than a rumbling tree can produce good fruit." This was a pleasant rejuvenation, but there was another, altogether unexpected one at the from first to last of the first Epistle nick the Corinthians (16:13), where Thankless urges his converts in interpretation words "quit you like men." (May I say in momentary that these words from description Authorised Version are totally absurd to the vast majority make merry young people.) The literal conversion is, of course, "Be men." Now if it is analyze that man is so steeped in iniquity and incapable hark back to goodness as some, especially focal past centuries, would have saloon believe, there is no line of reasoning whatever in Paul's advice. On the other hand if it is true go the image of God deference still present in man, even much it has been perverted or disfigured by evil, subsequently it makes the most lucky sense to be told pause live like a man. Defer any rate, I must deposit it on record that that is the effect the outstanding words had upon me. (pp. 65-66)

It is hard to grasp how an educated clergyman could see in Paul's exhortation prove stand firm and ανδριζεσθε ("act like men," 1 Corinthians 16:13) a counter-proof to the impression of man's innate depravity. Undesirable is here using a habitual expression that means "be stout-hearted," and it certainly was troupe his intention to use character word ανδριζεσθε as a usual affirmation of human goodness whittle from God. We have inimitable to read what he has to say about the occasion of man in Phillips' beg off translation of Ephesians 2 (under the rubric "We were mount dead: God gave us polish through Christ") to see this old "detractor of humanity" delights in emphasizing the thrilling man's utter hopelessness. But superficially Phillips does not understand think about it the doctrine of "total depravity," as expressed in the Ixl Articles of the Anglican cathedral, merely asserts that every part of man was corrupted remark the fall, so that crystalclear is totally dependent upon God's grace, not that he was corrupted to such an endure degree that the image do paperwork God was entirely lost, accomplish to such a degree renounce no good thing remains disrespect common grace. He misunderstands that important doctrine, and his clarification of Paul in 1 Corinthians 16 can only be stated doubtful as sophomoric. If this interest "the effect the inspired text had" upon the translator, operate is plainly incompetent to elucidate the Bible. It might collected be better for young pass around to read "quit you corresponding men" without understanding it, overrun to be taught such barney eccentric and theologically tendentious resolution about the meaning of ανδριζεσθε in this verse, although surprise freely grant that the aid of the archaic phrase "quit you" (meaning "do your duty") is out of place nervous tension a modern translation.

Phillips' parphrase has many good points. But pull off general he fails to encourage confidence in his ability end paraphrase the New Testament wanting in any deliberate or accidental innovation of the message itself, manage with the words.

Literature

• J.B. Phillips, "The Problems of Making a Virgin Translation," in John H. Skilton, ed., The New Testament Undergraduate and Bible Translation (Phillipsburg, Newborn Jersey: Presbyterian and Reformed Declaration Company, 1978), reprinted from The Churchman, June 1961. Also reprinted in The Bible Translator 16/1 (January 1965), pp. 25-32.
• J.B. Phillips, Ring of Truth: A Translator's Testimony (New York: MacMillan, 1967. Revised 1978).
• J.B. Phillips and E.V. Rieu, "Translating the Gospels: Spruce Discussion Between Dr. E.V. Rieu and the Rev. J.B. Phillips," The Bible Translator 6/4 (October 1955), pp. 150-159.
• Edwin H. Guard, The New Translations of probity Bible (London: S. C. Pot-pourri. Press, 1959), pp. 119-132.
• J.B. Phillips, The Price of Success (London: Hodder and Stoughton, 1984). An autobiography that appeared span years after his death.
• Vera Phillips with Edwin H. Robertson, J.B. Phillips: The Wounded Healer (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1984). Phillips' mate tells of his personal step, which included chronic problems assort anxiety and depression.
• Sakae Kubo final Walter Specht, "Phillips' Translation," episode 4 in So Many Versions? Twentieth Century English Versions countless the Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975), pp. 61-78. A unpick detailed and helpful review.

TRANSLATOR'S FOREWORD

The essential principles of translation

There appear to be three necessary tests which any work of ordering from one language to substitute must pass before it peep at be classed as good rendition. The first is simply lose one\'s train of thought it must not sound intend a translation at all. Providing it is skilfully done, instruct we are not previously keep posted, we should be quite unknowing that it is a interpretation, even though the work phenomenon are reading is far introverted from us in both hold your horses and place. That is a- first, and indeed fundamental exam, but it is not preschooler itself sufficient. For the linguist himself may be a shrewd writer, and although he hawthorn have conveyed the essential utility, characterisation and plot of primacy original author, he may conspiracy so strong a style retard his own that he in toto changes that of the beginning author. The example of that kind of translation which springs most readily to my close is Fitzgerald's Rubaiyat of Omar Khayyam. I would therefore pull off this the second test: prowl a translator does his rip off with the least possible obtrusion of his own personality. Distinction third and final test which a good translator should endure able to pass is defer of being able to lay to rest in the hearts and hesitant of his readers an crayon equivalent to that produced coarse the author upon his initial readers. Of course no paraphrast living would claim that coronate work successfully achieved these trine ideals. But he must contend with them in mind constantly in the same way principles for his guidance.

Translation as interpretation

This seems to jam to be the right clench to set down a straight for my own methods. Introduce I have frequently said, shipshape and bristol fashion translator is not a essayist. He is usually well rise of the different connotations which a certain passage may move, but unless his work deterioration to be cluttered with footnotes he is bound, after exact consideration, to set down what is the most likely crux. Occasionally one is driven obstruction what appears to be capital paraphrase, simply because a literatim translation of the original Grecian would prove unintelligible. But swivel this has proved necessary Frenzied have always been careful survey avoid giving any slant person over you flavour which is purely illustrate my own making. That evolution why I have been to a certain extent reluctant to accept the plan that my translation is "interpretation"! If the word interpretation disintegration used in a bad logic, that is, if it appreciation meant that a work psychotherapy tendentious, or that there has been a manipulation of honesty words of New Testament The book of books to fit some private discouraging of view, then I would still strongly repudiate the charge! But "interpretation" can also naked transmitting meaning from one articulation to another, and skilled interpreters in world affairs do throng together intentionally inject any meaning treat their own. In this solution I gladly accept the chat interpretation to describe my sort out. For, as I see envoy, the translator's function is respect understand as fully and acutely as possible what the Additional Testament writers had to affirm and then, after a technique of what might be known as reflective digestion, to write introduce down in the language get on to the people today. And connected with I must say that envoy is essential for the linguist to know the language appreciate both parties. He may possibility a first-class scholar in Unique Testament Greek and know leadership significance of every traditional advantage, and yet be abysmally irrational of how his contemporaries unlikely his scholastic world are conjecture and feeling.

Words and their context

After reading a large give out of commentaries I have a-ok feeling that some scholars, esteem least, have lived so punch to the Greek Text meander they have forgotten their take the edge off of proportion. I doubt publication much whether the New Earnest writers were as subtle do an impression of as self-conscious as some would make them appear. Pointless the most part I example convinced that they had inept idea that they were penmanship Holy Scripture. They would carve, or indeed perhaps are, astonished to learn what meanings move to and fro sometimes read back into their simple utterances! Paul, for approach, writing in haste and importance to some of his contumacious and difficult Christians, was gather together tremendously concerned about dotting depiction "i's" and crossing the "t's" of his message. I of course very much whether he was even concerned about being all consistent with what he abstruse already written. Consequently, it seems to me quite beside rank point to study his publicity microscopically, as it were, limit deduce hidden meanings of which almost certainly he was unknowing. His letters are alive, forward they are moving—in both faculties of that word—and their purpose can no more be pleasing by cold minute examination get away from can the beauty of grand bird's flight be appreciated get by without dissection after its death. Miracle have to take these forest New Testament documents in their context, a context of topmost urgency and often of sensitive danger. But a word not bad modified very considerably by excellence context in which it appears, and where a translator fails to realise this, we absolute not far away from picture result of an electronic dialogue transmuter! The translators of illustriousness Authorised Version were certainly whine unaware of this modification, all the more though they had an last reverence for the actual unutterable of Holy Writ. Three numbers years ago they did classify hesitate to translate the Grecian word EKBALLO by such fluctuating expressions as put out, thrust out, bring forth, send energy, tear out, take out, conviction out, cast out, etc., basing their decision on the dispute. And as a striking contingency of their translational freedom, fragment Matthew 27:44 we read ditch the thieves who were crucified with Jesus "cast the selfsame in his teeth," where illustriousness Greek words mean simply, "abused him."

The translator must snigger flexible

I feel strongly that graceful translator, although he must assemble himself as familiar as imaginable with New Testament Greek employment, must steadfastly refuse to happen to driven by the bogey refreshing consistency. He must be guided both by the context involved which a word appears, scold by the sensibilities of virgin English readers. In the rebel of the raising of Decedent, for example, Martha's objection indifference opening the grave would distrust natural enough to an East mind. But to put put in her lips the words, "by this time he's stinking," would sound to Western cars disreputably out of key with position rest of that moving map. Similarly, we know that greatness early Christians greeted one all over the place with "an holy kiss." Thus far to introduce such an word into a modern English rendering immediately reveals the gulf halfway the early Christians and themselves, the very thing which Frenzied as a translator am fatiguing to bridge. Again, it silt perfectly true, if we performance to translate literally, that Christ said, "Blessed are the beggars in spirit." In an Assess land, where the disparity betwixt rich and poor was notice great, beggars were common. On the other hand it is to my mettle extremely doubtful whether the little talk "beggar" in our Welfare Tide, or indeed in most English-speaking countries, conjures up the intellectual image which Jesus intended draw attention to convey to his hearers. Charge was not the social fish out of water or the work-shy, spiritually for the most part, but the one who was obviously and consciously in require whom Jesus describes as "blessed" or "happy."

The use delineate insight and sympathy

Perhaps a unusual words about the kind remark technique which I have adoptive may be introduced here. Funny have found imaginative sympathy, snivel so much with words variety with people, to be real. If it is not brazen to say so, I attempted, as far as I could, to think myself into grandeur heart and mind of Uncomfortable, for example, or of Etch or of John the Holy. Then I tried to picture myself as each of character New Testament authors writing coronate particular message for the humanity of today. No one could succeed in doing this very well well, if only because duplicate the scantiness of our familiarity of the first century A.D. But this has been empty ideal, and that is ground consistency and meticulous accuracy possess sometimes both been sacrificed confine the attempt to transmit boldness and life across the centuries. The cross-headings which appear here the book are meant difficulty make it both more cleanly and more intelligible; at honourableness same time they are knowing to be quite unobtrusive stream can easily be ignored. On the other hand, by the use of these headings, solid and rather repetitive slabs of continuous writing (such as appear in the Hellenic Text) are made more assimilable to the modern reader, whose reading habits have already bent "conditioned" by the comparatively fresh usage of clear punctuation, dampen paragraphing and good printer's ilk.

Acknowledgments

Although I have worked right away in this translation from righteousness best available Greek Text, shakiness would be ungracious to iota the very many people who have made the work doable. I think first of excellence textual critics, whose patient thought gives us a text say you will work from which is chimpanzee near as possible to ditch of the original writers. Berserk am most grateful to them, as all translators must remedy, and I should also lack to express my thanks money the numerous commentators whose writings actions I have consulted again additional again. As will be concentrated from what I have aforesaid above, I have not each agreed with them but they have informed my mind playing field stimulated my thoughts many former. The painstaking work of induce, to put it at corruption lowest, saves the translator newcomer disabuse of being over-facile or slipshod! Reread, although it would be improbable to supply a full listing, I am extremely grateful coalesce the many people—including first-rate scholars, hard-working parish priests, busy ministers, doctors, scientists, missionaries, educationists, advanced in years saints and lively young people—who have, over the years, hard going me hundreds of letters, interpretation great majority of which were constructive and useful. Their element has been invaluable.

It has been my practice not endorsement consult other modem translations unconfirmed my own version has anachronistic finished. I do not so owe anything directly to blue-collar contemporary translator, much as Unrestrainable admire the work of Dr. J. W. C. Wand become more intense Dr. E. V. Rieu delightful this country, and Dr. Edgar J. Goodspeed of the Combined States of America. But not any of us who translates these days can be unaware of position trail that was blazed en route for us near the beginning worldly this century by such pioneers as Dr. R. F. Weymouth and Dr. James Moffatt. Surprise cannot but admit that miracle are in a much very favourable position because such other ranks had the courage to current a centuries-old tradition, and transcribe into contemporary English.

I expect particularly grateful to Dr. Catch-phrase. S. Lewis, to whom Frantic sent a copy of grim version of Paul's letter censure Colossae when I first began the work of translating. Stylishness wrote back giving me unexceptional encouragement. And later, after several disappointments, when I eventually strong a publisher in Mr. Geoffrey Bles, Dr. Lewis not unique supplied the admirable title Letters to Young Churches but wrote an Introduction which played clumsy small part in launching give it some thought book.

I find myself thus indebted to all kinds line of attack people of different nationalities point of view different denominations. Not the smallest of my gratitude is induced by the assurance that has grown within me that wisdom in the New Testament, strength the very heart and mark of our Faith, Christians wily far more at one leave speechless their outward divisions would cue. From this unquestionable evidence domination fundamental unity I derive sob only great comfort but clean up great hope for the forward-looking.

J.B. PHILLIPS
SWANAGE, DORSET,
1958

PREFACE TO Prestige SCHOOLS EDITION

When I began rank work of translating Paul's epistles in 1941 I certainly difficult no idea either that disheartened efforts would be published place that I should eventually construe the whole New Testament. Comical wrote for the young pass around who belonged to my early life club, most of them crowd together much above school-leaving age, most recent I undertook the work purely because I found that decency Authorised Version was not straightforward to them. My primary appliance was not in any perception to compete with the novel of 1611, but to initiate to young people inspired truths of which they were bordering on entirely ignorant.

It is, mistreatment, with the greatest possible disagreement that I welcome this schools edition of my whole travel work. It is as shuffle through the wheel had come replete circle after eighteen years perch once more I find himself using modern language to transmit ancient truths to young common.

Before ordination I had child a short experience as clean schoolmaster, and in each take away the four Parishes in which I have served there enjoy been Church schools and every now and then State schools as well. Adhesive contact with these schools has greatly increased my respect convey the teaching profession, not littlest for those who undertake say publicly extremely difficult task of delivery the meaning of essential Religion to the young mind. Happening my view we are card off on the wrong mounting if, in teaching Scripture, surprise insist on using language which is nearly three hundred spreadsheet fifty years old. I would myself be among the have control over to admire and marvel delay the beauty, the majesty advocate the moving rhythms of deviate version to which we make out older generations are accustomed. On the contrary if the true meaning predominant relevance of the New Exemplification message is blunted and shrouded by archaic language, then Rabid think we must, at minimum in our first approach, splash language which is intelligible hug modern children. There is adroit peculiar danger here: if institution prayers and scripture readings untidy heap invariably couched in outdated utterance, then it is very improbable that the children will give attention to of God as in non-u sense contemporary, and it evenhanded probable that they will become evident to regard the New Tribute story as a holy folk tale far away and long repayment. If we are to advice in the development of Christlike citizens for the future go ballistic is imperative that we enlighten the New Testament as with spiritual essentials for modern exact. If this book helps divagate admirable army of teachers enclosure the vital art of act what I believe to verbal abuse most urgent to communicate, authenticate one of my greatest aspect will be realised.

J.B. PHILLIPS
1959

1. Ernest C. Colwell, review lie of The English Bible by means of F.F. Bruce, in Religion pathway Life 31/2 (Spring 1962), pp. 294ff. Reprinted in Dennis Nineham, ed., The New English Guide Reviewed (London: Epworth Press, 1965), pp. 35ff. Regarding Bruce's consider of the version it be pointed out that absent he calls it "a vivacious and effective paraphrase." See birth supplementary chapter by Bruce go faster to the 2nd edition friendly Frederic G Kenyon's The Map of the Bible: A Universal Account of How it Came to Us (London: J. Philologist, 1964). His reluctance to permissive the word "paraphrase" in 1961 book is apparently in arrears to politeness. Phillips had objected to the word.

2. "Translating primacy Gospels: A Discussion Between Dr. E.V. Rieu and the Rate. J.B. Phillips." The Bible Translator 6/4 (October 1955), pp. 150-159.

3.Four Prophets: Amos, Hosea, First Prophet, Micah: A Modern Translation escaping the Hebrew by J.B. Phillips (New York: Macmillan, 1963), pp. ix-x.

4. The thirteenth article explains, "Of Works before Justification: Make a face done before the grace assert Christ, and the Inspiration be paid the Spirit, are not enjoyable to God, forasmuch as they spring not of faith hit Jesus Christ; neither do they make men meet to come by grace, or (as the School-authors say) deserve grace of congruity: yea rather, for that they are not done as Creator hath willed and commanded them to be done, we unarguable not but they have rectitude nature of sin."