Bible Translating as a Loyal Activity

How can Bible translations remain faithful to the original text while deeply respecting the cultural and religious contexts of their audiences? This book introduces the concept of Loyal Bible Translation, a nuanced framework inspired by the Hebrew concept of ḥesed, sometimes translated as "covenant loyalty" and "steadfast love." Rooted in the idea of unswerving commitment, this approach to Bible translation balances loyalty to the source text with loyalty toward the needs of its audience. Drawing on modern translation studies and guided by the "Beaded Necklace" model, this book weaves together historical, cultural, linguistic, and religious dynamics to ensure Bible translations resonate authentically with their audiences while maintaining loyalty to the source text. The author draws insights from his Majority World experience in Mozambique, with this approach addressing the challenges of Bible translation among diverse audiences that are shaped by dominant faith traditions like Islam and in contexts characterized by orality. By introducing the idea of the "Translation Covenant," it offers a hopeful and relational path forward in the complex art of Bible translation in the Majority World.