Although the authors try to be objective, the fact of the matter is that they do not seem to realize what the most fundamental error of dynamic equivalence translational methodology is. The statement of "rendering the accurate meaning of the original language to the receptor language" sounds innocent enough, until you ask the question "So what is the accurate meaning in the original language?". The fact of the matter is that such "functional equivalence" translations MAY well lose the accurate meaning of the original texts as certain points because of their unknowing misinterpretation of the original texts, and thus such "functional equivalence" translations may in fact lose the accurate meaning of the original language; ironically out of an intent to render that accurate meaning in the receptor language.

An example can be seen for example in the removal of the word "sword" in Rom. 13:4 in versions such as the NLT. Therefore, if capital punishment is indeed intended to be taught in Rom. 13:4 in the original language texts by means of the word "sword", the NLT would not have accurately render the correct meaning of the original language.

In conclusion therefore, the "funtional euqivalence" translational methodology fails on all counts. It fails in preserving the exact words of Scripture as much as possible, and it even fails in its own stated aim of preserving the accurate meaning in certain passages of Scripture. The position taken by Fee and Strauss therefore is indefensible when seen in this light, and their defense of Dynamic Equivalence is therefore in error. ( )

I wish this would have been available to me when I first became a Christian.

The authors do a good job of introducing the reader to many aspects of translation. They also write about some of the more popular English versions, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of each. A very important point to remember is that "all translation involves interpretation."

They conclude with "reading about translations is not the same as reading the Bible itself. So we conclude by urging the reader, in the words heard by Augustine that led to his moment of conversion, 'Tolle lege.' 'Take up and read!'" ( )