In the context of the Bible and biblical studies, the word "rendering" refers to the
process of translating a word, phrase, or passage from one language (typically the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek) into another language (like English, Spanish, etc.). It's about how a translator or translation committee chooses to express the meaning of the original text in the target language.
Here's a breakdown of what that means:
* Original Languages: The Old Testament was primarily written in Hebrew with some Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek.
* Translation: Rendering is a key part of the translation process. Translators analyze the original text, considering:
* Lexical Meaning: The dictionary definition of a word.
* Grammatical Structure: How the words are arranged and related.
* Cultural Context: The historical and cultural background of the original text.
* Literary Genre: The style of writing used
* Choosing the Right Words: Based on their analysis, translators then select the words and phrases in the target language that best convey the *intended* meaning of the original. This is where "rendering" comes in – the choice of specific words to accurately express the meaning.
* Different Renderings: Different translators and translation philosophies can lead to different renderings of the same original text. This is why we have so many different Bible versions (e.g., King James Version, New International Version, New American Standard Bible, etc.). Each version reflects different choices made in the rendering process.
Important Considerations Related to Rendering:
* Accuracy vs. Readability: Translators often grapple with the tension between strict literal accuracy (sticking as closely as possible to the original wording) and readability (making the text flow naturally in the target language).
* Interpretive Choices: Rendering is not always a straightforward process. Sometimes, the original text is ambiguous or contains words or phrases with multiple possible meanings. Translators must make interpretive choices, which can influence how the passage is understood.
* Translation Philosophy: Different translations follow different philosophies:
* Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word): Attempts to translate each word as literally as possible. This can sometimes result in awkward or unclear English. Examples include the NASB and ESV.
* Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought): Focuses on conveying the meaning or thought of the original text, even if it requires using different wording. Examples include the NIV and NLT.
* Paraphrase: Rewords the text in a contemporary style to make it easier to understand. Examples include The Message.
* Textual Criticism: Before rendering can even begin, scholars engage in textual criticism, which is the process of trying to determine the most accurate and reliable original text from the available ancient manuscripts. Different translations may rely on different manuscript traditions.
In summary, "rendering" in the biblical context is the process of choosing the words and phrases in a translation to accurately convey the meaning of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek text. It's a complex process that involves linguistic knowledge, cultural understanding, and interpretive choices.