Nearly all translations of the Bible in the past 50 years are significantly influenced by the linguist Eugene Nida. He died on August 25, 2011 at the age of 96. The announcement and a brief biography are located here: http://www.unitedbiblesocieties.org/news/794-eugene-nida-dies/.

Eugene Nida wrote several books about the theory of "dynamic equivalence" in Bible translation. One of the first books that I acquired and edited was by Eugene Nida: Functional Equivalence in Bible Translation (Thomas Nelson, 1985).  It was a wonderful editing and learning experience for me, and Eugene Nida wrote a kind reference letter, which I reread several times over the past 26 years, because that letter helped me land my next job, where I still work, after my employer at the time decided not to publish religion books for seminaries and colleges.

The Common English Bible translation is in part developed through functional equivalence methodology.  A good example in the CEB is the phrase "change your hearts and lives" for the Greek concept of metanoia, which is translated "repent" in older translations.

We join thousands of Bible translators around the world who are grateful for the life and work of Eugene Nida. 

~~ Paul Franklyn

Comments Good Example Created by Nathan Ham in 3/7/2013 10:18:24 AM The Acts 2:38 verse is a great example how new versions have corrupted the word of God. Repentance is not changing your hearts and lives for that is something God does when he gives you the new birth. Repentance is a change of mind, for example turning from idols to God (1 Thess 1:9), but it is God who changes the heart. The online etymology dictionary says repent came from the meaning ""to feel regret for sins or crimes" and the Webster's 1828 dictionary defines repent as "To feel pain, sorrow or regret for something done or spoken". Repentance is not changing the heart, but a Godly sorrow (2 Corinthians 7:9-10). This is how dynamic equivalence can be very dangerous, even to the point of teaching false doctrine in Acts 2:38. New Comment Created by Sonny in 1/16/2012 9:37:36 PM Shiver me timbers, them's some great ifnomraiton. update Created by Anonymous in 8/28/2011 4:17:02 PM I appreciate your sharing timely news. Your example of "repent" and "change your hearts and lives" for Metanoia is very helpful. Your Name Title Comment New Comment Enter the code