[B-Greek] Most accurate translation of the New Testament writings

Alastair Haines haines at alastairs.com
Sun Apr 13 02:50:55 EDT 2003


> I would like to ask the members of the forum if they would comment on which,
in their opinion, is the most accurate [literal] translation
of the New Testament writings, and also,
what are the oldest Greek fragments or writings in possession at this time.

Dear friend

Regarding the oldest Greek fragments, an excellent case is put by Young Kyu Kim
in an article called "Paleographcial Dating of P46 to the Later First Century."
A prominent scholar of such matters, called Comfort, is impressed by his
argument. Comfort also thinks P66 could be almost contemporaneous with P52,
ie early second century. P66 is an excellent early copy of John's Gospel.

Some think a fragment from the Dead Sea Scrolls, 7Q5 could be Mark 6:52-53. As
Qumran was destroyed about 70 AD that would make it possibly the oldest physical
evidence of the New Testament. The case for 7Q5 = Mark 6:52-53 is nowhere near
as strong as the case for P46 coming from the late first century, however.

If I pick your interests correctly, you are wanting to be pointed towards the
best English language evidence of the earliest known text. There are two
issues-translation, and what is called textual criticism. I think you may find
Comfort's book helps you. He is a highly regarded scholar. His book was
published in the 1990s and addresses your concerns systematically and directly,
with both academic rigour and a readable style. The title is something like:

The influence of early Papyri on Modern Translations of the New Testament.

You should be able to find copies of Young Kyu Kim's article in the Journal
section of a local Bible College, Comfort's book will also be in most Bible
College libraries. I would highly recommend someone with questions like yours to
take advantage of the libraries that exist to serve people just like you.

Best wishes and
warm regards,
alastair
--
Alastair Haines 9386-0016
http://www.Alastairs.com/
http://www.BibleFest.org/
http://www.HSCstudyConferences.com/


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