[B-Greek] NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Diglot (Greek / English)
Eduard C Hanganu
eddhanganu at hotmail.com
Fri Aug 27 08:06:11 EDT 2004
From: "Eduard C Hanganu" <eddhanganu at hotmail.com>
To: eric.sowell at lexelsoftware.com
Subject: RE: [B-Greek] NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Diglot (Greek /
English)
Date: Fri, 27 Aug 2004 07:04:20 -0500
Dear Eric:
I like your perspective. Ultimately, it is a matter of preference. And this
is what I expressesed in my message: my preference opinions about a
translation or interpretation of the original text. In this context I have
to say that at first sight NET doesn't seem to fit my preference.
Regards,
Eduard
From: "Eric Sowell" <eric.sowell at lexelsoftware.com>
To: "'Eduard C Hanganu'" <eddhanganu at hotmail.com>
Subject: RE: [B-Greek] NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Diglot (Greek /
English)
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 23:15:31 -0500
Been away from the list for a while, but I'm back. I'll even try to be
useful sometimes!
Now we start getting into translation theory and preference. Sure, if you
define "'real' translation" as more towards the literal side of things then
this is an absolutely horrible translation; it purposely avoids going that
direction in its approach. But should someone take this approach? I used to
be a die hard NASB fan because of its literal approach, but I just don't
think language should be approached that way anymore. Language just seems
too rich in metaphor, image, and thought that doesn't come across well when
translated literally. I would argue that more literal, and sometimes even
less periphrastic translations, actually hide the real meaning more than
elucidate it. Of course, that's my preference and you have your own, and I
don't guess the list owners really want a debate on translation preferences
or anything...so no more on that. And sometimes avoidance of interpretation
(and in some cases a large amount of it) is just impossible when translating
ancient texts if you actually want to get what they're saying. </rant>
As for the notes, I just think you're being a little too critical here.
First, I often find more discussion on Greek syntax and TC in these notes
than I do in lots of commentaries. Second, yes, they are usually concise.
And because they are concise, sometimes they can't fully qualify and defend
their statements. And sure, some of the syntactical choices are probably
based on opinion/gut feeling/impression based on general experience with
Greek and not lots of research, but that is not always necessarily to be
avoided. There is just so much time everybody can spend researching various
uses of the article, etc. Take the notes as opinions to be considered, but
not, of course, opinions that are authoritative as the text they are
translating! But you could say this about all interpretation. So, if you
prefer a different translation style, cool, but I think your review of the
notes is a little too critical.
And, by the way, they are very open to the opinions of the readers. I've
made several suggestions myself which they received warmly (though some were
rejected...but that is to be expected sometimes!). Now, I don't see the NET
as a perfect translation. There are several places that I just didn't like
much, and one in particular that I seriously dislike. But all in all I like
it very much and use it as my general-purpose Bible. I'll go ahead and admit
though, I am a little biased towards it...but I'm not responding just
because of my bias. It is good, but not perfect. </rant2>
I think for the Greek student it can be of a significant benefit. It won't
give you a word by word commentary on the Greek text unfortunately, but I
was surprised when it first came out how much attention it does pay to
Greek, especially in comparison to other types of study Bibles which focus
more on interpretive notes. You will also find frequent references to tools
like Wallace's grammar, BDAG, and various other tools.
Just some thoughts. Take 'em...or throw 'em away.
Eric Sowell
-----Original Message-----
From: b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org
[mailto:b-greek-bounces at lists.ibiblio.org] On Behalf Of Eduard C Hanganu
Sent: Thursday, August 26, 2004 9:45 PM
To: Remington186 at aol.com
Cc: b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: RE: [B-Greek] NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Diglot (Greek /
English)
Dear Remington:
You are right, the abbreviation NET was what confused me in the first place.
This morning, though, I went to the web site and checked the mentioned New
English Translation. As usual, I look at some known passages in order to get
a feel of the translation work and I have to say that I was disappointed.
This NET seems to me more like a paraphrase than a "real" translation. I am
familiar with the literal or word for word translations and with the dynamic
equivalent translations, but this is more like an interpretation of the
original text which I find of little use. I guess I got so accustomed to
going to the original text that I became "spoiled" and lost patience with
the "translations" that bring in the ideas of the interpreters. The notes
added to the text also seem rather amateurish, most of them just personal
opinions with little textual support and confused exegesis.
Eduard Hanganu
From: Remington186 at aol.com
To: b-greek at lists.ibiblio.org
Subject: [B-Greek] NET - Novum Testamentum Graece Diglot (Greek / English)
Date: Thu, 26 Aug 2004 18:14:32 EDT
----- Original Message -----
From: eddhanganu at hotmail.com
Date: Wed Aug 25 22:14:12 EDT 2004
Eduard Hanganu writes:
Dear Wilson:Forgive me, but the more I read about this "Net Bible" the more
confused I get. Is it a PRINTED text, or a DIGITAL DOCUMENT? What really is
this thing?
Eduard
Part of the confusion over the NET Bible is its name.
NET means New English Translation
[And is not an acronym for Internet Bible. Although the translators may have
see the double-entendre.]
Best regards,
Remington Mandel
Hemet CA
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