I’ve had a few conversations recently about the Lord’s Prayer, and its many translations. From having updated versions alongside older ones, folks tend to have a preferred version. And that’s okay! I’ve heard people refer to the version well-known by many is sometimes referred to as “the original” even though that one has changed over the years… it doesn’t appear in the King James Bible, Jesus didn’t speak in medieval English, even the versions in our prayer books have had nuanced changes over the centuries.
The reality is: language changes. It evolves, it adapts, it shifts from generation to generation. Translating centuries-old texts can be influenced by common linguistics (for example, awful used to mean full of awe – not the present negative connotation; terrible and terrific come from the same root and used to mean the same thing – now they denote opposite meanings). Add in some idiomatic expressions (having cold feet could mean hesitation or frigid appendages), contextual references, some lost words, multiple scrolls and sources, varying grammar and syntax, political and cultural agendas… even before we allow for the different languages that are found in the scriptures.
It’s why we have so many translations today, and why new translations are being prepared in an ongoing basis.
Our opportunity in revisiting the scriptures, with experts and linguists and theologians – is to ensure that the word of God does not get lost in translation.
Some variances may be minor, like the example in the photo, which reads “Dog Toy” in English and “Cat Toy” in French. It’s a toy for a furry house pet. Yet we understand that a literal translation has not taken place; and that revision can be a good thing.
Likewise, the scriptures give us the chance to revise, review, return to the meaning. In doing so, we are allowing ourselves to be moved by the living word of God – a beautiful gift that invites us deeper into an understanding of our history and theology as people of God.
Ideally, when we revisit the word, it speaks to us anew, and inspires us to live by word and example in ways that are authentic, helpful, and meaningful. And by doing so, our own lives become a living testimony to the teachings and promises of God.
May we do so faithfully, carefully examining and learning how God continues to speak to us – so that none of the glory and grace and goodness of God is lost in translation.
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