Translating the Book of Jonah, circa 2017. (Image: Pioneer Bible Translators)
Bible translations (by -500) go back to the time of Daniel when the Jews were in Babylon and beginning to speak Aramaic instead of Hebrew. Since then the Bible has become the most translated book in the world.
Timeline: the number of languages, by year:
- -500: 2 (Hebrew, Aramaic)
- +1: 3 (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek)
- +500: 11 (Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek, Latin, Syriac, Coptic, Armenian, Georgian, Old Gothic, Ge’ez, Persian)
- 1000: 19
- 1500: 50
- 2000: 2,403
In 2015 it stood at 2,932. As late as 1900 there were “only” 620.
Most are incomplete. Only 1,333 have the whole New Testament. Only 554 have the whole Bible. That is still more than “The Little Prince” (1943) by Antoine de Saint Exupéry, which by 2017 had been translated into 300 languages, the most for any non-religious book.
Most are paraphrases, not literal, scholarly translations like the King James Bible. That is done for two reasons. First, it is something a missionary working with native speakers of a language can do pretty quickly (pictured above). No knowledge of Biblical Hebrew or Greek required! Second, in some parts of the world a literal translation would be misunderstood, like where nothing is “white as snow” because there is no snow. The aim is to reach as many people as possible, leaving the theological fine points to take care of themselves later.
Most are retranslations from English or Spanish. Because those are the languages most missionaries know.
Retranslation, by the way, is nothing new. For example, the first complete Bible in English, by Coverdale in 1535, was not a translation of the original Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic. Instead it was translation of the German Bible of Luther and the Latin Bibles of Erasmus and Jerome.
Nor is retranslation just seen with Bibles. Books that are have been “translated into 40 languages” are generally translated into some big European language, like English or French, and then retranslated into the other 38 languages. The same goes for news stories. Or much of the Wikipedia. Or Google Translate when it needs a pivot language.
Some notable Bible translations:
- Septuagint (circa -236) – into Greek by the Library of Alexandria. Old Testament only. Quoted by the New Testament, still in use by the Eastern Orthodox Church.
- Vulgate (+405) – into Latin. Also known simply as the Latin Bible. Translated by St Jerome, printed by Gutenberg, still in use by the Catholic Church. Gave English the words creation, salvation, justification, rapture, testament, regeneration, apostle, angel and the phrase far be it.
- Luther Bible (1534) – into German, by Martin Luther. The first complete Protestant translation. Helped to shape standard written German.
- Tyndale Bible (1531) – into English. Incomplete because Tyndale was burned at the stake. Tyndale is why people in the Bible sound like educated Londoners from the early 1500s.
- King James Bible (1611) – into English. Also known as the Authorized Version. It is the most printed translation in English, or probably any language for that matter. Kept much of Tyndale’s wording. In 2014 it was still the most commonly read translation in the US, even though its English is getting hard to understand.
– Abagond, 2017.
Sources: mainly “Is that a Fish in Your Ear?” (2011) by David Bellos.
See also:
547
Abagond 
“Most are paraphrases, not literal, scholarly translations like the King James Bible. That is done for two reasons. First, it is something a missionary working with native speakers of a language can do pretty quickly (pictured above).” – Abagond
Nope, the job of the missionaries was to spread the biggest lie ever the world has ever known, that Jesus and His Father are white. This lie worked wonders amongst the slaves through twisted doctrines and turning once mighty men into docile midgets, figuratively speaking of course. Moreover, it is still in practice across the globe as I write this post.
Apparently, the white image of Jesus worked exactly as planned through deception. Here we go: 2 Thessalonians 2:3-4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition (white people).
Again, as it pertain these so-called missionaries, Hernan Cortez and the Conquistadors, the destruction of life, property and the introduction of diseases to the indigenous people were done so again through deception and smooth talking in order to bring Mesoamerica under the umbrella of Catholicism. In fact, some missionaries even kidnapped Aztec children.
Here we go: Psalm 55:21 The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.”
“The aim is to reach as many people as possible, leaving the theological fine points to take care of themselves later.” – Abagond
That’s a fallacy that the white man/missionaries have been pushing for quite a while now. And NO, “leaving the theological fine points to take of themselves later” will never happen. Is is evident that the intent of the missionaries were bent towards deceiving the darker races across the globe.
Additionally, “The aim is to teach as many people as possible” is another lie that these missionaries sought to broadcast the world over. But yet, in Matthew 15:24, Jesus made the following statement to his disciples: “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
This statement alone doesn’t appear to include the entire world or “as many people as possible.” In fact, it was meant to get the Israelites who had strayed away from the Book to come back into the Lord’s congregation.
Hernando Cortez, Destruction of the Aztec Empire, Sword swinger
White Missionaries
http://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Hern%C3%A1n_Cort%C3%A9s
Click to access LAJ%202007_70-83.pdf
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Popular among many Evangelicals is the Scofield Bible:
(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IO6VpMYAVms)
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lol i looked up that scofield bible
i think once you read ot/nt in some pleasing style maybe not so much the good news side of things but an american standard updated language bible,
get a concordia or codex i can’t remember the word that correlates every word across the text that is to some degree of significance, significant
that will help your studies. and to really speak to someone you know, at the bbq, who says “chapter verse so and so”… #ijs
i don’t know of a good annotation like to also provide context.
that is straying dangerously close to st. augustine etc. and also too much influence on policy like the islamic commentaries seem quite significant politically speaking, even in modern times, that is sort of out of scope however interesting; however, i can never make clear how deeply this book affected my perception of the bible, “god and empire” by that irish guy over there
i would also like to read something like that, more from a true referential historically pov: about the politics of the roman empire, imperialism, and the judaeic justice system, was it neo tribalism against the industrial empire (swords, the wheel, horses, etc.) of rome?
i think so, anyway the jesus stuff then too… huh remember your agape!
🙂
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@ blakksage
I should imagine that many of those early missionaries at least believed themselves that Jesus was white. They wouldn’t of had the ethnical (?Is that a word) understanding that we do today. I expect most of them really thought they were doing God’s work and had no real concept of the destruction they were causing and they in turn had been lied to. I’m grateful that most British now realise how wrong this was and are ashamed of our colonising history.
As for God, Is he black? Is he white? Is he a he? God cannot be perceived in human terms, I find the whole idea of putting any colour to him absurd (I use the terms he and God for ease of definition)
The bible and Christianity were. in fact are, used to help control colonised countries and continents but also most of Europe as well. Basically it seems a few fat pedophiles in Rome have found a way of controlling the whole world.
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I learned whaf hermaneutics and dispensationalism mean!
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“I should imagine that many of those early missionaries at least believed themselves that Jesus was white.” – Zoe Jordan
Hang on Zoe, allow me to disabuse you of what seems to be your inherited state of mendacity. First and foremost, these people knew that Yah, Jesus and all of the disciples, including the all of the children of Israel by today’s standards were Black. I will prove to you that Jesus is/was Black.
Here is John the Revelator’s vision of Jesus as to what he saw while imprisoned on the island of Patmos for preaching the message of the Messiah: Revelation 1:1 “The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John.”
Revelation 1:12-14 And I turned to see the voice that spake with me. And being turned, I saw seven golden candlesticks; 13 And in the midst of the seven candlesticks one like unto the Son of man, clothed with a garment down to the foot, and girt about the paps with a golden girdle. 14 His head and his hairs were white like wool, as white as snow; and his eyes were as a flame of fire.”
What specific group of men that commonly have wooly hair, not only in ancient times but even today? Is it those primarily or so-called African American and those of the Caribbean or other places where God’s people were scattered by the act of enslavement, carried out by the Europeans, Arabs and SOME African countries ?
If you have a brass door knob for know for example, what happens if you throw it into a furnace, would the brass then turn white or Black?
By the way, Jesus had red eyes because he was a wine bibber. (Revelation 11:19)
They wouldn’t of had the ethnical (?Is that a word) understanding that we do today. I expect most of them really thought they were doing God’s work and had no real concept of the destruction they were causing and they in turn had been lied to. I’m grateful that most British now realise how wrong this was and are ashamed of our colonising history.” – Zoe Jordan
These white missionaries knew exactly what they were doing. Their primary purpose was to deceive the entire world through their collective, White Savior Complex and whitewash God, Jesus and the Israelites as well. This also explains why we have so-called white jueISH people in the State of Israel today as well. Again, the word jewish isn’t within the pages of the Bible. You are either a Jew or you’re not. There is no in between!
Revelation 12:9 And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceiveth the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him.
Didn’t the white missionaries deceive the entire world? Well, the Bible refers to them as being Satan or the Devil and anyone else who believes their garbage message.
“As for God, Is he black? Is he white? Is he a he? God cannot be perceived in human terms, I find the whole idea of putting any colour to him absurd (I use the terms he and God for ease of definition)” – Zoe Jordan
Yes, Yah is Black as well. You know the old saying: Like father, like son. Also, look how closely aligned are the physical appearances in Daniel 7:9(God) and Revelation 1:12-14(Jesus).
John 5:19 Then answered Jesus and said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, The Son can do nothing of himself, but what he seeth the Father do: for what things soever he doeth, these also doeth the Son likewise.
Daniel 7:9 9 I beheld till the thrones were cast down, and the Ancient of days did sit, whose garment was white as snow, and the hair of his head like the pure wool: his throne was like the fiery flame, and his wheels as burning fire. (By the way, the Ancient of Days is referring to Yah).
Well of course the physical appearance can be perceived in human terms, it’s clearly written in the Bible. However, these white missionaries were hell bent on spreading a false message to the world and they did it quite successfully, I will add.
Even further, I think it’s even MORE ABSURD for you or anyone else to say that “putting a colour to him when it’s already WRITTEN! Because if you truly believed this, why haven’t you questioned anyone concerning why is Jesus always portrayed as being white within the movies of Hollyweird?
Sorry to tell you Zoe, but you and the vast majority of white people have indeed inherited lies.
Here we go: Jeremiah 16:19 “O LORD, my strength, and my fortress, and my refuge in the day of affliction, the Gentiles (white people) shall come unto thee from the ends of the earth, and shall say, Surely our fathers have inherited lies, vanity, and things wherein there is no profit.”
“The bible and Christianity were. in fact are, used to help control colonised countries and continents but also most of Europe as well. Basically it seems a few fat pedophiles in Rome have found a way of controlling the whole world.” – Zoe Jordan
Here, … you are correct! And I’m also sorry to say that there is a heavy price that the majority of whites or non Israelites will have to pay for the actions of your forefathers as well. And by the way, those “fat pedophiles” you speak of not only reside in Rome, but they also live in London, Washington, DC, France, Montreal and Moscow as well.
2004
2016
2014
1995
Romans 1:23 And changed the glory of the uncorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things.
Selah!
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Hey Blakksage,
No one here is disputing that Jesus and his disciples were not white. My point is that I believe a lot of those early missionaries were pretty naive and indoctrinated in there own right. Lots of British missionaries came from impoverished middle class backgrounds and took the cloth as there was not much else for them to do with there lives. There was absolutely no way anyone would ever have taught them that Jesus was black. I will not argue with you that they caused destruction and devastation wherever they went.
I cannot quote you the Bible as I’m not familiar with it as you are but I do know we were all created in the image of God, all nationalities, all sexes. God is without colour or gender. Many would argue that Jesus was in fact not God but just a prophet. It was not until the 1600’s that our lady was even made a Virgin, this is just another Vatican lie to control women.
I know it’s true about Jesus always being portrayed as white in Hollyweird (as you cleverly name it). This goes back so far in history. I cannot think of any great European Christian art where he is not. And I guess this is part of what you call the great white lie. TI have been in a few Catholic churches which have a black Jesus on the cross above the Alter they are always remarked upon.
By the way, I understand that priests being corrupt and sometimes evil is a world wide dilemma; I refer to Rome as the head office for the Catholic corporation.
From the way you post I suspect you may be Rastafarian, forgive me if I’m incorrect. History teaching is a part of Rastafarianism, it is not of Catholicism or Protestantism. This makes a difference to generational understanding of the true social history of the Bible.
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@blakksage
“Additionally, “The aim is to teach as many people as possible” is another lie that these missionaries sought to broadcast the world over. But yet, in Matthew 15:24, Jesus made the following statement to his disciples: “But he answered and said, I am not sent but unto the lost sheep of the house of Israel.”
If Jesus’ message was only for the house of Israel, then why did Jesus tell his disciples in Matthew 28:16-20
16 Then the eleven disciples went to Galilee, to the mountain where Jesus had told them to go. 17 When they saw him, they worshiped him; but some doubted. 18 Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Or Peter and Cornelius in Acts 10 when the Holy Spirit came down on Gentiles:
34 Then Peter began to speak: “I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism 35 but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right. 36 You know the message God sent to the people of Israel, announcing the good news of peace through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. 37 You know what has happened throughout the province of Judea, beginning in Galilee after the baptism that John preached— 38 how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and power, and how he went around doing good and healing all who were under the power of the devil, because God was with him.
39 “We are witnesses of everything he did in the country of the Jews and in Jerusalem. They killed him by hanging him on a cross, 40 but God raised him from the dead on the third day and caused him to be seen. 41 He was not seen by all the people, but by witnesses whom God had already chosen—by us who ate and drank with him after he rose from the dead. 42 He commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead. 43 All the prophets testify about him that everyone who believes in him receives forgiveness of sins through his name.”
44 While Peter was still speaking these words, the Holy Spirit came on all who heard the message. 45 The circumcised believers who had come with Peter were astonished that the gift of the Holy Spirit had been poured out even on Gentiles. 46 For they heard them speaking in tongues[b] and praising God.
Then Peter said, 47 “Surely no one can stand in the way of their being baptized with water. They have received the Holy Spirit just as we have.” 48 So he ordered that they be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. Then they asked Peter to stay with them for a few days.
Or Paul in Romans 1
13 I do not want you to be unaware, brothers and sisters,[d] that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.
16 For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile.
If it was just for the nation of Israel or the Jews, why did God tell Peter “Do not call anything impure that God has made clean.”, why did Gentiles receive the gift of the Holy Spirit while listening to Peter? Why does Paul mention a harvest among Gentiles? Why does Paul say that “the power of God brings salvation to everyone who believes”?
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You certainly have vast storage of knowledge.
Are you a computer?
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Throwing out some old expired magazines. There was an article in an old Essence magazine from March 2011. Just happen to stumble upon an article in the News & Culture 10 Things We Are Talking About. The Good Book gets a Caribbean makeover. Patois Changes, In English, Luke 1:28 reads in part: And having come in, the angel said to her, “Rejoice, highly favored one.” In patois, it becomes, “Di ienjel go tu Mieri an se tu ar se, ‘Mieri, mi av nyuuz.”
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