Book Review by A. S., 2016: One Bible, Many Versions, by Dave Brunn of Ethnos360 — Growing up around Elizabethan English, hearing the KJV read, and later reading it for myself puts a unique perspective on this ancient literary style. It helped me to at first be partial to the KJV-only voices, though I felt they usually came across too strong. As I progressed into language learning and preparation for Bible translation, I realized the foolishness of such a position, even if the KJV were arguably the most accurate English version. Therefore, the ideas and thoughts Dave Brunn put into writing One Bible, Many Versions is a refreshing gust of clean air.
One particular strength of this work, was his effort to ask and answer the deeper level questions instead of arguing blindly about surface issues. One example of this was to thoroughly discuss (with many tables of examples), the amount of meaning-based translation that ALL versions use, even the more literal ones. He points out that it is unfair to fault some versions for being meaning-based, when in fact at times they are using literal “word-based” methods in places where more “literal” versions are employing interpretive methods. He does an excellent job of leveling the playing field and taking away the opportunity for wild biased claims against certain versions or even techniques.
His arguments were not blind reasoning, nor were they overstated truths, nor yet did they take after the reactionary debate-styled discussion. He smoothly, with a level head and openness brought varying opinions up and talked through his thought processes. His reasoning processes appear quite sound and biblically based. He gave the impression that he puts more trust in the more literal translations when feasible; he also said that the more idiomatic ones can be beneficial when used in complementary ways.
A third notable aspect of Brunn’s work was the inclusion of other languages. This was not a small afterthought, but rather a major theme he developed in the latter half of the book. He offered significant insights into the BIG world of translation in simple, easy-to-understand ways. The examples cited and the reasoning processes are commendable.
This book adds another refreshing twist on the wearying debate about English versions. Not only fresh and enjoyable, it adds a particularly helpful dynamic for the would-be Bible translator. I can clearly recommend the book as beneficial to any and all.
