BIBLE TRANSLATION REASONS, APPROACHES AND IMPLICATIONS

Abstract

Contemporary Christian ministers and the entire Christian community are being bombarded with several Bible versions in English and other native languages without considering the implications of those translations. Previous studies relating to the significance of Bible translation are relatively scanty in the Nigerian theological research space in contrast to the vast body of translation research available in other continents such as Europe and America, which underscored the relevance of Bible translation via history, practice, criticism, theorisation, among others. This study, therefore, sets out to explore Bible translation’s reasons and approaches to bring to the fore its implications in the socio-religious context. Research findings showed that the reason for translations and retranslations is based on the translators’ mission of assisting humanity in understanding the truth of God’s word. Society should treat Bible translations with caution and respect to understand and retain the original intention. Members of contemporary churches should work intimately with several Bible translations to enhance effective socio-religious relationships.