The goal of accuracy also drives the continuing revision of Bible translation as, through continuing study, we gain better insights into the original texts, languages, and cultures of the Bible. Modern translations typically gather around one of three poles on the continuum. Such translations often help in some types of Bible study, but equally often they may read somewhat woodenly and still not adequately capture the sense of the text. This theory recognizes that accuracy often requires more fully taking into account the idiomatic nature of language. Phrases must often take precedence to words so that modern readers may experience the same meaning and impact that the text had on its first readers.
Paraphrases are even more idiomatic and often more boldly interpretive.
The Message are excellent contemporary examples. Still further toward the end of the continuum are the challenging and entertaining portions Clarence Jordan adapted as The Cotton Patch Version . Specific Issues Beyond these three general approaches to translation, consider some of the specific issues translators encounter in this work. The first is the steady tension between form and meaning. For accuracy s sake, it would seem right to adhere as closely as possible to the words and forms of the original text.