Ellis's translation
A Translator's Translation
When I was in my mid teens I began to write out Bible passages in my own words. It seemed like the best way I could really internalize the scriptures. Little did I know that one day I’d work for one of the biggest organizations that does translation around the world for people to learn the gospel in words that make most sense to them.
Wycliffe Bible Translators, and other organizations like it, are all about getting good, accurate translations for indigenous people to learn those scriptures the best way they can. My last post showed clearly why that is necessary.
God introduced me to Wycliffe when I was about 12 years old at Liberty Church in MD when a missionary came and explained what they were all about. It stuck with me that people needed God’s word, not religion or a denomination. Kevin shared that conviction as well and hence, 30 + years later we are seasoned missionaries loving the people of Cameroon and other cultures around God’s world.
In the meantime I have always desired to understand those precious words of scripture though I’ve had to take a lot on faith as I trusted the leaders and preachers God put in my path. I’ve relied heavily on my intelligent husband who loves to digest words and their meanings! God has given me other tools too, one of which I’d like to share with you today.
When I first explored the work of Wycliffe personally I was 19 years old. At that time, I went to Rock Hill, SC near Waxhaw, NC where Wycliffe’s practical arm, JAARS, is located and confirmed my desire to join. They held what was then called Quest, a month long course designed to introduce prospective members to the organization and give them a taste of what translation and literacy is all about. While there, I met Ellis Deibler, who was already an experienced translator and consultant. Since that time, he has worked with many translators to help them get the best translation they could. With all that experience he began to work on his very own, Translator’s Translation. In some ways it is like The Message, as it brings the scripture to modern language. But it is also not at all like that as The Message is a paraphrase and Ellis’s work is a translation. His includes explanations to make cultural references more clear in our English. (He also did a work called the Translation for Translators, I believe. That one is not for me! Haha)
Here is a little excerpt from it. Sticking with the Fisher of Men theme was begun last time, this is from Luke chapter 5.
I don’t remember how I acquired Ellis’s translation but I do have the whole thing as a PDF. He finished the entire New Testament before he passed into God’s presence. If you are interested in reading his work or using it to aid your own understanding I am happy to email it to you. (permission was granted)
A link to his obituary if you are interested in a more complete summary of his amazing accomplishments. https://tahlequah.hartfuneralhome.net/obituaries/ellis-deibler
By the way, I thoroughly enjoy watching The Chosen. I love how the creativity of people have put the Gospel into an every day living interpretation. It really gives depth to the Scriptures where only words on a page fall short for me.
As I do my daily reading now I often pull up Ellis’s work to get a clearer understanding of God’s word. I hope you always strive for the best understanding you can get.