Is the TNIV Good News? -- Endnotes

by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts

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Note 1:

Using Matthew 9:10 as an example was suggested to me in an article by Mark L. Strauss, "The TNIV and Gender-Accurate Language." It can be downloaded in a PDF form.

Note 2:

What follows is an analysis of how the most formal translations actually employ some dynamic elements in their versions of Matthew 9:10. This helps to show the limits of formal equivalence. I'll begin with reproducing the Greek, interlinear, and pure word-for-word versions, and then examine in detail the NASB, the HCSB, and the ESV.

NASB: Then it happened that as Jesus [1] was reclining at the table [2] in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were dining with [3] Jesus and His disciples.

Variations from the Greek:
[1] - Supplies “Jesus” for clarity even though it’s not there in the original.
[2] - Supplies “at the table” even though it’s not there in the original.
[3] - Changes the second instance of “reclining [with]” to “dining with.”

HCSB: While [1] He was reclining at the table [2] in the house, many tax collectors and sinners came as guests to eat [e] [3] with Jesus and His disciples. Holman Christian Standard Bible. [e] Lit came, they were reclining (at the table); at important meals the custom was to recline on a mat at a low table and lean on the left elbow. (HCSB, Holman Christian Standard Bible)

Variations from the Greek:
[1] - Does not translate the Greek phrase egeneto: “it happened.”
[2] - Supplies “at the table” even though it’s not there in the original.
[3] – Changes second instance of “reclining with” to “came as guests to eat with” (though clarifies paraphrase with a footnote).

ESV: And [1] as Jesus[b] [2] reclined at table [3] in the house, behold, many tax collectors and sinners came and were reclining with Jesus and his disciples. [b] Greek he (ESV)

Variations from the Greek:
[1] - Does not translate the Greek phrase egeneto: “it happened.”
[2] – Supplies “Jesus” for clarity even though it’s not there in the original.
[3] - Supplies “at table” even though it’s not there in the original.

All of the variations from the Greek in these three translations do arguably help the English to be clearer and more intelligible. One could even say that this changes away from word-for-word translation make the results more accurate, if one's goal is to render the meaning of the original into standard English.