AUTHOR: First Nations Version Translation Council (Editor: Terry M. Widman)
PUBLISHER: Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2021, (512 pages).
A missionary to a faraway native tribe had tried to share the gospel to the natives for many years but to no avail. Each time he brought up the story of God and Jesus, the locals would dismiss him and maintained that they already had a god, and they don't need another new one. This went on for a long time and the missionary was naturally frustrated. Then came an insight. What happens if he does away with the semantics and focuses on the shared concepts: that there is Higher Power, a Divine Being of Love and Goodness, and that there are more similarities than differences? So, he started sharing the gospel using common terms that the locals would understand. By contextualizing his message, his audience became more receptive to the gospel message. One of the major ways of contextualizing a message is via translation. The Bible is the Word of God for people in this world. The original languages used are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. In the history of the Church, the Bible has been translated into many different languages so that people could read it in their own language. The name "First Nations" is widely used in Canada to refer to the indigenous people of the land. It is also recognized in the United States. Thus the "First Nations Version" is essentially a translation in English using familiar culture, linguistics, and relevant meaning to those who are First Nations people. The translation council comprises many representatives from over 25 First Nations tribes. It aims to be both faithful to the original texts and clear to the present audiences. It uses English because it is a more common language among the many different tribal groups. That is also because many new generations of the First Nations are not as fluent in their native languages compared to their predecessors. With the support and expertise from people with translation work experience, this collaborative effort is impressive. Some of the important terms used include:
- God referred to as the "Great Spirit," "Creator," "Giver of Breath," "Maker of Life," etc
- Jesus is "the Chosen One," "Creator Sets Free,"
- Rabbi as "Wisdom Keeper"
- Pharisees as "the Separated Ones"
- Jerusalem as "Sacred Village of Peace"
- Romans as "People of Iron"
- John as "Goodwill"
- Paul as "Small Man"
- Timothy as "He Gives Honor"
- Blessed as "Creator's Blessing rests on"
- Martha as "Head Woman" while Mary is "Healing Tears"
- ...
It is a fascinating take on the meaning of the names and places rather than the literal usage. I like the way this translation paraphrases that. When looking at the famous chapter in Acts 2, the people who gathered had their places of origins explained in simple words. For instance, Parthia is the "Land of Victory," Pontus as "Black Water," Asia as "Land of the Rising Sun." When it comes to the book of Revelation, the letters to the Seven Churches, I loved how the meaning of the letter gets translated into the name of the Church as well. The Church of Ephesus as "Village of Desire," Smyrna as "Village of Bitter Herbs," Pergamum as "Village of First in Courage," Philadelphia as "Village of Family of Friends," and Laodicea as "Village of the People Will Decide." Just by the naming, we get a picture of the judgment on that particular Church (village). At the end of the book is a helpful glossary of biblical terms for quick and easy reference.
My Thoughts
Honestly, this translation more resembles a paraphrase instead of the stated dynamic equivalent. The meaning has been incorporated into many names, locations, and places. It is a refreshing read on the Bible to shed greater light on the meaning of the text. Sometimes, we can become too familiar with one particular translation that we miss out on important nuances. A different translation helps us compare and contrast the meanings to give us another dimension in understanding. This translation does appear wordier but as long as it is clear, it is ok. I really enjoy the expanded descriptions of the name. Seeing how the great apostle Paul is described as "Small Man" definitely raises a chuckle. I appreciate the simple terms used to describe the names that are harder to pronounce, especially the places mentioned in Acts 2. I also enjoyed reading the genealogy in Matthew 1, which brings great clarity to the meaning of the names mentioned. No longer do we need to jump to a Bible dictionary just to check out a particular meaning of the name. Instead, this version gives it to us directly. Some of the translated names are open to dispute, such as Rahab being called "Boastful Woman" and Babylon as "Village of Confusion." The use of "village" as a people group could become problematic because it does not adequately distinguish a nation from a Church. Generalization is quite common which could also pose some confusion. For example, are all Greeks "wisdom seekers?" What do we mean by Colossae as "land of giants?" Perhaps, it takes one from a First Nations background to understand the contexts behind each term used. Nevertheless, I think it is wise for the translators to include the original words in brackets so that we could link the paraphrase with the original word. That helps people who do not have any First-Nations background to read and appreciate the passage, which brings me to the next point.
Honestly, this translation more resembles a paraphrase instead of the stated dynamic equivalent. The meaning has been incorporated into many names, locations, and places. It is a refreshing read on the Bible to shed greater light on the meaning of the text. Sometimes, we can become too familiar with one particular translation that we miss out on important nuances. A different translation helps us compare and contrast the meanings to give us another dimension in understanding. This translation does appear wordier but as long as it is clear, it is ok. I really enjoy the expanded descriptions of the name. Seeing how the great apostle Paul is described as "Small Man" definitely raises a chuckle. I appreciate the simple terms used to describe the names that are harder to pronounce, especially the places mentioned in Acts 2. I also enjoyed reading the genealogy in Matthew 1, which brings great clarity to the meaning of the names mentioned. No longer do we need to jump to a Bible dictionary just to check out a particular meaning of the name. Instead, this version gives it to us directly. Some of the translated names are open to dispute, such as Rahab being called "Boastful Woman" and Babylon as "Village of Confusion." The use of "village" as a people group could become problematic because it does not adequately distinguish a nation from a Church. Generalization is quite common which could also pose some confusion. For example, are all Greeks "wisdom seekers?" What do we mean by Colossae as "land of giants?" Perhaps, it takes one from a First Nations background to understand the contexts behind each term used. Nevertheless, I think it is wise for the translators to include the original words in brackets so that we could link the paraphrase with the original word. That helps people who do not have any First-Nations background to read and appreciate the passage, which brings me to the next point.
Supplement this version with a conventional version. This helps readers to compare and contrast the text itself to clarify, illuminate, and understand. Given that this version is a paraphrase, having a more literal translation next to this would be most helpful. There is a lot of fresh perspectives we can learn from this version. Apart from an easily understood name description, we learn about the interpretive angle from a non-Anglo Western perspective. Many of our existing English language translations are based on Western English-speaking culture. No wonder it is difficult for First Nations people to appreciate. Due to the colonial past, First Nations communities tend to be suspicious of any attempts that resemble the past government assimilation policies. They would prefer to retain their culture as much as possible.
Finally, this version might help the rest of North America to understand First Nations culture and people more. We need more bridges instead of walls. We need more understanding instead of suspicions. We need more friends than enemies. This new translation will help achieve all of them in some way. I look forward to the Old Testament being translated next so as to complete this creative project.
Terry M. Wildman (Ojibwe and Yaqui) is the lead translator, general editor, and project manager of the First Nations Version.
He serves as the director of spiritual growth and leadership development for Native InterVarsity. He is also the founder of Rain
Ministries and has previously served as a pastor and worship leader. He and his wife, Darlene, live in Arizona.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
Rating: 4.5 stars of 5.
conrade
This book has been provided courtesy of InterVarsity Press and NetGalley without requiring a positive review. All opinions offered above are mine unless otherwise stated or implied.
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