Dr. Ciampa explores the complexity of Bible translation, through his experiences both as a translator and professor of Bible translation, working beside translation teams worldwide. He considers both challenges and opportunities facing translation teams given the limited resources of translators in the majority world in contrast to the wealth of the minority world and its capacity, therefore, to influence translation teams worldwide as they depend on translations produced by the majority world and those widely available to teams/communities without a translation in their mother tongue. Small translation teams depend on larger, well-funded teams in the West and hence their influence worldwide. Bible translations can be (and are) commissioned by individuals who share a particular theological view of male-authority, e.g. the ESV. Other teams rely on consultants who provide an additional layer of oversight and diversity.
As women are now receiving the same education as men, women are joining Bible translation teams and serve as consultants more and more, especially in the majority world. Roy observes that minimizing translation bias was the result not only of diverse translation teams but also accessibility to a variety of translations in one’s mother tongue. Roy also points out “reading” the Bible well plays a critical role in grasping the full thrust of Scripture as a primary means of guarding against translator bias.
Finally, Roy explores how one language, e.g. Portuguese is spoken very differently in various regions around the world. He considers the importance of including more paratextual information explaining the background and significance of many of the passages that have impacted women or that could more positively impact women should be a priority. Increasing the number and roles of women in the translation work would help not only in helping teams pay closer attention to these issues, but also in helping the teams understand how the translation or interpretation of these passages impacts the lived experience of their mothers, sisters, daughters, and other women today, leading to a greater prioritization of this issue.
Guest Bio:
Dr. Roy Ciampa: is the S. Louis and Ann W. Armstrong Professor of Religion and Chair of the Religion Department at Samford University. Roy served the Nida Institute for Biblical for the American Bible Society providing advanced professional development in biblical studies, Bible translation and Scripture engagement to leaders in that area of scholarship worldwide. He also served as Professor of New Testament and chaired the Division of Biblical Studies at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary where he continues to provide leadership for their Doctor of Ministry track in Bible Translation. Before that, Roy was a missionary professor of biblical studies in Portugal and served as a translator for the Portuguese Bible Society’s contemporary Portuguese translation of Scripture.
Dr. Ciampa has authored numerous scholarly essays on NT themes, especially on the interpretation of the Old Testament within the New Testament, but also on issues more directly related to Bible translation (including articles that address translation issues in Acts 17:11 and 1 Corinthians 7:1 that became footnotes in the CSB. He is also that author of a book on The Presence and Function of Scripture in Gal 1 and 2, and co-author with Brian Rosner of the Pillar Commentary on 1 Corinthians. Roy is an ordained minister.
Related Resources:
eLearning: Beyond Bias: Aligning Toward God’s Vision for Women and Men in Bible Translation
Why We Need to Correct for Patriarchal Bias in Bible Translations
Presumption and Bias in Bible Translation
Disclaimer:
The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.
(Home, Church, and World) What is Headship Theology? Part 1 with Andrew Bartlett and Terran Williams
(Women and Men Leading Together) What’s Next? Answering Your Questions with Layla and Rob
(Women and Words) Exploring Women’s Biblical Equality Through Bible Translation with Dr. Roy Ciampa
(Intersectionality) Telling Her Story through Allyship and Agency with Rev. Dwayne Jackson
(Women in Scripture and History) Esther, Mutuality, and the Gospel with Dr. Karen H. Jobes
(Intersectionality) Where Do We Begin? Finding Our Place in God’s Plan
(Women and Words) “We All Read the Bible Through a Cultural Lens” with Dr. Diphus Chemorion
(Women and Men Leading Together) Picking Up the Weight Together with Scott Sinner and Bekah Townsend
(Women and Words) Bible Translation as Communication with Dr. Diphus Chemorion
(Global Impact) Partnering with Courtship and Marriage Foundation in Zimbabwe, Africa with Rev. Herbert Mazonde
(Women and Words) Refined Gold: The Resilience of Strong Women in Scripture with Dr. Boaz Johnson
(Global Impact) Partnering with SheLearns in Uganda to Empower Girls with Fred Sebaggala
(Women and Words) Women Pioneers in Bible Translation with Dr. Boaz Johnson
(Women and Men Leading Together) “Call Her What She Is” with Maddie Cummings and Brooke Pland
(New Voices) A Visit to the CBE Bookstore with Elizabeth Beyer
(Women & Words) Translating the Old Testament Part Two with Dr. Havilah Dharamraj
(Intersectionality) The Narratives that Shaped Us with New Co-Host Rev. Liz Testa
(New Voices) “Women will be saved through childbearing”? 1 Timothy 2 and Artemis with Dr. Sandra Glahn
Women & Words: Translating the Old Testament Part One with Dr. Havilah Dharamraj
Create your
podcast in
minutes
It is Free
The Hello Heaven Podcast
Cast The Word
Let Me Be Frank | Bishop Frank Caggiano’s Podcast | Diocese of Bridgeport, CT
The Kingdom Power Fellowship Podcast
The Bible Recap
The Bible in a Year (with Fr. Mike Schmitz)