Women and Words: Examining Different Translations with Dr. Hélène Dallaire

In this episode, Dr. Hélène Dallaire joins the discussion on biblical translation biases and the importance of accurately reflecting women in Scripture. The conversation covers how English readers can detect biases, the significance of diverse translation teams, and the dangers of relying on one translation alone. Dr. Dallaire emphasizes the need for critical examination of key passages on women, men, and marriage, advocating for interpretations that reflect women’s biblical equality. She shares insights from her course material about women in the ancient Near East to deepen understanding of biblical women. The episode encourages listeners to use multiple translations and engage with egalitarian resources to enhance their comprehension of Scripture. 
 
Guest Bio  
Dr. Hélène Dallaire is our guest today. Hélène earned a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies at Hebrew Union College. At Denver Seminary, Hélène is the Earl S. Kalland Professor OT and Semitic Languages and chairs the OT Department. She has served as Associate Pastor at Word Faith Christian Center in Vancouver and Oakville Canada. Hélène has published widely, with titles such as: 

• The Baker Illustrated Study Bible 

• Apollos OT Commentary Series by IVP 

• Dr. Dallaire has published articles and chapters in: 

• “Gender Issues and the Role of Women in Joshua,” In Formation and Interpretation of Old Testament Literature. Leiden, Brill 

• “Women: Let’s Use Our Voices - Psalm 68:12;” “Daughter of Zion/Jerusalem – Zephaniah 3:14-17;” and “A Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5,” in Every Woman’s Bible, Tyndale 

• A review of Carol Meyer’s, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford) in the Journal of the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament 

• “Women in the OT: A Legacy to Build On” for Denver Seminary’s Engage Magazine 

Hélène teaches courses on Women in the Old Testament, the Ancient Near East, and Women’s Leadership for the Association of Theological Schools, and with a CBE chapter locally. She serves on the board of the CBE Denver Chapter. Hélène received a 2024 CBE Lifetime Achievement Award. 

 

Related Resources 

Presumption and Bias in Bible Translation 
Why We Need to Correct for Patriarchal Bias in Bible Translations 
Women and Words: Translation Bias and How to Read the Bible Well with Dr. Roy Ciampa 

 

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