Two approaches to translation: form or function?

Formal equivalence: This is also known as literal or ‘word-for-word’ translation. Such translations seek to retain the form of the biblical languages while producing understandable English. This goal is pursued for both words and grammar.

With regard to words, a formal equivalent translation will seek to use the same English word for the same Greek or Hebrew word (lexical concordance), e.g. Greek ‘sarx’ = English ‘flesh’.

This sort of translation also seeks syntactic correspondence, i.e. seeking to reproduce the grammar and syntax of the original text as closely as possible.

Functional equivalence (dynamic equivalence): This is also known as idiomatic or ‘meaning-based’ translation.  Such translations seek to reproduce the meaning of the biblical languages in good idiomatic English. Its ultimate goal can be expressed as follows: ‘The translation should sound as clear and natural to the contemporary reader as the original text sounded to the original hearers’.

Example:  2 Samuel 18:25

“If he is alone, there is news in his mouth.” (NKJV, ESV).

“If he is alone, there are tidings in his mouth.” (NRSV).

“If he is alone, he must have good news.” (NIV, TNIV).

“If he is alone, he is bringing good news.” (GNT, NCV).

The Hebrew idiom “news in his mouth” is awkward in English.

With regard to the Greek, consider Matthew 5:2

“Then He opened His mouth and taught them, saying” (NKJV)

“And He opened His mouth and taught them, saying” (ESV)

“and He began to teach them saying” (NIV, TNIV)

“and He began to teach them” (NCV)

The Greek idiom uses two phrases, anoigō to stoma (“open the mouth”) + didaskō (“teach”), to express a single action. For the Greek reader these were not two consecutive actions, but one act of speaking. Formal equivalence misses the Greek idiom and produce an unnatural English expression.

Functional equivalence seeks to translate words according to their meaning in context rather than their lexical concordance. Accuracy in translation relates to equivalent meaning, not equivalent form.

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