Is There a Single Accurate English Translation of the Tanakh?

When translating the Tanakh, a term encompassing the Hebrew Bible, into English, you may wonder about the accuracy of translations. While there are various attempts to render the original Hebrew text into English, it is often asked whether there is a single translation that is considered the most accurate to the original text. In this article, we will explore the nuances of different translations, the expertise behind them, and the philosophical implications of the differences among these translations.

Diverse Translations of the Tanakh

At least three translations stand out for their competence and depth:

ArtScroll Studios' Stone Edition Tanach: A definitive work, meticulously translated, including extensive notes and commentaries from leading scholars. The New Jerusalem Bible (NJB): This translation is praised for its literary sense and ability to maintain the flow of the original text, especially in the Tanakh. Chabad's Tanach Online: An accessible and well-regarded translation with valuable scholarly insights and footnotes.

Personal Insights

These translations cater to different needs and preferences:

Everett Fox: This translator is known for his literal approach, aiming to convey the exact meaning of each word and leaving names untranslated. His translation is appreciated for its faithfulness to the Hebrew text. Robert Alter: The author of "The Tanakh Torah"—distinct in its literary integrity, capturing the sense, phrasing, and flow of the original, including historical allusions and wordplay. His translation is celebrated for its poetic and literary quality.

Among these, Rabbi Aryeh Kaplan's "The Living Torah" and "The Living Nach" receive particular commendation. This is attributed to the scholar's thorough knowledge of Torah and Jewish tradition that is invested in the translation process.

General Reader's Perspectives

When it comes to the general reader, the question of accuracy becomes less significant. Any competent translation will serve the purpose well. Here's why:

Equally Effective Translation: Most translations are designed to be faithful to the Hebrew and Aramaic text. They are not likely to lead a general reader astray fundamentally. Scholarly Controversies: Disagreements among translations often stem from scholarly debates that may not be of great interest to the general reader. Points of divergence can be attributed to various interpretations and etymologies. Accessible Interpretations: Even when a translation is "accurate," other translations may still provide valuable insights or clearer meanings, especially when one topic is deeply debated in the scholarly community.

Example of Controversial Translation

One example of a controversial translation involves Ezra VI 26, where the Persian King Artaxerxes I lists potential punishments for transgressions against his decree. The Aramaic word discussed here, , presents a challenge. The traditionally accepted connection with the Hebrew root (meaning "to put down roots" or "to root out") is not commonly used in a human punishment context.

The KJV suggested "banishment" while the Latin Vulgate by St. Jerome opted for "exilium." The Peita translated it as "life," and the LXX chose "education or chastisement." In modern translations, "banishment" is often preferred, with the New American Bible translating it as "corporal punishment."

What this example highlights is that translators have to make difficult choices, and while the scholars behind theories like Fr. Rundgren's later gained acceptance, the process can be long and complex.

Conclusion

In practice, for a general reader, the primary goal is to understand the Tanakh's message and meaning. Each translation has its strengths, and picking one might depend on personal preference, scholarly interests, and the intended use of the text.

For general readers, consider translations like the Jewish Publication Society (JPS), the New Jerusalem Bible (NJB), or the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and Oxford Annotated Bible. For detailed study and scholarly critique, one might prefer the ArtScroll Studios' Stone Edition Telah.

Ultimately, whether the translation is the most accurate is a matter of scholarly debate. For the general reader, it is more important to engage with the text and its messages than to get wrapped up in nitpicking over individual words or phrases.