Professor Nave contributes to new Bible translation

Associate Professor of Religion Guy Nave helped contribute to a new translation of the Bible that came out just last summer. The translation is called the Common English Bible (CEB).

“[The CEB is] enlightening, inspiring and very user friendly,” Nave said.

The translation was done with the expertise of 118 biblical scholars from around the world and representing 22 different Christian denominations.

Visiting Professor of Religion Tom Blanton believes that the CEB is accomplishing exactly what it set out to do: be more accessible to readers everywhere.

“This is an attempt to make the Bible more accessible to more readers; the idea is to come up with a fresh and engaging translation while appealing to people from various Christian denominations,” said Blanton. The translation is able to be more relatable because of the translators’ use of idiomatic English usage.

“As the title of the Bible suggests, the translation aims not only for accuracy but also for ‘common’ language and gender neutrality,” Nave said.

One example is how the translation approaches the idea of possession. The NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) shows possession by using the word “of,” like in the phrase “the hand of God.” In the CEB possession is shown by using an apostrophe, making the phrase “the hand of God” into “God’s hand.”

Nave was invited to be a part of the translation process on Dec. 18, 2007.

“I got involved in the project because I considered it a great honor,” Nave said. I can think of no more significant and lasting contribution than to be involved in an English translation project of the Bible.”

Nave was specifically chosen to help translate the Book of Luke. Each book was assigned two different translators to ensure that their work was peer reviewed.

“As one of the phrases used to promote the Common English Bible states, ‘The best translation of the Bible is the one you will read,’” Nave said. “I believe readers will not only find this translation to be accurate, they will also find it enjoyable to read."