(Women and Words) Translation Bias and How to Read the Bible Well with Dr. Roy Ciampa

Mutuality Matters

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

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