When There Is Already a Bible in the Language, Is an Additional Translation Needed for a Specific Religious Community? Bible Translations for Jews

There are many Bible translations available in English, yet some have felt a strong need for additional translations specifically prepared for Jewish audiences. This has led to translations being prepared in English (and other
languages) for Jews, a topic inadequately investigated by scholars.

English Scripture translations for Jewish audiences have been done by both Messianic and traditional Jews. Both groups have generally agreed in certain vocabulary and format choices, points in common among broad Jewish audiences. However, Messianic translations have shared certain other patterns with Christian translations, in contrast to translations by non-Messianic Jews that have also followed their own distinctive patterns. All of these Jewish-friendly translations have differed from previous Christian translations mostly in format & vocabulary, more than exegetical choices.

This paper will review arguments for specialized Jewish audience translations. Then it compares and summarizes the kinds of translation and format choices made in over a dozen translations that have been done for Jewish audiences. Comparison shows that many of the differences between translations done for Jews and translations done for Christians are matters that many Christians will readily accept, such as formatting and vocabulary choices, especially names.

Translations for specific religious communities, using familiar religious vocabulary: to the Jew first, and…?