The Word

From a distinguished Oxford scholar and the author of A History of the Bible,
an examination of how biblical translation works and why it matters

Throughout history, most Jewish and Christian believers have understood
scripture not in the languages in which it was first written but rather in
their own--in translation. In The Word, acclaimed Bible scholar John Barton
explores how saints and scholars have negotiated the profound challenges of
translating the Bible while remaining faithful to the original. In addition to
considering questions of literal versus free translation, literary style,
inclusive language, and more, Barton draws out scriptural translation's role
at critical junctures in religious history. Far from a mere academic exercise,
biblical translation has shaped how we answer faith's most enduring questions
about the nature of God, the existence of the soul, and the possibility of
salvation.