In a post I did a few days ago Dan Phillips was kind enough to call my attention to an interview at Anwoth blog with Dr. Ed Blum, general editor of the (Holman) Christian Standard Bible translation. It's a terrific interview filled with insight into the translation process of the CSB and insight into translation issues. Here's a few highlights.
The CSB aimed for "optimal equivalence," hence we have a new translation methodology to add to the debates between formal and dynamic equivalence.
The CSB seems to use the most up to date English vocabulary in it's translation.
The CSB claims to be the only truly "new" translation in recent years. Dr. Blum says that the NAS and ESV are basically revisions of the King James tradition.
As Dan pointed out, there is an interesting discussion in the interview about the translation of "monogenes" - which is commonly translated "only begotten." The word "unique" or the phrase "one of a kind" is a better translation, but it's interesting to see why the CSB chose not to go with "unique."
Another interesting point is on the rationale for why, instead of "strong drink," they chose the word "beer."
Which is also interesting in light of the common view that this is the Southern Baptist bible. Not so, Dr. Blum himself is a Presbyterian and only about 1/3 of the translation committee was Southern Baptist.
All in all, a very informative interview. I recommend it to you highly.
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