January 1, 2025, Note: this page reflects an early stage in the development of my translation methodology. While many of these principles remain true, my current translation work is governed by a more refined micro-style-guide developed through sustained engagement with the Greek text. This page is retained for transparency and historical context.
For the current, operative translation standards used in this project, see the Micro Style Guide.
My Approach to Translating the New Testament
My goal is to make the New Testament’s Greek accessible, vibrant, and true to its original heart. As a teacher and lawyer, I lean on Matthew 10:8—“freely ye have received, freely give.” These principles guide my translations, ensuring they’re both faithful and practical for your study. Or, as Morris Proctor would say “Faithful to the text and functional for today.”
For detailed, book-level translation decisions, see the Translation Micro–Style Guide.
1. Literal, Yet Readable
I aim for a word-for-word translation where possible, preserving the Greek’s structure (e.g., participles like ἠγαπημένῳ in III John 1:1 as “to the beloved”). But I smooth edges for clarity, avoiding clunky phrases that obscure meaning. Think: “Blessed be the God” (Eph 1:3), not “Praised the Deity.”
I will attempt to bring out the full meaning of every word within the full context of the sentence and passage, either in the translation or in my Translate Greek with Me breakdowns.
2. Emphasis Where the Author Put it
Like Weust did in his famous Word studies, the goal of my translations is to place “the emphasis where the inspired writer put it, and bring out the style of the original.” Yet, at the same time, I want to balance that insofar as possible with an elegant English literary style.
3. Context Is King
Every verse lives in a story—historical, cultural, and theological. I weigh Second Temple Jewish thought (like Jesus’ expansive readings in Mark 12:26) and Paul’s grammar (e.g., Eph 4:13’s collective οἱ πάντες) to capture intent, not just words.
4. Transparency in Ambiguity
Greek can be slippery (e.g., φιλοπρωτεύων in III John 9 as “loves to be first” vs. “wishes to be first”). I choose what fits best but note alternatives in my Translate Greek with Me breakdowns, showing my work like a classroom whiteboard.
5. Inspired by Scripture’s Power
I believe the Word is alive (Heb 4:12). My translations aim to spark faith, not just inform. When I render “walking in truth” (III John 3), it’s to invite you into that truth, not just define it.
6. Rooted in Prayer
The Holy Spirit guides my study (John 16:13). I pray over each verse, asking for wisdom to balance accuracy and heart. As the Psalmist wrote, and my invitation to you as you join the discussion on these pages, “Open thou mine eyes, That I may behold wondrous things out of thy law.” Psalm 119:18 (KVJ).
7. Nerdy Greek Considerations
- I will carry over the force of the negative μἠ.
- I will attempt to bring out the emphasis brought by the use of hte personal pronouns where used.
- I will attempt to bring out the full meaning of the presences or absence of the definite article.
- I will draw out the distinctions between hypothetical and fulfulled conditions in a conditional.
- When possible, I will avoid transliterating Greek words and will use the literal meaning instead.
Want to see this in action? Start with III John’s translation or Ephesians 1:3’s breakdown. Curious about my tools? Check my Greek resource library.