Analyzing Six Bible Translations: Part 17-Telling Time

Telling Time

Example from Acts 2:15 (see also Acts 3:1; 10:3, etc.)

ESV For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it is only the third hour of the day.

NIV These men are not drunk, as you suppose. It's only nine in the morning!

NIV⁸⁴ These people are not drunk, as you suppose. It’s only nine in the morning!

HCSB For these people are not drunk, as you suppose, since it's only nine in the morning.

NASB "For these men are not drunk, as you suppose, for it is only the third hour of the day;

NET In spite of what you think, these men are not drunk, for it is only nine o'clock in the morning.

Check a: the time

While the ESV and NASB translate the time of the day literally, a phrase like “the third hour” doesn’t make sense to modern readers (though of course it isn’t incorrect). They simply don’t know how the ancients told time. So it is much more beneficial and clear to give the actual time, as the NIV⁸⁴, NIV, HCSB, and NET translations do.

Part 2 running totals:

	ESV	NIV84	NIV	HCSB	NASB	NET
Josh 15:18	1	1	1	1	-1	1
2 Sam 20:20	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 6:5	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 7:14	1	1	-1	1	1	-1
Ezek 21:7	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Mal 2:16	1	-1	1	1	-1	0
Telling Time	0	1	1	1	0	1
TOTALS	6	5	5	7	2	-2

Analyzing Six Bible Translations: Part 16-Ezekiel 21:7

5) Ezekiel 21:7

ESV And when they say to you, 'Why do you groan?' you shall say, 'Because of the news that it is coming. Every heart will melt, and all hands will be feeble; every spirit will faint, and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it is coming, and it will be fulfilled,'" declares the Lord GOD.

NIV⁸⁴ And when they ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' you shall say, 'Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every knee become as weak as water.' It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD."

NIV And when they ask you, ‘Why are you groaning?’ you shall say, ‘Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand go limp; every spirit will become faint and every leg will be wet with urine.’ It is coming! It will surely take place, declares the Sovereign LORD.”

HCSB And when they ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' then say: Because of the news that is coming. Every heart will melt, and every hand will become weak. Every spirit will be discouraged, and every knee will turn to water. Yes, it is coming and it will happen." This is the declaration of the Lord GOD.

NASB "And when they say to you, 'Why do you groan?' you shall say, 'Because of the news that is coming; and every heart will melt, all hands will be feeble, every spirit will faint and all knees will be weak as water. Behold, it comes and it will happen,' declares the Lord GOD."

NET When they ask you, 'Why are you groaning?' you will reply, 'Because of the report that has come. Every heart will melt with fear and every hand will be limp; everyone will faint and every knee will be wet with urine.' Pay attention– it is coming and it will happen, declares the sovereign LORD."

Check a: “wet with urine”

The Hebrew reads “their knees will run with water” (see NET footnote on Ezekiel 7:17). Taking this expression and trying to communicate it in modern vernacular has caused some problems since the most accurate phrase might be “they wet their pants.” However, they weren’t wearing pants in Ezek 21:7. Therefore, sticking with the Hebrew is best here, rather than the coarse way communicated in the NIV and NET versions.

Part 2 running totals:

	ESV	NIV84	NIV	HCSB	NASB	NET
Josh 15:18	1	1	1	1	-1	1
2 Sam 20:20	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 6:5	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 7:14	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Ezek 21:7	1	1	1	1	1	-1
TOTALS	5	5	5	5	3	-3

Analyzing Six Bible Translations: Part 15-Isaiah 7:14

Isaiah 7:14

ESV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and shall call his name Immanuel.

NIV⁸⁴ Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

NIV Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

HCSB Therefore, the Lord Himself will give you a sign: The virgin will conceive, have a son, and name him Immanuel.

NASB "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.

NET For this reason the sovereign master himself will give you a confirming sign. Look, this young woman is about to conceive and will give birth to a son. You, young woman, will name him Immanuel.

Check a: translation of almah

While I am aware of the controversy surrounding the translation of this verse, suffice it to say that I still believe that “virgin” is the best translation. I know that many Old Testament scholars would vehemently disagree, but I am still unconvinced. Adding a footnote (cf. NIV; NASB) to mention the alternate view is fine. In fact, the footnote should be included.

Part 2 running totals:

	ESV	NIV84	NIV	HCSB	NASB	NET
Josh 15:18	1	1	1	1	-1	1
2 Sam 20:20	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 6:5	1	1	1	1	1	-1
Isa 7:14	1	1	1	1	1	-1
TOTALS	4	4	4	4	2	-2