Biblical instructions for translation?

As I've read through many of the topics on these forums, especially Faith & Belief and The Bible: Accuracy and Inerrancy, I've noticed much debate about the different translations of the Bible. I was wondering if the Bible itself speaks to this subject? Does it give any sort of direction on how it's passages should be translated between the various languages of the world?Languages have emerged, died and changed since much of the Bible was written. I would guess than many of us don't speak a language closely related to Hebrew or Greek. Is there anything in it's books that suggest how to keep it's original meanings intact through the generations? If the Bible is divinely inspired and supposed to speak to people across several millennium there should be strong guidelines for potential translations.Just Wondering
PM1K

Not making additions or subtractions, as mandated in Revelation, can definitely be seen as a good baseline for future translators. These verses, however, are more of a precaution than a guideline. Are there any verses that address methods for translating as you mention it? Verses to test reliability of said manuscripts?I'm no etymologist and am unsure of how the nearest words would be determined. Do we have an ancient equalivent to Websters? Any good sites that explain this process?thanx
PM1K

Appears that there are no guidelines, persay, in the Biblical books themselves, but did the early church set down any rules? In view of the "Great Commission", I would have thought translating God's Word would have been a very important issue. From a modern day perspective, it looks like a standard for translating would have been needed to keep different versions consistent. I would call it "quality control" today but I'm not sure what it might have been referred back then.What I'm basically interested what kind of correction system has been used through the development of the versions/translations of the Bible. Blame a Biblical "Question of the Day" calendar for my curiosity thanx
PM1K

I'm not at all familar with the Talmud. Any interesting sites to start learning about it?thanx
PM1K

Seems that guideline has been upheld. Modern Bibles are very nice books (leather bound, gold edges, wonderful fonts, etc).PM1Kps: Does your user name refer to "Mason" or perhaps "Java"?

What was God's plan for the development of His Word in relation to the many generations of humans that would need to read it (or at least be taught from it) to avoid eternal damnation through accepting it? If God wanted to ensure the maximum number of salvations I personally would have thought He would have developed an optimal, ie "most correct", method of translating? That method could have been incorporated directly into the Bible. These instructions would have insured ALL translations were correct in meaning. In fact, the very essence of such a translation method would have spoke volumes about the foresight of the Bible. Being able to account for language development, even new languages, would surely be something only accomplished by God Himself. A Biblical translation manual would have shown that from the very earliest writings, the future of the Bible was planned by a higher power. However, may I'm seeing this situation from the wrong angle.Perhaps having no real directions for translation relates another message. God has to depend on mankind to preserve His Word, just as He depends upon us to spread His Word. We have been entrusted with His wisdom and must strive diligently to keep it intact. For if this wondrous communication is lost... then so are we.thanx
PM1K

Excellent point and one I had not considered. Let me see if I fully understand what you are saying. Does your statement imply that a God-mandated translation law compromises free will?thanx
PM1K

Dead? I did not intend to imply a "divine fatality". I was merely trying to look at the problem from a different angle. I personally see the lack of any biblical translation guidance as something of a quandary. God possesses perfect knowledge of the future and we have many descriptions in the Bible of prophets being privy to that knowledge. The prophets knowledge of the future comes directly from God. In all this exposure of the future, God never reveals any bit of linguistic knowledge that would prevent your astute observation of this most silly conflict from arising. The Bible teaches that salvation occurs through believe in Jesus Christ as a personal lord and savior. The Bible itself is the pathway or guide to that salvation. If translating the Bible has been left to human hands without any written divine instructions is the Bible in it's current form truly an optimal guide?thanx
PM1K

I'm not sure the email would make it through a normal spam filter. Just a thought - Wouldn't prayer be seen as God staying in touch? Afterall it's defined as communion with God. However, praying is not the same as reading a written communique (not even close IMHO). Good question. That solution would seem be a much better than having to constantly rewrite/revise for new generations.thanx
PM1K