Analytical-Literal Translation: Devotional Version

Book excerpt: The Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Devotional Version (ALTD) is derived from the Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (ALT3). The purpose of the ALTD is to provide a translation of the Greek New Testament that will enable the reader to come as close to the Greek text as possible without having to be proficient in Greek. And the name of the ALTD reflects this purpose. "Literal" refers to the fact that the ALTD is a word for word translation. All words in the original text are translated-nothing is omitted. The original grammar of the text is retained as much as possible. Any words added for clarity are bracketed, so nothing is added without it being indicated as such. "Analytical" refers to the detailed "analysis" done on the grammar of the text. The grammar is then translated in a way which brings out "nuances" of the original text that are often missed in traditional translations. In addition, "analytical" refers to the aids that are included in 4,300 footnotes which enable the reader to "analyze" and understand the text. Such information includes the following: 1. Alternative translations for words and phrases. 2. Possible figurative meanings or paraphrases of words and phrases. 3. Modern-day equivalents for measurement and monetary units and time designations. 4. Explanatory notes. 5. References for Old Testament quotations and other cross-references. The main difference between ALTD and ALT3 is that in this version the above analytical information is footnoted, while in ALT3 such information was included within brackets within the text. That made the information readily available, but it made the text awkward to read and to quote from. By putting this information in footnotes, the ALTD is a much easier to read version. Also, on rare occasions, when the literal translation is excessively awkward or hard to understand, it is footnoted and a figurative or less literal rendering is used in the text to make the ALTD more readable. When this is done, the literal translation is footnoted. The occasions when this is done are few and far between, and with the literal translation being footnoted, the ALTD is still a very literal translation of the New Testament. With being both a literal and a readable version, the ALTD is the ideal Bible version for reading the Bible in both a "study" and a "devotional" manner. It is also ideal for public reading, quoting, or for the person new to the Bible.