A rendering of scripture that prioritizes the direct, equivalent substitution of each source language term with a corresponding term in the target language is a specific approach to biblical translation. For instance, when translating the phrase “Son of God” from Greek to English, this methodology would attempt to find the single most accurate English word for “Son” and the single most accurate English word for “God,” maintaining the original order and grammatical structure as closely as possible.
This translational philosophy emphasizes accuracy and aims to minimize interpretive bias on the part of the translator. It can be particularly valued by individuals seeking to access the original meaning of the text with as little intermediary interpretation as feasible. Historically, it has been employed by scholars and denominations who place a high premium on the literal inspiration and inerrancy of the biblical text. The perceived benefit lies in providing a window into the linguistic nuances of the original languages.
