Abstract

This article outlines two types of translations of the Bible, i.e. the traditional one (philological) and the modern one (communicative). It also outlines their characteristics and possible uses. It should be pointed out that the analysis of the translations does not aim at determining which version is better. Firstly, the article presents the theory of translations and outlines their different types. It then presents factors which need to be considered during the translation process. Translations of the Bible differ with regards to solving problems which concern relationships not only between the content and the form but also the cultural differences. This was shown in two translations of the Bible: the Luther Bible and Gute Nachricht Bibel. These two versions differ as there are different reasons underlying the process of translation, e.g. having the target reader in mind. It can be claimed that the Luther’s revised translation with the commentary (Erklärungsbibel) requires more effort from the reader as it is a more difficult biblical text with elaborate commentaries. However, it allows the reader to focus on the content more. The communicative translation in Gute Nachricht Bibel is more accessible, and thus it required simplification of the content. Its target readers are “elementary” readers of the Bible. The fact that there exist different types of translations of the Bible should be appreciated as this allows people who do not know the biblical language, Hebrew (and Aramaic) or Greek, to learn and better understand what the Bible is about, and helps them notice many possible interpretations.