Riverwood Presbyterian Church

General Theology

Lost in Translation While Walking Through the ‘Hood of Death

by Tim Lien

Newsweek recently published an article about the power and new popularity of “hip-hop” masses or “hip-hop services” for youth and the urban sub-culture. (Newsweek, July 31, 2006, “BeliefWatch: ‘Word’”) One pastor even created the Hip Hop Prayer book, inspired by the Book of Common Prayer. After recognizing that this would create controversy with some, the article ended like this:

“But proponents argue that using vernacular language in services is a way to draw young people to church. Everyone’s down with that.”

Aside from populating the pew, there were no other reasons given for why this approach would seem profitable. Understanding the Bible was not a real concern. The article also printed the “hip-hop” version of Psalm 23, by way of example. I’ve used the actual words from the article below, and I’ve added the New American Standard (NAS) and the New International Version (NIV) in an interlinear format:

Bible translation is a fascinating and complex discipline. And the debates for proper methodology are more heated than many realize. (In other words, this may only be interesting to geeks like me.) The King James camp, fiercely contends that their Bible is superior due to the sheer amount of manuscripts that support their translation. The NAS boasts that their translation is the most “literal” and “wooden,” while the NIV uses the phrase “dynamic equivalent” to describe their own translation. Example: To describe Saul using the bathroom, the NAS will transliterate the ancient idiom and render the phrase, “Saul covered his knees,” meanwhile the NIV will convert the ancient idiom into a modern or “dynamic” equivalent by translating the same thing as “Saul relieved himself.”

Enter the Hip Hop Prayer Book. I am not really concerned with variances in vernacular or even foreign words. I cannot expect the fluidity of linguistics and language to scare me into demanding a static translation. What does concern me, however, is the meaning of words. Faithful Bible translation is far more difficult than exclusively highlighting your modern context. It is imperative, necessary, and paramount that the original context of the writing is understood, as well. Failure to understand both, results in a sloppy, misleading translation. My critique of the Hip Hop Psalm 23 does not, I repeat, does not, include a negative reaction to words that I don’t often employ myself. My main concern is that responsible translation has taken place. And I would also argue that the translator, in this instance, has been far from careful or meticulous.

I will only highlight two, but there are more. Compare “The Lord is all that,” with “The Lord is my Shepherd.” This is an irresponsible translation. If “all that” is an adjective that means: “in possession of all good qualities,” (or some close approximation), then this is not the meaning. Although it would have made me cringe, I might have accepted “Coach.”

And finally, compare “He provides back-up in front of player-haters,” with “You prepare a table before me, in the presence of my enemies.” “Back-up” refers to “an ally that is prepared to assist you in a time of violence or peril.” (my definition) However, the Psalmist is actually describing a Great Benefactor that is bestowing blessing, honor, and publicly raising us in full view of those who would have us brought low. Additionally, “player-hater” insinuates that God’s people are really a bunch of smooth swingin’ cats that have great skills in conquering the opposite sex.

And, yes, I do hope that all of you fall back in the Lord’s crib for the rest of your lives.