Barrick, "Early Versions & Psalm 23"
ETS -- November 2005
© William D. Barrick 2005
14
Observations on verse 2:
·
Most versions are unusually accurate throughout.
·
HCSB and TEV change the causative to a permissive ("lets"). Inaccuracy = -1.0.
·
There are two Hebrew idioms in this verse: "pastures of vegetation" and "waters of rest." The first refers to the fresh green of
grass or other edible vegetation. "Green pastures" is an excellent rendering in English. The second refers to water that is not a
rushing torrent with cascades and rapids. "Still" and "quiet" are both accurate translations for English.
·
TEV substitutes "rest" for "lie down." This is potentially misleading since the Hebrew verbs are different. Ambiguity = -0.5.
·
TEV's exchange of "to" for "beside" is potentially accurate, but interpretive. Ambiguity = -0.5.
·
Expanding the final phrase, TEV again misrepresents the actual wording of the original. Inaccuracy = -1.0.
·
Principles derived from the examination of the translations of verse 2:
Principle #5: Hebrew idioms should not be translated word for word, but according to their sense.
v. 3 MT
bbe_Avy> yviîp.n:
`Am*v. ![;m;äl. qd<c,©÷-yleG>[.m;b. ynIxEïn>y:)
%
Base He revives/restores my soul,
He guides me in paths of righteousness for His name's sake.
15 100
KJV He restoreth my soul:
he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
13 87
NKJ He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
13 87
NAS He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
14 93
NAU He restores my soul;
He guides me in the paths of righteousness For His name's sake.
14 93
ESV He restores my soul.
He leads me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake.
14 93
NRS he restores my soul.
He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.
13.5 90
CSB He renews my life;
He leads me along the right paths for His name's sake.
13 87