In the above example, the dynamic equivalence translators were free to use the more readable expression “have sexual relations with” instead of being forced to reproduce the Hebrew idiom “uncover the nakedness of.”
This frees up the translator to use better English style and word choice, producing more readable translations. According to this view, it does not matter whether the grammar and word order of the original is preserved in English so long as the meaning of the text is preserved. Do not have sexual relations with your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter that would dishonor you.”īecause literal translations can be difficult to read, many have produced more readable Bibles using the dynamic equivalence philosophy. Do not have sexual relations with your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether she was born in the same home or elsewhere. Do not have sexual relations with your father’s wife that would dishonor your father. The NIV reads: “No one is to approach any close relative to have sexual relations. The nakedness of your son’s daughter or your daughter’s daughter, their nakedness you shall not uncover for their nakedness is yours.” The nakedness of your sister, either your father’s daughter or your mother’s daughter, whether born at home or born outside, their nakedness you shall not uncover. You shall not uncover the nakedness of your father’s wife it is your father’s nakedness. The NAS reads: “None of you shall approach any blood relative of his to uncover nakedness. Compare the following renderings of Leviticus 18:6-10 from the New American Standard Bible (NAS-a literal translation) and the New International Version (NIV-a dynamic translation): The disadvantage of literal translations is that they are harder to read because more Hebrew and Greek style intrudes into the English text.