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Document Details : Title: Jerome's Principles of Biblical Translation in the Context of Classical and Sacred Ideals Author(s): GRAVES, Michael Journal: Ephemerides Theologicae Lovanienses Volume: 100 Issue: 1 Date: 2024 Pages: 43-72 DOI: 10.2143/ETL.100.1.3292852 Abstract : Jerome cites classical authors as models for his non-literal practice of translation, and yet he also states in some places that Scripture must be rendered literally. In reality, however, neither his appeal to classical translation theory nor his approach to rendering Scripture is straightforward. Against the background of classical thinking about translation and models for translating sacred texts in Late Antiquity, five principles, forged out of both traditions, emerge as fundamental to Jerome’s translation theory: (1) In translating a text, the sense of the original should not be damaged. (2) Traditional renderings should be retained where possible. (3) An effective translator should respect the particular idioms of each language. (4) One need not translate Scripture word for word, when other factors require a less literal translation. (5) A translation should conform to basic standards in the receptor language with respect to grammatical rules, naturalness of expression, and clarity. |
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