Translation Philosophy 

Translation Philosophy

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There are numerous Bible translations available worldwide; why would anyone want to read The Sunday School Bible? 

The Sunday School Bible (SSB) is designed specifically for you, the reader. Yes, there are many other Bible translations in the world that you can read and probably have tried reading, but you might find the SSB to be the easiest and most enjoyable. Why is that, you might ask? 

There are over one hundred English Bible translations worldwide, each of them focusing on translating the original text into either a formal or functional translation. The list below provides a quick overview of a few well-known Bible translations that aim for formal and functional equivalence, while also structuring sentences to suit easy, medium, or difficult reading levels. 

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Formal equivalence (word-for-word) translations:

•    King James Version (KJV) 
•    New King James Version (NKJV)
•    English Standard Version (ESV)
•    New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition (NRSVUE)
•    New American Standard Bible (NASB)
•    Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
•    New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)

 

Functional equivalence (thought-for-thought) translations:

•    New International Version (NIV) 
•    New Living Translation (NLT) 
•    Common English Bible (CEB) 

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If you are like me, you may have had no idea there were so many different translations, the difference between formal and functional equivalence, or that reading levels were even a factor in a translation. Knowing now that there are over one hundred different English Bible translations formatted into these different scriptural equivalences, as well as easy, medium, and challenging reading levels, it’s no wonder we buy so many Bibles trying to find the one that we can read as well as understand. 

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The SSB uses the KJV as the baseline translation. Therefore, the SSB does not attempt to re-translate the original text of the Bible, unlike all other Bible translations. The SSB uses the KJV as its baseline translation because it is well-known that many Christians worldwide consider the KJV the most accurate English translation available today. Furthermore, the KJV has been described as one of the most important books in English culture and remains the preferred translation of many Protestant Christians. Many Evangelicals considered the KJV the only “valid” Bible translation. Therefore, many people like me have always had a desire to read the KJV but have found it so difficult to read and understand that we equate it to reading a foreign language. Because of this, the SSB’s focus is to transform the KJV style, language, and formatting into modern English, so that people of all ages can easily read the KJV and understand God’s word as it speaks to them.

Formatting Philosophy

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Reformatting a book like the KJV is no easy task, and I’m sure it will come with a lot of scrutiny. However, spending so many hours meticulously reading each word of each sentence of each chapter to ensure such an important and well-respected manuscript’s meaning is not altered but elevated to reach all ages could not have been completed without GOD’S light shining on me. This effort, by no means, could have been my work; the continuous day-to-day drive and focus to produce the SSB before the LORD’S return could only have been inspired and guided by GOD. 

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I reviewed each word and sentence in the KJV hundreds of times to ensure its readability and understandability. To conduct this review, I first transcribed the KJV onto 8.5-inch-by-11-inch paper, as this was the standard size I had always used. I then double-spaced each sentence to ensure each could be read and understood independently. I discovered that each sentence is profoundly essential when read on its own, and even more so when read in context with other phrases, paragraphs, and chapters. 

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As I read and reread each word and each sentence for reading ease, I also read for understanding. Oftentimes, sentences would be easy to read but didn’t make sense, or they made sense but were very difficult to read. Therefore, I researched the areas within each sentence that caused a reading delay or gap in understanding and focused on solving that particular dilemma. I would often have to restructure or reformat a sentence, use a synonym for a word, and research other biblical translations and footnotes to identify other meanings for the same word or sentence. Collectively, this effort highlighted the numerous different translations in other Bible translations and the confusion caused by formal or functional translations, as well as translation efforts that incorporated different reading levels. Overall, the numerous research studies on other Bible translations related to each KJV word, sentence, and paragraph helped shape my understanding of what GOD was trying to convey through the KJV. The KJV word or sentence was maintained whenever there were complete differences between other translated texts to that of the KJV. Again, using the KJV text as the baseline and comparing it to other Bible translations only confirmed the power of the KJV. Therefore, maintaining the KJV translation was extremely important. Maintaining this approach helps convey the thoughts behind the text easily, ensuring it is not misleading or confusing to modern readers. 

 

Unique Features

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Small capital letters: The SSB honors GOD and JESUS CHRIST by highlighting the spelling of names using small capital letters. The main reason for small capitals versus large capitals is that small capitals are easier to read. Large capitals tend to be more difficult for readers and sometimes appear to imply yelling or an elevation in tone. Therefore, the SSB maintains lowercase capital letters to ensure reading is fluid while maintaining an elevated level of honor. 

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Names: The desire to know GOD and research every line of the Bible encouraged many hours of research. Through this research, I discovered that in the scripture, GOD was listed by many names. The more research I conducted, the more critical these more specific names for GOD became. Therefore, to ensure the reader could feel a connection to GOD, the SSB makes a point of explicitly identifying the names of GOD throughout the KJV text. For example, in Genesis 1, GOD (ELOHIM) is used. In Genesis 2, LORD (YAHWEH) GOD (ELOHIM) is used. In Genesis 4, LORD (YAHWEH) is used. In Genesis 15, LORD (YAHWEH) GOD (ADONAI) is used. Reading through the Bible is powerful as is, and identifying the different names used in the original scripture within the KJV elevates the reader’s understanding of GOD and the importance of HIS names in Scripture. Therefore, the SSB repeatedly conveys through parentheses the original names used to ensure the reader comprehends the gravity of each sentence by the name used. The SSB employs this method of identification to enhance the presence of God in the text, transforming the reading into a personal mentoring experience with God, thereby differentiating the Bible from a typical book. 

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Red text: The red-letter edition of the Bible was first published in 1899. The thought behind the red text was to acknowledge JESUS CHRIST’S blood that was shed for our sins or, as JESUS states in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the New Testament in MY blood, which is shed for you.” These red-letter editions are extremely valuable to the reader when learning the exact words JESUS spoke. In my research, however, I could not find an equivalent highlight to the words that GOD said, which was concerning. I researched extensively and was disappointed to find that few to no Bible translations color-coded the words GOD spoke. The problem with this is that I wanted to know GOD on a personal level and therefore, wanted to know exactly what HE said, to whom HE said it, when HE said it, why HE said it, and how HE said it. However, I could not find a translation that presented the text in this way. Therefore, since I believe in the TRINITY and want to ensure I do not miss an opportunity to honor the LORD (YAHWEH) and my GOD (ELOHIM), I wanted to make sure HIS spoken WORD was highlighted in red text as well. Therefore, the SSB highlights in red text the spoken WORDS of both GOD and JESUS CHRIST. I understand that red-letter edition loyalists may find this offensive, but for those who are believers in the TRINITY, I believe this red text format will only honor GOD more. Honoring GOD is the purpose of the SSB.

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Limited page count: The SSB focuses on the reader and therefore wants to ensure that the size of the book is not too intimidating when just looking at it. Thus, the SSB uses limited page counts to ensure each book is inviting to pick up and read. Furthermore, the reader feels accomplished and confident in completing each book, motivating them to start reading the next book of the Bible. Again, everything about the SSB focuses on the reader.

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The 11-point font: The SSB is formatted using this standard-sized font because it is the standard size we have used since we were young. Unlike the standard 7- or 8-point font used in a two-column standard Bible, the SSB uses the standard 11-point font. The standard font size facilitates easier reading. The thicker paper also enables the use of highlighters and pins without concern for ink bleeding onto the next page. Additionally, if you are like me, you have torn your fair share of Bible pages and now have a Bible with many taped pages. Those days are thankfully gone with the SSB. 

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Contents section: Everyone understands that the contents section is a valuable area for identifying chapters in lengthy books. However, the SSB uses the contents as a learning tool for the reader. Not only does the SSB use chapter references, but it also uses topical section references. To further elevate learning, the SSB includes story sections. Bible stories will often start in the middle of a chapter and end in the middle of another chapter. Therefore, using only chapters and topics is not sufficient for the SSB. The SSB incorporates the contents into the stories, even if the beginning of a story is in the middle of a chapter. For example, the stories of Cain and Abel, Noah, and Abraham all begin at the start of a chapter. However, the story of Jacob and Esau begins in the middle of Genesis 25, specifically at Genesis 25:21. Therefore, to ensure readers can easily locate stories like this, which start in the middle of a chapter, the SSB incorporates this element into its contents. Sunday school teachers and Bible study participants will love this feature. 

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Double-space: The SSB uses double space between sentences to help the reader focus on one sentence at a time. This allows the reader to focus on the importance of understanding what each sentence is saying and the ability to write notes between sentences. Underlining, circling, and highlighting words and phrases is now as easy as it was with your high school or college textbooks—maybe even easier than that.

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Quotes: The SSB separates all quotable text and defines who is speaking and to whom they are speaking. This format change makes reading the Bible as easy as reading a movie script. Standard Bible translations lack clarity in this area. Often, sentences use pronouns (he, him) to convey the participants in the conversation. However, this quickly becomes confusing without the appropriate individual names. To ensure no confusion with who is speaking and to whom they are speaking, the SSB replaces the pronouns with the individual’s name. Utilizing this format ensures clarity and understanding, while also enhancing the fluidity of reading each sentence. For example, unlike the standard Bible text, where you may see something like “He said to him,” the SSB clarifies this by replacing it with something like “Joseph said to Jacob.” This minor but powerful difference keeps the reader engaged in what is happening in the story without stopping their reading pace to clarify who said what to whom. Fluid reading is a key part of the SSB.

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Lists: When reading through the standard Bible, especially the KJV, you will encounter many commas and semicolons throughout each sentence. Many Bible versions have modified these sentences into their modern English narrative. However, the SSB attempts to retain the KJV sentence structure as much as possible to maintain the narrative's power. Therefore, the SSB takes each element listed between these commas and semicolons and separates them into bulleted lists. These lists help readers categorize each element discussed, while also providing a method for classifying the elements. Ultimately, readers flow easily through these lists, rather than getting lost in lengthy sentences. Helping readers with an outline format increases reading pace and learning. 

 

Genealogy: Genealogies in the Bible are often overlooked or simply too complex to comprehend. Not only are the names difficult to say, but many names are repeated. This challenge is compounded because of the two-column format and small text. Even the most confident Bible-reading Christians admit to passing over genealogies because reading them is so complicated. Therefore, the SSB has solved this problem. Understanding that readers learn in different ways and learn best when multiple presentation methods are used, the SSB not only lists genealogies in a text format that is easy to understand and comprehend but also adds genealogy charts after each text section that visually restates, in a graphical format, what was just read. This method ensures that the reader does not get lost in the translation but learns the genealogy, allowing it to help them better understand the Bible. Unbeknownst to many people, genealogies in the Bible are critical, and most of those listed in these genealogies are referenced in future chapters or books of the Bible. 

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Purple text: The purple bold text is used to highlight JESUS’S bloodline. When reading the Bible, it is essential to understand who GOD chose for this critical lineage. The SSB incorporates this purple highlighted feature to ensure readers gain further knowledge and understanding of GOD’S WORD as they read. Enhancing the reader’s knowledge, understanding, and wisdom as they read is the focus of the SSB.

 

The same names: The fact that there are many people referenced in the Bible with the same name shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Similar to today, where we have many people named Joseph, Tom, Bill, and so on, the Bible is no different. However, reading the Bible and seeing the same name used for different people forces us to pause and try to identify which individual the Bible is referring to. This investigation causes our reading pace to slow or stop while we confirm which person we are reading about. The SSB understands this and has addressed the issue by assigning a unique number to each person with the same name. For example, Genesis refers to two Enochs: one in Genesis 4:17, who is the son of Cain, and one in Genesis 5:18–24, who is the Enoch whom GOD took. To ensure the reader easily differentiates between these two Enochs while they are reading, the SSB clarifies the second Enoch as Enoch[2]. When additional individuals are mentioned with the same name, the SSB adds [3], [4], and so on to the end of their name. In using this format, the reader’s pace does not slow down because they categorically know which individual they are reading about. Additionally, these names are listed in this manner in each genealogy chart to provide a visual aid for the reader's learning. 

 

Note brackets: Although footnotes are used in most texts, the SSB tries to ensure readers do not have to stop and search for a reference to the sentence they are reading. Therefore, periodically, when a note is needed to clarify a sentence, the SSB adds a bracketed note to ensure the reader continues their pace and momentum. An example of an SSB note bracket is in Genesis 6:4, where the KJV states, “There were giants on the earth in those days and after.” The SSB clarifies this to the reader to facilitate their knowledge before reading further by adding a note like the following: 

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[Note: The Bible associates the following names and/or tribes to giants: Nephilim, Rephaim, Emim, Zamzummim, the Anakim tribe, and the Amorite tribe.]

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By adding this note to the text, the reader now understands that when they read about these additional tribes, they can associate them with giants. 

 

Numbers: The SSB follows a numerical style convention that uses numerals within parentheses for numbers zero through ten and numerals only for numbers 11 and above. This writing style provides readers with immediate clarity, making it easier to recognize numerical repetition and its significance. By using numerals for all numbers, including zero, the SSB ensures that readers can quickly identify patterns and the importance of measurements, statistics, time, dates, age, scores, and monetary values.

 

Weights and measures: The SSB replaces all weights, measurements, and currency with the US customary system of measurement to facilitate easy reading. The reader no longer has to stop reading to look at footnotes for the modern equivalent of cubits, shekels, omers, and the like.

 

For example, in Genesis 6:15, the KJV states that Noah’s Ark shall be

•    300 cubits,
•    the breadth of it is 50 cubits, and
•    the height of it is 30 cubits. 

 

Reading this for understanding forces the reader to research the size of a cubit, thereby interrupting their reading pace. The SSB corrects this dilemma by replacing cubits with the US customary system of measurement:

•    450 feet long,
•    75 feet wide, and
•    45 feet high.

 

Concordance-like index: The SSB uses a concordance-like index to make it easy for the reader to research and find names, places, verbs, and GOD’S WORD. Most, if not all, Bibles have a limited number of words in their index. This makes it difficult for readers to quickly search for and find keywords they are interested in reading about. Therefore, the SSB has added key statements to its index, including those related to God, names, locations, and numerous other terms. This concordance-like index adds a dynamic not found in most Bibles. Allowing readers to look up keywords in the Bible quickly is critical to the learning process and enhances their understanding of what GOD is telling us.