Though the TNIV remains my public reading English translation of choice, I’ve found myself spending more time with the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) in private.
Last night I began another reading of Paul’s Letter to the Romans with hopes of reading all his Letters once again.
A question: Is the term fornication still in vogue for the Greek porneia? I’ve noticed it time and time again in the NRSV (see Gal. 5:19).
I don’t think I’ve ever seen sexual immorality as in the more recent English translations (ESV, NET, TNIV).
I have a feeling that fornication in the NRSV limitless the range of porneia. Perhaps sexual immorality is to be preferred.
Agreed.
I might translate porneia as “unacceptable sexual practice”, but that doesn’t give you an actual list, does it? That’s what people seem to be looking for.
Leviticus 18 seems to be the classic list, but while it is overwhelmingly about sex, there’s also mention of child sacrifice and not doing as people do in Egypt and Canaan, whatever that includes.
Ann Nyland in her “Source NT” leaves porneia untranslated, claiming there’s no real English equivalent.
The problem with “fornication” is how many people actual know what it means, outside of something to do with sex?
Of course, there is also the whole debate over Matt 5:32 and Matt 19:9 and moicheia and porneia. But that can be another post for you, TC.
Chuck, it seems that “sexual immorality” is general enough to cover the full range of porneia.
I find it interesting that Nyland leaves it untranslated. Did she favor a particular rendering from what exist?
Yes, Matt. 5:32 and 19:9 are always worth the exploring. We’ll see.
I am now more comfortable with the NRSV than I have been since the early 90s, TC. I share your enjoyment of it. But I’m definitely looking forward to the upcoming CEB.
Gary, yes, the CEB is the one to really anticipate, since it’s touted as the NRSV’s successor.
If it pleases me, then I’ll jump ship.
Not another one!
Seriously, English Bibles are like tech. You gotta upgrade every three years. What’s up with that?
This discourages me from memorization…
R,
It really comes down to a language thing for me.
But I feel your frustration. At any rate, 2011 will be here before you know, and we’ll have both the CEB and the NIV in a renewed body.
Now if both the CEB and the NIV are not any better than the TNIV, then TNIV for life. ha!