Chapter 2 Notes from How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
Obviously, the Bible was not originally written in English, so it has to be translated. Many make the downfall of trusting in only one translation. However, for the study of the Bible, you should use several well-chosen translations, knowing the strengths and weaknesses of each.
Historical distance - the difference that exists between the original language and receptor language
Formal equivalence - attempt to keep as close to the "form" of original language (literal, word for word)
Functional equivalence - attempt to keep as close to the "meaning" of original language (thought for thought)
Free translation - attempt to simply translate ideas, without less concern of exact words
Anyone who deals with multiple languages knows the difficulty of translations, i.e. euphemisms, idioms, vocabulary, wordplays, and matters of gender... All Bibles English-speakers use today are a product of translation, and thus deal with all these issues.
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