The Ongoing Work of Translation

In the last blog post, we discussed how a scholar’s job requires continual learning, and previous knowledge and assumptions demand to be revisited. This reality is particularly true as regards translation, as the work of translating texts never stops. The following text from Paul’s letter to the Philippians has been the subject of much debate among Greek New Testament translators:

“…and be found in him (Christ), not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law, but one that comes through the faith of Christ, the righteousness from God based on faith. ¹⁰ I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the sharing of his sufferings by becoming like him in his death, ¹¹ if somehow, I may attain the resurrection from the dead.” (Phil 3:9-11 NRSVue)

What’s the translation decision here? Notice how v. 9 refers to the “faith of Christ” in this translation (NRSVue) instead of “faith in Christ” as it reads in other and previous translations. The Greek text simply reads πίστεως Χριστοῦ (pisteos Christou), which can be correctly translated either “faith of Christ” or “faith inChrist.” How we translate it matters a great deal in deciphering Paul’s meaning.

What difference does this decision make? It either means that Paul claims that righteousness comes from putting faith or trust in Christ (likely in his death and resurrection) or from having the same faith or faithfulness that Christ himself demonstrated. The theological difference matters a great deal to faith traditions who teach either one of these understandings as doctrine.

So how does a translator decide? A biblical translator’s job is to offer the most plausible translation of the text based on the evidence within the text. So, a translator attempts to render the text without relying on the theological developments that occurred after the text was written. (If you want to learn more about this, check out a webinar where we interviewed some of the translators of the NRSVue: https://www.youtube.com/live/VE6SxrGyKxY?si=xy8hp8KWOBD30Hsf)

What do the clues in the surrounding verses suggest? Immediately after bringing up πίστεως Χριστοῦ, Paul states in the subsequent verse that he wants to “become like him (Jesus) in his death” in order to receive the same reward Jesus received for his faithfulness to God—even unto suffering and death. Paul equates “becoming like Jesus in his death” in order to hope for the same type of resurrection.

In the very next passage, Paul describes working and straining toward a “prize, the heavenly call of God in Christ Jesus” (3:12-14). This is a goal that Paulstates that he has not attained yet (3:12). So, it seems the text and its context suggest that faithfulness—like that of Jesus himself—is the requirement for attaining righteousness.

We can then say that this translation—“the faithfulness of Christ”—is certainly plausible and fits the context of Paul’s argument quite well. How does this translationinvite us to revisit our own assumptions and beliefs? What questions does it offer us to ponder?

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