Family Tree of Modern English Bible Translations
Here is a visual history of English Bibles and their historical/philosophical family trees. Note that these studies are works in progress as they were begun a number of years ago and as new translations of the Bible are always being developed.
win
Posted on April 19, 2008, in Pastoral Reflections and tagged Bible, Bible Translation, English Bible, Family Tree, History, Translations. Bookmark the permalink. 4 Comments.
The Preacher's Study 
Hi There
Really appreciae the diagram. I would be interested in where you go your information from as its hard to gather a comprehensive view of versions and their origins.
God Bless
chris
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Chris,
In this particular case, I had to go to a variety of places. I found a few good magazine articles that gave me a start as well as a few books that talked about aspects of the histories. Then I hit the libraries and started reading the prefaces and introductions to as many Bible translations that I could get my hands on. The diagram I did myself as I was compiling things. There are more translations floating around out there that I need to add, but haven’t really had the time to sit down and do so yet.
Here is a partial list of references you may find useful:
“A Brief Description of Popular Bible Translations.” American Bible Society: http://www.bibleresourcecenter.org, 2003.
Adams, J. McKee. Our Bible. Nashville: Convention Press, 1965.
Anderson, G.W. and D.E. Anderson. The English Bible: Its Origin, Preservation, and Blessing. London: Trinitarian Bible Society, unknown Date.
Arnold, Clinton. “It’s All Greek to Me.” Discipleship Journal, Issue 132, 2002.
“Chart of the English Bible.” Guideposts. Unknown date.
Edwards, J.R. “Toward a Neutered Bible: Making God S/He (Revised Standard Version).” Christianity Today. February 18, 1983.
Engelsma, David. “Modern Bible Versions.” http://www.prca.org, 2000. (Note: This is a defense of the King James Version of the Bible against more modern revisions.)
Grudem, Wayne. “What’s Wrong with Gender-Neutral Bible Translations?” Council on Biblical Manhood and Womanhood: http://www.cbmw.org, 2002. (Note: This is one of the best articles that I have encountered regarding gender neutral language.)
Keylock, L.R. “Bible Translations: A guide Through the Forest,” Christianity Today. April 22, 1983.
Keylock, L.R. “New Bible Translations: Confusion or Clarification?” Christianity Today. April 22, 1983.
Pieters, Albertus. The Scofield Bible. Pensacola: Mt. Zion Bible Church, unknown date.
Price, Ira. The Ancestry of Our English Bible. Philadelphia: Sunday School Times Company, 1920.
“Types of Translations.” Light Magazine, unknown date.
Watts, Malcolm. The Lord Gave the Word: A Study in the History of the Biblical Text. London: Tyndale House (Trinitarian Bible Society), 1998.
Blessings, win
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You suggest that the NIV Translation is a ‘child’ of the KJV. I was always under the impression that it was an attempt at a new translation – are you able to explain more of why you placed these in such a relationship (not because I have a problem with it, just wanting to confirm the relationship). Thanks
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Jason,
Now you are taking me back a bit to when I wrote this, but if you look at the information on the NIV website with respect to translation you will find that the NIV translation committee saw themselves as following in the tradition of the King James Translators. I think that this is why I made the connection there…essentially because they were making the connection. I suppose that the lineage is more spiritual than biological, if that makes any sense.
Good question,
win
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