THE POWER OF WORDS: QUALITATIVE DETERMINERS IN SERBIAN TRANSLATIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
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Abstract
Based on the analysis of the use of qualitative modyfiers in Serbian translations of the New
Testament, this paper investigates their impact on the theological interpretation of key
concepts. The analyzed translations include those of Vuk Karadžić, the Synod of the
Serbian Orthodox Church, Lujo Bakotić, Dimitrije Stefanović, Emilijan Čarnić, the
Contemporary Serbian Translation, the New World Translation, and the translation by the
Institute for Hebrew Language. Qualitative modyfiers such as those in phrases like horn of
salvation and armor of light, play a significant role in shaping the perception of divine
concepts. By analyzing various translations, the paper examines the syntactic and semantic
differences that arise from word and phrase choices.
The focus of the paper is on four key semantic categories: power and authority, justice and
law, wrath and punishment, and salvation and grace. The analysis shows how translational
choices influence the theological interpretations of these concepts. For instance, the phrase
horn of salvationin the translations of Vuk Karadžić and the Synod retains a strong
metaphor suggesting divine power, while the Contemporary Serbian Translation uses the
phrase strength of salvation, which loses some of the symbolic depth. Similarly, different
translations of verses referring to armor of light highlight the differences between an active
struggle against evil and a more passive approach to protection.
Additionally, the paper addresses linguistic variations between Byzantine and Alexandrian
manuscripts and their theological relevance. The analysis indicates that different
translations significantly affect the understanding of biblical texts; traditional translations
often preserve the richness of biblical metaphors, while more contemporary translations
tend to simplify theological concepts, which can lead to a loss of complexity and depth
inherent in the original meanings.
The conclusion emphasizes that the differences in translations arise from varying
approaches to understanding the biblical text and that achieving consensus on which
translation represents a reliable source is essential. The paper encourages further
discussion on translation strategies and their theological implications, aiming to contribute
to a better understanding of how qualitative modyfiers shape the perception of key biblical
concepts and their significance in different contexts.
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