Exploring Phillips’ Translation Style: A Historical Perspective and Comparison to Modern English Translations

J.B. Phillips’ translation of the New Testament, first published in 1958, represents a significant contribution to modern English Bible translations. Known for its dynamic and approachable style, Phillips’ work contrasts with other translations that adhere to varying degrees of formal equivalence. This post delves into specific examples of Phillips' translation style, compares his work to other modern English translations, and examines its impact on Bible reading and understanding.

Phillips' Translation Style

1. Dynamic Equivalence Approach:

• Readable and Contemporary Language: Phillips’ translation is characterized by its use of modern, accessible language designed to be easily understood by contemporary readers. For instance, Phillips’ translation of John 3:16 reads: “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son.” This phrasing simplifies the traditional text and aims to make it more relatable to a mid-20th-century audience.
• Paraphrasing for Clarity: Phillips often employs paraphrasing to convey the intended meaning of the original text. In Philippians 4:13, he translates, “I am ready for anything through the strength of the one who lives within me.” This paraphrase captures the essence of Paul’s message in a way that resonates with modern readers, focusing on the personal strength derived from faith.

2. Specific Translation Examples:

• Romans 12🔢 Phillips translates this verse as: “Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God remould your minds from within.” This rendering emphasizes the transformative aspect of spiritual growth, using contemporary idiomatic expressions to convey the message more vividly.
• Matthew 5:1-2: In this passage, Phillips translates, “When Jesus saw the crowds, he went up on a hillside and sat down; and his disciples came to him. Then he began to speak.” His choice of “sat down” and “began to speak” contrasts with more formal translations that might use “opened his mouth” and “taught them,” aiming for a more conversational tone.
• Ephesians 6:10-12: Phillips renders this passage as: “In conclusion, be strong, not in your own strength, but in the strength of the Lord and the power of his boundless resource. Put on all the armor that God provides, so that you will be able to stand firm against the devil’s tactics.” His focus on modern idiom and clarity highlights his approach of making the text engaging and understandable.

3. Cultural and Theological Sensitivity:

• Contextual Adaptation: Phillips adapts certain cultural references to make them more understandable to a contemporary audience. For example, his translation of “the kingdom of heaven” as “the kingdom of God” reflects a modernized approach while retaining the theological essence of the original text.
• Avoiding Archaic Language: Unlike older translations that use archaic language, Phillips’ work avoids terms that might seem outdated or confusing to modern readers. His use of straightforward, everyday language helps bridge the gap between ancient and contemporary contexts.

Comparison to Other Modern English Translations

1. Comparison to Formal Equivalence Translations:

• New American Standard Bible (NASB):
  • Formal Equivalence: The NASB is known for its adherence to formal equivalence, striving for a literal translation of the original texts. For instance, Romans 12:2 in the NASB reads: “And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” This translation maintains the structure and wording of the original Greek, offering a precise but sometimes less accessible rendering compared to Phillips’ paraphrase.
  • Translation Style: The NASB’s approach can be more challenging for casual readers due to its formal language and technical terms, whereas Phillips’ translation aims for clarity and relatability.
• English Standard Version (ESV):
  • Formal Equivalence: Similar to the NASB, the ESV seeks a balance between word-for-word accuracy and readability. For instance, Matthew 5:1-2 in the ESV reads: “Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him. And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying.” The ESV retains formal structure but is more accessible than the NASB.
  • Translation Style: The ESV’s style is more formal compared to Phillips but offers a more contemporary readability than older translations like the KJV.

2. Comparison to Dynamic Equivalence Translations:

• New International Version (NIV):
  • Dynamic Equivalence: The NIV uses a dynamic equivalence approach, focusing on conveying the meaning of the original texts in a way that is understandable to modern readers. For example, Philippians 4:13 in the NIV reads: “I can do all this through him who gives me strength.” This is similar to Phillips’ paraphrase in its focus on readability and clarity.
  • Translation Style: The NIV offers a balance between readability and accuracy, akin to Phillips but with less interpretive paraphrasing. The NIV seeks to present the text in a way that is both faithful to the original and accessible to contemporary audiences.
• The Message (MSG):
  • Dynamic Equivalence: Eugene Peterson’s The Message is a paraphrase that aims to present biblical texts in contemporary idiom. For example, Matthew 5:1-2 in The Message reads: “When Jesus saw his ministry drawing huge crowds, he climbed a hillside. Those who were apprenticed to him, the committed, climbed with him. Arriving at a quiet place, he sat down and taught his climbing companions.” This reflects a highly dynamic and interpretive approach, similar to Phillips’ but with even more contemporary language and paraphrasing.
  • Translation Style: The Message’s style is highly dynamic, often prioritizing readability and contemporary relevance over direct textual accuracy. It shares Phillips’ goal of making the Bible accessible but takes a more creative and less formal approach.

Impact on Bible Study

1. Accessibility and Engagement:

• Phillips’ Approach: Phillips’ use of modern language and paraphrasing enhances accessibility and engagement for readers who might struggle with more formal translations. His style aims to make the New Testament’s teachings and messages clear and relevant to contemporary audiences, encouraging personal reflection and understanding.
• Comparative Impact: Dynamic equivalence translations like the NIV and The Message similarly aim to make the Bible accessible and engaging. Phillips’ work is often compared to these translations in its approach to readability and contemporary language, but it remains distinct in its focus on paraphrasing for clarity.

2. Theological Interpretation:

• Phillips’ Influence: Phillips’ translation reflects his theological perspective and desire to make the Bible’s teachings understandable in the context of mid-20th-century culture. While his paraphrasing introduces interpretive elements, it also invites readers to explore the text’s meaning in a more immediate and personal way.
• Comparison with Literal Translations: More literal translations like the NASB and ESV provide a closer representation of the original texts but may not always resonate as readily with modern readers. Dynamic translations like the NIV and The Message offer readability similar to Phillips but with varying degrees of interpretative freedom.

J.B. Phillips’ translation of the New Testament is a notable example of dynamic equivalence, characterized by its modern language and paraphrasing to enhance readability and engagement. By examining specific examples of Phillips’ translation style and comparing it to other modern English translations, it is clear that his work occupies a unique place in the landscape of biblical translations.

Phillips’ approach aims to make the New Testament accessible and relatable, reflecting both the cultural context of his time and his interpretive goals. While dynamic translations like the NIV and The Message share similar goals of readability, Phillips’ work stands out for its balance of clarity and interpretive freedom. His contribution to Bible translation continues to influence how readers engage with the Scriptures, bridging the gap between ancient texts and contemporary understanding.