Exploring the Jewish Publication Society’s JPS Tanakh (JUB): Word Usage and Comparison to Literal and Dynamic Equivalence Translations

The Jewish Publication Society's Tanakh (JUB), first published in 1962 and updated in 2004, is a significant English translation of the Hebrew Bible. It reflects the Jewish tradition and perspective on the Scriptures, differing from other translations in its approach to word usage and translation philosophy. This post explores specific examples of the JUB's word usage and compares it to other literal and dynamic equivalence translations to highlight its unique features and contributions to biblical scholarship.

Specific Examples of the JUB's Word Usage

1. Translating Hebrew Terms:

• "Tzedakah" vs. "Charity": In the JUB, the Hebrew term "tzedakah" (צדקה) is often translated as "righteousness" rather than "charity," reflecting its broader connotation in Jewish tradition of justice and ethical behavior. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:25, where other translations might use "charity" or "good deeds," the JUB emphasizes the term's ethical dimension by translating it as "righteousness."
• "Shalom" vs. "Peace": The JUB frequently translates "shalom" (שלום) as "peace," but it retains the term's fuller meaning, which encompasses notions of wholeness and well-being. For example, in Numbers 6:26, where the JUB reads "The Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace," it aims to convey both the literal and broader semantic implications of "shalom."
• "Mitzvah" vs. "Commandment": The term "mitzvah" (מצוה), usually translated as "commandment" in many English versions, is rendered in the JUB with attention to its religious and ethical implications. In Exodus 20:6, where the JUB uses "commandment," it acknowledges the term’s role in Jewish law and tradition.

2. Renderings of Ritual and Cultural Terms:

• "Korban" vs. "Offering": The JUB translates "korban" (קורבן) as "offering," but it maintains awareness of its ritual significance. For example, in Leviticus 1:2, where the JUB reads "When any of you brings an offering to the Lord," it conveys both the act of offering and its sacrificial context.
• "Shema" vs. "Hear": The famous declaration "Shema Yisrael" (שמע ישראל) is translated in the JUB as "Hear, O Israel" in Deuteronomy 6:4. This choice preserves the imperative nature of the Hebrew term, reflecting its liturgical and theological significance in Judaism.

3. Translating Proper Names and Titles:

• "Adonai" vs. "Lord": The JUB frequently translates "Adonai" (אדוני) as "Lord," respecting its usage as a reverential title for God. In Psalm 110:1, "The Lord says to my lord," the translation captures the respectful and hierarchical nature of the term.
• "Elohim" vs. "God": The term "Elohim" (אלהים) is consistently translated as "God," acknowledging its plural form but translating it with the singular meaning in English. For instance, Genesis 1:1 reads, "In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth," aligning with traditional Jewish understanding.

Comparison to Literal and Dynamic Equivalence Translations

1. Comparison to Literal Translations:

• The New American Standard Bible (NASB):
  • Literal Approach: The NASB is known for its formal equivalence approach, closely mirroring the original text’s wording and structure. For instance, the NASB translates "tzedakah" as "charity" and "shalom" as "peace," similar to the JUB, but with less emphasis on the broader connotations of these terms.
  • Word Usage: The NASB’s translation of ritual terms like "korban" is more straightforward, rendering it as "offering" without the additional contextual notes present in the JUB. The NASB tends to focus on the exact wording rather than the broader interpretive context.
• The English Standard Version (ESV):
  • Literal Approach: The ESV also follows formal equivalence but tends to retain a more traditional rendering of Hebrew terms. For instance, "tzedakah" is translated as "righteousness," aligning closely with the JUB’s approach.
  • Word Usage: The ESV’s treatment of "Adonai" and "Elohim" similarly aligns with the JUB, but it generally avoids the extensive explanatory notes found in the JUB.

2. Comparison to Dynamic Equivalence Translations:

• The New International Version (NIV):
  • Dynamic Approach: The NIV uses a dynamic equivalence approach, prioritizing readability and clarity over strict adherence to the original text’s wording. For example, "tzedakah" is rendered as "charity" in the NIV, which emphasizes the term's practical application rather than its full ethical and religious implications.
  • Word Usage: The NIV’s translation of ritual terms like "korban" as "offering" is straightforward but lacks the additional cultural context provided by the JUB. The NIV focuses on conveying the text’s meaning in a way that is accessible to modern readers.
• The Message (MSG):
  • Dynamic Approach: The Message, a paraphrase rather than a direct translation, often rephrases Hebrew terms to fit contemporary idiomatic expressions. For instance, "tzedakah" might be rendered in a more explanatory manner, reflecting the term’s broader social and ethical implications rather than a direct translation.
  • Word Usage: The Message’s treatment of cultural and ritual terms is highly interpretive, aiming to make the text relatable to modern audiences but often sacrificing the nuanced meanings preserved in the JUB.

Impact on Bible Study

1. Enhanced Understanding of Jewish Tradition:

• Cultural Context: The JUB’s use of specific Hebrew terms and explanatory notes provides readers with a deeper understanding of Jewish traditions and practices. By translating terms like "tzedakah" and "shalom" in ways that reflect their broader meanings, the JUB helps readers appreciate the cultural and religious contexts of the Scriptures.
• Theological Insights: The translation choices made by the JUB offer insights into Jewish theology and practice, making it a valuable resource for those studying the Bible from a Jewish perspective. The JUB’s approach to translating terms like "Shema" and "Adonai" highlights their liturgical and theological significance.

2. Comparison with Other Translations:

• Literal vs. Dynamic Equivalence: The JUB’s blend of formal and dynamic equivalence provides a middle ground between literal accuracy and readability. Its approach contrasts with the more rigid literalism of translations like the NASB and the more interpretive nature of dynamic translations like the NIV and The Message.
• Accessibility and Depth: While dynamic translations prioritize readability, the JUB’s transparency and contextual notes offer depth that can enhance understanding, though it may be less accessible to casual readers compared to more straightforward translations.

The Jewish Publication Society's Tanakh (JUB) offers a distinctive approach to Bible translation with its careful choice of words and explanatory notes that reflect Jewish tradition and theological insights. By comparing the JUB to other literal and dynamic equivalence translations, it becomes clear that the JUB provides a unique blend of accuracy and contextual understanding, enriching the study of the Hebrew Bible.

Its attention to the meanings and implications of Hebrew terms, combined with its transparent translation choices, makes the JUB a valuable resource for readers seeking a deeper appreciation of the Jewish Scriptures and their cultural significance.