The Lexham English Bible (LEB): Transparency Features and Comparison to Other Textual Accuracy Emphasizing Translations

The Lexham English Bible (LEB) is a modern translation that emphasizes transparency and textual accuracy in its approach to translating the Bible. Produced by Logos Bible Software, the LEB was first published in 2012. It aims to provide readers with an accessible text while maintaining close alignment with the original languages. This post explores specific examples of the LEB's transparency features, compares it to other translations that emphasize textual accuracy, and discusses its impact on Bible study.

Specific Examples of the LEB's Transparency Features

1. Extensive Footnotes and Brackets:

• Footnotes for Variants: The LEB includes detailed footnotes that explain textual variants, alternative translations, and interpretative choices. For instance, in the Book of Genesis, the LEB provides footnotes that detail differences between the Masoretic Text (MT) and the Septuagint (LXX), offering readers insight into why certain translation decisions were made.
• Brackets for Interpretative Choices: When the LEB employs words or phrases that are not present in the original text but are added for clarity, these are placed in brackets. For example, in John 1:14, the LEB translates, "And the Word became flesh and dwelled among us," with "dwelt" in brackets, indicating that this word is supplied to convey the meaning more clearly in English.

2. Consistent Use of Original Terms:

• Preservation of Hebrew and Greek Terms: The LEB frequently retains original Hebrew and Greek terms where they add meaning or context. For example, in 1 Corinthians 12:3, the term “Jesus” is used with the Greek word “κύριος” (kurios) directly transliterated as “Lord,” showing the original term’s significance in the context of early Christian worship.
• Transparent Translation Choices: The LEB often provides the original term in footnotes when translating a concept that may have nuanced meanings. For instance, in the translation of “Shalom” as “peace,” the LEB will include a footnote explaining the broader scope of the term in Hebrew culture.

3. Detailed Marginal Notes:

• Contextual Notes: The LEB includes marginal notes that offer historical and cultural context. For example, the marginal note in Leviticus 16:8 explains the significance of the “scapegoat” in the Day of Atonement ritual, providing background that aids in understanding the text’s historical context.
• Interlinear References: The LEB's online version and some print editions provide interlinear references that show the Hebrew and Greek text alongside the English translation, allowing readers to see how specific words and phrases are translated.

4. Transparent Translation Philosophy:

• Literal and Dynamic Equivalence: The LEB seeks to balance literal and dynamic equivalence. This means that while it strives to remain as close to the original text as possible, it also ensures that the translation is comprehensible to modern readers. For instance, the translation of the Hebrew term “t’filah” as “prayer” in Psalms is accompanied by a note explaining that this term encompasses a broader range of worship and supplication.

Comparison to Other Translations Emphasizing Textual Accuracy

1. The New American Standard Bible (NASB):

• Translation Philosophy: The NASB is known for its commitment to formal equivalence, closely mirroring the structure and wording of the original texts. Like the LEB, the NASB emphasizes textual accuracy, but it does so with less explanatory material.
• Footnotes and Marginal Notes: The NASB includes footnotes for textual variants and alternate translations, but it tends to be more restrained compared to the LEB. The NASB's footnotes generally provide brief explanations without extensive contextual information.
• Comparison: While both translations focus on accuracy, the LEB's approach is more transparent due to its extensive use of brackets, footnotes, and marginal notes that explicitly detail translation choices and textual variants.

2. The English Standard Version (ESV):

• Translation Philosophy: The ESV, like the NASB, follows a formal equivalence approach. It aims to be word-for-word accurate while also being readable. It provides footnotes for textual differences and alternative translations.
• Footnotes and Marginal Notes: The ESV’s footnotes offer explanations and textual notes but are less detailed compared to the LEB. The ESV focuses more on providing textual variants rather than extensive interpretative notes.
• Comparison: The ESV offers a high level of accuracy and readability but lacks the LEB's depth of transparency features, such as extensive explanatory notes and brackets that indicate interpretative additions.

3. The New Revised Standard Version (NRSV):

• Translation Philosophy: The NRSV emphasizes formal equivalence and includes inclusive language. It provides detailed footnotes and textual notes to explain translation choices and textual variants.
• Footnotes and Marginal Notes: The NRSV’s footnotes are comprehensive, providing context and alternative readings, but it does not use brackets as extensively as the LEB to indicate interpretative additions.
• Comparison: Both the NRSV and the LEB offer transparency and textual accuracy, but the LEB's use of brackets for interpretative additions and extensive footnotes provide a higher level of detail regarding translation decisions.

4. The New International Version (NIV):

• Translation Philosophy: The NIV uses a dynamic equivalence approach, aiming for readability and clarity. It provides footnotes for textual variants but does not focus as heavily on transparency.
• Footnotes and Marginal Notes: The NIV’s footnotes are generally brief, offering limited detail compared to the LEB’s extensive notes.
• Comparison: The NIV prioritizes readability over strict textual accuracy, and its footnotes are less detailed, making the LEB a more transparent choice for readers seeking in-depth information on translation decisions.

Impact of Transparency Features on Bible Study

1. Enhanced Understanding:

• Clarity: The LEB's transparency features, such as extensive footnotes and brackets, enhance readers’ understanding by providing context and explanations for translation choices. This helps readers grasp the nuances of the original text and see how different terms and phrases were interpreted.
• Informed Study: Readers can make more informed decisions about the text’s meaning and significance by examining the LEB’s footnotes and marginal notes, which offer insight into textual variants and interpretative decisions.

2. Comparison and Analysis:

• Textual Criticism: The LEB’s transparency features facilitate textual criticism and comparison by providing detailed information on textual variants and interpretive choices. This supports scholarly analysis and helps readers engage with the text at a deeper level.
• Contextual Understanding: The inclusion of contextual notes and explanations aids in understanding the historical and cultural background of the text, enriching the study experience.

3. Accessibility:

• Readability vs. Accuracy: While the LEB’s transparency features enhance accuracy and understanding, they may also make the text more complex for some readers. The balance between readability and detailed transparency ensures that readers have access to both a clear translation and the information needed to understand the text’s nuances.
• Educational Use: The LEB’s approach makes it a valuable resource for educational settings, where a deeper understanding of the text and its translation choices is crucial for effective teaching and learning.

The Lexham English Bible (LEB) stands out for its commitment to transparency and textual accuracy, offering readers detailed footnotes, brackets for interpretative additions, and extensive marginal notes. Compared to other translations that emphasize textual accuracy, such as the NASB, ESV, NRSV, and NIV, the LEB provides a more detailed and transparent approach to understanding the Bible.

While the LEB’s transparency features enhance comprehension and support detailed study, readers should be aware of the balance between readability and detailed information. The LEB’s approach makes it a valuable tool for both casual readers and scholars seeking a deeper understanding of the Scriptures and their translation choices. By exploring these transparency features and comparing them to other translations, readers can gain a more nuanced and accurate appreciation of the Bible’s message.