Między tłumaczeniem słów a tłumaczeniem sensu. Współczesne spojrzenie na historię syryjskich przekładów Nowego Testamentu na przykładzie J 3,1.2.16.17

Abstract

Is it necessary to refer literally to all the words in order to translate a text faithfully? The ancient Syriac-speaking church already lived this dilemma. In no other ancient language can we have access to a series of translations of the biblical texts from different centuries in order to follow the diachronic development of the translation technique so closely. This paper presents for the first time to a Polish reader the process of transformation of the New Testament translations into Syriac from reader-oriented to source-oriented type. Modern, simple categories of dynamic and formal equivalence, once proposed by Eugene A. Nida, help us to describe the characteristic features of particular translations, in which different assumptions and goals lead to a new reception of the text. Understanding the nature of a particular translation may lead us to appreciate and better evaluate its textual evidence. The translation technique is analyzed using John 3:1.2.16.17 as an example in three Syriac translations from different epochs: Vetus Syra, Peshitta, Harklean. A broader supplementary bibliography on the topics discussed is also presented.