Introducing the Daltici Translation Project (DTP) - a Tri-Parallel approach to translation that includes Primitive, Polished, exPanded versions.

Three main techniques are employed in Bible translation:

• Equivalence: a ‘Thought for Thought’ or ‘Sense for Sense’ approach.

• Formal Equivalence: a strict ‘Word for Word’ translation.

• Optimal Equivalence: a balanced approach between the first two, aiming for the text's optimal meaning

"... Optimal Equivalence, which seeks to achieve an optimal balance of linguistic precision reflecting the original languages with readability in contemporary English." (From 'The CSB Translation Philosophy' - see www.csbible.com/translation-optimal-equivalence/)

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Although these techniques are defined separately, they often overlap in practice, creating a natural tension that calls for an “Optimal Equivalence” based on context and the translator's perspective. We propose a unique form of  ‘Equivalence’ what we call ‘Original Equivalence’ which seeks to convey the ‘Heart and Mind’ of the authors in a way that reflects their 1st Century mindset. This approach involves a literal translation of the Old and New Testaments without modern interpretations, prioritizing a ‘Primitive Translation Method’ that may not adhere to contemporary grammatical standards. In our pursuit of ‘Original Equivalence’, translators will utilize a Tri-Parallel model, presenting a verse-by-verse translation that includes:

1. The Primitive Translation

2. The Polished Translation

3. The exPanded Translation.

(Special thanks to Dr. Dennis Dickinson. Dr. Dickinson's encouragement through his preaching, teaching and personal friendship was the 'original thought' and inception to this project. Without his vision, words and encouragement this project would have not been possible. The following are more his words than mine and any errors of understanding are mine (T.R. Penry))

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The Primitive Translation aims for clarity in Modern English while respecting the literary context of the original era. Each word will be thoroughly explained, using various literary techniques alongside accepted Hebrew/Aramaic, LLX, Koine Greek, and the Anti-Nician Fathers texts collectively, will be referred to as “The Four Witnesses”. We will utilize the following translations; each of  which were in use at the time Koine Greek was still spoken.

1. The Peshitta or Syriac (a Jewish -Christian translation that begun around the time of the Apostle John).

2. The Egyptian Sahidic Coptic (not to be confused with the later Bohairic Cooptic), utilized just after the Peshittan and before 300 A.D.

3. The Latin Vulgate which was utilized in 300 A.D. and completed around 400 A.D.

4. The Anti-Nician Fathers (from 100 A.D. to 325 A.D.) refers to the direct references that each of the Anti-Nician Fathers made concerning Scripture. The Early Church Fathers will be consulted, as to their use of the Biblical texts. This will give the translator insight into the Early Church's understanding of a particular Biblical Text.

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The 'Four Witnesses' will be compared with the Orignal Biblical Text to observe how the Earliest Christians (Jew and Gentile) Translated and Interpreted the Biblical Text. Comparisons, when appropriate, will be footnoted.

The Hebrew/Aramaic Text will compare the 'Hebrewisms' that are utilized throughout the texts mentioned above. All of this comes together in discussion, debate, and critique of the Executive Translation Board in giving final approval to the finished Translation product of the DTP.

The Polished Translation is a translation flowing from the discoveries of the Primitive Translation. Utilizing the same principles of translation, we now employ an "Optimal Equivalence." Now seeking to give the 'Primitive' a more Polished Translation of Readability and Understanding for the Modern Era.

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The exPanded Translation is translation flowing from the discoveries of the Primitive and Polished Translations, expanding the Translation to invoke depth of Thought and Meaning. Emphasizing Hebrewisms, idiomatic renderings, and Textual Variants along with Literal and Traditional Alternatives

The following quotes from Martin Luther convey the passion at which we endeavored to encapsulate the intended meaning of Scripture. It is with this same passion and intent we press toward an 'Original Equivalent'.