January 22, 2013
When deciding on an Arabic translation of the Scriptures to recommend to those who ask for one, I prefer to pass along The True Meaning of the Gospel of Christ المعنى الصحيح لإنجيل المسيح published by Dar al-Farabi in Lebanon. There are several reasons for this. The first is, I know that when I present it to a friend its outward appearance will demonstrate that the editors have not [tried to cut corners in the production of the volume]. The book has a padded front cover, gold-edged pages and is bound with high quality standards. The colour plates on the first couple of pages are well done with a heavier weight glossy paper. The font is easy to read and each page has an appropriate border around it. Any reader of Eastern origin will be impressed with the initial presentation, understanding that this is a valuable book.
But more than its presentation, two other things stand out for me in this translation. One is the quality of the translation work. As the translators themselves are native Arabic speakers, who are very familiar with the literature of the Arab world, the vocabulary chosen to translate the Word of God is very carefully and thoughtfully executed. With an apparent goal of bringing the reader to the same understanding as those who would have read the text in its original language, much care and attention has gone into choosing the best words and phrases to accomplish that objective. Within the text itself, if there are words or ideas that need more attention or explanation, footnotes are often used to bring greater clarity. Yet the text still clearly speaks for itself. It has not been disguised in flowery language or linguistic license.
Yet, even more than these considerations, I know of no other translation which has so carefully and thoughtfully brought the Word of God to its audience with a desire to bring understanding. The preface to the text, covering a full one hundred and sixty pages, goes to great lengths to explain concepts which the reader might find difficult to understand. As a result, prior to reading the text (or during or after for that matter) the reader can gain a better understanding of concepts like the relationship of the Messiah to God, the Spirit of God, the Son of God. These and many more difficult concepts are explained in the preface, clearly and with biblical support, in order to bring understanding to the reader. [Regarding the terms Son of God and Father, no other translation provides the extensive explanations found in this book.] Necessarily the Word of God must speak for itself, but for the first-time reader coming to the text, not knowing where to turn to find answers to many of the difficult questions he or she may have, this translation provides excellent counsel and guidance.
I can recommend this translation without reservation to any and all from an Arabic background who seek to understand the true meaning of the message of the Gospel.
Dr. Wes Thiessen