Statenvertaling

The "Statenvertaling" (Dutch for State Translation) or "Statenbijbel" (Dutch for State Bible) is the first official Bible translation from the original Hebrew and Greek languages to the Dutch language, first published in 1637.

Up until that time, several different translations were used, in particular the one from Martin Luther but it was in High German and had a Lutheran interpretation. And the existing Dutch Bibles were merely translations of other translations. At the Synod of Dordrecht in 1618/19, it was deemed necessary therefore to have a new translation, accurately based on the original languages in imitation of the King James Bible from 1611. The Synod requested the Estates-General of the Netherlands to commission it.

In 1626 the States-General accepted the request from the Synod and the translation started. It was completed in 1635 and authorized by the States-General in 1637. From then until 1657 half-a-million copies were printed. This translation remained authoritative in protestant churches well into the 20th century.

The source material for the Old Testament of the Statenvertaling was the Masoretic Text. The New Testament was translated from the "Textus Receptus".

Guidelines for translation

The Statenvertaling was written with specific guidelines for translation established by the Synod during its 8th session on November 20, 1618. The four main instructions to the translators were: [Acta, Dordtse Synode, Eighth Session, 20 november 1618.]

#That they always carefully adhere to the original text, and that the manner of writing of the original languages be preserved, as much as the clarity and properties of Dutch speech permit. But in case where the Hebrew or Greek manner of speech was harder than could remain in the text, that they note this in the margin.
#That they add as few words as possible to complete the meaning of a sentence if it is not expressed fully, and that these words be distinguished from the text with a different font and placed between brackets.
#That they formulate a short and clear summary for each book and chapter and write this in the margin at the respective locations in the Holy Scriptures.
#That they add a brief explanation providing insight to the translation of unclear passages; but the addition of lessons learnt is neither necessary nor advisable.

Apocryphal books

Regarding the Biblical apocrypha, the synod decided to translated these books but not to make them part of the canon. They were placed after the books of the New Testament and preceded with a "warning for the reader". [cite web | url = http://www.statenvertaling.net/1637/waarschuwing.html | title = Waarschuwing aan de lezers van de apocriefe boeken, uit de 1637-editie | language = Dutch | accessdate = 2007-11-02 | publisher = Statenvertaling online - bijbel en kunst]

Translation of God's name

In the Hebrew Bible, God's name is written with the four consonants JHWH (as seen on the very top of the title page in Hebrew characters), and would not be pronounced by the Jews. During the 12th session the synod decided to translate God's name with "HEERE" ("LORD"). In the margin where God's name first appears, the following note is given [ [http://www.bijbelsdigitaal.nl/bijbelsdigitaal/gfx/scans/statenvertaling_(1637)/zoom/index.php?pl=00057.jpgNBG Statenvertaling on the Internet, Gen. 1:8 - 2:4] ] :

The translators

The translators and overseers were appointed during the 13th session on 26 November 1618. Translators were Johann Bogermann, Willem Baudartius, and Gerson Bucerus for the Old Testament, and Jakobus Rolandus, Herman Faukelius, and Petrus Cornelisz for the New Testament and apocrypha.

Herman Faukelius and Petrus Cornelisz died before they could start on the translation and were therefore replaced by Festus Hommius and Antonius Walaeus.

Its influence

Besides its influence in religious matters, the Statenvertaling also had a large effect on the Dutch language and politics. The language, choice of words, and expressions used in the Bible formed the basis of the accepted form of standardized Dutch, which formulated in the 17th century. It acted as a cultural unification of the Netherlands.

Because of its influence, the Statenbijbel has been included in the "Canon of the Netherlands". This canon is a list of 50 required subjects which should not be omitted from history classes in the Netherlands.

References

External links

* [http://80.252.86.246/digibi/index.php?page=NBG-CB3AD5E1B51A61958AB349CB07DA724&&translation=3&welke=1 Original Statenvertaling from 1637 in JPEG format] from the Dutch Bible Society
* [http://www.statenvertaling.net/ Statenvertaling.net]
* [http://www.arsfloreat.nl/documents/Bijbel.pdf Statenvertaling (pdf)]