FAQ
What is this?
This is website for the new English translation of the Bible, the “Open English Bible”.
Why another translation?
The English language market is currently very well covered by translations for all seasons, everything from the Message, through the CEV, NRSV, AV, and so on through the acronym soup. The OEB aims at the levels of accuracy and natural language achieved by these Bibles, but the purpose of the OEB is not to gift the world with a more accurate or ‘better’ translation per se. The existing commercial English translations are, for the large part, of a high standard of accuracy and are the result of much work by knowledgeable and well intended translators.
However, with the honourable exception of the World English Bible (WEB) - and of course the Authorised Version - all of these bibles are subject to copyright, and owned by a particular organisation or publisher. Without wishing to criticise these organisations, their translations naturally have limitations on what end users can do with them.
The OEB has no restrictions on what its readers and users can do with it (for both good and bad). You may quote it, publish it in part or full, on their blogs, in your churches, remix it, reword it, correct its egregious translation mistakes or indeed add your own.
Isn’t this dangerous?
This generation has a greater ability to confirm the accuracy of their Bible translations than any previous generation in history. The underlying Greek and Hebrew, lexicons, learned discussions and flamewars are all just a click away - as are a dozen other translations. Attempting to use copyright law to create authority is an exercise doomed to failure, as are all attempts to enforce truths by the power of the state.
Why not just use the World English Bible?
The World English Bible (WEB) is an impressive achievement, and of great importance. However its language, based as it is on the ASV, remains bound to the Tyndale tradition. As a free counterpart to the NRSV and ESV it is invaluable; however there is still a need for a free Bible as a counterpart to the NEB/REB and TNIV/NIV translations. As well, the World English Bible is based upon the Byzantine Majority Text, and the OEB is based on the heavily Alexandrian focused text of Westcott & Hort.
Why not just use the NET Bible?
The NET Bible is a great translation that has been a pioneer of using the Internet as a distribution medium, and its translation notes are particularly valuable. Unfortunately, though, the NET Bible’s licence doesn’t allow the creation and distribution of modified versions, which is a key freedom required for content to be considered ‘open’.
What English language texts is the OEB based on?
The New Testament of the OEB is being formed on the base of the “Twentieth Century New Testament”, in particular the revised edition published in 1904. There is currently no decision on how to tackle the Old Testament, though a tentative version of the Psalms is not available based on a translation done in the early 20th century by an eminent scholar, John Edgar McFadyen.
Why the Twentieth Century New Testament?
The TCNT was one of the earliest 20th century attempts at a translation in clear modern language aimed at the ordinary reader and based on a modern textual base (ie Westcott & Hort). Predating the mid-20th century translations such as the New English Bible and even Moffatt’s groundbreaking attempt, it is out of copyright worldwide. The TCNT also has a particular resonance with the open source and free content communities of today - it was created by a loose collaboration of volunteers rather than a top-down hierarchy. A worthwhile article on the making of the TCNT can be found on Google Books. Given the requirements of (a) modern language and (b) public domain status the TCNT was the best contender.
How will the Twentieth Century New Testament be edited?
The language of the 20CNT has been edited, and continues to be edited:
- to reflect modern English usage (including the use of ‘they’ as a third person single pronoun) at a reading level corresponding roughly to the NEB/REB or NRSV
- to reflect modern scholarship, including on the translation of terms such as ‘the Jews’ in John and terms referring to sexual practices (see TNIV and Dr Ann Nyland’s version)
This editing was moderate, aiming for a scholarly defensible mainstream translation usable within a religious community rather than a translation focused on a readership completely unfamiliar with the Bible or Christianity (as an example, the OEB is comfortable with the words ‘Christ’ and ‘Messiah’ and will not replace them with ‘Annointed One’ or similar). A freely licensed translation for the audiences of the Better Life Bible or the CEV is a project for another day.
How do I know the OEB is accurate and unbiased?
Although all translators have opinions on the truth and meaning of the ancient documents which form the Bible, the intent of this revision of the TCNT is not to push any particular theological line but to provide a freely usable translation of an Alexandrian text-type based critical text in modern English. The GitHub account for the OEB contains the original text of the Twentieth Century New Testament in USFM, (which can be checked against the pdf of the published edition on Archive.org); it also contains a list of all of the changes made to that text. As can be seen from the article on the making of the TCNT mentioned above, the TCNT itself was the product of a wide range of translators of differing backgrounds and was not itself intended to push a particular theological point of view.
Fundamentally the OEB is not an exercise in translation so much as editing. All changes are made transparently, and we endeavour to ensure that no new wording is added that is not attested to in at least one modern, scholarly, mainstream translation.
What is the underlying textual basis for the OEB?
The TCNT was based on the Westcott & Hort critical text and the OEB will not change that - it will remain based on W&H and will not be conformed to the Majority Text or NA27. Since the NA27 is subject to a claim of copyright, W&H remains the best available (ie public domain) text.
What licence is the OEB under?
The OEB is available under a CC0 licence, effectively a waiver of copyright which allows the maximum reuse. We request that altered versions be distributed under another name, or with changes clearly and comprehensively disclosed so that readers are not confused.
What formats will the OEB be available in?
The OEB will be generated in as many formats as possible. Currently, PDF, HTML and modules for TheWord software are available. In the longer term a version will be available for purchase from Lulu or similar print-on-demand provider.
Who is involved in this?
The OEB is organised by Russell Allen and includes the comments, corrections and work of a number of volunteers. We are always open to offers of help.
How do I help?
The easiest way to help out is to download the current plain text version of the OEB (or read the Simple HTML version), and look for typos, old fashioned language, inaccuracy, needed improvements etc. Then (with your GitHub account details) go to the OEB Issues Tracker, and add your suggested change!
This allows us to keep track of suggestions - and to show you our response. It is part of our commitment to an open, transparent editing process that gives readers confidence in the final product.
If you have special skills, for example if you are a professional translator of Koine Greek, ancient Hebrew or a professional software developer, then contact us directly on the email address at the bottom of the page.