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A NEW BENCHMARK IN DYNAMIC EQUIVALENCE. A NEW STANDARD IN BIBLE TRANSLATION.
Since it is not possible to literally translate every Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic word into English, the vast majority of Bible scholars
embrace the principle of dynamic equivalence—rendering the true meaning of an ancient phrase or passage in its closest contemporary
English language equivalent. The NLT second edition represents a new benchmark in dynamic equivalence, carefully taking into account
both the literal and dynamic renderings and where both are equally clear, accepting the more word-for-word direction. This balance of
living language and precise scholarship sets the standard for Bible translations.
Text Comparison of Proverbs 5:15-17
These verses give us a Hebrew wisdom saying that is rich in imagery. Commentators agree that these verses are about faithfulness to
one’s wife, but that meaning is lost if the words are translated literally. Most translations, however, simply translate the words,
yielding a rendering that most readers will not understand. The NLT retains some of the imagery of each verse, but then drives home the
meaning of the passage in very clear language. The NLT renders a literal translation in footnotes to assist readers who are comparing the
NLT with other translations.
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KJV
15 Drink waters out of
thine own cistern, and
running waters out of
thine own well.
16 Let thy fountains be
dispersed abroad, and
rivers of waters in the
streets.
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NKJV
15 Drink water from your
own cistern,
And running water from
your own well.
16 Should your fountains
be dispersed
abroad,
Streams of water in the
streets?
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NASB
15 Drink water from your
own cistern,
And fresh water from
your own well.
16 Should your springs
be dispersed
abroad,
Streams of water in the
streets?
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NIV
15 Drink water from your
own cistern,
running water from
your own well.
16 Should your springs
overflow in the
streets,
your streams of water
in the public
squares?
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NLT
15 Drink water from your
own well—
share your love only
with your wife.*
16 Why spill the water of
your springs in the
streets,
having sex with just
anyone?*
5:15 Hebrew Drink water from your
own cistern, / flowing water from your
own well.
5:16 Hebrew Why spill your springs in
the streets, / your streams in the city
squares?
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