Читать книгу What's in a Version? - Henry E. Neufeld - Страница 11

Consider the following clause, first in my excessively literal translation, then in three Bible versions:

Matthew 3:11

EGO MEN hUMAS BAPTIZÔ EN hUDATI I on the one hand you [baptize] in/with water EIS METANOIAN into/for repentance.

It’s true that I am immersing you in water so that you might turn from sin. (CJB)

I baptize you with water for repentance (NRSV)

I baptize you with water so that you will give up your sins. (CEV)

The primary issue here is the use of the church term “baptize” versus the use of the term “immerse.” Many people believe that the term “immerse” is a better translation because it reflects more accurately the meaning of the Greek word BAPTIZO as used in this passage. Thus, rather than use a neutral term such as “baptize” which has come to mean different things to different people, they would suggest that the most accurate way to translate this passage would be with the word “immerse.”

But it’s not quite so simple as that. This is one of those places where we can let our theological preconceptions determine how we will translate, rather than simply seeking the most accurate translation, and then doing our theological study afterward. While it is quite likely that much of the baptism in the New Testament, included that of John, involved immersion, the word BAPTIZÔ itself doesn’t force this meaning.

Let’s look at an interesting example, from the Didache, an early Christian teaching tract probably written around 100 CE.

“Now concerning baptism, baptize in this way. After you have gone over all these things [the teachings presented earlier in the document] baptize in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit in living water [living usually means naturally running]. But if you don’t have living water, baptize in other water, and if you don’t have cold water, use warm. But if you don’t have either one, pour water on the person’s head three times in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” -- Didache 7:1-3, Author’s translation

So here the method of baptism need not be by immersion, though it appears that a method other than pouring was to be preferred if it was possible.