Meaning based vs literal based Bible translation

Meaning Based Bible translation

It is based upon the principle that the translator must first understand the meaning of the source text, and then express it to his/her target community in the most natural manner in the receptor language.

Literal translation or word-for-word translation

Is a translation of a text done by translating each word separately, without looking at how the words are used together in a phrase or sentence. It follows the writing system of the source text instead of the receptor language.

Advantages

Meaning based – often sounds clear and natural

Literal based – Christians feel naturally familiar with them since they have interacted with them “spiritually” for a long time.

Disadvantages

Literal translation often sounds and feels unnatural, and use borrowed terms even when it is completely unnecessary. It is not easy to grasp meaning in some areas of a literal translation.