This article analyses the New Korean Translation in terms of critical editions, grammars and expressions. Beforehand, it introduces important references in five areas: (1) material for translators, (2) articles evaluating the New Korean Translation New Testament and Psalms published in 2021, (3) related articles, (4) New Testament translation examples, and (5) references to the Bible translation.
Some characteristics and realities of the New Testament translation in the New Korean Translation are examined by three points: (1) critical editions, (2) grammars, and (3) expressions. The Palmer edition published in Oxford in 1881 had been employed as the original text not only of the team led by John Ross that produced Yesushunggyo Lukabogumjunshe (1882) and Yesushunggyojunshe (1887), but also of the team that produced the 1911 Korean edition, namely the Old Translation. The Nestle-Aland critical editions have become important to Korean translations from 1938 to the present. The New Korean Translation is the first Korean translation that used the 28th Nestle-Aland edition and the fifth UBS one. This study shows the importance of the script by two examples, the position of the period in John 1:3 and in the parable of two obedient and disobedient sons in Matthew 21:29-31.
In relation to grammar, the writer first expresses that it is hard for translators to have a consensus on Greek Grammars especially on verbal aspect theories. Then, on the basis of those previous assessments and related articles, he admits that the New Korean Translation is a result of a consideration of Greek grammars, and he hopes that Korean translators come to a consensus on the Greek grammars and apply it to further works of translation.
The part of expressions would be the most essential one in evaluating the New Korean Translation, so it is dealt with in five parts: (1) transliteration of proper nouns, (2) translation of words and phrases, (3) translation of theological concepts, (4) translation of disability and the feminine, and (5) application of translation theories. The transliteration of proper nouns has been fixed after each letter’s pronunciation by previous transliterations and the basic principle in Korean public education environments. The translation of words and phrases and of theological concepts are more developed. The translation of disability and the feminine, even though there are some conflict, has become more polished. Lastly, the New Korean Translation is a result of the application of many translation theories.
These features of the New Korean Translation point to the bright future of Korean Bible translations.