Candler Faculty Plays Role in New Bible Translation

[RCCAtl]

The Common English Bible, a brand new translation, posted its half-millionth sale in November. Six members of Candler School of Theology’s faculty worked on this translation.
“Every translator thinks their translation is the most accurate, but I really feel that we got it right,” said David Petersen, associate dean of faculty and academic affairs and Franklin N. Parker Professor of Old Testament at Candler. “The Common English Bible is accessible to a broader readership yet also has a greater breadth of scholarly investment than other versions.”
Petersen served on the Common English Bible’s Board of Editors as Old Testament editor. Brent Strawn, associate professor of Old Testament, also served on the board as Hebrew associate editor. Between the two of them, they edited 33 of 39 Old Testament books in the Common English Bible. Strawn also served as first translator for the book of Deuteronomy.
Other Candler faculty serving as translators include Luke Timothy Johnson, R.W. Woodruff Professor of New Testament and Christian Origins; Gail R. O’Day, former A.H. Shatford Professor of Preaching and New Testament; Walter Wilson, associate professor of New Testament; and Jacob Wright, assistant professor of Hebrew Bible. William Gilders, associate professor in Emory’s Department of Religion, was also a translator.