Principles of Translation

In the preparation of La Biblia de las Américas the translators have used such scholarly works as Rudolf Kittel's Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Novum Testamentum Graece by Nestle-Aland (twenty-seventh edition), and many documents, dictionaries, lexicons, concordances, Bibles, and commentaries which offer a wealth of information regarding the biblical text.

In recent times many documents have been discovered which illuminate the biblical text and clarify passages which were difficult to understand. More than 5,000 additional manuscripts have been discovered since 1611. The majority of these are of the Greek New Testament text, and compared with approximately 100 known manuscripts discovered prior to the middle of the 17th century, they provide a considerable amount of biblical documentation. The rules of contemporary Spanish grammar have been observed to make this literal translation fluent and readable while maintaining its literary beauty. 

The Fourfold Aim That Guides All of Our Translation Work

1. These publications shall be true to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.
2. They shall be grammatically correct.
3. They shall be understandable.
4. They shall give the Lord Jesus Christ His proper place, the place which the Word gives Him; therefore, no work will ever be personalized.

Introduction to La Biblia de las Américas

La Biblia de las Américas is a faithful translation of the Sacred Scriptures as they were written originally in Hebrew-Aramaic and Greek.  It has been produced for the purpose of offering the Spanish-speaking world the riches and power of the Word of God, in a form that is a true treasure for devotion in addition to being a practical instrument of study.  This version is a product of the intense work and dedication of a considerable number of distinguished scholars of various Christian denominations.  They represent various countries of Latin America, Spain and the United States.  LBLA is published with the firm conviction that the Sacred Scriptures, as they were written in the original languages, were inspired by God.  Since they are His eternal Word, they speak with renewed power to each generation to give the wisdom that leads to salvation in Christ, equipping the believer to enjoy an abundant and joyful life on earth, building a living testimony to the truth, for the eternal glory of God. 

The Editorial Committee has observed two basic principles: firstly, they tried to stay, in every possible way, to the original language of the Holy Scriptures. Secondly, they have observed the rules of modern grammar in considering both international and contemporary dimensions, using an agreeable and understandable style, trying to maintain the greatest degree of literary beauty.  La Biblia de las Américas offers the security that those seeking the message and the knowledge of the Scriptures, will find a trustworthy and clear translation of the truth revealed by God in His Word found within La Biblia de las Américas 

The decision to begin this project was made in 1970, and the prayerful search began for pastors and scholars to form the translation committee. The Lockman Foundation sought translators who were equally fluent in Spanish and English, and who had considerable knowledge of Hebrew and Greek. Personal qualifications were also important. This project needed those who had years of experience teaching the Word of God. Finding qualified people with this background was extremely difficult. The project would require years of dedicated effort, a commitment few were able to make. Prayers were answered as God began providing a qualified team for the translation work. Each new member increased the perspective and judgment of the committee.

By the time the translation team was assembled, all the desired qualities were represented. During the following nine years, the committee's dedication to the infallibility of Scripture remained constant.

The translators represent different geographical areas of the three Americas and Spain, and they come from various evangelical groups and denominations. All are dedicated Christians who love the Word of God and want to make it known to the word. Initial translation work of La Biblia de las Américaswas always done in committee, in order to combine the members' education and experience.

One important feature of this Spanish translation is the abundance of cross-references. Each reference in the Spanish translation has been read and verified. Parallel Scripture passages are indicated in both the Old Testament and the New Testament. Another outstanding feature of La Biblia de las Américas is the marginal notes. They follow the same format as those used in the New American Standard Bible. The addition of the references and notes creates an important new study Bible for the Spanish-speaking world.

After the text and notes were finalized and the references added, the completed manuscript was sent to a team of qualified proofreaders. Each book is repeatedly checked for typographical errors and technical details. This review provides consistent format and style, and aids in the elimination of errors.

Format

Important aspects of this literal translation are its many references, subtitles, marginal notes, and concordance, but most important of all is the accuracy and faithfulness of its translation. Those words which do not appear in the original writings, but which are necessary for a complete understanding of the text, appear in italic type. This allows the reader a greater understanding of the original text. The numbered notes within the verses are explanatory and do not contain theological interpretations, but indicate equivalencies, explanations, other possible translations of the same text, and literal translations which would be ambiguous if left in the text. La Biblia de las Américas presents to the reader a pleasing appearance in an easy-to-read format.

Translators

La Biblia de las Américas translation team was composed of college, university, and seminary language professors and pastors who represent various major evangelical denominations. They worked together in translation teams for a period of 15 years in order to complete this Bible. The translators were chosen for their skill and dedication and are from various locations throughout Latin America, Spain, and the United States of America to ensure that La Biblia de las Américas would communicate with Spanish-speaking people around the world.