Author:Prof. Isidore Pius EKPE, Prof. Dominica Emmanuel UKPONG, Prof. Daniel Effiong UMOH
Date: 05/07/2026
Translation fundamentally aims to convey the message of a source-language text to a target-language audience in a manner that is both intelligible and contextually appropriate. This objective aligns with the well-established definition proposed by Eugene Nida and Charles Taber, who describe translation as “reproducing in the receptor language the closest natural equivalent of the source-language message, first in terms of meaning and second in terms of style.” While it is generally acknowledged that translated texts strive to preserve both semantic content and stylistic features, practical realities reveal noticeable imbalances. Some translations tend to prioritize meaning at the expense of stylistic fidelity, whereas others overemphasize stylistic elegance, occasionally leading to distortion or exaggeration. This study examines the extent to which inadequate handling of lexical and contextual elements - here termed translational inconsistencies - within the King James Version contributes to partial misrepresentation or outright misconception of the intended message. The analysis focuses specifically on two biblical passages: Isaiah 14:12 and 2 Peter 1:19. Through a critical evaluation of these texts, the paper identifies sources of inconsistency and proposes strategies for minimizing such discrepancies in translation practice.
Keywords: translation, competence, Lucifer, misrepresentation, inconsistency
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