Choose the Best Translation

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Denn durch solch eine Frage hast du offenbar deinen noch mehrseitigen Unglauben an den allerhellsten Tag gelegt, und es kann von dir mit Recht nichts anderes gedacht werden, als daß du noch eine starke Portion Unglaubens in dir birgst, dem du nun für alle Zeiten einen festen Abschied geben mußt!“
Translation A:
For by asking such a question you have evidently revealed your unbelief, which is still on several sides, to the very brightest day, and nothing else can rightly be thought of you but that you still harbor a strong portion of unbelief, to which you must now give a firm farewell for all time!"
Translation B:
For by such a question you have evidently exposed your even more profound disbelief to the clearest of light, and nothing else can rightly be thought of you than that you still harbor a strong portion of disbelief within you, which you must now firmly bid farewell to for all time!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Mochtest du aber der Lüge dein Ohr so willfährig leihen, so leihe es nun um so willfähriger der offensten Wahrheit auch, für die du hier mehr Zeugen findest als in der Stadt für die unverschämteste Lüge von etlichen argen Neidern!“ Sagt der Anführer: „Das sind leere Ausflüchte und gelten bei mir nichts.
Translation A:
However, if you were so willing to listen to lies, you should now be even more willing to listen to the most blatant truth, for which you will find more witnesses here than those malicious detractors could find in the city for their most outrageous lies!" The leader says, "These are empty excuses and mean nothing to me."
Translation B:
But if you were so willing to lend your ear to lies, then be even more willing now to listen to the plain truth—especially since here you will find more witnesses for it than there are in the city for the most shameless lies spread by a few maliciously envious people!" The leader replies: "Those are empty excuses and mean nothing to me."

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Und Ich sage dir noch dazu, daß Ich das Vermögen habe, so viele Weiber allerseligst zu erhalten, als es da gibt des Sandes im Meer und des Grases auf der Erde, und daß eine jede also versorgt sein wird, daß sie ewig nie einen Wunsch wird haben können, der ihr nicht aufs zuvorkommendste befriedigt würde.
Translation A:
And I also tell you that I have the ability to preserve as many women as there are sands in the sea and grass on the earth, and that each one will be so provided for that she will never be able to have a desire that would not be most obligingly satisfied.
Translation B:
Furthermore, I tell you that I have the means to support as many women in the highest bliss as there are grains of sand in the sea and blades of grass on the earth, and that each one will be so well provided for that she will never have a wish that wouldn't be fulfilled in the most obliging manner.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Als wir allda gerade mit dem Untergange der Sonne ankamen, da bemerkte der Wirt, daß das Meer nun in einer allerstärksten Aufregung sich befinde und er in einer Entfernung von etwa hundert Feldwegen ein Schiff sehe, das bei diesem gar sehr fürchterlichen Wogengange offenbar zugrunde gehen werde.
Translation A:
As we arrived just as the sun was setting, the innkeeper noticed that the sea was extremely rough. He pointed out a ship about a hundred fields away that looked like it was about to be destroyed by the terrible waves.
Translation B:
Just as we arrived there at sunset, the innkeeper noticed that the sea was in a state of extreme agitation, and that he could see a ship about a hundred fields away, which, given the terrifying waves, was clearly in danger of sinking.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aus allem dem aber könnet ihr nun doch wohl entnehmen, was ihr bei der Ausbreitung Meiner Lehre bei den Menschen vor allem zu bewerkstelligen habt; das viele und das Außerordentliche aber braucht ihr nicht allen Menschen zu verkünden, sondern nur denen, die euch im Amte folgen werden!
Translation A:
From all this, however, you can surely understand what your primary task must be when spreading My teachings among people; the many details and extraordinary aspects need not be shared with everyone, but only with those who will follow you in your ministry!
Translation B:
From all of this, however, you should now understand what you primarily need to accomplish when spreading My teaching among people; the extensive and extraordinary aspects, however, you need not proclaim to everyone, but only to those who will succeed you in your office.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Nur begreife ich unsere menschliche Keckheit nicht, die da mit Ihm so mir und dir nichts reden kann, als hätte sie ihresgleichen vor sich!“ Sagen die beiden Engel: „Er Selbst will es also; denn die Kinder haben von Ewigkeit her das Recht, mit dem Vater zu reden nach ihrer Herzenslust!
Translation A:
"I simply cannot comprehend the audacity of humans, speaking to Him with such familiarity, as if addressing a peer!" The two angels respond, "He Himself desires it so; for from eternity, children have the right to speak to their Father according to the desires of their hearts!"
Translation B:
"I simply cannot comprehend our human audacity, speaking to Him with such familiarity, as if addressing a peer!" The two angels reply: "He Himself desires it so; for from eternity, the children have had the right to speak with the Father according to the desires of their hearts!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Wenn man nur Seine durchgehends erhabenst herrliche Menschengestalt mit einer rechten Aufmerksamkeit betrachtet, so kann man keinen Augenblick mehr darüber im Zweifel sein, daß in solch einer noch nie dagewesenen edelsten Menschenform ein Geist wohnen müsse, dem alles möglich sein muß, was Er nur immer will.
Translation A:
Simply observing his consistently sublime and magnificent human form with due attention leaves no room for doubt that such an unprecedentedly noble physical form must house a spirit capable of achieving anything it desires.
Translation B:
Simply observing His consistently sublime and magnificent human form with due attention, there can be no doubt—even for a moment—that a spirit must dwell within such an unprecedentedly noble form—a spirit for whom everything must be possible, whatever He wills.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Sagte nun der Römer Markus: „O Herr und Meister, das ist mir wenigstens nun alles wohl klar; aber das sehe ich nun auch ganz hell ein, daß dieses die Menschen, die das von irgendher vernehmen werden, nicht fassen und begreifen werden; denn dazu gehören wohl die allergewaltigsten Vorkenntnisse!
Translation A:
Now the Roman Mark said: “O Lord and Master, all this is now clear to me at least; but I also see quite clearly that the people who will hear this from somewhere will not be able to grasp or understand it; for this requires the most powerful foreknowledge!
Translation B:
The Roman, Marcus, then said: "Oh Lord and Master, at least this is all very clear to me now. However, I also see quite clearly that people who hear about this from somewhere will not grasp or understand it, as it requires a great deal of prior knowledge!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Der liebe Herr hat ja alles allerbestens also eingerichtet, daß es zum Glück und größten Heile jener Menschen gereichen muß, die Seine Gebote halten und mit aller Zuversicht auf Ihn vertrauen.‘ Darin stimmte auch unser Grieche mit der Meinung des alten Joseph überein, fragte Mich aber doch, was Ich dazu sage.
Translation A:
The dear Lord has arranged everything in the best possible way so that it must lead to the happiness and greatest salvation of those people who keep His commandments and trust in Him with all confidence. In this our Greek also agreed with the opinion of old Joseph, but asked me what I had to say about it.
Translation B:
The good Lord has arranged everything in the best possible way so that it must lead to the happiness and greatest salvation of those who follow His commandments and trust in Him with complete confidence. On this point, our Greek agreed with old Joseph’s opinion, but still asked Me what I say about it.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aber es ist dennoch gut, ihn sooft als möglich an der Ausführung irgendeines selbstsüchtigen Unternehmens zu hindern; er verliert dadurch mehr und mehr den argen Mut wegen des stets erfolgten Mißlingens und unterläßt das Schlechte, wennschon nicht aus Abscheu vor demselben, so doch aus Ärger.
Translation A:
But it is nevertheless good to prevent him as often as possible from carrying out some selfish enterprise; he thereby loses more and more courage because of the failure that always follows, and refrains from doing the bad thing, if not out of disgust at it, at least out of anger.
Translation B:
However, it's still beneficial to thwart his selfish endeavors as often as possible. Repeated failures will gradually erode his boldness, and he will eventually abandon his wicked schemes, if not out of disgust, then at least out of frustration.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Nur ganz dunkel kann ich mich erinnern, daß wir von den bösen Zauberern, als wir keine Raubmörder werden wollten, einer gar argen und finstern Gesellschaft übergeben worden sind, durch deren Behandlung wir in kurzer Zeit alle unsere Besinnung verloren und bis zur Stunde nicht wieder erhielten!
Translation A:
I can only dimly remember that when we did not want to become robbers, we were handed over by the evil sorcerers to a very bad and dark company, through whose treatment we all lost our senses in a short time and have not regained them to this day!
Translation B:
I can only vaguely remember that, because we refused to become bandits, the evil sorcerers handed us over to a truly terrible and sinister group, whose treatment caused us to lose all sense of ourselves in a short time—and we have not regained it to this day!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Und als das Zimmer von allen überflüssigen Menschen geleert war, da trat Ich zu der Ertrunkenen hin, legte ihr Meine Hand auf und sagte: „Tochter, stehe auf von deinem Schlafe!“ Und in demselben Augenblicke richtete sich die Tochter im Bette auf und fragte sogleich, was denn mit ihr nun vorgegangen sei.
Translation A:
Once the room was cleared of everyone who didn't need to be there, I approached the drowned girl, placed my hand on her, and said, "Daughter, awaken from your sleep!" Instantly, the girl sat up in bed and immediately asked what had happened to her.
Translation B:
And when the room had been cleared of all unnecessary people, I approached the drowned girl, placed My hand upon her, and said, “Daughter, arise from your sleep!” And in that very moment, the girl sat up in bed and immediately asked what had just happened to her.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Also sind auch wir Engel, wie gesagt, an und für sich nur Brennspiegel zur Aufnahme und zur Verdichtung des göttlichen Willens, und wo wir dann handeln, da handeln wir durch den Brennpunkt des in uns verdichteten göttlichen Willens, und du kannst dann nichts als Wunder über Wunder sehen.
Translation A:
So we angels too, as I said, are in and of ourselves only burning mirrors for the reception and condensation of the divine will, and where we then act, we act through the focal point of the divine will condensed in us, and you can then see nothing but miracle upon miracle.
Translation B:
So we angels, as I said, are in and of themselves only burning mirrors for the reception and condensation of the divine will, and when we then act, we act through the focal point of the divine will condensed within us, and you can then see nothing but miracles upon miracles.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aber, wie gesagt, um das zu erreichen, muß der Mensch sich zuvor die alte adamitische Sünde vom Leibe schaffen, und das geht auf keine andere Weise, als auf die nur, die Ich euch soeben gezeigt habe: die Weltsorgen müssen von der Seele freitätig über Bord geworfen werden, ansonst gibt es kein Mittel!
Translation A:
But, as I said, in order to achieve this, a person must first rid themselves of the old Adamic sin—and there is no other way to do this than the one I have just shown you: the worries of the world must be actively cast overboard by the soul itself; otherwise, there is no remedy!
Translation B:
But, as I said, in order to achieve that, a person must first rid themselves of the old Adamic sin—and this can only be done in the way I have just shown you: worldly concerns must be voluntarily cast overboard from the soul, otherwise there is no remedy!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Die neuen Jünger konnten auch nicht genug erstaunen über dieses Zeichen und sagten: „Das würde sicher den ganzen Tempel bekehren!“ Ich aber sagte: „Ein noch größeres Zeichen ähnlicher Art wird eben die Templer über Mich derart erbittern, daß sie dann alles aufbieten werden, um Mich zu töten.
Translation A:
The new disciples were also filled with amazement at this sign and said, "Surely this would convert the entire temple!" But I replied, "An even greater sign of a similar kind will so enrage the temple leaders against Me that they will do everything in their power to have Me killed."
Translation B:
The new disciples were also filled with amazement at this sign and said, "Surely this would convert the entire temple!" But I said, "An even greater sign of a similar kind will so enrage the temple leaders against Me that they will do everything in their power to kill me."

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Sie sollen nur warten, wie das sogar königliche Leute und Familien tun müssen.“ Da verneigte sich der Bote und ging und hinterbrachte das wortgetreu den beiden Pharisäern, die sich dadurch höchlichst beleidigt fanden und in den Boten drangen, ihnen zu sagen, wo sich der Oberste aufhalte.
Translation A:
"They are simply to wait, just as even royal persons and families must do." With that, the messenger bowed and left, delivering the message word for word to the two Pharisees, who took great offense and pressed the messenger to tell them where the chief official was.
Translation B:
"They are simply to wait, as even royalty and their families are required to do." With that, the messenger bowed and left, delivering the message word for word to the two Pharisees, who felt deeply offended by it and pressed the messenger to tell them where the High Official could be found.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Er ließ nämlich die Sonne hineinscheinen und zündete dann im überaus lichten Brennpunkte, der so beiläufig eine gute halbe Mannslänge außerhalb der von allen Seiten gegen die Mitte eingebogenen Fläche sich befand, allerlei brennbare Dinge an, was dich in ein noch höheres Erstaunen versetzt hat.
Translation A:
He let the sun shine in and then lit all sorts of flammable things in the extremely bright focal point, which was located a good half a man's length outside the area that was bent towards the middle on all sides, which amazed you even more.
Translation B:
He let the sun shine in and then, at the extremely bright focal point – which, incidentally, was located a good half a man's length outside the surface curved inward from all sides toward the center – he ignited various flammable materials, which astonished you even further.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Bei euch möget ihr als Herren schalten und walten nach eurem Belieben und nach euren Gesetzen, und wir schalten und walten hier nach unseren Gesetzen und erkennen niemand außer Gott als einen Herrn an und den auch, der von Gott Selbst uns zu einem Obersten gegeben und gesetzt worden ist!
Translation A:
With you, you may rule and reign as lords at your pleasure and according to your laws, and we rule and reign here according to our laws and recognize no one but God as a lord and also the one who has been given and appointed to us by God Himself as a ruler!
Translation B:
In your land, you may rule and govern as you please and according to your own laws, but here we rule and govern according to our laws, and acknowledge no one as our lord except God, and the one whom God Himself has given and appointed to us as a leader!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
So nun jemand behaupten möchte, daß es im eigentlichen Sinne der Wahrheit nach keine Tugend und somit auch kein Laster gäbe, und daß man sehr unrecht tue, den Geiz gegenüber der Freigebigkeit zu verdammen, der sei auf diese Meine Erläuterung angewiesen; er betrachte sie, und erwäge sie wohl!
Translation A:
If someone wants to argue that, in the truest sense of the word, there is no such thing as virtue or vice, and that it's wrong to condemn greed in comparison to generosity, then they should pay attention to my explanation. They should consider it and reflect on it carefully!
Translation B:
If someone were to claim that, in the truest sense of the word, there were no such thing as virtue and therefore no vice either, and that one would be very wrong to condemn greed in contrast to generosity, then they should refer to this explanation of mine; let them consider it and weigh it carefully!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Gott aber verlangt von den Menschen wahrlich nicht mehr, als daß sie an Ihn als den einen, allein wahren und ewig lebendigen Gott glauben, Seinen Namen nicht eitel nennen oder gar lästern und Ihn also als den guten Vater erkennen und über alles lieben sollen und ihre Mitmenschen wie sich selbst.
Translation A:
But God truly demands nothing more from people than that they believe in Him as the one, only true and eternally living God, that they should not use His name in vain or even blaspheme, and that they should therefore recognize Him as the good Father and love Him above all else and their fellow human beings as themselves.
Translation B:
God truly asks nothing more of people than that they believe in Him as the one, only true, and eternally living God; that they do not use His name in vain or blaspheme it; and that they thus recognize Him as the good Father, love Him above all else, and love their fellow human beings as themselves.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Und so hattest du darauf wohl noch fortgeforscht und gesucht, aber zum Handeln kamst du nicht und glichest einem Baumeister, der einen Bauplan um den andern macht; aber so es zum Ins-Werk-Setzen des Bauplanes kommen soll, da läßt er sich von der Mühe und den Unkosten abschrecken und es kommt zu keinem Bau.
Translation A:
And so you likely continued to research and search, but you never took action. You were like an architect who keeps drawing up one blueprint after another, but when it comes time to actually build, he is discouraged by the effort and the cost—and so nothing ever gets built.
Translation B:
And so you likely continued researching and searching, but you didn't take action. You were like an architect who keeps drafting one blueprint after another; yet when it comes time to actually carry out the plan, he is deterred by the effort and the cost, and in the end, no building is ever constructed.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Die Tochter aber bekannte laut und sagte: „Der große Meister aus Nazareth hat mir das getan; aber er sagte auch, daß wir ihm darum nun sofort ein gutes Abendmahl bereiten sollten, – und so tun wir denn das auch vor allem!“ Da griff alles zu, und wir hatten bald ein reichliches Mahl vor uns.
Translation A:
But the daughter confessed aloud and said: "The great Master from Nazareth did this to me; but he also said that we should therefore immediately prepare a good supper for him - and so we do that first of all!" Then everyone took part, and we soon had a plentiful meal before us.
Translation B:
The daughter then exclaimed loudly, saying, "The great teacher from Nazareth did this for me! And he also said that we should immediately prepare a good supper for him because of it, so that's exactly what we're going to do!" With that, everyone pitched in, and we soon had a plentiful meal laid out before us.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Ich verbot ihm aber in einzelnen Fällen, wo die Bittenden einen starken Glauben an den Tag legten, nicht, diesen oder einen andern wieder zu beleben; aber er solle sich zuvor stets zu Mir im Geiste wenden, und Ich würde es ihm kundtun, ob die Tat zu vollführen oder zu unterlassen sei.
Translation A:
However, I did not forbid him in individual cases, where the petitioners showed strong faith, to revive this or another person; but he should always turn to Me in spirit beforehand and I would make it known to him whether the deed was to be carried out or not.
Translation B:
However, I did not forbid him in certain cases—when those pleading showed strong faith—from bringing this person or another back to life; but I instructed him always to turn to Me in spirit beforehand, and I would reveal to him whether the act should be carried out or not.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Sage Ich: „Ja, ja, sie werden für dich und deinesgleichen wohl Götter sein; daher laß uns nun weiterziehen und führe deine Untersuchung im Schlosse, sonst wird dir Ärgeres widerfahren!“ Sagt der Anführer: „Ich erkenne euch alsonach für unschuldig und gestatte euch, eures Weges weiterzuziehen.
Translation A:
I said, "Yes, yes, they may well be gods to you and those like you; therefore, let us move on and conduct your investigation in the castle, or worse will happen to you!" The leader said, "I therefore acknowledge your innocence and allow you to continue on your way."
Translation B:
I say: "Yes, yes, they may well be gods to you and those like you; therefore, let us move on now and conduct your investigation in the castle, or something worse will happen to you!" The leader replies: "I therefore recognize you as innocent and permit you to continue on your way."

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Tut er das, wozu er alle Mittel besitzt, so wird er erst ein rechter Mensch in der wahren, ewigen Ordnung Gottes; tut er das aber nicht, so bleibt er ein Tier, das als solches kein Leben in sich hat und somit auch keines an einen Nächsten durch gute und liebreiche Werke übergehen lassen kann.
Translation A:
If a person uses all the means at their disposal to do what is right, only then do they become a true human being within the genuine, eternal order of God. But if they fail to do so, they remain an animal, which as such has no life within itself and therefore is unable to pass on life to others through good and loving deeds.
Translation B:
If he makes use of all the means available to him, then he becomes a truly righteous person, in the true, eternal order of God; but if he fails to do so, he remains an animal, which as such is devoid of true life within itself and therefore incapable of passing any life on to a neighbor through good and loving deeds.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Ich sagte zu ihm: „Sieh zu, so du nun gesund geworden bist, daß du in der Folge nicht mehr sündigest, auf daß dir nicht noch etwas Ärgeres widerfahre!“ (Joh.5,14) Er beteuerte das und erfuhr bei dieser Gelegenheit Meinen Namen, was eben ein leichtes war, da Mich viele von früheren Zeiten her kannten.
Translation A:
I said to him: "See to it, if you have now recovered, that you sin no more, so that nothing worse may happen to you." (John 5:14) He affirmed this and on this occasion learned My name, which was easy, since many knew Me from earlier times.
Translation B:
I told him, "Now that you are healed, make sure you don't sin anymore, or something even worse may happen to you!" He promised he wouldn't. It was also at this time that he learned my name, which was easy enough since many people already knew me from before.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Kornelius fällt Mir auf diese Rede schon wieder um den Hals und sagt tief ergriffen: „Ja, solche Worte kann nur ein Gott, und nie ein Mensch, zu den Menschen sprechen!“ Sage Ich: „Ja, ganz gut und in aller Ordnung gibst du Mir ein rechtes Zeugnis, und es wird dir auch die besten Früchte tragen!
Translation A:
Cornelius throws his arms around My neck again at this speech and says, deeply moved: “Yes, only a God, and never a man, can speak such words to men!” I say: “Yes, you are giving Me a true testimony quite well and in all order, and it will also bear you the best fruits!
Translation B:
After my speech, Cornelius embraces me, deeply moved, and exclaims, "Only a god could speak such words to mankind, never a mere mortal!" I reply, "Yes, it is good and right that you acknowledge me, and this recognition will bring you great rewards!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Als wir aber noch also redeten, da kam ein Bote, aus der Wunderburg entsandt, zu uns in die Herberge und sagte, daß soeben zwei hohe Älteste und Pharisäer aus Jerusalem in die Burg gekommen seien mit einem glänzenden Gefolge und sogleich mit dem Obersten selbst höchst dringlich zu sprechen wünschten.
Translation A:
But while we were still talking like this, a messenger, sent from the Wunderburg, came to us in the inn and said that two high elders and Pharisees had just arrived from Jerusalem into the castle with a splendid retinue and that they urgently wanted to speak to the colonel himself.
Translation B:
While we were still speaking, a messenger arrived at the inn, sent from the Wunderburg, and said that two high elders and Pharisees from Jerusalem had just arrived at the castle with a splendid entourage and wished to speak immediately and most urgently with the commander himself.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
So wir Ihn auch noch werden reden gehört haben, dann werden wir ganz still an einen Diener unsere Zeche bezahlen und uns darauf sogleich frohen und dankbarsten Herzens und Mutes auf die Rückreise begeben; denn hier wird es mir wenigstens vor lauter Erhabenheit und Heiligkeit ordentlich unheimlich.
Translation A:
Once we have heard him speak as well, we will quietly pay our bill to a waiter and then, with joyful and most grateful hearts and spirits, set off on our journey home; for here, at least to me, the sheer grandeur and holiness are becoming almost unsettling.
Translation B:
Once we have heard him speak as well, we will quietly pay our bill to a waiter and then immediately, with joyful and most grateful hearts and spirits, set off on our journey home; for here, at least to me, the sheer grandeur and holiness is starting to make me feel quite uneasy.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Du hast es aber eigentlich schon gefunden; nur bist du jetzt noch einem Menschen zu vergleichen, der mitten in einem dichten Walde eben den Wald vor lauter Bäumen nicht sieht.“ Sagte der Priester: „Höre, du wahrlich weisester Meister, wie soll ich das verstehen und nehmen?“ Sagte Ich: „Siehe her!
Translation A:
But you have actually already found it; only now you can still be compared to a person who cannot see the wood for the trees in the middle of a dense forest." Said the priest: "Listen, you truly wisest master, how am I to understand and take this?" I said: "Look here!
Translation B:
"But you've essentially already found it; you're just like a person standing in the middle of a dense forest who can't see the forest for the trees." The priest said, "Listen, you truly wisest master, how am I to understand and interpret this?" I said, "Look here!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Wird der Mensch dieser inneren Stimme folgen, so wird er sogleich auf dem rechten Wege sein; wird er sich aber nicht danach kehren, sondern tun nach der tobenden Leidenschaft seines Fleisches, so wird er es sich dann nur selbst zuzuschreiben haben, so er vom eigenen Gerichte in sich selbst verschlungen wird.
Translation A:
If a person follows this inner voice, he will immediately be on the right path; but if he does not follow it, but acts according to the raging passion of his flesh, he will only have himself to blame if he is swallowed up by his own judgment.
Translation B:
If a person follows this inner voice, they will immediately be on the right path; but if they ignore it and instead act according to the raging desires of the flesh, they will have only themselves to blame when they are consumed by the judgment that arises within their own being.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Dieser Mann, der hier zu meiner Rechten am Tische sitzet und unser aller Herzen und Nieren prüft, ist es, zu dem ihr nach Galiläa ziehen wolltet!“ Als die dreißig das von Roklus vernommen hatten, da fielen sie vor höchster Ehrfurcht auf ihre Gesichter und schrien: „Ehre Dir, Gott in der Höhe!
Translation A:
This man, who sits here at the table to my right and knows the innermost thoughts and hearts of us all, is the one you intended to seek in Galilee!” When the thirty heard this from Roklus, they fell to their faces in deepest reverence and cried out, “Glory to You, God in the highest!”
Translation B:
"This man, who sits here at the table to my right and scrutinizes our very souls, is the one you sought to find in Galilee!" When the thirty heard this from Roklus, they fell to their faces in profound reverence and cried out, "Glory to You, God in the highest!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aus eben dem Grunde aber ward Mir denn auch in vielen Familien die größte Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt, wie natürlich auch allen denen, die Ich als Meine Jünger bezeichnete, und es entschlossen sich daher auch Jakobus und Johannes, Meine Jünger zu werden, um dann mit Mir die Völker der Erde zu beherrschen!
Translation A:
But for this very reason I was given the greatest attention in many families, as of course were all those whom I called My disciples, and therefore James and John also decided to become My disciples in order to rule the nations of the earth with Me!
Translation B:
For this very reason, the greatest attention was paid to Me in many families, as was naturally the case with all those whom I called My disciples, and therefore James and John also decided to become My disciples in order to then rule the peoples of the earth with Me!

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aber es war das vor der großen Menge des Volkes nicht möglich und auch nicht ratsam; denn alles Volk jubelte über diesen jungen Mann, der endlich einmal den Mut hatte, den überhochtrabenden Pharisäern und Schriftgelehrten so recht derb die volle Wahrheit unter ihre Nasen zu streichen!
Translation A:
But this was neither possible nor advisable in front of the large crowd of people, for all the people rejoiced over this young man who finally had the courage to put the full truth under the noses of the overly arrogant Pharisees and scribes!
Translation B:
However, it wasn't possible or advisable to do so in front of the large crowd, because the people were cheering for this young man who had finally had the courage to bluntly expose the pompous Pharisees and scribes to the full truth.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aber es verhält sich diese Sache also: Mit dem Drang zur Selbstsucht und zum Geiz kommt ein jeder Mensch als Kind zur Welt, und dessen Seele hat durchgängig noch das gröbst-materiell-tierische Element in sich, und namentlich gilt das für jene Seelen, die nicht von oben, sondern nur von dieser Erde her sind.
Translation A:
But the situation is this: every human being comes into the world as a child with the urge to selfishness and greed, and his soul still has the crudest material-animal element within it, and this applies especially to those souls who are not from above, but only from this earth.
Translation B:
But the matter stands as follows: Every human being is born with an innate tendency toward selfishness and greed, and their soul still pervasively contains the crudest, material, animalistic element. This is especially true for those souls that originate not from above, but solely from this Earth.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Darum aber wird den Kindern diese Ehre auch bald weggenommen und den Fremden gegeben werden!“ (Luk.17,17-19) Der Samariter aber kniete noch am Boden vor Mir, und Ich sagte zu ihm abermals mit freundlichen Worten: „Stehe nun nur ganz auf, und gehe in die Herberge; denn dein Glaube hat dir geholfen!
Translation A:
Therefore this honor will soon be taken away from the children and given to the strangers!" (Luk 17:17-19) But the Samaritan was still kneeling on the ground before Me, and I said to him again with kind words: "Now get up completely and go to the inn, for your faith has helped you!
Translation B:
"Therefore, this honor will soon be taken away from the children and given to strangers!" (Luke 17:17-19) But the Samaritan was still kneeling on the ground before Me, and I said to him again with kind words: “Now rise fully and go to the inn, for your faith has made you well!”

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Wo das in einem großen Menschenvereine nicht der Fall ist, da geht ehestens alles aus den Fugen!“ Sage Ich: „Ja, ja, hier hast du recht, – aber nur in der dir angezeigten Gemeinde; wirst du aber allenthalben das von dir Vorgestellte anwenden, so wirst du mehr Schaden als Nutzen anrichten!
Translation A:
Where this is not the case within a large community of people, everything soon falls apart!" I said: "Yes, yes, you're right about that—but only in the specific community I pointed out to you. If, however, you try to apply your idea everywhere, you will cause more harm than good!"
Translation B:
"Where this is not the case within a large community of people, everything soon falls apart!" I said: "Yes, yes, you're right about that — but only in the specific community I pointed out to you. If, however, you try to apply your idea everywhere, you will cause more harm than good!"

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Und ich als Bote habe nun geredet, und ihr könnet gehen, wie ihr gekommen seid, so ihr nicht warten wollet oder könnet!“ Auf das kehrte der Bote den Pharisäern und ihrem schönen Gefolge den Rücken, und diesen blieb nichts übrig, als sich in eine Herberge zu begeben und dort zu warten, bis sie gerufen würden.
Translation A:
And I, as a messenger, have now spoken, and you can go as you came, if you do not want to or cannot wait!” At this, the messenger turned his back on the Pharisees and their beautiful entourage, and they had no choice but to go to an inn and wait there until they were called.
Translation B:
And I, as the messenger, have now spoken, and you may leave the way you came—if you will not or cannot wait!” With that, the messenger turned his back on the Pharisees and their distinguished entourage, leaving them with no choice but to seek lodging at an inn and wait there until they were summoned.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Und der junge Mensch, der früher so gut geredet hatte, sagte durch die Bodenöffnung: „Ob das wohl auch der Hohepriester zu Jerusalem zuwege brächte mit tausend Ochsen, zehntausend Eseln und hunderttausend Schafen?!“ Diese drollige Frage erweckte eine große Lache selbst bei den Pharisäern.
Translation A:
And the young man who had spoken so well before said through the opening in the floor: “Could the high priest in Jerusalem also accomplish this with a thousand oxen, ten thousand donkeys, and a hundred thousand sheep?!” This funny question aroused a great laugh even among the Pharisees.
Translation B:
And the young man, who had spoken so eloquently before, called out through the opening in the floor: “I wonder if even the High Priest in Jerusalem could manage that—with a thousand oxen, ten thousand donkeys, and a hundred thousand sheep?!” This amusing question provoked laughter, even from the Pharisees.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
(Der Herr:) „Als die Erde in ihren Urzeiten nur so weit gediehen war, daß sich über ihren Gewässern nur einige größere und kleinere Inseln erhoben, die mit dem Meeresschlamme überdeckt waren, da legte Ich auch bald aus Meiner Weisheit und aus Meinem Willen allerlei Pflanzensamen in den fruchtbaren Schlamm.
Translation A:
(The Lord:) "When the earth in its primeval times had only grown so far that only a few larger and smaller islands rose above its waters, which were covered with the sea mud, then I also soon laid all kinds of plant seeds in the fertile mud out of My wisdom and out of My will.
Translation B:
(The Lord:) "When the Earth, in its earliest stages, had developed only to the point where a few larger and smaller islands rose above its waters, still covered with marine silt, I then, through My wisdom and will, soon placed various plant seeds into the fertile mud."

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Es ist daher zeitweilig jede Krankheit zu heilen, wenn man die Fleischmasse zu erleichtern versteht; aber fürs Alter des Fleisches gibt es keine Erleichterung mehr, obwohl ein in guter Ordnung lebender Mensch noch bis in ein sehr hohes Alter im ganzen wenig von einem Schmerze zu erzählen wissen wird.
Translation A:
Therefore, any illness can be temporarily cured if one understands how to lighten the burden on the body. However, there is no relief for the aging of the body itself. Although, a person who lives a healthy and balanced life will likely experience very little pain, even in very old age.
Translation B:
Therefore, any illness can be temporarily cured if one understands how to lighten the burden on the body. However, there is no relief for the aging of the body itself. Although, a person who lives a well-ordered life will likely experience very little pain, even in very old age.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Wohl könnet ihr Römer mit euren scharfen Schwertern bekämpfen des Löwen Grimm, und Tiger, Leoparden und Hyänen müssen fliehen vor dem lauten Geklirre eurer Schilde und Lanzen; aber wenn ihr irgend von argen Dämonen überfallen werdet, was habt ihr diesen unsichtbaren Feinden für Waffen entgegenzustellen?
Translation A:
You Romans may be skilled at fighting fierce lions with your sharp swords. Tigers, leopards, and hyenas may flee from the loud clanging of your shields and spears. But if you are ever attacked by evil demons, what weapons do you have to defend yourselves against these invisible enemies?
Translation B:
You Romans may well fight the fury of lions with your sharp swords, and tigers, leopards, and hyenas must flee from the loud clanging of your shields and spears; but if you are ever attacked by evil demons, what weapons do you have to defend yourselves against these invisible enemies?

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aus dem aber geht doch klar hervor, daß das Streben des Menschen – wenn er einmal die Wege kennt – nach der Wiedergeburt seines Geistes in seine Seele das allererste und allerhöchste Bedürfnis ist; denn ohne dieses hört er auch bei aller seiner noch so klaren Wissenschaft völlig auf, ein Mensch zu sein.
Translation A:
But from this it is clear that the striving of man—once he knows the ways—for the rebirth of his spirit into his soul is the very first and highest need; for without this he completely ceases to be a man, even with all his clear science.
Translation B:
This clearly shows that, once a person knows the way, the deepest and most essential human need is the rebirth of the spirit within the soul; for without this, no matter how advanced their knowledge may be, they cease to be truly human.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Ich werde euch hernach eure innere Sehe auftun, und ihr werdet da den Mond ebenso besehen können, wie ihr nun die Gegenden dieser Erde besehen könnet, und das wird besser sein, als so Ich euch diese Sache mit vielen tausend Worten erklärte.“ Damit waren auch alle zufrieden und dankten Mir schon zum voraus.
Translation A:
Afterwards I will open your inner vision to you, and you will then be able to see the moon just as you can now see the regions of this earth, and that will be better than if I were to explain this matter to you in many thousands of words.” With this, everyone was satisfied and thanked Me in advance.
Translation B:
I will later open your inner vision, and you will be able to see the moon just as clearly as you can now see the regions of this Earth. That will be better than if I explained it to you with thousands of words." With that, everyone was content and thanked Me in advance.

Which translation has more accurately captured the meaning of the original text?

Original:
Aber darum ergrimmte Ich dennoch nicht vor Zorn und Rache, sondern ließ sie handeln und die traurige Erfahrung machen, daß die Unvernunft und die Unkunde – als selbst schuld an dem, was sie sind – mit der großen Natur und Ordnung Gottes durchaus nicht alles machen dürfen, was ihnen in ihrer Blindheit beliebt.
Translation A:
But for this reason I did not become angry and take revenge, but let them act and make the sad experience that unreason and ignorance – as they themselves are to blame for what they are – are not allowed to do with the great nature and order of God whatever they please in their blindness.
Translation B:
But even so, I did not become angry or seek revenge. Instead, I allowed them to act and to learn through painful experience that irrationality and ignorance—being themselves to blame for what they are—cannot do whatever they please within God's great order and nature, no matter how much they may wish to in their blindness.