On the Translation of the Bible - Feb 2026

The Bible is rarely read it in its original languages, but usually in translation. Translating the Bible is a unique and complex task, which inspires an intriguing array of literary, historical, and theological questions for both translators and readers. In this conversation, John Barton and Paula Gooder discuss the fascinating history and challenges of biblical translation and inspire us to think deeply about what it means to engage with Scripture in other languages. The Revd Professor John Barton is an Anglican priest and Biblical scholar. He is the Emeritus Oriel and Laing Professor of the Interpretation of Holy Scripture at the University of Oxford and is the author of several books including 'The Word: On the Translation of the Bible' (Allen Lane 2022) and 'A History of the Bible: The Book and Its Faiths' (Allen Lane 2019). Paula Gooder is Canon Chancellor of St Paul's Cathedral, a Biblical Scholar and the author of many academic and popular books on theology, faith and the Bible.