Almeida Corrigida Fiel

The Almeida Corrigida Fiel (ACF), published in 1995 by the Trinitarian Bible Society of Brazil (SBTB), represents a specific and highly valued branch of the long tradition of biblical translations in the Portuguese language initiated by João Ferreira de Almeida. This version is distinguished by its rigorous adherence to translation principles that prioritize textual fidelity and the preservation of the form and content of the manuscripts considered by its editors to be the most reliable and authoritative.

History and Context of the Translation

The genesis of the Almeida Corrigida Fiel dates back to the pioneering work of João Ferreira de Almeida, who in the 17th century undertook the first complete translation of the Bible into Portuguese directly from the original languages. His work, initially published in parts and later consolidated, became the basis for countless revisions and editions throughout the centuries. The "Almeida Corrigida" (Corrected Almeida) line emerged as one of the first attempts to improve the language and correct any inaccuracies in the original translation, seeking greater clarity and consistency.

However, over time and with the advancement of textual criticism, many revisions of the Almeida incorporated readings from manuscripts that diverged from the base texts historically used by Almeida and the Protestant Reformation. The Almeida Corrigida Fiel emerged in this context as a response to the perception that later revisions were moving away from fidelity to the traditional texts. The Trinitarian Bible Society of Brazil (SBTB) took responsibility for this edition, with the explicit goal of producing a Bible in Portuguese that would be as faithful as possible to the original Hebrew texts (Masoretic Text for the Old Testament) and Greek texts (Textus Receptus for the New Testament), without the influence of more recent critical manuscripts.

The publication of the ACF in 1995 marked a significant point, consolidating a version that not only maintained the classic language of the Almeida, but also reaffirmed a conservative textual position, aligned with the textual tradition of the Reformation. This effort was driven by the conviction that the selected base texts represent the purest and divinely preserved form of the Word of God.

Translation Methodology

The methodology underlying the Almeida Corrigida Fiel is strictly that of formal equivalence, also known as "word-for-word" translation. This method prioritizes a direct correspondence between the words and grammatical structures of the original languages (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and the target language (Portuguese). The intention is to preserve as much as possible the literary form and syntax of the original texts, even if this results in language that may seem more formal or less idiomatic to the contemporary reader.

The choice of base texts is a fundamental pillar of this methodology. For the Old Testament, the ACF relies on the Masoretic Text, the Hebrew textual tradition that has been the basis for most Protestant translations. For the New Testament, the version adopts the Textus Receptus (Received Text), a family of Greek manuscripts that served as the basis for Almeida's translation and for other Reformation Bibles, such as the King James Version. Adherence to the Textus Receptus implies the inclusion of passages that are omitted or questioned in translations based on more recent Greek manuscripts, such as those of the Alexandrian type (represented by editions like Nestle-Aland or UBS).

The revision and correction process for the ACF involved a meticulous examination of previous Almeida editions, comparing them with the original Hebrew and Greek texts (MT and TR). The objective was not to modernize the language, but rather to correct deviations and ensure that each translated word reflected the original intention of the biblical authors, as interpreted through the lens of the chosen base texts. This approach minimizes translator interpretation, seeking maximum transparency between the original text and the translation.

Distinctive Characteristics

The Almeida Corrigida Fiel presents several characteristics that differentiate it from other Portuguese Bible versions:

• Fidelity to Traditional Base Texts: The main distinction lies in its unwavering adherence to the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament and the Textus Receptus for the New Testament. This results in the inclusion of verses and phrases that are absent or placed in footnotes in other translations based on more recent manuscripts. Notable examples include Mark 16:9-20, John 7:53-8:11, and 1 John 5:7.
• Formal and Classical Language: The ACF maintains a formal and, at times, archaic language, inherited from the Almeida tradition. While this may pose a challenge for unfamiliar readers, it is seen as a means of preserving the dignity and solemnity of the biblical text, in addition to maintaining a connection with the historical tradition of the translation.
• Preserved Theological Terminology: There is a conscious effort to maintain traditional theological terms, such as "repentance," "justification," "atonement," and "propitiation," without replacing them with more modern equivalents that could, in the editors' view, dilute their original meaning or doctrinal connotation.
• Lexical Consistency: The translation seeks remarkable lexical consistency, using the same word in Portuguese to translate the same word in Hebrew or Greek whenever possible. This characteristic is valued by Bible students who wish to track the use of specific terms throughout the Scriptures.

Usage and Importance

The Almeida Corrigida Fiel is widely used and valued by Christian communities that advocate for the preservation of traditional base texts and a formal equivalence translation methodology. Reformed denominations and groups, conservative Baptists, and other evangelicals who emphasize the inerrancy and sufficiency of Scripture find in the ACF a tool they consider reliable for study, preaching, and personal devotion.

Its importance lies in its function as a guardian of a specific textual lineage and a translational approach that resists trends in language modernization and the adoption of more recent textual manuscripts. For many, the ACF is not just a translation, but a theological statement about the preservation and authority of the Word of God.

Contemporary Relevance

In the contemporary landscape of biblical translations, the Almeida Corrigida Fiel maintains its relevance as a robust alternative to versions based on critical texts and employing a dynamic equivalence methodology. It continues to fuel a vital debate on biblical textual criticism, the choice of base manuscripts, and the principles of translation.

Despite its more formal language and its adherence to texts that are subject to academic discussion, the ACF remains in constant print and use, demonstrating the persistence of a segment of Christianity that values tradition, strict textual fidelity, and the preservation of a specific theological heritage. Its existence ensures that Portuguese-speaking readers have access to a translation that reflects a particular textual and doctrinal perspective, influencing the theological formation and worldview of countless believers and communities.