Bible Translation vs. Interpretation: Where Bible Translators Go Wrong with Hélène Dallaire (Women and Words)

Mutuality Matters

In this episode of Mutuality Matters, Dr. Mimi Haddad and Dr. Hélène Dallaire engage in a rich discussion on women's roles in biblical scholarship, the challenges faced in male-dominated fields, the impact of flawed Bible translations on women, and the crucial need for translating Scripture accurately to empower women. They explore stories of women overcoming barriers, the significance of mentoring in leadership, and the broader cultural implications of hierarchical teachings.

00:00 Introduction to Mutuality Matters

00:02 Breaking Gender Norms in Academia

01:28 Impact of Bible Translations on Women

05:06 The Role of Faith Communities in Addressing Abuse

05:52 Reinterpreting “Helper” in Genesis

11:08 Challenges and Progress for Women in Ministry

18:23 Mentorship and Leadership Development

25:23 Future of Bible Translation and Women's Roles

29:51 Concluding Thoughts and Encouragement

33:01 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Dr. Hélène Dallaire earned a PhD in Hebraic and Cognate Studies at Hebrew Union College. At Denver Seminary, Hélène is the Earl S. Kalland Professor OT and Semitic Languages and chairs the OT Department. She has served as Associate Pastor at Word Faith Christian Center in Vancouver and Oakville Canada. Hélène has published widely, with titles such as:

• The Baker Illustrated Study Bible

• Apollos OT Commentary Series by IVP

Dr. Dallaire has published articles and chapters in:

• “Gender Issues and the Role of Women in Joshua,” In Formation and Interpretation of Old Testament Literature. Leiden, Brill

• “Women: Let’s Use Our Voices – Psalm 68:12;” “Daughter of Zion/Jerusalem – Zephaniah 3:14-17;” and “A Woman in a Basket – Zechariah 5,” in Every Woman’s Bible, Tyndale; A review of

• Carol Meyer’s, Rediscovering Eve: Ancient Israelite Women in Context (Oxford) in the Journal of the Evangelical Study of the Old Testament

• “Women in the OT: A Legacy to Build On” for Denver Seminary’s Engage Magazine.

Hélène teaches courses on Women in the Old Testament, the Ancient Near East, and Women’s Leadership for the Association of Theological Schools, and with a CBE chapter locally. She serves on the board of the CBE Denver Chapter. Hélène received a 2024 CBE Lifetime Achievement Award.

Related Resources

An Update on CBE’s Translation Project

Words Matter: How a Corrected Translation Transformed a Community

Correcting Caricatures: Women and Bible Translation

The opinions expressed in CBE’s Mutuality Matters’ podcast are those of its hosts or guests and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of CBE International or its members or chapters worldwide. The designations employed in this podcast and the presentation of content therein do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of CBE concerning the legal status of any country, area or territory or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers.