definition and description of the final authority

comparing definition of a translation to that of the final authority

The very word "translation" by definition indicates its need of a source or sources from which to be translated. Of what is it a translation? What is more essential to the being of a translation than the source or sources from which it was translated? A correct analytic statement is true by virtue of the meanings of its terms alone. It is logically and Scripturally impossible for a translation by men that were not directly inspired by God to be the ultimate authority beyond which there is no other. A translation cannot be an exact duplicate of the originals; otherwise, by definition it is not a translation. By definition, a translation cannot be the translation of nothing. A translation is not free from all causes and independent of all sources and authorities. By definition, a translation is translated from and based on something. The source of a translation would be one of its causes since it would be necessary for the source to exist before a translation could be made from it. Therefore, the correct use and true sense of the term translation indicate that a translation is an effect or consequence that presupposes a cause or causes. Can an effect surpass the authority of its cause? A cause would need to be first in time, order, and authority over its effect. A translation that is not direct revelation from God is not independent and underived since that translation depends on its underlying texts for its authority. By definition, the final or ultimate authority is independent of and above all other authorities. By definition, the final authority is the first and foremost authority, before and above all others and beyond which there is no other. The final authority has primacy, pre-eminence, predominance, and power over all other authorities. The final authority is not dependent on anything else for its text and authority. The translation cannot give power or inspiration to its underlying source or texts. The inherent nature and qualities of a translation after A. D. 100 cannot be greater than the inherent nature of the texts from which it was translated or the earlier translations of which it was a revision. The underlying texts or sources must have greater authority than the translation since that translation is derived from those texts and acquires its authority from them. A translation must be built on its foundation [the texts from which it was translated] and should not be separated from it. By virtue of its origin as a translation by men that were not directly inspired of God and that did not receive direct revelation, it is clear that such a translation cannot be correctly regarded to be the final authority beyond which there is no other. From the rules or laws of good and necessary consequence and from the correct and true sense of the terms “translation” and “final authority,“ it can be correctly deduced that a translation is not the final authority beyond which there is no other. Translations of something must all alike be compared to that something.