An Open Letter on Translating

In Short

This polemical epistle defends the craft of rendering sacred Scripture into natural, everyday German. Prompted by an inquiry regarding criticized phrasing in his biblical translations, the author explains why fidelity to sense requires departing from literal Latin and Greek idioms. He details the immense labor of capturing common speech, vindicates adding "alone" to describe justification by faith in Romans, and rejects saintly intercession as an unscripted human invention. Combining rigorous linguistic theory, theological conviction, and sharp satirical humor, the work remains an enduring treatise on language, conscience, and religious reform.

The Story

The work opens with an introductory framing letter from a supporter who explains that a private missive regarding controversial biblical translations must be published to settle widespread debates and remove scruples among devout Christians. The core text then addresses two distinct queries posed by a trusted friend. The first question concerns why the author translated St. Paul’s phrasing in Romans 3 to assert that human beings are justified without the works of the law but "only by faith," a rendering fiercely attacked by Catholic critics for inserting a word not explicitly present in the original Latin or Greek.

In response, the author delivers a blistering critique of his opponents' scholarly qualifications, noting that these adversaries routinely steal his refined German vocabulary while lacking the skill to translate basic passages themselves. Translating, he argues, demands tremendous effort, deep vocabulary, and a commitment to how real people communicate. To convey meaning accurately in German, a translator cannot merely copy foreign grammar word for word. Natural German speech inherently employs restrictive terms like "alone" alongside negative statements to make contrast full and clear. Good translation requires listening to mothers in their homes, children on streets, and shoppers in markets, adapting sacred texts to their living tongue rather than offering obscure, literal Latinisms that confuse ordinary readers.

Turning to theology, the author demonstrates that inserting "alone" is not only linguistically necessary but doctrinally imperative. St. Paul’s broader argument utterly rejects works of the law as a means of salvation, establishing that humanity is saved solely by trusting in Christ’s death and resurrection. The author contends that preaching justification by faith alone directly aligns with early Church Fathers like Ambrose and Augustine, and he dismisses accusations that such teaching encourages bad deeds.

The second query addresses whether departed saints intercede for believers. The author rejects this practice entirely, arguing that Scripture contains no command or precedent for calling upon angels or deceased saints. Transforming saints into local patrons bestows divine powers upon humans and distracts believers from total trust in Christ. Dismissing the claim that rejecting saintly intercession condemns centuries of Christian tradition, the author insists that official papal tyranny and human inventions do not speak for true Christendom. He concludes by affirming that genuine believers have always been preserved through basic gospel truths, sending his warm regards to his friend.

How It Unfolds

The necessity of publication An introductory letter establishes that publishing the author's private response will quiet slander, clarify controversies surrounding recent German translations of the Bible, and serve the common spiritual good of ordinary believers.

The attack on opponents Addressing his friend, the author mocks his scholarly critics as ungrateful incompetent judges who criticize his translation work while simultaneously adopting the refined German language he pioneered.

The craft of translation Detailing the exhaustive labor required to find exact phrasing, the author explains that true translation demands converting ideas into idiomatic living speech heard in everyday markets rather than rendering Latin or Greek literally.

The logic of language The author demonstrates through concrete examples how German grammar naturally uses the word "alone" in negative contrastive sentences to ensure clarity, justifying its inclusion in the Epistle to the Romans.

The theological imperative Analyzing St. Paul's core doctrine, the author shows that because works are completely rejected in salvation, declaring that faith alone justifies accurately conveys the essential gospel message without compromising Christ's sacrifice.

The rejection of saintly intercession Responding to the second inquiry, the author rejects praying to departed saints as an unscripted human invention that strays into idolatry and distracts weak believers from total trust in Christ.

The defense of true Christendom Rebuffing claims that he condemns historic Christianity, the author argues that institutional papal tyranny does not define the true Church, which God has always preserved through the pure gospel text and basic sacraments.

The People

• The Author: A determined scholar and translator who vigorously defends his linguistic choices and theological convictions. He wants to make Holy Scripture fully understandable to ordinary people in their native tongue and to defend justification by faith alone against institutional critics. Faced with intense slander, intellectual plagiarism, and accusations of heresy from ecclesiastical authorities, he remains supremely confident in his mastery of language and doctrine, refusing to yield his editorial independence or spiritual integrity.
• The Friend (N.): The honorable recipient of the author's letter who prompts the entire discourse. He wants clear, authoritative answers regarding criticized translation choices in Romans and the doctrinal status of saintly intercession so he can effectively answer papal opponents.
• Wenceslas Link: The devout publisher who shares the author's private letter with the broader public. He wants to protect believers from spiritual confusion and promote true understanding of Holy Scripture across Christendom.
• The Papal Critics: The traditional scholars, monks, and ecclesiastical adversaries who oppose the new translation. They want to preserve literal Latin formulations, defend traditional practices like saintly intercession, and discredit the author's work, but end up adopting his improved German vocabulary even as they condemn his name.

In Its Own Voice

"We must be guided by their tongue, the manner of their speech, and do our translating accordingly."

A clear declaration on prioritizing living, idiomatic language over literal translation so ordinary people can truly understand sacred scripture.

"There is no such thing as earning the world's thanks."

A candid observation regarding the immense sweat and toil required to smooth away linguistic obstacles for readers who rarely appreciate the effort.

"What is not the Word of God does not make Christendom."

A firm theological boundary distinguishing human tradition and institutional tyranny from true spiritual authority grounded in scripture.

What It's Really About

At its core, this treatise is an argument about accessibility, authority, and the nature of language. It asks who owns sacred texts and who has the right to interpret them for the public. The author argues that language is a dynamic, living vessel meant to communicate truth clearly to everyday people, not an exclusive domain reserved for pedantic scholars or institutional gatekeepers. Underneath the linguistic debate lies a crucial theological battle over human merit versus divine grace. By defending his translation choices, the author asserts that human tradition must yield to clear scriptural sense, asserting individual conscience against rigid institutional authority and insisting that salvation rests on faith alone rather than human works or saintly intervention.

Why Read It Today

This text appeals to readers interested in the history of translation, linguistic theory, and the intellectual debates of the Reformation. Reading it feels like sitting across from an exceptionally sharp, fiercely passionate scholar who speaks with unfiltered candor, biting wit, and absolute conviction. The prose is remarkably direct, moving effortlessly from high theological argument to earthbrow vernacular humor and everyday practical examples.

Modern readers must navigate its aggressive polemics, sharp 16th-century religious antagonisms, and frequent resort to colorful insults directed at theological opponents. Yet beneath the fiery period rhetoric lies an extraordinarily modern, insightful discussion of how translation works across culture and idiom. What stays with you is the author's profound respect for the speech of ordinary people—mothers, children, and market vendors—and his relentless insistence that complex truths should be made plainly accessible to everyone.