Syntax and 'literal' translation
Col. 2:11 "te peritome tou xristou"
Circumcised 'of' Christ, or circumcised 'by' Christ?
Some seem to think that 'of' is the literal rendering of a Greek genitive. This isn't true. There is no 'literal' or default rendering of a genitive, simply a number of options.
A principle of Metzger
"As literal as possible, as free as necessary"
But this leaves questions, says Moo. Particularly, "as necessary" to accomplish what?
In practise: Colossians 4:5
Form, but no concern for meaning
In wisdom walk toward the outside the time buying up
Form over Meaning
Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the beset use of the time. (ESV)
Form and Meaning (NIV :P) (Doug is head of NIV translation committee)
Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity
Meaning, but less concern for form (NLT)
Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity.
Moo's point: All of these texts have made translation choices. None could be rightly called literal.