Understanding Bible Translations: Which Ones Should We Trust?
When it comes to reading and understanding the Bible, choosing the right translation can significantly impact your study and comprehension. There are thousands of Bible translations, each with a different approach to the language of the Bible and the interpretation of its message. With so many options, it’s difficult to know which to trust. This blog will outline the characteristics of Bible translations and give some tips for choosing a good translation.
Why Are There Different Bible Translations?
The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Modern translators of ancient texts face additional problems since language, culture, and time have changed. Translators must choose between accuracy, readability, and faithfulness to the original, which has led to a multitude of philosophies on translation.
1. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word): This seeks to maintain the closest possible match to the actual wording and original structure of the languages. This can result in a more precise text, but it might be more difficult to read because of differences in syntax and idioms.
2. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought): An attempt to communicate the meaning of the original without being tied down to reproducing the formal characteristics of the original. No strict adherence to the original word order.
3. Paraphrase: Rewritten versions replace the original text with more modern and conversational language. They are generally easier to read but are likely to lose some of the original's nuances.
Popular Bible Translations
Here are some well-known Bible translations, categorized by their translation philosophy:
Formal Equivalence
1. New American Standard Bible (NASB): A literal, or word-for-word, translation with high regard for accuracy, the NASB is a good choice for serious Bible students who want to return to the original languages. I have used it for over 15 years.
2. English Standard Version (ESV): This translation strikes the correct balance between faithfulness and readability—a common choice for study and devotional reading. The ESV is a modernized version of the KJV, retaining its literary beauty while updating the language for modern readers.
3. King James Version (KJV): First published in 1611, the KJV is well-known for its soaring poetry and majestic style. It is still a favorite among many readers for its historical and literary merits, but the outdated language can make it difficult for modern readers to understand. The New King James Version (NKJV) is more suited for today’s language and reading, without the “Thee and Thou’s.”
Dynamic Equivalence
1. New International Version (NIV): Probably the single most popular Bible translation in the world today, the NIV is a middle-of-the-road translation with a wide audience in mind. It’s a good choice for anyone from new Christians to lifelong scholars.
2. New Living Translation (NLT): The NLT trades in clarity and ease of reading. This version is especially good for devotional reading and is ideal for those who are ‘newbies’ to the Bible because it puts the text into contemporary yet dignified language.
3. Contemporary English Version (CEV): The CEV strives to be accessible to all audiences of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their reading levels. This version is written in simple, straightforward language, making it accessible to both young readers and those who are learning English.
Paraphrase
1. The Message (MSG): Eugene Peterson’s The Message is a popular paraphrase. It renders the original text in ‘contemporary and conversational’ English and is not meant for careful study. But it can make familiar passages come alive. I would stay away from this version. It tends to remove controversial topics and confuse original ideas and themes.
2. The Living Bible (TLB): Published in the 1970s, The Living Bible is a paraphrase. It doesn’t add or subtract, but it does seek to make the text more palatable and accessible. It is suitable for personal reading and meditation but must be supplemented with more literal translations for study. Again, paraphrases are not a good study of Bibles and should be handled with care and an understanding of a more word-for-word translation.
Guidelines for Choosing a Trustworthy Translation
1. Purpose: What are you looking for in your reading? Do you want an active reading like you would for devotional purposes (say, a dynamic equivalence or paraphrase)? Or are you study-oriented (formal equivalence)?
2. Accuracy: Look for translations that have been widely reviewed and accepted as accurate and faithful to the original languages. Scholarly reviews, endorsements, and acknowledgments can be useful. Personally, I think the word-for-word translations are best.
3. Readability: Select a version that is readable and comprehensible. The ideal translation is the one you will read often and understand. Paraphrases should not be one of these.
4. Comparative Study: Multiple translations can expand meaning instead of blurring it. For example, stark differences in translations can highlight nuances and interpretations that have been filtered out.
5. Good Publishers: Use translations produced by recognized, reputable publishers. These have been through rigorous scholarly peer review and publication, often including quality-control procedures.
Choosing which Bible to read from is a deeply personal decision. If you love the cadence of the KJV, the balance of the ESV, or the readability of the NLT, then you should choose the translation that speaks to you and that you think God is speaking through. As you make your choice, keep in mind that you’re probably looking for a trustworthy translation that is both accurate and readable, and that is well-respected by the Christian community. If there are ever any questions that arise from your particular translation, compare it to others online or ask me or someone you trust to help you interpret your version.
Keep seeking the truth, reading your Bible, praying, and repenting. Allow the Holy Spirit to well up in you, and get to know Jesus more and more every day!
In love,
Pastor Jody
Why Are There Different Bible Translations?
The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Modern translators of ancient texts face additional problems since language, culture, and time have changed. Translators must choose between accuracy, readability, and faithfulness to the original, which has led to a multitude of philosophies on translation.
1. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word): This seeks to maintain the closest possible match to the actual wording and original structure of the languages. This can result in a more precise text, but it might be more difficult to read because of differences in syntax and idioms.
2. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought): An attempt to communicate the meaning of the original without being tied down to reproducing the formal characteristics of the original. No strict adherence to the original word order.
3. Paraphrase: Rewritten versions replace the original text with more modern and conversational language. They are generally easier to read but are likely to lose some of the original's nuances.
Popular Bible Translations
Here are some well-known Bible translations, categorized by their translation philosophy:
Formal Equivalence
1. New American Standard Bible (NASB): A literal, or word-for-word, translation with high regard for accuracy, the NASB is a good choice for serious Bible students who want to return to the original languages. I have used it for over 15 years.
2. English Standard Version (ESV): This translation strikes the correct balance between faithfulness and readability—a common choice for study and devotional reading. The ESV is a modernized version of the KJV, retaining its literary beauty while updating the language for modern readers.
3. King James Version (KJV): First published in 1611, the KJV is well-known for its soaring poetry and majestic style. It is still a favorite among many readers for its historical and literary merits, but the outdated language can make it difficult for modern readers to understand. The New King James Version (NKJV) is more suited for today’s language and reading, without the “Thee and Thou’s.”
Dynamic Equivalence
1. New International Version (NIV): Probably the single most popular Bible translation in the world today, the NIV is a middle-of-the-road translation with a wide audience in mind. It’s a good choice for anyone from new Christians to lifelong scholars.
2. New Living Translation (NLT): The NLT trades in clarity and ease of reading. This version is especially good for devotional reading and is ideal for those who are ‘newbies’ to the Bible because it puts the text into contemporary yet dignified language.
3. Contemporary English Version (CEV): The CEV strives to be accessible to all audiences of all ages and backgrounds, regardless of their reading levels. This version is written in simple, straightforward language, making it accessible to both young readers and those who are learning English.
Paraphrase
1. The Message (MSG): Eugene Peterson’s The Message is a popular paraphrase. It renders the original text in ‘contemporary and conversational’ English and is not meant for careful study. But it can make familiar passages come alive. I would stay away from this version. It tends to remove controversial topics and confuse original ideas and themes.
2. The Living Bible (TLB): Published in the 1970s, The Living Bible is a paraphrase. It doesn’t add or subtract, but it does seek to make the text more palatable and accessible. It is suitable for personal reading and meditation but must be supplemented with more literal translations for study. Again, paraphrases are not a good study of Bibles and should be handled with care and an understanding of a more word-for-word translation.
Guidelines for Choosing a Trustworthy Translation
1. Purpose: What are you looking for in your reading? Do you want an active reading like you would for devotional purposes (say, a dynamic equivalence or paraphrase)? Or are you study-oriented (formal equivalence)?
2. Accuracy: Look for translations that have been widely reviewed and accepted as accurate and faithful to the original languages. Scholarly reviews, endorsements, and acknowledgments can be useful. Personally, I think the word-for-word translations are best.
3. Readability: Select a version that is readable and comprehensible. The ideal translation is the one you will read often and understand. Paraphrases should not be one of these.
4. Comparative Study: Multiple translations can expand meaning instead of blurring it. For example, stark differences in translations can highlight nuances and interpretations that have been filtered out.
5. Good Publishers: Use translations produced by recognized, reputable publishers. These have been through rigorous scholarly peer review and publication, often including quality-control procedures.
Choosing which Bible to read from is a deeply personal decision. If you love the cadence of the KJV, the balance of the ESV, or the readability of the NLT, then you should choose the translation that speaks to you and that you think God is speaking through. As you make your choice, keep in mind that you’re probably looking for a trustworthy translation that is both accurate and readable, and that is well-respected by the Christian community. If there are ever any questions that arise from your particular translation, compare it to others online or ask me or someone you trust to help you interpret your version.
Keep seeking the truth, reading your Bible, praying, and repenting. Allow the Holy Spirit to well up in you, and get to know Jesus more and more every day!
In love,
Pastor Jody
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