Some say that Bibles are all the same, but some will argue; that’s what your Bible says! It’s as if each division of Christianity has written its own Bible. So,…how do I know which Bible I should be using?
The English versions of the Bible basically fall into three categories. Those categories are word for word translations, thought for thought (dynamic equivalents), and paraphrases. [1]
The word for word translations are regarded by scholars as the most accurate translations of the Bible. They are translated directly from the original languages of the Bible. Those languages are Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. The translations which fall into this category are the King James Version (KJV), the New King James Version (NKJV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the English Standard Version (ESV), and the New English Translation (NET). The NASB95 is generally regarded as the most accurate of the word for word translations. [2]
The thought for thought translations are the result of a translator analyzing a group of words in the original language that express a certain thought. The translator then translates that thought as carefully as possible into whatever language he is targeting. This method is also known as Dynamic Equivalence. The weakness of Dynamic Equivalence is that it leads to more interpretation than translation.[3]
For example, in the NIV words have been dropped out that are clearly in the original language, words have been added that are not in the original language, and changes have been made to key words in the original language. These changes support an alternate interpretation of the original language where they occur and/or dilute the true meaning of the targeted text.[4] These things are evidence of a mishandling of the original language and further evidence that interpretation rather than translation rules this version of the Scripture.
The Dynamic Equivalents are easier to read, but are clearly not as reliable as the word for word versions. Examples of translations which fall into this category are the Christian Standard Bible (CSB), the New International Version (NIV), and the New Living Translation (NLT). [5]
Many call the paraphrase category a translation, but it is more of a restatement or rewording of the original language. Paraphrases are an attempt to make the Bible clearer. Paraphrases use a lot more words in order to make that happen which is not always a good thing. Examples of versions which fall under this category are Good News for Modern Man, the Living Bible, the New International Reader’s Version (NIRV), the Message (MSG), and the Goods News Translation (GNT). [6]
The danger with paraphrases is that they tend to be subjective and can easily present a doctrinal bent away from the true meaning of Scripture. I have read paraphrased passages on salvation that are infused with a baptismal requirement that is not even mentioned in those particular verses in the original language. Support for heretical and liberal theological doctrine can be easily woven into paraphrases. The ease of reading paraphrases can make a liberal, heretical, or denominational slant more appealing and palatable. For these reasons, I do not recommend the use of paraphrases.
Why is it important to be discerning about translations? The Bible claims to be inspired of God or God breathed (II Timothy 3:16). That means that the very words of Scripture were selected by God the Holy Spirit (II Peter 1:21). Since God cannot lie, we should pay attention to what those very words mean and teach in the context of Scripture.
Jesus said that one jot or one tittle of the Law (Scripture) would not fail till all be fulfilled (Matthew 5:18, Luke 16:17). The jot and tittle refer to the smallest letter and the smallest part of a letter in the Hebrew language. If parts of words are important, as the Lord Himself indicated, wouldn’t it be wise for Christians to accept Scripture and study it…..word for word?
So,…which version do you use?
…let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…
[1, 2, 3, 5, & 6] The Five Most Accurate Bible Translations, Copyright 2019 – 2022, www.faithfoundedonfact.com (The use of this article does not imply the endorsement of said website, any other articles posted there, and/or it’s founder and sustaining organization).
[4] Which Translation? By Stewart Custer, pgs 12-16. Copyright 1973, 1974 Bob Jones University Press, Greenville, SC
Note: There are many other translations, versions, reversions and perversions of Scripture beyond those mentioned above. The purpose of this article is to show basic differences in approaches to Scripture that yield so many different versions of the Bible. The challenge of this article is that Christians become more discerning about which translations are the most accurate and reliable to use.