Translations: Ability to Read God's Word
What are these different Bible Translations? Why are there so many? What translation should you go with? Can there be an effective literal translation? Isn’t KJV all we need? Shouldn't we just stick with the literal translation?
Great questions… you and/or the people you disciple or talk to may have similar questions!
We have translations so we can communicate one author’s message to us today in our language!
A "literal" translation of the original language would not make sense in an English structure. We need it to make sense too! It would be nice to always say "a = b" when translating but you can't. You need the context to find the meaning of each specific word as well.
Concerning the many translations, we realize that languages are always changing, and english is not exempt from that. What made sense in english a few hundred years ago does not necessarily communicate the same today. It communicated effective during it's time, but it may not communicate the same today. Translators are trying to make sure the authors' original intended message is effectively communicated to us today in our modern languages.
Asking which translation is the best is like asking which is the best vehicle to travel.
It depends.
- If you are traveling with a lot of people, you may want a SUV or van.
- If you are traveling a lot, and typically alone, you may want a great hybrid sedan.
- If you are needing to travel with a load, you may want a truck.
Each of these are great vehicles to travel with, based on what you are needing.
When it comes to translations, there are similarities.
Think of a translation spectrum between a focus on word-for-word or thought-for-thought. There's word-for-word (perhaps at the expense of readability in our modern english), or there's more thought-for-thought (may use more words to try and communicate what the original author was trying to communicate, but in a way that we would receive the message best in our modern language). Each translator is trying to prayerfully and faithfully translate the words that communicate the same message to us as the original audience.
Personally I do not hesitate to look between translations, depending on what I am doing!
- Heavier theological study: I rely on more formal word-for-word (ESV, NASB)
- Devotional reading, prayerful reading: in-between or more functional thought-for-thought (NIV, CSB, NLT)
You can also use online resources that let you lay out verses side-by-side between different translations:
YouVersion Bible App
Logos Bible Software
Parallel Bible Translations
First and foremost, I hope you understand that These translations try to faithfully communicate God's Word in the modern English of the day. That’s why there are so many different translations as English continue to change as well… and that you do not need to be afraid of different translations either. Each translation has their purpose and can be helpful to better capture what the original author was trying to communicate to us, the readers!
Lastly, this is why it’s important to be aware of the translators who are working hard to get God’s Word translated into other languages who do not have God’s Word available to them yet!! That’s why we support people & missions who are translators! Translation is an important task as God’s Word reaches people of all nations, of all languages… to make disciples who will also share God’s Word and make disciples as well!!
We want people today to be able to hear, read, understand, and receive God’s Message to all people!
I hope today helps you as you try to go through translations, noticing the differences, figuring out which one to buy, and can help you answer some of these questions about different translations that the person you are discipling or visiting with may ask you!