Bible Translations
The Bible in different translations.
Scriptures in Our Language
The Bible is the flawless Word of God, originally recorded in the ancient languages of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Because we do not all speak these original languages, God understands our deep need for translations so that His life-giving truth can reach every heart. The Lord wants you to know Him intimately, and reading His Word in your own native tongue is one of the greatest ways to experience His presence and promises.
Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.
Language is constantly changing over time. For example, the classic 1611 King James Bible was written in an older style of English that is rarely spoken today. As languages naturally evolve, new translations help keep God's Word fresh, understandable, and highly accessible to every new generation.
The history of getting the Bible into our hands is beautiful and inspiring. For instance, for 150 years before the American Revolution, Bibles could not be printed in English in the colonies. The very first English Bible printed in America was produced during the Revolution and actually received the official endorsement of Congress to be used in schools.
The Challenge of Translation
When approaching the Bible, it is incredibly helpful to understand that it is simply impossible to translate any text perfectly word-for-word from one language to another. If translators only used a strict, rigid word-for-word method, the resulting sentences would not make sense in the new language.
Different languages have entirely different grammar rules, idioms, and sentence structures. Therefore, dedicated translators must carefully bridge the gap between the ancient biblical languages and our modern tongue. By doing so, they ensure that the eternal, life-changing truth of God's Word remains perfectly intact while still being easy for you to read and absorb.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.
Understanding Translation Styles
Because a rigid word-for-word translation is impossible, biblical scholars use different translation styles to bring God's Word to life. These different approaches are a blessing, offering various ways to study and enjoy the Scriptures:
- Literal: These translations strive to stay as close to a literal, word-for-word translation as possible, such as the NASB.
- Dynamic / Middle Ground: These translations strike a beautiful balance between literal accuracy and readable modern phrasing, such as the NIV.
- Paraphrase / Story Format: These are translated more like a story format to capture the broad thoughts and emotions of the text, making it highly conversational, like the NLT or The Message.
Choosing the Right Translation for You
With so many wonderful translations available, you might wonder which one is best for your daily life. What truly matters most is that the translation is accurate and that you can easily understand what you are reading. A good translation is not a different testimony; it is the exact same message using different verbiage to explain God's profound love for you. There are no hidden secrets that you will only find in one specific translation.
Popular Bible Translations
| Abbreviation | Full Name | Translation Style | First Published |
|---|---|---|---|
| KJV | King James Version | Word-for-Word (Traditional) | 1611 |
| NASB | New American Standard Bible | Strict Word-for-Word | 1971 |
| NIV | New International Version | Balance (Word/Thought) | 1978 |
| NRSV | New Revised Standard Version | Word-for-Word | 1989 |
| NLT | New Living Translation | Thought-for-Thought | 1996 |
| ESV | English Standard Version | Word-for-Word | 2001 |
| MSG | The Message | Paraphrase | 2002 |
| CSB | Christian Standard Bible | Balance (Word/Thought) | 2017 |