The Best Translation for you

In some religious circles, the subject of existing Bible translations is a topic of heated debate. Others are baffled why there are so many translations. I have been fortunate enough to study the Bible in college and later at the seminary. I was blessed to enjoy some formal higher-level training on the subject of translations and was able to study the original languages. However, this is not a place for formal scholarly debate but instead for simple understanding. This site is for the anxious. My opinions, however, are just that; opinion.

There are other well-intentioned, loving, and better educated Christians who do not share my opinions. I still feel compelled to provide some level of understanding here.

The Bible is God's message to mankind. It was written long ago in multiple ancient languages that are not used today. Yes, Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic are all still languages but they are very different from their ancient counterparts. English has changed in much the same way. Have you forgotten that forced requirement to read Beowolf?

The original books of the New Testament are written in the informal language of common people. While New Testament writers like Paul had a formal education, Peter was formerly a fisherman by trade. Those two facts lead me to believe the Bible is intended to be for a broad audience which includes uneducated and poor audiences.

Translations fall somewhere on a scale between 1. an attempt at precise word-for-word translation (formal) and 2. an attempt at an easily understood thought-for-thought translation.

Translations that focus on precision make the reader responsible to make sense of it.

Translations that focus on understanding have made things easy to grasp because translators have determined in their translation the meaning of phrases.

Both have their problems. No translation is completely word-for-word. The attempt to translate common expressions and phrases (slang and idioms like "splitting hairs") defies and clouds understanding when translated word-for-word. The reader is required to make a greater effort to understand what was said.

In thought-for-thought translations, the translators have made educated guesses and assumptions based on their expertise and system of belief. The question then becomes what are the beliefs and biases of the translator. Growing up, my family was in favor of school prayer... as long as someone with our beliefs (and only our beliefs) was leading that prayer. I have been pleased with the reliability and standards of many trusted publishers.

Conclusions and recommendations:

People with strong backgrounds in Bible training will likely feel comfortable with that reach for word-for-word understanding. It doesn't stretch them too far to make sense of it. Some of my serious Bible study friends love the ESV and NASB 2020. They are good for study.

People with less Bible background or who lack education (like children) generally prefer the more easily understood translations. For example, my first-grade child likes her NIrV. My wife (not reared with Bible training) prefers the NLT. I do have training but my audience does not and so I also prefer the NLT and find myself more likely to read because I enjoy it more.

There are also translations that are a very good blend of these two philosophies. That is the reason the NIV has become so widely popular among Christians with a variety of backgrounds.

Final word:

Ask your pastor, Bible study teacher, and Christian friends for advice. It's free, so get lots of it. Get one of the recommended Bible apps and read scripture in several different translations. Find one that draws you in. Then do two things: 1. Read the Bible. 2. Do what it says.

Don't let mean people discourage your investigation of God's message to you because they think your translation is inferior. Those people exist. We should be investigating the Bible in as many ways as possible. Love it and live it.