Understanding Bible Translations: Which Version Is Right for You?

Every spiritual journey is unique, yet we remain tethered to truth through the Bible. Having a Bible on your shelf isn't enough—you need one you'll actually read. This brings us to an important question: which translation is the right one?

What You Should Know About Bible Translations

First, remember that the Bible is a collection of translated texts. It was never written in English. Every Bible you can buy today is a translation from ancient languages:

• The New Testament was primarily written in Koine Greek (a type no longer spoken)
• Small sections of the New Testament were written in Aramaic
• The Old Testament was written in ancient Hebrew and some royal Aramaic (another language no longer used)

Is the Bible a Single Book?

The Bible isn't a single book but an entire library of 66 books. When you look at that leather-bound volume on your shelf, you're seeing a compilation of texts written by different authors over a period of 1,600 years.

How Are Bible Translations Created?

Every translation comes from collections of ancient texts. There is no single original document containing all biblical writings. Modern translators work from edited compilations of manuscripts, scrolls, and text fragments.

The two most well-known collections used by translators are:

• The ISB text
• The Nestle-Aland text

Almost every English Bible version available today is translated from one of these collections.

What Are the Different Translation Approaches?

There are three main translation perspectives that affect how the Bible reads in English:

1. Word-for-Word Translation (Formal Equivalence)

This approach tries to match the best English word with each original word in Greek or Hebrew. While this might seem most accurate, it can create problems with idioms and phrases that don't translate literally.

Word-for-word translations often:

• Sound the most "biblical"
• Read with complicated flow
• Preserve original language word order
• Require additional cultural knowledge to understand clearly

Examples include: Interlinear, NASB, Amplified, and ESV

2. Thought-for-Thought Translation (Functional Equivalence)

This approach tries to convey the idea behind words or phrases in the most accurate way. It balances preserving original words with finding the best phrases to communicate the same idea in modern English.

For example, translating "Michael shoots the ball" requires understanding that in English, this doesn't mean using a gun but throwing a ball toward a basket in basketball.

Examples include: NIV, NAB, NRSV

3. Dynamic Equivalence (Paraphrase)

This approach focuses primarily on conveying meaning rather than preserving word choice or order. Translators start with the original text but prioritize conveying the tone and sense of the words.

Paraphrases are:

• Easiest to read
• Have more interpretation built in
• Can clarify context better than literal translations
• May obscure specific original word choices

Examples include: The Message

Which Bible Translation Is Most Accurate?

The answer depends on what you're looking for:

• Word-for-word translations are often most accurate to original word choice but may fail to convey the full idea clearly
• Thought-for-thought translations consider cultural shifts in word meanings over time but might miss nuances of specific words
• Paraphrases convey tone and emotional energy well but can obscure specific original word choices

Why Do Different Bible Translations Exist?

Different versions exist because translation is complex. Each version:

• Was translated by different individuals or teams
• Used certain collections of source documents
• Was published by different organizations
• Was created with different translation perspectives

Life Application

Understanding Bible translations helps us approach Scripture with greater wisdom. Rather than seeing different versions as competing, we can view them as complementary tools that help us grasp God's Word more fully.

Consider these questions:

• Which translation style matches your current needs—accuracy to original words, clarity of meaning, or readability?
• How might reading multiple translations of the same passage enrich your understanding?Are you letting confusion about translations keep you from engaging with the Bible regularly?

This week, try reading a familiar passage in a different translation than you normally use. Notice what new insights emerge when you see the text from a fresh perspective. Remember that the most important Bible translation is the one you'll actually read and apply to your life.