What is the best Bible translation? Perhaps your home or church has more than one Bible. Maybe you are searching for your first Bible or looking for one to give as a gift. What helps us make the best decision when choosing a Bible?
With over 400 translations of the Bible, how do we decide on the best translation?
Bibles are often given as gifts for first communion, graduation, and other special occasions. Bibles are found in different colors. Special ink pens have been created to write in the margins or highlight meaningful Scripture. Although some people prefer not to write in their Bibles, others prefer to note certain verses and topics.
Some major bookstores have lessened their religion section to a few shelves toward the back of the store. Perhaps that is due to sales numbers or wanting to have the best sellers on display when people enter the building. Finding a Bible may be a challenge unless you find a store that sells only items that are not contemporary.
Searching online can be helpful at times. However, holding the actual Bible in your hands and feeling the weight, seeing the print size, and considering the cost can be more beneficial in choosing the best Bible translation. There are pros and cons to each method.
Asking for suggestions from family and friends is another option. Ask why they chose their Bible and if they have any recommendations.
There is no single “best” version because translations provide different needs. Another area to consider when looking for a Bible is what you specifically want in a Bible. Are you looking for a particular translation? Does your church use a specific version? New Revised Standard Version, King James Version, and New International Version are a few to consider. Maybe you are searching for a Bible for women, men, or children. Those are specific criteria.
Maybe you are seeking a Bible in another language, such as Spanish. Chronological Bibles offer passages in the historical order of events. Another version is the word-for-word Bible. This selection follows the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.
The meaning-to-meaning version attempts to offer a verbage of Scripture that is more easily understood.
A paraphrased Bible such as The Message Bible offers wording that aims to make the Bible easier to read in modern language.
Before you seek to find a Bible, go to God in prayer and ask for His guidance.
Churches often choose a certain Bible to have available during worship service. Some clergy may read from different translations during service. Some people choose to bring their personal Bibles to Sunday School and worship.
Discussions regarding word-to-word use have found those translations not completely correct due to grammatical differences in different languages.
The New American Standard Bible is known for being a literal and accurate translation. For example, reading Genesis 1:2 shows the similarities between the New International Version and the NASB.
“The earth was formless and void, and darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was moving over the surface of the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 NASB)
“Now the earth was formless and empty darkness was over the surface of the deep, and the Spirit of God was hovering over the waters.” (Genesis 1:2 NIV)
The ESV(English Standard Version) translation was first released in 2001. This option is known as easy-to-read, literal English. Created by a team of Pastors and scholars, the ESV was first published by Crossway.
Thought-for-thought translations such as the New Century Version (NCV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) are popular options. The NLT uses modern English and focuses on creating a clear, readable version and staying faithful to the original words.
The NCV version aims to place biblical concepts into easily understandable words.
“Jesus cried.” (John 11:35 NCV)
“Then Jesus wept.” (John 11:35 NLT)
Have you heard the term “free Bible”? No, not the cost of a Bible. Free, in this context, means more loosely translated.
You may have heard about the Message Bible when considering the free Bible translation. It was written by Eugene Peterson (1932-2018), an American Presbyterian minister, theologian, scholar, award-winning author, and poet. His paraphrase has been popular with readers seeking a more personal, contemporary tone.
To get a sense of how Peterson’s paraphrase compares to a popular translation (the New International Version), compare these two quotations.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest.” (Matthew 11:28 The Message)
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” (Matthew 11:29 NIV)
Although The Message is popular, it is important to remember it is designed as a paraphrase in Peterson’s own words. It’s also worth noting that while most translations have a team of people working on the project, The Message is based on Peterson’s perspective alone.
Another free translation is The Living Bible (TLB). Kenneth N. Taylor is best known as the writer of The Living Bible. He wanted his children to understand the Word of God, so he began paraphrasing the Scriptures.
“So Christ has made us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get all tied up again in the chains of slavery to Jewish laws and ceremonies.” (Galatians 5:1 TLB)
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” (Galatians 5:1 NIV)
When searching for a Bible, we must remember that not every book on the shelf or offered on the computer may be truthful and written according to Scripture. The Bible is the Word of God and was written for His people. Therefore, if any person tries to apply God’s authority to their own writing (such as claiming they have new revelations that should be added to Scripture), that is a work we should avoid
.However, numerous Bible commentaries provide detailed studies of Scripture. Commentaries are used to help the reader understand Biblical text. Sometimes, using a Bible commentary while reading Scripture can help to answer questions and glean needed information.
Although there has been controversy with different translations of the Bible, our goal is to read the Word of God without being hindered by personal opinions, typos, or sloppy writing.
God chose the words for Scripture. God allows us to read and hear His Word. We must also remember the evil one is at work trying to get believers to follow the wrong path. As we learn more about Scripture, we renew our dedication to God and remember to follow His path.
1. Are you searching for a Bible for yourself or someone else?
2. Will you use the Bible in worship, Sunday School, or for personal study?
3. Are you looking for a word-for-word translation?
4. Are you looking for a thought-for-thought translation?
5. Are you looking for a free Bible translation?
6. Have you prayed and asked God to help you choose the best Bible for you?
7. Will you be writing in the Bible? Do you need special pens?
8. What is most important to you about reading Scripture?
9. Have you asked your pastor or clergy for recommendations?
10. Have you compared different translations?
Father, thank You for giving Your Word. Scripture is filled with valuable wisdom and promises from You. We ask for guidance in choosing the best Bible translation. We ask that we focus on You and Your Word, not selfish gain. May we stay in Your Word each day and glean Your messages for us. In the name of Jesus, Amen.
In His Name,
Melissa Henderson
Photo Credit: Unsplash/Ian Dibbern
Melissa is the author of Licky the Lizard and Grumpy the Gator. Her passions are helping in the community and church. Melissa is an Elder, Deacon, and Stephen Minister.
Follow Melissa on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and at http://www.melissaghenderson.com
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