What Bible Should I Use?
Published by LifeIsAJourney.org under on 6:00 AMOften times I get asked what Bible version should be used for study, for devotionals, or in the church service. My take is simply the same one! I know, my intellect is staggering. Truth is most of the modern day versions have great scholarly work behind them in the translation arena that you should have great confidence in their accuracy.
Some of you are lost at this point. Let me try to clarify. The Bible was written in two main languages (Hebrew & Greek) and has traces of a third (Aramaic). In the early days there was a Latin Version (Vulgate), but that was just a translation of the originals into Latin.
Since most of us don't read Greek or Hebrew (except for Joel and my Greek friend Vaughn) we need to have the Bible translated into modern day English. This has been the case for year even back to good old King James era when he had the Bible translated into Old English (this translation is known as the King James Version).
If you have ever translated something from another language you know you also have to interpret what you are translating because phrases don't just roll over word for word into our language and neither do all the thoughts. This is where the various versions of translations come in. Some are more word for word (NASB, ESV, RSV, NKJV, etc) and some are more thought for thought (NIV, NLT, The Message, etc).
At Journey we use the New International Version (NIV) because it is right in the middle of word for word and thought for thought. I have found it to be easy to read and understand while at the same time remaining true to the original text.
To learn more about the various translations click here
Remember, no matter which version you use, be sure to put it into practice!
John 13:17
Joe
1 comments:
Your article answers one of the most asked questions regarding the purchase of a Bible. The Bible translation chart readily shows their differences. Thanks for putting in the link. I like that! Translation is key in choosing a Bible.
Usually the following question is, “after choosing the translation, which Bible do I select? There are so many to select from.”
For a student who wants a “study Bible,” there is more to consider because each publisher has unique and special features that are great to enhance understanding. It behooves a purchaser to spend a sufficient amount of time to actually compare the different features. Some features are explanatory notes to help understand culture, history, context, background, places, and theological concepts; life application notes; archeological notes; maps; charts; diagrams; timelines; character profiles; cross-references; index; dictionary and concordance. This is not an exhaustive list!
If a student wishes to conduct word studies, the choice of translation is important because words are cross-referenced in a concordance. In a concordance each word is numbered and defined. Strong's Concordance is most preferred and, at one time, was only based on the King James Version but now is available in the New American Standard Bible and New International Version.
As I write this, I remember my feeling of being overwhelmed by the many choices and no one to help but the busy store clerk. It took hours and several trips to the bookstore before making my purchase.
To whomever reads this, I hope your journey is exciting and joyful.
Linda
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