Why We Need Different Bible Translations
Having a wide selection of modern Bible translations, each with its own unique strengths, provides a richer and more comprehensive way to study the Scriptures, greatly improving the ability to comprehend God’s message and leading to a more profound spiritual experience.
The need for different Bible translations stems from the natural evolution of language. As ancient Hebrew (Old Testament), Greek, and Aramaic (New Testament), become less familiar, new translations are created to make the text understandable to modern readers. catering to diverse reader needs and preferences.
Different translations reflect distinct priorities. Some aim for a literal, word or word rendering of the original text, while others focus on conveying the meaning and concepts through a thought for thought approach. This enables readers to choose a translation that aligns with their reading style and reason for reading.
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Beyond linguistic and stylistic differences, some translations are created with a particular demographic in mind such as those for whom English isn't their first language. Also certain versions are simplified for children, while others are geared toward individuals who are new to Biblical concepts, making the Scriptures more approachable for a wider range of people.
To keep the Bible relevant and easy to understand, new translations are created as languages like English evolve and certain words and phrases fall out of use or change their meaning.
Primary Translation Approaches
Word for Word Translations​
​Historically, a word for word translation method was common. The goal was to translate every word and phrase from the original text as exactly as possible, focusing on precision even if the resulting text is not easy to read. This approach can be difficult to understand, especially when it includes outdated idioms that are no longer used in modern English.
Examples of a word for word approach:
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KJV – King James Version
AMP – Amplified Bible
ESV – English Standard Version
NASB – New American Standard Bible
Thought for Thought Translations
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This common, modern approach seeks to express the meaning of each sentence or paragraph from the original language in clear up-to-date English without being tied to translating every word. The aim is to make the Bible more accessible and engaging for a broad audience by conveying the overall message of the original text, particularly those new to reading the Bible.
Thought for thought translation examples:
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NIV – New International Version​​​​​​​
NLT – New Living Translation
NCV – New Century Version
GNT – Good News Translation
Paraphrase
This approach aims to present the original text in a more accessible way, often choosing to use contemporary language and prioritize clarity rather than sticking strictly to the original wording.
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​Paraphrase examples:
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TPT - The Passion Translation
TLB – The Living Bible
MSG – The Message
CEV – Contemporary English Version
How is a Bible Translations Reading Level Determined?
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Reading level is a key metric for gauging the accessibility of a Bible translation. Translations with a low reading level are designed for broad comprehension, featuring simpler language and less complex sentence structures. Conversely, a high reading level suggests a translation with more sophisticated vocabulary and intricate syntax, often intended for a more academic audience.
Sample reading levels:
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NIV – New International Version​​​​​​​ (7.8)
NLT – New Living Translation (6.3)
MSG - The Message (5.5)
ESV - English Standard Version (7.5)
I don't endorse one specific Bible translation. Instead, I recommend reading and comparing several versions of the Scripture. If something is unclear in one, try another until you find one that resonates with you.
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The translations I regularly use and refer to are:
The Amplified Bible
The Passion Translation
New Living Translation
Discover which Bible translations make the most sense to you, and use those for your reading and study. You can easily compare different versions on an online Bible website.
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The aim of each translation is to convey the message of God's revelation to English readers in a language that is easily understandable. The key objective is to achieve what the King James Version did in its time, but for the present era.
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Every 15-25 years, popular Bible translations are updated to modernize the language of the Scriptures. This is done for two main reasons: when new archaeological discoveries offer fresh insights into the meaning of ancient Hebrew or Greek words, or when the meaning of English words used in the translation has changed over time.
Examples
​NIV 1978: Genesis 23:4a – I am an ALIEN and stranger among you…
NIV 2011: Genesis 23:4a – I am a FOREIGNER and stranger among you…​
Amplified 1987: James 1:19 –Understand [this], my beloved brethren. Let every man be quick to hear [a ready listener], slow to speak, slow to take offense and to get angry.
Amplified 2015: James 1:19 –Understand this, my beloved BROTHER AND SISTERS. Let EVERYONE be quick to hear [BE A CAREFUL, THOUGHTFUL LISTENER], slow to speak [A SPEAKER OF CAREFULLY CHOSEN WORDS AND], SLOW TO ANGER [PATIENT, REFLECTIVE, FORGIVING];
Bible Study Methods
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Unlock new insights in your Bible study by focusing on these different approaches.
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Discovery-based Bible study - You learn to find the meaning of the Bible for yourself, rather than simply accepting what others have said. As you read the passage observe what it says, interpret its meaning, and then determine its application to your life.
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Big-picture view of a book - reading it multiple times to grasp its main ideas and how it is put together.
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Bible theme study - involves choosing a topic (like love or obedience) and then search the Scripture for verses that relates to it.
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Study of a Biblical figure - exploring their life to understand the lessons from their actions and experiences.
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Devotional study - encourages personal reflection by applying biblical truths to your life. As you reflect and journal, you can listen for God's voice and write down insights, questions, and potential ways to apply potential applications to your situation.
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Bible Apps - includes multiple translations, study aids, search capabilities, and cross-references. Bible Gateway, Bible Hub, YouVersion
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Biblical meditation - can bring a sense of peace and certainty, making it easier to apply God's word personally, foster a deeper connection with the Divine and recognize His direction.
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But his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord, and on His law (the precepts, the instructions, the teachings of God) he habitually meditates (ponders and studies) by day and by night (Psalm 1:2 AMPC).