Pastor Steve's thoughts

Which Translation Should We Use?

Frequently, I’m asked which translation is the best. My answer is usually the same. Does it really matter if you don’t read it? Does it matter if you don’t live it out? I think you should buy the translation that you understand or the translation that you are more likely to consistently read. I suppose that is my soap box answer. :)

If you go to a Christian book store and ask for a bible, you will find a lot of options. There are more translations, paraphrases, and devotional bibles than options on a new car. In my parent’s day, the options were limited. They could buy the following translations:

New American Standard Bible NASB
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
King James Version (KJV)

There are nearly 40 translations available today. The most popular translations are the NIV, NASB, New King James, King James, New Living, Good New, New Century, and New English Translation. Then you can find bibles with study notes. There are study notes for men, study notes for women, devotional bibles for athletes, devotional bibles for students, and so on.

Since there are so many options available, I’m not surprised that people would ask for a recommendation. I use the NIV in church because most people tend to use this translation. This translation is at a 7th grade reading level. That may seem odd but it fits our society. My understanding is that newspaper journalists shoot for the same level. The King James is at a 12th grade reading level or beyond.

The purpose of a translation is to help people understand God’s Word. Bible translators work hard to accurately translate an ancient language into contemporary English. Most scholars point to the Jewish Targums as the first example. Many Jews did not know Hebrew and the text was translated into Aramaic (before the time of Christ).

I think the following verses help us see why God’s Word is so important.

Psalm 119:9-16
9 How can a young man keep his way pure?
By living according to your word.
10 I seek you with all my heart;
do not let me stray from your commands.
11 I have hidden your word in my heart
that I might not sin against you.
12 Praise be to you, O LORD;
teach me your decrees.
13 With my lips I recount
all the laws that come from your mouth.
14 I rejoice in following your statutes
as one rejoices in great riches.
15 I meditate on your precepts
and consider your ways.
16 I delight in your decrees;
I will not neglect your word.

Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light for my path.—Psalm 119:105

Selecting a bible translation is important but if God’s Word sits unused on your night stand then it really doesn’t matter. In my opinion the following translations would be fine: King James, New King James, New American Standard, New International Version, and New Living Translation. Selecting a bible with notes is a good idea. It will contain information about Bible customs, geography, and common idioms.

Two other questions frequently come up. First, which translation is the most literal? Most, if not all translators, chuckle at the question. It’s not the right question and the answer is very complicated. I’ll touch on this issue next time. Secondly, is it okay to use a paraphrase?