All About Bible Translations

Have you tried reading the Bible time after time, and wounded up stuck? Are you aware that there are multiple Bible Translations? Do you know how to choose the translation that's best for you? Well, as someone who has spent countless hours reading over the sacred texts of the Bible, I've come to appreciate every story within the Bible. This incredible journey has been so rewarding, and taking what I have learned from this life tool that God has blessed us with, helps me to apply what I am learning to my life.

The process of translating the Bible isn't something you do overnight, and certainly cannot be done alone; it demands both reverence and scholarly precision. Understanding how these translations come to be, the philosophies behind them, and which ones might suit your personal study can deepen your appreciation and connection to this divine work. In this post, we’ll talk briefly about how the Bible is translated.

How The Bible is Translated

Translating the Bible is no simple task; it involves deep linguistic knowledge, cultural understanding, and theological insight. The original texts of the Bible were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. For instance, the Old Testament, or Hebrew Bible, was predominantly written in Hebrew with some portions in Aramaic (like in the books of Daniel and Ezra). The New Testament was written in Greek, the common language of the Eastern Mediterranean during the first century AD.

To accurately convey the original messages, translators must work with these ancient languages. Consider the Hebrew word "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as "loving-kindness" or "steadfast love" in English. This single word encompasses a broad spectrum of meanings, including mercy, compassion, and loyalty, which can be difficult to capture fully in one English term. Similarly, the Greek word "λόγος" (logos), used in John 1:1 ("In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God"), carries connotations of reason, speech, and divine expression, making its translation both complex and profound.

The Two Philosophies

When it comes to Bible translation, two main philosophies guide translators: formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence. These approaches, while differing in methodology, share a common goal of bringing the ancient scriptures to life for contemporary readers.

Formal Equivalence

Formal equivalence, often referred to as "word-for-word" translation, strives to stay as close as possible to the original text. This approach seeks to maintain the exact wording and structure of the source language, providing readers with a translation that is as literal as possible. The King James Version (KJV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) are prime examples of formal equivalence. These translations are revered for their accuracy and are often used for in-depth Bible study.

For example, Isaiah 40:8 in the KJV reads: "The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: but the word of our God shall stand for ever." The formality and poetic nature of the original Hebrew are preserved, giving readers a sense of the text's original majesty and rhythm.

Dynamic Equivalence

Dynamic equivalence, also known as "thought-for-thought" translation, prioritizes the meaning and intent of the original text over its exact wording. This approach aims to make the text more accessible and understandable to contemporary readers by focusing on conveying the original message in a way that resonates with modern language and culture. The New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT) exemplify dynamic equivalence, offering clarity and readability without sacrificing the text's essential meaning.

Take John 3:16 in the NLT: "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life." The language is straightforward and clear, making it easy for readers to grasp the profound love and promise conveyed in this verse.

Which Translation Should You Read?

Choosing the right Bible translation can feel tough and overwhelming, especially because there are so many options. However, the best translation for you largely depends on your purpose for reading. Are you seeking a deep, scholarly study, or are you looking for an accessible and relatable text for daily devotion?

If you haven't started reading, I would suggest doing research first; and if you are already reading, read the same passage in multiple translations on the Bible app. It is free and a simple and easy way to determine which translation you prefer.

If you are wondering how to determine whether or not a translation can be trusted, this article is very helpful.

A few of the most popular and trusted Bible translations

Over the years, certain Bible translations have garnered widespread trust and popularity among readers and scholars alike. Here are a few that stand out:

ESV- For those engaged in detailed Bible study, translations like the English Standard Version (ESV) or the New American Standard Bible (NASB) might be ideal. These versions stick closely to the original languages, offering a high level of precision and faithfulness to the source texts.

NIV- If your goal is to read the Bible in a more devotional or narrative fashion, translations such as the New International Version (NIV) or the New Living Translation (NLT) provide a balance of accuracy and readability. They make the Bible's messages more approachable without straying too far from the original meanings.

CSB- For a blend of both approaches, consider the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) or the Christian Standard Bible (CSB). These translations strive to maintain a balance between formal and dynamic equivalence, offering a text that is both faithful to the original and easy to understand.

KJV- The King James Version , first published in 1611, is perhaps the most famous and enduring Bible translation in the English-speaking world. Known for its majestic language and poetic cadence, the KJV has had a profound influence on English literature and religious practice. Despite its archaic language, it remains a beloved and authoritative text for many believers.

NIV- First published in 1978, the New International Version has become one of the most popular contemporary translations. It strikes a balance between readability and fidelity to the original texts, making it accessible for both new and seasoned readers. The NIV is widely used in churches, study groups, and personal devotion.

ESV- The English Standard Version, published in 2001, is a revision of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and is known for its accuracy and literary excellence. It adheres closely to the formal equivalence philosophy, making it a favored choice for those who desire a precise and reliable translation for study and teaching.

NLT- The New Living Translation, first published in 1996, is a dynamic equivalence translation that aims to make the Bible's message clear and accessible. It is particularly popular for its readability and contemporary language, making it an excellent choice for devotional reading and outreach.

Enjoy your time in the Word

I cannot stress enough how important it is to your research. There is so much information out there, make sure you are doing your best to use your resources and get the most accurate information.

All in all, I hope this post has helped you understand a bit more about Bible translations and will help you choose the best one for you. God is very intentional, and he provided us with the Bible for a reason. Therefore, picking the right Bible should matter. His Word is perfect and authoritative. And, we should be intentional and read accurate translations that share His message.