Lost in Translations

Are all translations faithful witnesses to God’s Word? Are they equally useful for study and devotion? Which version should I choose for my daily reading and deeper Bible study?

In this post, we’ll explore these questions, helping you navigate the world of Bible translations and select the one that best supports your spiritual growth.

The Legacy of the King James Version (KJV)

For over 400 years, the King James Version (KJV) has been a beloved cornerstone of English-speaking Christian tradition. Its majestic language has shaped Christian worship, literature, and culture. However, for Bible study today, the KJV presents two major challenges:

Outdated Source Manuscripts: The KJV was translated in 1611, relying on manuscripts like the Textus Receptus for the New Testament. While groundbreaking at the time, modern scholarship has uncovered far older and more reliable Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, offering a clearer picture of the original text.
Archaic Language: The KJV’s Elizabethan English, while beautiful, can obscure meaning for modern readers. Words like “thee,” “thou,” and phrases like “suffer the little children” (Matthew 19:14) can create confusion, making it harder to grasp the full depth of Scripture. Language evolves, and so should our tools for understanding the Bible.

The bottom line: While the KJV holds historical significance, it’s no longer the best choice for serious Bible study, especially when clarity and accuracy are paramount.

Modern Discoveries: The Impact of the Dead Sea Scrolls and Greek Manuscripts

One of the most profound developments in biblical scholarship is the discovery of ancient manuscripts that have helped refine and clarify modern Bible translations. Two key developments in this area are the Dead Sea Scrolls and the increased certainty around the Greek New Testament.

The Dead Sea Scrolls: A Window into the Old Testament

Discovered in the mid-20th century, the Dead Sea Scrolls contain some of the oldest surviving manuscripts of the Old Testament, dating as far back as the 3rd century BCE. Before their discovery, the earliest complete Hebrew manuscripts we had dated to around the 10th century CE. The Dead Sea Scrolls provided scholars with a treasure trove of biblical texts nearly a millennium older, which has greatly enhanced our understanding of the Old Testament.

Improved Accuracy: Many modern translations, like the NIV and ESV, have benefited from the insights provided by the Dead Sea Scrolls. These ancient texts confirm the reliability of the Masoretic Text (the basis for most Old Testament translations) while also offering corrections or clarifications in certain passages.
Greater Insight: The Scrolls have also revealed textual variants and provided a richer understanding of Jewish life and thought in the centuries leading up to Jesus. This means that when you read a modern Bible translation, you’re likely reading a more accurate and contextually insightful version of the Old Testament than previous generations had access to.

Greater Certainty in the Greek New Testament

For the New Testament, we now have access to a vast array of early Greek manuscripts—some dating to the 2nd century CE. This abundance of ancient copies allows scholars to compare and cross-check texts with much greater accuracy. As a result, modern Bible translations are far more reliable in reflecting the original writings of the apostles and early Christian authors.

Correcting Non-Original Passages: One of the most significant results of this manuscript evidence is the correction of certain passages that were not part of the original text. For instance, the longer ending of Mark (Mark 16:9-20) and the story of the woman caught in adultery (John 7:53–8:11) are now understood to have been later additions, not part of the original Gospel manuscripts. Most modern translations will either omit these passages or include a note explaining their questionable authenticity, something you won’t find in older translations like the KJV.
A Stronger Foundation for Faith: The wealth of ancient manuscript evidence provides modern readers with a greater confidence that what we hold in our hands today is a highly reliable reflection of the original New Testament writings. Modern translations like the NET Bible and NIV reflect these manuscript findings and offer a text that is closer to the original than ever before.

Navigating Modern Translations: What Should You Look For?

With so many modern translations available, it’s natural to wonder which one is the best fit for you. The answer largely depends on how you plan to use the Bible.

Not all translations are created equal, and understanding their strengths and weaknesses is key to making an informed choice. Some versions aim for a word-for-word translation, while others focus on conveying the thoughts behind the text. Both approaches have their place, but knowing when and how to use them is crucial.

For instance, when studying Scripture in depth, it’s helpful to consult multiple translations to avoid the potential bias that may creep into any one version. Let’s consider some translation types:

Literal Translations (Word-for-Word): These aim to stick closely to the original Hebrew and Greek, striving to translate each word as directly as possible. While they offer clarity in terms of exact wording, they can sometimes be harder to understand due to differences between ancient and modern languages. Examples include the English Standard Version (ESV) and New American Standard Bible (NASB).
Dynamic Equivalent Translations (Thought-for-Thought): These prioritize the meaning behind the words, making Scripture more accessible and easier to read. This method allows the translator to bridge cultural and linguistic gaps, but it can introduce more subjective interpretation. Examples include the New International Version (NIV) and the New Living Translation (NLT).
Paraphrase Bibles: Paraphrases like The Message or The Living Bible take more creative liberty, focusing on modernizing the language and offering a very readable, relatable version of Scripture. However, due to their interpretive nature, they often reflect the theological biases of the translator and are less reliable for in-depth study.

The Benefits of Using Multiple Translations

One translation alone can never fully capture the richness of the Bible’s original languages. That’s why we recommend using a variety of translations, especially when studying more challenging passages. By comparing different versions, you can uncover nuances and make informed interpretations.

For example, pairing a literal translation like the ESV with a more dynamic version like the NIV can help you see both the precise wording and the broader meaning of a passage. The NET Bible (New English Translation) is also an excellent choice for study because it includes extensive translator notes, offering insights into why specific translation choices were made.

What About Translations to Avoid?

While most modern translations are created by scholarly committees, ensuring a level of balance and accountability, there are versions that you might want to avoid for regular use. Bibles translated by a single individual, such as Moffatt’s Bible or Eugene Peterson’s The Message, may reflect more personal interpretation and theological bias. These can be helpful for reflection but should be approached with caution when used for study purposes.

Balancing Study and Devotion: Finding Your Everyday Bible

For daily reading, the best Bible is one that resonates with you and encourages regular engagement with God’s Word. The translation should be readable, relatable, and faithful to the original text. We recommend versions that strike a balance between literal accuracy and clarity, such as:

New International Version (NIV): Known for its readability and balance between accuracy and accessibility.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB): A Catholic translation that offers rich theological insights while remaining approachable.
New Living Translation (NLT): A dynamic equivalent version that prioritizes clear, modern English.
New English Translation (NET Bible): Great for study, with its helpful translator notes, and still very readable for everyday use.

Questions to Consider When Choosing Your Bible:

Translation Method: Was the Bible translated word-for-word, thought-for-thought, or paraphrased?
Scholarship: Was the translation done by a committee or a single individual?
Purpose: Are you looking for a Bible for study, devotional reading, or both?

In conclusion, while the abundance of Bible versions may seem overwhelming, it’s actually a blessing. With a little knowledge and discernment, you can select a translation that not only brings you closer to the original meaning of Scripture but also enriches your spiritual journey.

Additional Resources

Books:

How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart (Chapter 2)
The Bible in Translation by Bruce Metzger

Web Articles: