GBC Connection

People sometimes ask me, What translation of the Bible do you use?

Let me first say that it is amazing how many English translations of the Bible exist, especially when you consider that only 500 years ago we were still without our first translation of the New Testament from the original Greek, which was published in 1525 from the labours of William Tyndale.

Today, I’d be willing to bet that on any given Sunday there are close to 10 different translations tucked under our arms at GBC as we come for worship. In sum, there are over 100 different English Bible to choose from.[1] God has been so good to us! So, what’s the difference between them?

There are basically three kinds of English translations of the Bible:

1.      Word-for-Word translations – The translators of these Bibles try their best to retain the exact wording as given in the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) languages. The emphasis here is on preserving as much as possible, the style, wording, and sentence structure of the original text. One describes this as trying to be as “transparent” as possible, so you can see in English what is there in the original language.[2] Examples of word-for-word translations include the English Standard Version (ESV), the New American Standard Bible (NASB), the King James Version (KJV) (also known as the “Authorized Version”), and the New King James Version (NKJV). These are good for careful study of Scripture and enable the reader to follow the original author’s line of thinking, reasoning, and explaining very well. On the other hand, these can be more challenging to read and comprehend.

2.      Thought-for-Thought translations – These translations seek first to communicate the idea in the Scripture, over and above the preservation of the original language. The approach here is based on the belief that the meaning of the Bible must be preserved, and done so in language that resonates with the culture for which it is published. Examples of thought-for-though are: the New International Version (NIV), the New Living Translation (NLT), and the Contemporary English Version (CEV). Some find these easier to read, but others dislike how interpretive they can be because translators are focusing more on the idea or meaning of the passage that is in the original, instead of its wording.

3.      Paraphrases – These are renderings of the Bible in which the emphasis is on communicating the essence of a text. The result is often a fresh, easy-to-understand rendering of God’s Word. The original languages are not necessarily relied upon, and little concern is given to original wording, thus these are not considered translations. These include Eugene Peterson’s work called, The Message, as well as the Amplified Bible (AMP). Believers appreciate the clarity of the biblical ideas, but others are uncomfortable with the fact that they consist of the understanding of the person who wrote it instead of the biblical authors themselves.

So what translation should you use?

The answer to that question rests in this principle: choose your translation according to your purpose.[3] If you are attempting to do any kind of serious, careful study of Scripture then you will need a word-for-word translation of the Bible as your primary source. Yet at the same time, thought-for-thought translations are a wonderful complement in this process giving you a different look at a passage you might be struggling to grasp.

If you are looking for something from which to do daily Bible reading then you have any number of options and you don’t have to stick with only one choice. Some have found it a real blessing to use different translations in various seasons of life and on different occasions. So, if you are reading the story of the birth of Christ to your family this Christmas, perhaps you would find it helpful for your listeners if you  read from the NIV or the NLT. If you want to introduce a friend to the faith, who has no church or Bible experience you might be wise to not give them a King James Version of the Scriptures lest they be baffled by the outdated language.

You see, what you are up to will impact upon the translation you use.

I rarely refer to paraphrases simply because I can hear what people think a passage means all the time in sermons, books, and other Christian reflections. When I open my Bible I want to hear what God has to say in his word rather than what people say God is saying. But a paraphrase can be useful in helping to understand what a passage might mean just like a commentary or study Bible notes.

Returning to the initial question, the translation I use is the English Standard Version of the Bible (ESV). I use it all the time, and in almost any setting: in preaching, teaching, personal daily devotions, reading to my family, weddings, funerals, and Bible studies with all of you. Over the past six years at GBC I have used the NLT, the NIV, the NKJV, and the NASB – but have settled on the ESV because it brings me as close to the original language, uses contemporary English that is easily understood, it’s very readable, and theologically sound. I wish not to delve into a great debate on the matter with anyone who prefers something else. Other translations are fine.  I simply think it is the best option available.

My main desire, though, is not to promote one particular translation over another. More than anything, I want us to a Bible-hungry, Bible-reading, Bible-loving, Bible-saturated church. So, whatever version is in your home, I warmly commend it to you for the blessing and feeding of your soul – to be read, learned, and applied in your life.                                                                              - Ross Kearney

Recommended Reading: A Book to Die For by William J. McRae, available in the GBC library downstairs; and most importantly, the Bible, written by God.

[1] William J. McRae, A Book to Die For: A Practical Study Guide on How Our Bible Came to Us (Toronto: Clements Publishing, 2004), 141.

[2] Mark Driscoll and Gerry Breshears, Doctrine: What Christians Should Believe (Wheaton: Crossway Books, 2010), 70.

[3] McRae, 145.