Bible Translations
Bibles translated into English range from a literal translation, or "word-for-word," (which can include unfamiliar meanings in English) to a representative translation, or "thought-for-thought," (where the translators reword sections to maintain the meaning in English).
All bible translations essentially aim to communicate the message of the bible accurately to readers, but they take different approaches to do so.
Word-for-Word vs. Thought-for-Thought
The benefit of a word-for-word (literal) translation of the bible, is that what you read in English is almost literally what was written in the original language. The drawback is that there might be foreign, cultural-based, concepts that are confusing to some.
The benefit of a thought-for-thought (representative) translation, is that any unfamiliar concepts are reworded in order to clarify the meaning. The only major drawback is that the translators have to interpret the text through their own theology, potentially leading to a "diluting" or "watering-down" effect of the message.
However, if we put several translations side-by-side and read several verses, we would find that the meaning stays essentially consistent, despite slight differences in wording.
Bible Continuum
In reality, no bible is completely word-for-word or thought-for-thought, but rather they range on a spectrum ranging between the two opposing sides. Below are several popular bibles categorized based on where they fall on the spectrum.
Literal Bible Translations (Word-for-Word)
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- King James Version (KJV)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
Balanced Bible Translations
Representative (Thought-for-Thought)
Choosing a Bible Translation
When choosing a bible translation, it is best to consider what your needs are. If you want a bible that is "true to the original text," then you would want to choose a word-for-word translation like the English Standard Version (ESV) or New King James Version (NKJV).
However, if you want a bible that is more balanced and easier to understand, then you would want to consider the New International Version (NIV) or New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). If you want a bible translation that is extremely easy to read, then you would want to consider the New Living Translation (NLT).
Bibles that are more on the thought-for-thought side (ex: The Message) should be used more for supplementary reading, since they are essentially paraphrases of the original text and are heavily interpreted by the translator(s).
When choosing a bible translation, it is also important to consider the origins of the bible translation.
← Back to Messiah of God Home from Bible Translations
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
What is love? It's a call to action.
What is love? It's a call to action. Guest post by Ben Byrum. -
Miraculous Physical Healing Explains Salvation: The Truth of Jesus’ Salvation
If you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer, then with current medical technology you have likely not been given any hope for getting better. Your cancer is terminal. In fact, with many diseases... -
Does Science Argue For or Against God?
Probability of the Universe Existing in Coin Flips: Flipping a coin has a 50/50 chance of heads vs tails. How many times do you think you could flip heads in a row with a 50/50 chance? -
Man Finds Single Ominous Bible Page in Wildfire Aftermath
Wildfires in Tennessee have temporarily displaced thousands of people fleeing from the destruction. Over 100 homes have been destroyed, as well as hotels and businesses. Thus far, seven people... -
How to Obey God's Will
Obeying God's will is actually more simple than it seems. The truth is that some actions are good (holy), some actions are bad (sinful), and the majority of actions are completely neutral... -
Doubting After God Answers Your Prayers
Having God answer your prayers can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, relief, and thankfulness. However, sometimes doubt of God's intervention can appear and begin to steal your confidence... -
How to Prove God Exists
For unbelievers, there are only a few ways to prove that God exists, depending on how willing they are to accept God's existence. For unbelievers who are... -
The Lie of Sanctification
Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as... -
God's Definition of Perfect
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." One of the problems with modern Christianity is the mainstream concept that "It is impossible to be perfect." -
Is it Okay for Christians to Sue Others?
When someone owes us money or has taken something away from us, often courts of law are necessary to recover what was lost. However, is it okay for Christians to sue others?
Copyright © 2011- – Messiah-of-God.com™ KE Cornerstone
All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy and Affiliate Disclosure
Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
