BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
Read, Study, and Obey -Understanding Modern Bible Translations
Many ask which version of the Bible I use and why, which translation I consider best, and what I’d recommend for someone just beginning to follow Christ. This article is not a critique of any translation but simply my preference based on facts. I know readers may prefer different versions with sound reasons for believing their version best reflects the original text, and that is okay. My goal is to honor the Bible as God’s Word rather than debating which version is supreme, especially since such debates often confuse, mislead, or infuriate some. With that in mind, I offer a brief overview of the most prevalent modern translations. Though there are other modern versions I cannot comment on each, and quite frankly, many are not ones I could recommend.
Bible translations are overwhelmingly numerous. Each one claims to bring the text closer to the original or make the Bible easier to read and understand. Some focus on a closer meaning of the original languages while others aim for clarity and readability. For me and many other faithful brethren, the King James Version (KJV) and the American Standard Version (ASV) of 1901 remain anchors of trust and accuracy. The KJV is renowned for its doctrinal stability, and the ASV preserves a more literal precision and can both accurately clarify difficult passages, when studied carefully. Although these are wonderful, many people seek versions that are easier to read and understand. To help them make an appropriate choice, we must recognize two broad translation philosophies that shape how the original text is rendered. Let us consider modern versions from both schools of thought.
First is dynamic equivalence or a thought-for-thought type translation, aims to convey the meaning and intent in contemporary English. This group includes the New International Version (NIV), New Living Translation (NLT), Contemporary English Version (CEV), and Christian Standard Bible (CSB). The NIV emphasizes a broader understanding through thought-for-thought rendering. The NLT seeks natural readability and is easy to read. The CEV uses everyday language for broader readability, and the CSB seems to be readable while maintaining relative accuracy.
The other type is formal equivalence or word-for-word. This style preserves as much of the original wording and structure as possible in modern English. This group includes the KJV and ASV, NKJV, NASB, ESV, and LSB. The New King James (NKJV) preserves the classic style of the KJV with updated grammar and is a reliable translation. The New American Standard (NASB) is highly literal and precise, and, though it is incredibly accurate, much is lost in certain word choices. The English Standard Version (ESV) is essentially literal and, quite readable and it like the NASB, in my opinion falls flat in places. The Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) is basically an update of the NASB text, making it easier to read while keeping a formal style.
Nevertheless, in all cases the Bible remains God’s Word and not just some collection of ideas. Read and study to know Christ and how to live in a world that desperately needs Him (Joshua 1:8; Acts 17:11; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 Timothy 3:16-17). Remember this, if Christ died for us while we were His enemies (Romans 5:8-10), we should long to know His Word. Any one of the mentioned versions can lead someone to Christ what matters most is that we read, study, and familiarize ourselves with Scripture so we can spread the Gospel of Christ to a lost and dying world.
In short, my recommendation is to use a faithful word-for-word translation as your primary study Bible and only use thought-for-thought translations as commentary to help you discern His will. Each version serves a purpose in devotion, study, or teaching but not all versions are equal. So, for readability without sacrificing accuracy, NKJV, NASB, and ESV are good choices. For those desiring the most accurate translation and can deal with traditional wording, the KJV and ASV are the right choice. The NIV, NLT, CSB, and CEV, I cannot recommend for someone’s primary Bible, even though I often use them for commentary and occasional reading. Remember, thought-for-thought vs word-for-word. I don’t know about you, but I prefer to know what God says rather than what Bible scholars tell me they think the original texts mean. Whichever translation you choose, commit to daily study and obedience so that you may live in the light of His Word.
~ Casey Clement
>PS. This week spend 15 minutes reading your Bible.