The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. Today there are dozens of English translations of the Bible. Due to overall general issues of translating a document from one language to another, manuscripts used, ideologies, etc, translations can vary.
Translation Types
There are three overall basic types of translations: (1) Literal (or formal equivalence), in which translators use the original manuscripts to interpret word for word; (2) Free interpretation/paraphrase (or dynamic equivalence), in which translators render meaning by meaning. The third type is in the middle of these two.
Translations such as the KJV, NKJV (Revised Authorized Version), NASB (New American Standard B), and ESV (English Standard Version) are literal translations. They follow the Greek and Hebrew text word for word wherever possible (not truly possible to translate a readable version of the Bible – or any book for that matter – word-for-word from one language to another). But where the English idiom does not correspond with the original text, the words often come out sounding cumbersome and not understandable.
Many of the newest Bible versions use the second method of translating, describing the meaning of each passage. First, a translator tries to understand what the verse is saying. Then he/she attempts to convey this message to the reader using their own way of explaining what the verse means. If the translator has little or no knowledge, or a wrong understanding, of a particular verse, they do a great disservice to the reader. This is one way in which an individual’s own ideas are promoted.
A translator may also need to add words or phrases in order to convey a message or translate other words into a more modern usage (for example, “feet” instead of “cubits”). Some examples of free translations are Today’s English Version, The New English Bible, The Bible, A New Translation (Moffatt) and New International Version (NIV), and the Holman Christian Standard Bible.
Most translations of the Bible are done by committee. This helps to guarantee that no individual prejudice or theology will affect the decisions of word choice, etc. Of course, the committee itself may have a particular agenda or bias (such as those producing the current “gender-neutral” mistranslations). But there is still plenty of good scholarship being done, and many good translations are available.
As a general rule, a translation produced by just one man will tend to be slanted toward that man’s ideas. Below is a brief description of the various English Bible translations.
Why Can’t Christians Agree On One Bible?
The good news is that Christians don’t have to agree on one translation of the Bible.
First, because of language barriers, it’s impossible for all Christians worldwide to agree on one Bible. If we all agreed that the KJV (for example) is the one true Bible, then what are Christians to read who speak Spanish or French? There’s no such thing as King James Russian or King James Papiamento. Non-English translations have to be made, and there’s nothing more “inspired” about a translation in English than a translation in, say, Urdu.
But if we limit our consideration to English translations, Christians still don’t have to agree on one Bible. There are several reasons why various Bible translations are good and even necessary:
1) Language changes over time, and words and spellings become obsolete. Christians in the 21st century do not have to agree with the spelling of the 14th century. For example, consider John 3:16 in the first English translation ever made, John Wyclif’s 14th-century version:
“For God louede so the world, that he yaf his 'oon bigetun sone, that ech man that bileueth in him perische not, but haue euerlastynge lijf.”
And here is the same verse in the KJV of 1611:
“For God so loued þe world, that he gaue his only begotten Sonne: that whosoeuer beleeueth in him, should not perish, but haue euerlasting life.”
Obviously, these translations (which were necessary in their time) needed to be replaced with translations that reflected contemporary spelling.
2) Christians don’t have to agree on one version of the Bible because only the original autographs of Scripture were inspired. The words that Joshua wrote in the Book of the Law of God (Joshua 24:26) were inspired by God. Every translation of those words since that time has involved a measure of human interpretation—that’s the nature of translating. For example, the Hebrew word Joshua wrote concerning false gods was nekar in Joshua 24:23. That inspired word can be translated into English as “strange,” “foreign,” or “alien,” or the gods in question can simply be called “idols.” It’s up to the translator, but the basic meaning does not change. The English translation is not what’s inspired anyway, as most Christians would agree.
3) Christians don’t have to agree on one version of the Bible because such agreement would tend to foster autocracy and absolutism. Having different translations prevents any one group or church from saying, “Only our translation is holy. We are the only ones who have God’s Word.” This is in fact what happened during the Middle Ages. The Roman Catholic Church (and later the Anglican) held in their grasp all the copies of the Bible (in Latin, which most people could not read), and they forbade anyone else from making a copy or reading it for themselves. Bibles in the vernacular were illegal. Fortunately, the Reformation changed all that: Luther made a German translation, and Tyndale an English translation, and the rest, as they say, is history.
4) Christians shouldn’t have to agree on one version of the Bible because having different translations allows more people access to God’s Word. Various versions of the Bible are written at various reading levels. The KJV, for example, is about a 12th-grade reading level. The NKJV is about a 7th-grade reading level. The NCV has a 3rd-grade reading level. The ERV (Easy-to-Read Version) is better for people just learning English. John 3:16 in the ERV is, “Yes, God loved the world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him would not be lost but have eternal life.” If all Christians agreed on the NIV Bible, for example, anyone at a reading level lower than junior-high would have difficulty reading God’s Word.
How Does The Translation Process Impact The Inspiration, Inerrancy, and Infallibility Of The Bible?
This question deals with three very important issues: inspiration, preservation, and translation.
The doctrine of the inspiration of the Bible teaches that scripture is “God-breathed”; that is, God personally superintended the writing process, guiding the human authors so that His complete message was recorded for us. The Bible is truly God’s Word. During the writing process, the personality and writing style of each author was allowed expression; however, God so directed the writers that the 66 books they produced were free of error and were exactly what God wanted us to have. See 2 Timothy 3:16 and 2 Peter 1:21.
Of course, when we speak of “inspiration,” we are referring only to the process by which the original documents were composed. After that, the doctrine of the preservation of the Bible takes over. If God went to such great lengths to give us His Word, surely He would also take steps to preserve that Word unchanged. What we see in history is that God did exactly that.
The Old Testament Hebrew scriptures were painstakingly copied by Jewish scribes. Groups such as the Sopherim, the Zugoth, the Tannaim, and the Masoretes had a deep reverence for the texts they were copying. Their reverence was coupled with strict rules governing their work: the type of parchment used, the size of the columns, the kind of ink, and the spacing of words were all prescribed. Writing anything from memory was expressly forbidden, and the lines, words, and even the individual letters were methodically counted as a means of double-checking accuracy. The result of all this was that the words written by Isaiah’s pen are still available today. The discovery of the Dead Sea scrolls clearly confirms the precision of the Hebrew text.
The same is true for the New Testament Greek text. Thousands of Greek texts, some dating back to nearly A.D. 117, are available. The slight variations among the texts—not one of which affects an article of faith—are easily reconciled. Scholars have concluded that the New Testament we have at present is virtually unchanged from the original writings. Textual scholar Sir Frederic Kenyon said about the Bible, “It is practically certain that the true reading of every doubtful passage is preserved. . . . This can be said of no other ancient book in the world.”
This brings us to the translation of the Bible. Translation is an interpretative process, to some extent. When translating from one language to another, choices must be made. Should it be the more exact word, even if the meaning of that word is unclear to the modern reader? Or should it be a corresponding thought, at the expense of a more literal reading?
As an example, in Colossians 3:12, Paul says we are to put on “bowels of mercies” (KJV). The Greek word for “bowels,” which is literally “intestines,” comes from a root word meaning “spleen.” The KJV translators chose a literal translation of the word. The translators of the NASB chose “heart of compassion”—the “heart” being what today’s reader thinks of as the seat of emotions. The Amplified Bible has it as “tenderhearted pity and mercy.” The NIV simply puts “compassion.”
So, the KJV is the most literal in the above example, but the other translations certainly do justice to the verse. The core meaning of the command is to have compassionate feelings.
Translation Versions Overview
New American Standard Bible (NASB / ASV)
The New American Standard Bible (NASB) , also known as the Standard American Edition or American Standard Version, is a revised version of the KJV. It was completed in 1885 and newly edited by the American Revision Committee in 1901.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
Amplified Bible (AMP)
The Amplified Bible was first published in 1965 and updated in 1987. (11th grade reading level). It seeks to take the ASV (1901) and update it based on original manuscripts and subtle shades of meaning implied by the text that are put into brackets. The result is a translation that is 3-4 times the length of others. It can be useful for word study, but must be used carefully. We must not simply pick and choose from the words presented to come up with our own idea of the meaning of the text.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
First published in 1995 and is a dynamic equivalent translation that is similar to the NLT but different in several ways. The translators were focused on how the text “sounded” (“faith comes by hearing”), so it is intended to be read aloud. This tends to make it a bit easier for people for whom English is a second language. It waters the text down to the point that certain passages create direct contradictions with other passages.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
Common English Bible (CEB)
The Common English Bible is a translation of the scriptures intended to be a comfortable reading level for over half of all English readers. It attempts to substitute more traditional biblical terminology with more natural wording.
(Thought-For-Thought and Word-For-Word Translation)
Douay-Rheims (RHE)
The Douay-Rheims is the translation upon which nearly all English Catholic Bible versions are based. It includes the seven Deutero-Canonical books (also known as the Apocrypha).
(Word-For-Word Translation From Latin Vulgate)
English Standard Version (ESV)
The English Standard Version has since filled the place of the NASB as a “literal” but readable translation. It seems to have replaced the NASB for many who prefer a translation on the “literal” end of the continuum. First published in 2001, and slightly revised in 2007 and 2011. It is a conservative reworking of the more liberal RSV and NRSV translations. It was translated by over 100 scholars with J.I. Packer as the general editor. It is aimed at a 7th grade reading level. It is easy to understand, flows naturally, and is good for study.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
God’s Word Translation (GW)
God’s Word Translation (GW) translates the meaning of the original texts into clear, everyday language.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
Good News Bible (GNB) or Good News Translation (GNT)
The Good News Translation was first published in 1976 by the American Bible Society in a “common language.” The simple, everyday language makes it especially popular for children and those learning English. First published in 1976 and revised with gender inclusive language in 1992, written at a 6th grade reading level. It is good for people for whom English is a second language. Fairly simple language. Major drawback is that one of the main scholars who translated it renounced biblical inerrancy after it was published, casting a shadow on this translation and its reliability.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
Holman Christian Standard (CSB)
The HCS is a readable, translation written in modern English. It is published by Holman Bible Publishers, the oldest Bible publisher in America. First published in 2004, written at a 7-8th grade reading level. It tries to strike a balance between word-for-word and thought-for-thought. One of the unique aspects is that it uses the name Yahweh instead of the traditional LORD for the tetragrammaton. It is published by Lifeway Christian Resources, the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
King James Version (KJV)
The KJV is the first version of Scripture authorized by the Protestant church and commissioned by England’s King James I. First published in 1611 (written in the common language of the day, but at a 12th grade reading level today). It is a word for word translation but basically in Shakespearean English. Consequently, many of the words used don’t have the same meaning today and are confusing to the modern reader. For nearly 400 years the KJV was THE English translation.
The King James Version is the most important book in the English language, having shaped the way English was spoken for hundreds of years. Many people grew up with the King James Version and still love the style and beauty of the translation. Someone once quipped, “The King James Version is as beautiful as Shakespeare and just as simple.” For some people, the Elizabethan English might be a challenge, but there is nothing wrong with accepting a challenge. The New King James Version is a more readable version of the King James, removing many of the archaic terms and modernizing the syntax. Both the KJV and the NKJV are “literal” translations.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
Lexham English Bible (LEB)
The LEB complements your primary translation with it’s transparent design and literal rendering. It helps you see the text of God’s Word from another angle. First published in 2010 by Logos Bible Software. It is intended as a “second” bible, to supplement your primary bible, being primarily based upon a word-for-word, almost Interlinear bible translation approach. It is available in many software packages.
(Word-For-Word Translation / Literal)
The Living Bible (TLB)
First published in 1971. It is a true paraphrase, expressing the meaning of the biblical text in the words of the Baptist author, Kenneth N. Taylor. It is written at a 4th grade reading level. Taylor basically wrote it so his kids could understand the scriptures. Good for devotional reading, but not for study. The NLT is a better and more accurate translation in this vein.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
The Message (MSG)
The Message is a paraphrase from the original languages written by Eugene, H. Peterson. Completed in 1993, The Message is NOT a translation of the bible; it is a paraphrase. Eugene Peterson, has an extensive background in biblical languages and felt the need to produce a bible that communicated the “earthiness of the original language.” The earthiness comes through to such an extent that it really is more like a commentary on the Bible – rephrasing the Bible in his own words. I do like how he paraphrases some passages; however, there are many times where in an effort to be earthy and edgy, he goes too far and some would even argue becomes unbiblical. Definitely NOT a study bible.
(Thought-For-Thought / Paraphrase Translation)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
The NAS is written in a formal style, but is more readable than the King James Version. It is highly respected as one of the most literal English translation of the Bible. First published in 1971, updated in 1995. The NASB is written at an 11th grade reading level and is probably the most literal word for word translation of the scriptures in English. However, as a result it is often accused of “wooden translations” that don’t flow. One benefit is that the NASB tries to consistently translate verbs in the tense implied by the text. This helps give a better understanding of the text when doing detailed study; but does make the text read awkward at times. It was THE bible for many conservative pastors prior to the release of the ESV.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
New Century Version (NCV)
First published in 1986 and updated in 1991. It is written at a 3-5th grade level and uses dynamic equivalent. It was initially a product of the Church of Christ and used by Billy Graham in his crusades.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
New English Translation (NET)
The New English Translation or NET Bible is an internet-based version, although it is also available in book form. The NET contains extensive notes on the translation. While other modern versions may undergo a major revision every decade or so, the NET Bible is continually updated and revised as needed.
New International Version (NIV)
The NIV offers a balance between a Word-For-Word Translation and Thought-For-Thought Translation translation and is considered by many as a smooth-reading version of the Bible in modern English. The original 1984 edition was basically good. The New International Version is a “dynamic” translation. The translators’ concern was communicating the meaning in a way that is easily readable in English, even if it meant a departure from the original wording. The NIV has been very successful and is currently the most popular modern English version. In 2011, Zondervan released an updated version pushing through a more liberal and gender inclusive version.
(Word-For-Word and Thought-For-Thought Translation)
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
A Catholic translation of the scriptures first published in 1985 and includes the Apocrypha. It uses dynamic equivalent, 10th grade reading level.
(Word-For-Word and Thought-For-Thought Translation)
New King James Version (NKJV)
The NKJ is a modern language update of the original King James Version. It retains much of the traditional interpretation and sentence structure of the KJV. First published in 1982 it is based upon the King James Version from 1611. It is written for a 7th grade reading level, yet preserves much of the poetic style of the original KJV. The 130 scholars used the Textus Receptus as the basis of the translation. The Textus Receptus isn’t as old as some of the ancient manuscripts that we now have and as a result, isn’t considered as reliable. The TR includes verses and phrases that don’t appear in the earlier manuscripts leading many to believe that they were added later and not authentic. Some, however, argue that the earlier manuscripts (most of which are from Alexandria) were edited by gnostic writers who removed those verses. They also argue that it would have been strange for Mark to end his gospel without the resurrection (which is only in the TR). Either way, I believe the extra verses and phrases add greater clarity to the scriptures, but do not change any doctrines either way.
(Word-For-Word Translation)
New Living Translation (NLT)
Using modern English, the translators of the NLT focused on producing clarity in the meaning of the text rather than creating a literal, word-for-word Translation equivalence. Their goal was to create a clear, readable translation while remaining faithful to original texts. First published in 1996 and updated in 2004 and 2007 (the most recent edition being more accurate). It is very readable, written at a 6th grade reading level. Unlike the original Living Bible, the NLT is an actual translation by over 90 scholars. Using a dynamic equivalent (thought for thought translation), the NLT is very clear and great for devotional reading, or to get an overview of a book or passage. Not great for detailed word study. Many people in the bible are known by more than one name; the NLT uses a single name for clarity and footnotes the others.
(Thought-For-Thought Translation)
New Revised Standard Version (NRS)
The New Revised Standard Version is the most popular version among non-evangelical Bible scholars. Evangelicals tend to stay away from this translation, as the translation team included many who were not committed to the authority of the biblical text. However, they were competent scholars in the biblical languages.
(Word-For-Word and Thought-For-Thought Translation)
New World Translation (NWT)
First published in 1961, this is the translation by the Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (aka., the Jehovah’s Witnesses). This translation has many problems and distorts the scriptures at several points to reinforce the JW’s theology. Notable cases are John 1:1, Colossians 1 (the word “other” is added multiple times) and others. This translation is only useful when speaking with a JW.
(Word-For-Word and Thought-For-Thought Translation)
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The Revised Standard Version is a revision of the King James Version, the Revised Version, and American Standard Version. This text is intended for both private reading and public worship. First published in 1989 it is written at an 11th grade level. It is gender-inclusive (translating passages that are masculine in the original into gender neutral or inclusive in the text can be applied to both genders). The NRSV takes the liberalness of the RSV another step further. It is popular in academic classes (colleges).
(Word-For-Word Translation Using Modern American Language)
Today’s New International Version (TNIV)
First published in 2005. It was an update to the NIV that was not well received. It includes much gender-neutral language. This version (along with the NIV ’84) was discontinued with the release of the NIV 2011.
(Word-For-Word and Thought-For-Thought Translation)
Source: Tye; BibleStudyTools.com
