Q. Which bible translation do you use? There are so many choices I don’t know which one to choose or even how to go about choosing it.
Answer:
See, Hold & Write
Good questions. In my case I don’t have much choice. The question is: Which version can I “see?” Which version can I “hold” easily? And which offers the best space for notes?
For me this is primarily the Ryrie Study Bible in the New American Standard version. It has decent space for notes and 10 point type. It also has verse numbers at the left of the column which is easier for me to follow. Other versions such as the NIV and the ESV are in paragraph form where verse numbers are in the middle of paragraphs. Ah…the trials of old age…
Church Choice
Seriously. For the majority of people the best version is the one chosen by their church. (That makes the decision easy). In most churches this is either the New King James or the New American Standard Bible. Both are excellent.
The New King James is based on the early Byzantine texts which have a few more words in it. Whereas, the New American Standard is based on the Alexandrian text which is somewhat shorter. We like students to own both.
New Living Translation
I also use two other versions frequently. One is the New Living Translation. This is good for its “shock” value. For example, Isaiah 30:10 has rebellious Judah saying to the prophets:
“Shut up! We don’t want any more of your reports.” They say, “Don’t tell us the truth. Tell us nice things. Tell us lies. Forget all this gloom.”
Somehow that has more “punch” than “You must not prophesy to use what is right. Speak to us pleasant words. Prophesy illusions” (NASB).
English Standard
The second version I use a lot is the English Standard Version. They “tweaked” more verses so that in some ways it is more accurate than the NASB. An example is:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God…” (2 Tim. 3:16).
For decades we have heard that “All Scripture is ‘inspired'” actually means “breathed-out” by God. They translated it correctly (as did the NIV). Another example is Ephesians 6:12 which the ESV translated,
“For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the ‘cosmic’ powers over this present darkness…”
The word “cosmic” seems more appropriate to us.
ESV Old Testament
We believe the ESV did a better job with the Old Testament, too. Psalm 82 boldly states,
“God has taken his place in the divine council. In the midst of the gods he holds judgment: ‘How long will you judge unjustly and show partiality to the wicked?'”
The ESV translators did not shrink back from accurately translating this passage. They left some of the uncertainties within the text regarding the “divine council” and “gods.”
In Isaiah 28:10 and 28:13 they left the familiar phrase, “For it is precept upon precept, precept upon precept, line upon line, line upon line, here a little, there a little.” Whereas, the NASB translators said “Order on order, order on order…” which is difficult to read and does away with the idea of a poetical taunt.
Does Just One Wrong Word Count?
Some believers feel that teachers are too fussy about every word in a translation. Does one wrong word count?
Surprisingly, wrongly translated words can change the entire meaning of a text. An example is Hebrews 3:14:
“For we have become partakers OF Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end.”
Metochoi
Most versions translate this, “in” Christ. Being “in Christ” carries the meaning of positional relationship to Christ when people have a saving faith. Yet, Hebrews 3:14 presents a condition of partnership with Jesus Christ dependent upon the faithful endurance of the believer. These companions of Christ in rulership are the special rewards for the “metochos” – the servant kings partnering with Christ in glorious rulership. Quite a difference!
Therefore, yes, one wrong word does count! We need to be diligent in our studies and use the best that scholarship has to offer us. In the Hebrews 3:14 passage the HCSB translation gets it right.
My recommendation for students is to use these translations:
1. New American Standard Version or English Standard Version.
2. New King James Version.
3. Then use a casual version for its “shock” value to enhance studying the more literal versions. The New Living Translation is fine for this purpose. I also like the CEV. If you don’t mind a more difficult translation the HCSB is best for accuracy in this category.
Then, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth” (2 Tim. 2:15, ESV).
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References:
Benware, Paul N. 2002. The believer’s payday. Chattanooga, TN: AMG.
Dillow, Joseph. 1993. The reign of the servant kings. Hayesville, N.C.: Schoettle.
Ryken, Leland. 2002. The Word of God in English. Wheaton, ILL: Crossway.
Holy Bible, ESV large print. 2004. Wheaton, ILL: Crossway.
Ryrie Study Bible, NASB. 1995. Chicago: Moody.
Author Valorie Mays Emilio holds an M.A. in History from UCLA focusing upon early church history and a V.O.M. Certificate in Persecuted Church Ministries from Oklahoma Wesleyan University. Ken received the M.A. in Biblical Studies from Louisiana Baptist University.