Bible Translations To Avoid
The New World Translation is published by the Watch Tower Bible & Tract Society . The five translators had virtually no Hebrew or Greek training. Because Jehovahs Witnesses believe Jesus is not equal with God, they translated John 1:1 as the Word was agod. John 8:58 translates Jesus as saying, before Abraham came into existence, I have been . In Exodus 3, God gave His name to Moses as I am, but because Jehovahs Witnesses dont believe Jesus is part of the Godhead or eternal, they changed the correct translation.
Although many Christians love The Message, an extremely loose paraphrase by Eugene Peterson, its so loose that it significantly changes the meaning of many verses and can be misleading.
The Passion Translation by Brian Simmons is his attempt to include the love language of God, but he significantly adds to and takes away words and phrases in Bible verses, which alters the meaning of the verses.
Types Of Bible Translations
According to BibleProject, every translation balances two goals: faithfulness to the wording of the original language and readability in everyday English. Those two priorities have led to translations that lean more toward one or the otheror fall somewhere in the middle.
Note: As you read the descriptions below, remember that no Bible translation is 100 percent formal or 100 percent functional. Its more helpful to think of these translation types as points along a line rather than a simple yes or no answer.
Which Bible Version Is The Most Accurate And Easy To Understand
There are a lot of translations and versions, so how do you know which one to choose? Who should you trust? There are so many opinions and options out there, so I want to explain the reasons why I recommend the NLT, ESV, and the CEV. Then you can make an informed decision that you feel confident about.
Its helpful to know the two major approaches in translating the Bible from the original text.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek with a little bit of Aramaic here and there.
The two main approaches to translating the Bible are word-for-word and thought-for-thought.
In simple terms: Word-for-word translations try to stick as closely as possible to each word of the original languages. The thought-for-thought translations lean more towards being clear and expressing the Bible in modern English. This doesnt mean that they are not accurate. Its just a different emphasis and approach in translation.
Bible Versions/Translations Fall Somewhere in this Spectrum
Translations like the ESV are more word-for-word. The NLT and CEV are more thought-for-thought. Paraphrases like the Message would be on the far right of that spectrum. Paraphrases take the meaning and express it with words that are not in the original text.
A lot more can be said about Bible versions and translations, but thats the essence of it.
The NLT and CEV are not nearly as far leaning as some other translations like the NIrV . For that reason, I dont recommend the NIrV here.
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What Is The Best Bible For Beginners
Most people are familiar with the King James Version of the Bible, which also is the first authorized English translation of the bible.
However, I wouldnt recommend it for beginners.
When choosing a bible you should consider these two things:
- Readability & Understanding
Which Version of the Bible Should You Choose?
There are roughly 450 English translations of the bible.
The most popular translations are:
- King James Version
Why Are There So Many Bible Translations and Which One is Best?
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew/Aramaic and Greek .
Since the original Bible was written in several languages, it had to be translated into English. The English bible versions that we read are all translations from these original texts.
However, there are several ways that bibles can be translated.
The most accurate way is a word-for-word translation .
The King James Bible and the English Standard Version are examples of formal equivalence. While these versions are accurate, they are harder to read and understand.
Then you have retelling or paraphrasing the scripture which attempts to paraphrase the original text in a way that is easier for modern readers to read and understand.
The New Internation Readers Version and the Good News Translation are examples of dynamic equivalence.
There is a happy medium between the two called functional equivalencethat balances word for word and paraphrasing. The New International Version and the Christian Standard Bible are translated this way.
Relationship To The Revised Standard Version
The ESV is derived from the 1971 text edition of the Revised Standard Version . ESV translation committee member Wayne Grudem claims that approximately eight percent of the 1971 RSV text being used for the ESV was revised as of first publication in 2001. Grudem states that the committee removed “every trace of liberal influence that had caused such criticism from evangelicals when the RSV was first published in 1952.” Although, Grudem also states that much of the 1971 RSV text left unchanged by the committee “is simply ‘the best of the best’ of the KJV tradition.”
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Which Is The Best Bible Translation
There is no simple answer to this. Some of this has to do with which part of the Bible you want to read. The Bible is the Word of God, God-breathed and God inspired . It is described as living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword since it can penetrate human thoughts and motives . The Word is the very power of God . Which translation is best? I will answer this question but first, there are five tips that I would recommend before you pick the best.
There Are Dozens Of Translations Of The Bible Into English None Of Which Are Perfect
So, youve decided to make an extra effort and finally read the Bible. Perhaps you have an old family Bible in the house, but you feel like you need a fresh copy, a better translation, something you can read and understand. You take a trip to the local Barnes and Noble or a Catholic bookstore, and the clerk directs you to the Bible section.
I didnt know there were so many different versions, you might think to yourself. Does it matter which one I buy? Which one is best for a Catholic like myself? This one looks good, but is it worth it to pay more for it?
The choice can be daunting. At Barnes and Nobles website, a search for Bible, narrowed down to hardcover versions, yields over 4,700 results.
If the Bible might be considered a guide to life, one might actually need a roadmap to find the version most suitable for the average pilgrim.
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According to some Catholic scholars and teachers, there is no one best Bible for Catholics, but several versions are suitable. Often, it depends on the individual, his background in Bible reading and study, and the way he wishes to use the Good Book.
The New American Bible was first published in 1970 and is the basis for the readings at Mass.
Read more:Where did the Bible come from?
Whether any versions of the Bible are translated in such a way that the language might mislead readers from the true faith,
Read more:
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A Quick Guide To Bible Features
No two Bibles are the same. The features that help you read and navigate the text of the Bible vary between every edition. Here is a quick rundown of the most popular Bible features available today. Make a note of what you find useful or interesting. These terms will be what leads you to your perfect Bible.
Anglicised: the text of an anglicised Bible is written with UK spelling and grammar, as opposed to US spelling and grammar.
Apocrypha: books not traditionally found in most Bibles. The Books and non-canonical texts of the Apocrypha are 1 Esdras, 2 Esdras, Tobit, Judith, Rest of Esther, Wisdom, Ecclesiasticus, Baruch and the Epistle of Jeremy, Song of the Three Children, Story of Susanna, The Idol Bel and the Dragon, Prayer of Manasseh, 1 Maccabees, 2 Maccabees.
Cased: cased Bibles come with an additional layer of protection or decorations. Usually in cloth and imitation leather, Bible cases can be also bought separately.
Chain Reference: A Bible that organised the references in the text into a thematic, topical or logical chain.
Chronological: The books and stories of the Bible are not presented in the order they are said to have happened. Chronological Bibles present the Bible in historical order.
Clasp Fastening: A clasp across the Bibles cover that keeps it closed.
Compact & Pocket: A smaller sized Bible that is easy to transport.
Concordance: A guide to the meanings of names and words found in the text of the Bible.
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Which Bible Translation Is Closest To The Original
Based on what we now know of how difficult translation is, this is also a difficult question to answer, and it leads to comparing two different translation philosophies. The first is formal equivalence, also called literal or word-for-word equivalence. Formal equivalence strives to stay as close as possible to the actual wording of the original language, striving to translate each Greek or Hebrew word to the closest possible word in English. Think of this reading Shakespeare as Shakespeare wrote it.
The second is dynamic equivalence, or thought-for-thought equivalence. This approach attempts to stay as close to the thought the original writer was trying to convey. Think of this as Shakespeare rendered as an easier-to-understand language for modern English speakers.
Each approach has strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately most translations are a true combination of the two. The versions below are generally considered to be very close to the original.
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Best Bible Version For Beginners Matter
When youre shopping for the best bible version for beginners, Bible Gateway is a great resource to compare different translations. Remember, keep looking until you find a version that is easy to understand and makes sense to you!
Once youve selected your new bible, youll find the following posts helpful to grow in your faith!
Tip Number Five: The Best Translation
The best is subjective. There is no one single translation of the Bible that stands head and shoulders above the rest. There is one version of the Bible that is used by more seminaries, more churches, and quoted more often by Christian websites. If you Google verses of the Bible, the chances are high that it will return a Bible Gateway link and that translation will be the New International Version . The NIV as it is called, is the most often used but many do not consider it the most reliable and even though it might be the most often quoted of any of the major translations that are used today doesnt mean it is the best. What is popular is not always right just as what is right is not always popular.
Only you can decide which translation is best. I have only given you the three that I think are the most accurate and the best for Bible study. You ultimately will have to make your own decision. I have more than one translation myself. Whichever one you choose, a good Study Bible will never disappoint and the English Standard Version, the New International Version or the New King James Study Bibles will be something that you will get years and years of satisfaction from. There is so much enjoyment in studying the Word of God. And if you have all three Study Bibles, then youve won the Triple Crown. And then you can teach me a thing or two about the Bible I am sure.
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The Best Bible Translation
Dun dun dun. Weve come to the question of all questionsbut which translation is the best Bible translation?
For some of you, you might already be thinking, Well thats easy! I want the most accurate Bible translation, so Im going to choose one from the left side of chart .
However, remember what I said happens as you move to the left of the Bible translation spectrum? As accuracy increase, readability .
This means the translation might very well be the most accurate to the original text, but youll most likely struggle making sense of what youre reading.
So, although I applaud you for wanting to read the most accurate Bible translation, that might not actually be the best translation for you if you are going to struggle reading it on a regular basis.
However, saying this makes it sound like a word-for-word translation of the Bible is superior to a thought-for-thought translation of the Bible, and I have to say I dont agree.
The thought-for-thought translations of the Bible are translated by highly educated Bible scholars whose job is to intensely study the original language of the text in order to develop a high proficiency in the language.
Because of this, these scholars are able to not only understand and correctly translate the original text into English, but also translate the meaning behind the authors intent within the writings.
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More Bible Study Resources
Easiest Bible Versions To Read And Understand For Beginners
Which are the easiest Bible versions to read and understand for beginners?
Are you feeling spiritual in the New Year? Have you decided to dive into reading the Bible for the first time or the first time in a while? Great, then we have a perfect list for you.
If you are religious or interested in exploring different religions then reading the Bible is a great place to start. However, reading the Bible is also great for those who are absolute atheists, agnostics, or who practice other organized religions. It is an interesting book that can give you insight into world history. If nothing else, the Bible is an excellent historical source document wherein you can understand a great deal about
With estimated total sales of over 5 billion copies, the Bible is often referred to as the most read book in the world. The full Bible has been translated into 636 different languages with thousands more languages having partial translations. There are at least 108 different versions of the Bible. Versions differing from translations in that a translation is in a different language than the original while a version is an interpretation. Different Bible versions have different contexts, different interpretations, leave out or add books or verseswhich ultimately can make it a more or less accurate book.
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The Best Bible Version For Beginners
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If youre new to reading the bible or you know someone that is interested in pouring into the word of God, then the version of the bible you read is an important place to start! Whether youre wondering for yourself what the best bible version for beginners is or you have someone in your family just starting to get into reading the bible, Im thrilled to share several options forthe best bible to read and understand.
If youve asked, What is the easiest version of the bible to understand? Or, What kind of bible should a beginner get? Youve come to the right place.
The good news: reading the bible doesnt have to feel daunting, scary, or always difficult. Many times, the bible version you have makes a world of difference and were going to dive into the best bible version for beginners today!
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Which Is The Best Bible Translation To Read
With so many Bible translations available in the English language, choosing one thats best for you can be challenging. A lot depends on who you are. Are you a seeker or a new Christian with little knowledge of the Bible? Are you more interested in accuracy for in-depth Bible study or reading through the Bible?
Some versions are word for word translations, while others are thought for thought. Word for word versions translate as precisely as possible from the original languages . Thought for thought translations convey the central idea, and are easier to read, but not as accurate.
The KJV and other early English translations of the New Testament were based on the Textus Receptus, a Greek New Testament published by the Catholic scholar Erasmus in 1516. Erasmus used hand-written Greek manuscripts dating back to the 12th century.
As time passed, older Greek manuscripts became available some dating back to the 3rd century. Scholars discovered the oldest manuscripts were missing verses found in the newer ones that Erasmus used. They thought the verses had probably been added in over the centuries. Therefore, many translations dont have all the verses youll see in the King James Version, or they may have them with a note that they arent found in the oldest manuscripts.
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The Five Most Popular English Translations:
According to the Christian Booksellers Association, the five best-selling Bible translations in June 2013 were as follows:
This post will focus largely on these “Big Five” translations and their merits and shortcomings.
Which Bible Version Is Best For You
We could have a very long conversation about the many different translations and all the technical reasons to read one or another version of the Bible.
And different people may have different reasons for selecting the version they read every day.
There are many good translations. And many people have theirpreferences.
Here are some things to think about and questions to askyourself when deciding which translation to get:
Will I enjoy the translation?
Will it be easy to read?
Will I understand it?
Will I be motivated to read it?
For many folks, just one translation will never do. If you are like me, you will have multiple translations around the house, on your computer and all your electronic devices.
Its a wonderful blessing that we have so many options for enjoying the Word of the Living God.
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