Which Bible is Best?

The confusion that many Christians face is in the deciding of what version or translation they should be reading or studying from. As such, an understanding of translations, versions, or paraphrases should be examined.                            

Translation, version or paraphrase

There is a difference between a translation and a version of the Bible. A translation means translating from the early Greek and Hebrew manuscripts to another language, whereas a version means translating within the same language, regardless of its translation. Throughout the centuries, however, these words have enmeshed with each other as many different kinds of Bibles have come into print. As such, both words have come to mean the same thing. A paraphrase, on the other hand, is a modern interpretation of the translator, and simply the opinion of the writer, editor, or publisher. The translator has interpreted the text to his or her presuppositions, experiences and beliefs. Often the denomination of the translator has swayed the meaning of the text. It is generally not translated from the original Hebrew or Greek manuscripts, but taken from another version of the Scriptures. Most paraphrases have footnotes to give “their fuller interpretation.” Paraphrases are easy to read and interesting for devotional reading, but cannot be relied upon for accuracy. For study or accurate interpretation, you should always use a translation or version that came from the original Greek and Hebrew manuscripts.

Literal, loose, or free versions or translations

Literal or free versions or translations come with adapting the wording to a culture or time in history, keeping the same meaning of the text of the original Hebrew or Greek text. A literal translation can range from tight and move to a loose translation. The tighter the translation, such as King James Version (KJV), the closer the meaning to the early Greek and Hebrew manuscripts, carrying the syntax, idioms, and mannerisms of the times it was translated (Old England - 1611 A.D.). The looser the text, such as the New International Version (NIV) the more modern usage is used for the understanding of the reader today. They both have gone back to the original Greek or Hebrew in its correct meaning, but simply carry the language of the day in which it was translated.  There are many variances out on the market today . A free version or translation, however, is simply a paraphrase of the translators and cannot be trusted for accuracy.

What kind of Bible should I purchase?

There is no one right Bible for anyone. A paraphrase is good for devotional reading and understanding the stories of Scripture. For study, however, one will find the greatest accuracy from a tight literal translation of the Bible, such as King James (KJV) or New American Standard (NAS). If you still want an authorized version of Scripture that is easy to understand, a looser version, such as New International Version (NIV) would be fine. So many churches have changed to that translation because of its ease of understanding in our 21st century.  It uses the idioms and personal pronouns of today, yet, for the most part, holds the same meaning as the original authors, when the authors, some 2000-3500 years ago, inspired by the Holy Spirit, put the words or syllables into print. It is wise, however, to have several different versions or translation of the Bible at your disposal.

The Bible to bring to church is the one that your pastor uses during his/her sermon