Ask the Pastor | How Should We Think About Bible Translations?
I was recently asked what Bible translation I use in the pulpit. The question came with a concern many of us share: Which translations can we trust, and which should we avoid? This is an important conversation, because the Bible is God’s Word given to us in human language. Every translation involves decisions about how best to communicate that Word clearly and faithfully. Three Broad Approaches to Translation Bible versions generally fall into three categories: Paraphrase – These aim to restate the meaning of Scripture in fresh, everyday language. They are helpful for devotional reading but not ideal for close study. Word-for-Word – These strive to stay as close as possible to the original wording. Examples include the NASB and KJV. Thought-for-Thought – These focus on conveying the sense of a passage in smoother, more natural English. The NIV is a well-known example. It’s worth noting that no translation is perfectly word-for-word. Languages don’t line up neatly. Translators must rend...