Many people ask me which Bible translation do you use? Deciding which translation to use can be challenging. First it is important to understand the process of Bible translation. The reason there are many bible translations – to present the original language in a more literal translation. This is done word for word, to preserve as much of the original textual emphasis as posible. This type of translation is used in Bible versions like the King James Version(KJV), New American Standard Version(NAS), and English Standard Version(ESV).
Another process is referred to as thought for thought translation. This approach emphasizes the meaning of the passage, so the thoughts are understandable to the reader. This typte of translation seeks to present the ideas of the original text in a way that is accessible to the common reader, and accurately represents expressions that we might not understand word for word. Examples of thought for thought versions of the Bible include New International Version (NIV), and the Christian Standard Bible(CSB). The Message translation would fall under the catergory of paraphrase.
So which translation do you pick? I suggest pick the translation you understand. You will likely be drawn to one translation over the others, and that may sometimes even depend on your setting and what you are doing with your reading. If I am studying the Bible to prepare to teach, I chose a more in-depth, more literal translation. Many times, I have several translation side by side to compare them as I am preparing to reach. If I am reading day to day or devotional reading, my favorite translation is the New Living Translation. I am so grateful many translations of the Bible are available to us today. Praise God, we have the ability to read and understand God’s word today!
