What’s a Good Translation of the Bible?

I remember getting my first Bible at Christmas when I was just a young girl. It’s got a red leather cover, and embossed in gold at the bottom is my name: Nancy Suzanne Young. Its pages are thin and have that high-pitched crinkle sound with every turn. And it’s in the King James Version.

Let’s talk translations. It’s likely that one of the reasons you struggle with reading the Bible is you don’t have a suitable translation. I’d like to help you with that.

The original Old Testament was written in Hebrew and Aramaic, and the New Testament was written in Greek. Combined these texts were written well over five thousand years ago. We need translations to be as close to the original meaning, BUT we also need to be able to understand what we’re reading and apply it to our context.

The King James Version is fabulous if you still enjoy reading Shakespeare. But if you’re like me, it usually takes me a page or two of reading Shakespeare (or C.S. Lewis) before I get into an early English language groove.

I suspect most people today prefer a more modern translation that, yes, has done a great job in getting at that original meaning, but also is easy to understand.

Here are some great options for you:

• New International Version (NIV): This is the version I use. It’s easy. It’s common. And reliable.

• English Standard Version (ESV): Some scholars feel it’s modern and clear, but also has a terrific adherence to the original text.

• The New Living Translation (NLT): is a favorite of many people as well. It tends to use more vibrant language and expands the text a bit more.

• The Message (MSG): Eugene Peterson’s version is fabulous and modern. I don’t use it as a main text, but I love to use it to read and get the fresh language. Downside: written more like the original in that there are no verse citations, so makes it hard to reference.

I mainly use my New International Version, but when I’m studying and preparing, I like to use a few translations, including the good ol’ King James Version from my childhood.

So, grab a copy preferably in your mother language (yes, Bible apps are terrific, too, and here's a tried-and-true one that's free) and you’ve got your first tool.

Next time, I’ll answer the common question, “How do I choose what to read?”

~ Nancy

CALLING

This week’s calling is a practical one: get yourself an updated version of the Bible. Amazon or just about any bookstore will have them. And don’t forget second-hand shops!