The main point in choosing the Bible version that is right for you is this: Does it make you tired when you read it? Okay, that's not the main point, but that is a valid question . . . The main point is actually: Is it accurate and understandable to you?
Bible translators through history have had to fight--and sometimes die--for the right to translate the Bible into the language of the common man. Whether that was Martin Luther translating it into German or John Wycliffe and John Hus translating it into English, there has always been resistance to the people being able to read the Scriptures in their own language from organized religion. (READ MORE HERE) In recent years, the argument has largely come from those opposed to using a more contemporary form of language, but the results are nearly identical: People are discouraged from reading the Bible in a language that is easily understood by them.
I have read the complete Bible in several translations: KJV, NKJV, NIV, NASB, and NLT. I have done word studies in the original languages and in dozens of English translations. I personally recommend the New Living Translation (NLT) to my students and church members because of its accuracy and readability. However, I encourage people to read the Bible in whatever version is in a language most readable for them while maintaining textual accuracy. No sense drowning out meaning with outdated words unless you are of a generation that automatically knows what those outdated words mean.
No, I'm not simply talking about "thee, thou, whithersoever" and other such Elizabethan language. I'm talking about knowing that, in the King James Version, when they use the word "conversation" (such as in I Timothy 4:12) they mean "conduct" since it comes from the Greek word, ἀναστροφῇ (anastrophē). If you automatically know that to "be thou an example of the believers in word in conversation (KJV)" means to "be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live . . . (NLT)" then you are more hip to old-fashioned language than the average pew-sitter. How about these examples from one of the websites used in my research:
Word Scripture Meaning
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Blains Exodus 9:9 Sores
Daysman Job 9:33 Arbiter or judge
Fetch A Compass 2 Samuel 5:23 Circle around behind
Let 2 Thess. 2:7 Obstruct or interfer
Rereward Joshua 6:13 Rear Guard
Prevent Psalm 88:13 Precede
Tabering Nahum 2:6 Beating on
Wen Leviticus 22:22 Ulcerous sore
If a person cannot understand the Bible they are reading, what is the point? As a preacher, I don't want to spend time explaining the meaning of basic English words in the text. I fully expect to explain difficult passages, phrases, and even individual words by delving into the original languages to parse nuance and cultural context. However, when the cultural context is of 1600's England, I fear that tradition and organized religion have once again triumphed.All Bible translations fall somewhere between being a word-for-word (literal) translation or a thought-for-thought (readable) translation. The following chart from another excellent website on translations, shows a rough placement for the most popular English translations and even a few paraphrases (which are worthless in my view).
I'd love to know your thoughts. Join the discussion on how to encourage people to read with knowledge and understanding the Words of Life!
