Dozens of different Bible translations fill bookstore shelves. Choosing a Bible translation can be confusing. People select their translations based on their current needs and desires. It is impossible to identify the best translation for all circumstances. The best translation is one that you will use and read. Some see these differing Bibles as proof of confusion in the religious world. They close their Bibles and throw their hands up in exasperation. They declare that God simply cannot be known, so why try?

Inspiration of the Bible Translations

The Bible asserts that it Is the Inspired Word of God.

And we have the prophetic word more fully confirmed, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone’s own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit”  (2 Peter 1:19-21).

A lot is happening in this short passage but notice, particularly the last sentence. Men had no role in crafting God’s message. They spoke as the power of the Holy Spirit moved them. This is Biblical inspiration. Paul says that “all Scripture is breathed out by God”  (1 Timothy 3:16). Jesus says that God’s word is truth (John 17:17). God delivered his true word through man and ensured that it was accurately recorded.

It is evident that modern translations do not enjoy this same certainty, but they are very reliable. All modern translations are periodically upgraded to reflect the ancient text better. Among the most respected translations, there is no doctrinal disagreement that hinges on a challenging translation.

The original documents that make up the Bible, those parchments that were actually written by Peter, Paul, and other Bible writers, are lost to history. However, thousands of copies, coming from different times and places, are used to reconstruct the original text. Taken in its totality, there are no significant differences based upon a misunderstanding of the original text.

Mainline Bible Translations

There are a handful of translations that are universally considered reliable but not perfect. Each strives to be accurate and faithful to the original text of the Bible. And each teaches a person how to come to God for salvation. This non-exhaustive list might include the American Standard Version, The English Standard Version, The New American Standard Bible, the New King James Bible, and others. These seek to remain as close to the original Greek text as possible (for the New Testament, Hebrew for the Old Testament) while providing an understandable English copy.

Colloquial translations are also available. These include The Message, The Living Bible, and perhaps others. In my judgment, these are inferior translations and are not suitable for serious Bible study. Modern, mainline Bible translations are very easy to read and understand.

The Purpose of Bible Translations

A Bible translation’s only purpose is to communicate God’s word accurately. As language changes, translations are updated to offer the best wording for the present day. For example, the King James Version was first completed in 1611. Most recently, it was updated in 1982. Why? Because we no longer speak like we did in 1611.

It is impossible to produce a readable Bible translation that is word-for-word from the ancient texts. Instead, scholars from across academia work to produce a translation that is first accurate and then readable. This last part, readability, explains why there are so many translations today. The mainline translations seek to keep the language updated and fresh for the modern reader. They have replaced “thee” and “thou” with “you.” They did that because that is how we speak today.

Choosing a Bible Translation

Here are 5 tips to help you select a personal Bible.

1. Choose a translation you will read. Obvious, right? A Bible on the shelf is of little use. Select a translation that you can read easily. Have a second translation available on your phone (probably for free) for comparison.
2. Stick with a mainline translation. You are committing to read God’s word, not somebody’s idea of what God should have said.
3. Choosing a Bible translation by a committee, not an individual, is best. The best translations are almost always prepared by a diverse group of scholars from many different faith groups. Their biases (we all have them) tend to cancel out, thus publishing a solid text. Even well-intentioned people can err.
4. Avoid “Study Bibles” for now. A solid study bible can be an excellent tool. But it can also be a distraction. Initially, you will want to focus on the Bible text. Having access to other tools will become important.
5. Select a “red-letter edition.” These have the words of Jesus printed in red. This makes it easier to follow his conversations, lessons, and prayers.

If you think of other tips that have helped you, please let us know in the comments below. The important takeaway is to own a Bible that you will use. It will change your life!