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Different
versions of scripture can serve different purposes during your spiritual
journey.
All I was looking for was a Bible. Not a
top-secret nuclear document. But as I searched bookstore after bookstore
for a new study Bible the summer between my junior and senior year in
college, everyone had an opinion on which one I should get. And
unfortunately none of them agreed. Get the King James Version – it’s the
most authentic, some said. Get the New International Version – it’s one of
the most readable, others commented. Find a Bible with a good concordance,
so you can dig deep into God’s Word, I was told.
After buying a nice big and thick New
King James Study Bible, I though I had found one that everyone would like
– including myself. Much to my surprise those who critiqued my earlier
suggestions, disagreed with this one as well. It was a no-win situation.
The Bible isn’t a top-secret nuclear
document – it’s much more powerful. But its power to change lives isn’t
unleashed when you open God’s Word and begin to read it. So picking the
right version isn’t near as important as picking up the Bible in the first
place.
But finding a Bible that fits your
spiritual needs and personality can be an important part of your Christian
journey. If you know a few key principles, you can make the search for a
new Bible a much more pleasant experience.
Whether you are searching for your own
study Bible or looking to pick up one for a friend, you should find these
principles helpful:
Some Tips to Keep in Mind Before Starting Your
Bible Hunt
- Any English version of the Bible is a translation
from the original documents written in Greek, Hebrew and Aramaic.
Certain Bibles might be more literal translations than others, but
practically all of them are translations from the originals. In other
words, don’t fall into the trap of picking a more traditional biblical
translation because you believe it to be more “authentic.”
- No one Bible has it all. Some study Bibles come
with concordances, biblical dictionaries, colorful maps or important
scripture application tools. Few come with all of them. Similarly, not
all Bible translations fit ever use. This doesn’t mean you have to buy
hundred of Bibles, but it does mean that you should be a careful
consumer. Buy a Bible that is appropriate for the way you use it.
- Any translation too cumbersome to read on a daily
basis isn’t the right Bible for you. Find a version you feel comfortable
using. The most important thing about picking a Bible is finding one you
will read!
Types of Bibles:
Word-for-Word Translations: These versions
strive to translate the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic word for word into
modern languages (English for our purposes, although the same is true of
other languages.) They often sacrifice readability for accuracy.
Thought-For-Though Translations: These
translations try to take entire thoughts and put them into English instead
of being concerned with taking it word for word. These are usually “middle
ground” translations because while they are not literal in the word roder,
they strive to translate the thoughts of the original texts. Both word for
word and thought for though translation are put together by a large team
(up to 100) of scholars in the Bible’s original.
Paraphrase: These are the most interpretive
versions of the Bible. None of them claim to be close translation of the
original text nor should they be taken as such. In fact most do not even
call themselves translations. Instead these take the ancient manuscripts
and put both the words and the thoughts behind them in to a language we
can understand. Not only do they strive for readability but also
usability. Paraphrases are more concerned with the “meaning” of the
authors, than their actual words. The fact that they appear to have some
wide variances with the more traditional texts shouldn’t be seen
negatively. No translation can help believers take a fresh look at their
faith better than a good paraphrase. Just try to compare the texts with
more literal versions to make sure you agree with the passages’ retelling.
A single author usually puts together paraphrases.
King James Version (KJV)
Type: Word for Word
Strengths: The KJV is almost universally regarded as one of the most
elegantly written books in the history of the English language. If you’ve
ever sat down and read the Psalms in the KJV, you know its incredible
poetic power. It is still the highest selling book in history. The
translators of this version also stuck very close to the Hebrew, Greek and
Aramaic texts they had at the time. Also, if you grew up in church,
there’s a good chance you memorized scripture in the KJV.
Weakness: Often the KJV can be incredibly difficult to read. In the
400 years since its translation, the English language has changed
considerably. Without readable and understandable biblical text, a
consistent reading of scripture can be very difficult unless a person has
a high reading level or extraordinary commitment to daily Bible reading.
Best uses: Because of its historic importance in the development of
Post-Reformation Christianity and its incredible eloquence, every
household should own one. But don’t rely on the KJV as your daily quiet
time Bible unless it’s a version you’ve become very familiar with. If you
like the eloquence, but want something a bit more readable, consider the
New King James Version (NKJV)
Sample Verse: For God so loved the world, that he gave his only
begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life. John 3:16
New American Standard (NAS)
Type: Word for Word
Strengths: The NAS is one of the most accurate of all contemporary
Bible translations. The version’s translators made a strong commitment to
take the ancient languages and transfer them word for word into the
English language. It also takes into consideration the most reliable
ancient texts available.
Weakness: This version is till difficult to read in places (11th
grade reading level.). While eliminating the cumbersome “Thee’s” and “Thou’s,”
it is still very close to the original, which doesn’t always take into
account the best way to communicate the biblical texts into modern
English.
Best uses: The NAS makes a good study Bible, particularly if you
consider yourself a good reader. Its accuracy almost guarantees that the
word you are reading would be close to what the writers wrote. Buy you
might want to combine your reading of the NAS wit a good
thought-for-thought or paraphrase translation. This will ensure that you
understand what you are reading from the context it was written.
Sample Verse: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only
begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have
eternal life.” John 3:16
New International Version (NIV)
Type: Thought for Thought
Strengths: The NIV has quickly passed the KJV as the most read English
Bible in the United States. It combines readability and accuracy as well
or better than any Bible on the market
Weakness: The NIV’s versatility makes it difficult to discuss it’s
weaknesses. Just be ware that as a thought for thought translation, the
emphasis is on both understandability and accuracy. This is not a word for
word translation; instead translators tried to take phrases in the Bible
and put them into current language. Even this isn’t much of a weakness
because at times that actually makes it more accurate since it properly
conveys both meaning and the words of the original text.
Best Uses: Combined with good study helps, it makes a good study Bible
that is also very easy to read. It’s also readable enough for enjoyable
and frequent reading. Additionally, its balance lends itself to being a
good Bible for a small group study.
Sample Verse: “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and
only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal
life.” John 3:16
The New Living Translation (NLT)
Type: Thought for Thought
Strengths: The NLT is one of the more popular thought for though
translations out there. Just like the NIVE, this translation strives to
balance both accuracy and readability. It’s even a smoother read than the
NIV.
Weakness: The translators were not trying to produce a word for word
translation. Instead they were trying to communicate the thought of the
biblical authors. Even though the translators created a translation well
balanced between readability and accuracy, it leans more toward
readability, thereby sacrificing a little accuracy.
Best Uses: The NLT is one of the best translations for reading through
the entire Bible. It can be used for more intense Bible study if you have
access to other study tools or a more literal Bible to read with it.
Sample Verse: For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so
that everyone who believers in him will not perish but have eternal life.
John 3:16
The Message (MSG)
Type: Parapharse
Strengths: This is one of the most exciting and vibrant versions of
the biblical story on the Markey. When you read it, the ancient Middle
East comes alive. Letters become letters again, and poetry becomes poetry.
Through the lens of Eugene Peterson (the paraphrase’s author), you’ll take
a brand new look at scripture that you’ve read thousand of times. The
entire Bible will be available this coming July.
Weakness: This is still a paraphrase. As you are reading it, realize
that you are reading someone else’s interpretation of scripture. Non
paraphrase should be used for intense Bible study.
Best Uses: Use The Message to liven up your own personal time with
God. It’s not a study Bible. Don’t let it be the only Bible you use. If
you get a copy of The Message, pick up a more traditional Bible to read
with it. In fact one of the best ways to read The Message is to read a
more literal translation like the NASB or NIV and then turn to it and read
the exact same passage. You’ll quickly discover this invigorates your time
with God. This is also a wonderful version of the Bible for new believers,
so that they can begin to pick up the life-changing habit of daily Bible
reading.
Sample Verse: “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son,
his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed;
by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life.” John
3:16
Which
version of the bible should I use for study?
Even though you’ve decided on a translation, you
still have a plethora of different versions available to you. Although
you’ll never find a study bible that has everything, look for a Bible – or
maybe a couple – that has tools to allow you to dig deep into scripture.
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The Best Personal Study Bible:
“The Life Application Bible” (Tyndale)
In this version application notes throughout the Bible help you take
age-old biblical principles and apply them to your life. Also included
are: a 365-day reading plan, a Bible concordance, character sketches,
in-text maps and many other helpful Bible tools. Available in NLT, NIV and
NASB.
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The Best Topical Study Bible:
“Thompson Chain Reference Bible – NIV (Kirkbride)
This classic version of the Bible allows readers to follow more than 8,000
topics throughout scripture, from Genesis to Revelation. Available in KJV,
NKJV, NIV, NASB.
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The Best Background Study Bible:
“The NIV Study Bible” (Zondervan)
The NIV Study Bible has more than 20,000 in-text study notes, along with
in-text maps, charts, diagrams and illustrations. Available only in NIV.
(The same Bible is available in NASB, but of course the name is different.
It is called “The NASB Study Bible.”
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The Best Doctrine Study Bible:
“The Disciples Study Bible” (Broadman and Holman)
The Disciples Study Bible includes an in-depth look at 27 of the major
Bible doctrines, 24 full-color illustrations on doctrine and chronology
and theological intro to each book of the Bible.
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