Subject: Choosing a Bible translation |
Bible Note: There are so many translations of the Bible that it is easy for us, especially new believers and others who may not be up to speed on all the new translations, to become confused about which translation to choose. These are some random ideas that I've found helpful. (1) The first important step is to study the translators' preface or introduction. This will be found at the front of most Bibles. Learn all you can about who the translators were and how they view the biblical text: Do they affirm their belief that the Bible is the inerrant word of God? What is their translation philosophy: Do they attempt to render the text into the receptor language as literally as possible or do they use "equivalence" or paraphrase liberally?........ (2) Read critical reviews of the translation (not the publisher's claims) by known and trusted Christian scholars. (3) Consult your pastor or someone else whom you know to be qualified and trusthworthy to give you good counsel. (4) Go to a library or borrow a copy of the translation under consideration and read large portions of it. If you don't understand one word in ten, it's not the translation for you. Try another. (5) Many Christians have chosen a certain translation as their mainstay but periodically consult a number of other translations as well. I consider this a wise practice and find that it frequently is a valuable aid in a better understanding of difficult passages. (6) Most importantly, talk to God about it. --Hank |