Why Translation Matters When Reading the Bible

This is a five-part series on How To Read Your Bible. These steps include Prayer, Translation, Genre, Context, and Costly Obedience. The hope is that whether you’ve been reading the Bible for many years now or don’t know where to start, this will be a helpful resource for you and the people around you to explore and dive deeper into God’s Word!

WHAT

Have you ever wondered which Bible translation is the best one to use? Translation is the process of reworking text from one language into another to maintain the original message and communication. There are many different Bible translations and it’s important to find one or a few that hold the integrity of the original languages. Translators must strike a fine balance between staying true to the original text and contextualizing it in the new language—to ensure that the final text communicates the same message, feeling, and tone as the original.

Translators have two ways of translating. Let’s break it down:

  • Thought-For-Thought

    • These versions strive to maintain the original meaning of the text by expressing the main idea of what was being communicated

    • These are typically easier to understand and read

  • Word-For-Word

    • These translations strive to maintain the same word usage as the original text, even if it doesn’t make as much sense in the language it’s being translated to

    • These are typically more difficult to understand and read, but helpful for in-depth study

Good translations use both thought-for-thought versions and word-for-word translation. It’s important to remember that while there are many great translations in English, there is no perfect translation because no two languages are the same. The good news is that God can, will, and does speak his truth to you no matter what translation you use.

WHY

The Bible can be difficult to understand at times, which is why resources like this one helps people study how to read the Bible well. It’s important to know what translations to use when it comes to reading the Bible because it can affect how you understand and interact with the Bible, rather than relying on others to read it for you.

how

Here’s how to incorporate multiple translations or versions into your regular reading of the Bible:

  • Pick any passage of Scripture. Download the Bible app or look online to find other translations and versions easily accessible to you. To help you, try reading the Beatitudes in Matthew 5 in the NIV (New International Version).

  • Read this passage in 2 or more different translations or versions (NLT - New Living Translation, ESV - English Standard Version, MSG - The Message Version).

  • Reflect on these 2 questions:

    • Write down similarities and differences. What are you noticing? What are you sensing the author wanted you to notice?

    • How do you better understand this passage after reading multiple translations or versions?

reSOURCES

There are countless translations and versions of the Bible available in English. While it can be overwhelming to know where to begin, here are a few resources to help you further explore:

Start HereEliana Park