Why are there so many Bible translations, and which is the best?

Answer

The existence of numerous English Bible translations is both a blessing and a challenge. It is a blessing because the Word of God is accessible to anyone who needs it in a clear and accurate translation. However, it can also be a challenge as the variations among translations can lead to controversies and difficulties in Bible studies and teaching settings. These differences can even cause division within the church community.

It is advisable to have access to at least two or three major translations such as KJV (King James Version), NIV (New International Version), NAS (New American Standard), NKJV (New King James Version), ESV (English Standard Version), NLT (New Living Translation), CSB (Christian Standard Bible), for comparison purposes. When encountering a confusing verse or passage in one translation, comparing it with another version can be beneficial. Determining the “best” translation depends on personal preference for the translation method and interpretation of the underlying textual data. For instance, the KJV and NAS aim for a literal translation from the original Hebrew and Greek words to English (word for word), while the NIV and NLT focus on conveying the original meaning from Greek and Hebrew to English (thought for thought). Other translations often seek a balance between these two approaches. Paraphrases like The Message or The Living Bible offer alternative perspectives on verse meanings but should not be the primary source.Bible Translation.

There are numerous Bible translations beyond the seven mentioned previously. It is prudent to establish a personal approach to determine the accuracy of a specific Bible translation. A helpful method is to select a set of Scripture verses that you are familiar with and search for those verses in a translation that you are uncertain about. It is advisable to examine some of the most common verses that affirm the divinity of Christ (John 1:1,14;8:58;10:30;Titus 2:13) to ensure that a Bible translation remains faithful to the Word of God. Despite the abundance of English Bible translations, we can trust that God’s Word is truth and that it will fulfill His purposes (Isaiah 55:11;2 Timothy 3:16-17;Hebrews 4:12).