Lots of Bible
(versions), Which One Should I Use?
If you have not owned a
Bible you must be wanting to visit OM Bookstore, Barik or Beautiful Books,
Laitumkhrah, just below our UESI-NE Centre. There are Bibles in different
prints, different versions, and different categories. You are confused, “lots
of Bible, which one should I buy?” Well, it is very easy. All of them is Bible.
You can pick up any one of them. Nonetheless, take time to shop as much as you
do to buy Jeans or Mobile-phone. You better be serious to get the right type of
Bible. Regarding size, have the dignity to carry a big Bible like you are in
having a hi-fi phone. Of course, it should be convenient to use in your room
and in church. Concerning category, get a Study-Bible which has headings,
cross-references, concordances, footnotes, and maps. However, you must remember
that footnotes and headings are not inspired – they are just the opinions of
man who undertake that project.
There are hundreds of
English Bible versions today. Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek,
and some portion in Aramaic. Therefore, it is necessary for the translation of
these original languages into vernacular languages. So we have lots of
translations/versions. Some of them are a very accurate translation from the
original, and some translations are just labeled as a paraphrase. Most of the
people I know use NKJV, NASB, ESV, or NIV. Indeed, they are the most read and
best-selling versions. Some people cling to KJV and TEV (GNB) too. Therefore, I
feel necessary to write about these 6 Bible Versions. Personally, I love NKJV
and NASB, but I use many other translations for comparison in my Bible Studies.
Remember these 4 criteria before you buy:
1. Historical
Background of Translations and the Translators: KJV, NASB, NKJV, and
ESV are to be favored over others for they follow the historic tradition of
Tyndale. NIV and TEV do not have any historical lineage.
2. Textual Bases of Translations: There are two families of manuscript – Byzantine, and Alexandrian.
Alexandrian though fewer in manuscripts are considered to be the older one.
There are few differences between these families – Byzantine has more words and
verses than Alexandrian. However, there is no question regarding the inerrancy
of God’s Word in its original manuscript, and the preservation of it. KJV and
NKJV use the Byzantine (Textus Receptus).
NASB, ESV, NIV, and TEV use the Alexandrian. NKJV does a good job by
acknowledging all the variants in its footnotes (esp. NU-Text and M-Text).
3. Philosophy/Techniques of Translations: This is by far the greatest decisive factor for choosing a Bible
version. There are two types of translation – Formal-equivalence (literal-translation)
and Dynamic-equivalence (free-translation). Each has advantages and
disadvantages. Free-translation translates thought-for-thought and aims it for
readability. Literal-translation translates word-for-word and aims it for
accuracy to the original text. Free-translation tends to commit the mistake of
explaining, instead of translating. Some translations such as The Message,
Living Bible are so free in their translation that they are in the category of
Paraphrase (not considered as a translation). Bible-study is to seek for the
meaning of the text, not for the explanation of the translator. For somebody’s
explanation, read Bible Commentary. Therefore, for a Bible-study,
Literal-translation is to be favored over Free-translation and Paraphrase. Free
translation may serve you the best for devotional reading. If you are very new
to the Bible or young, Paraphrase may be the best. However, it should not take you
long to have a more literal version such as NKJV, NASB, or ESV. The most literal
translation includes ASV and KJV. Whereas the Amplified Bible, TEV, are known for
their free-translational philosophy. NIV stands in between literal and free
translation, yet it is purely a free-translation.
4. Theological Perspectives in Translations: Theological biases is certain to be more if the translation is
done by an individual or by a specific denomination (e.g. NWT). It is also
certain that the dynamic-equivalent translations will have more. You can
discover the theological biases from the theological position of the
translators. Obviously, you should not depend for your spiritual growth from
the works of liberal scholars, who have the low view of Scriptures. NKJV, NASB,
KJV, ESV, and NIV have the background of conservative evangelical theology.
Each of them is produced by a committee.
I
hope you have got some information from this article. Yes, I have not addressed the issue of English. It’s because the preference of English belongs to the individual. Most people say NIV’s English is very easy to understand. For me,
ESV is easier, and TEV is easiest. Most people like the style of KJV and ESV.
Of course, everyone will agree KJV’s English is difficult. Check for yourselves
which version is better for you.
18 November 2014