Bible Translations Why So Many Translations? Which Is Best?

Bible Translations Why So Many Translations? The English language is evolving Differences in manuscript philosophy Differences in translation philosophy Bible sales can be a lucrative market

Bible Translations Examples of changes in English “mean” vs. “unknown” Pr 22:29 “suffer” vs. “let” Mt 19:14 “conversation” vs. “conduct” Ph 1:27 “prevent” vs. “precede” 1Th 4:15 “letteth” vs. “restrains” 2Th 2:7

Bible Translations 29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Prov. 22:29 (KJV) 29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Prov. 22:29 (NKJV) “obscure” (NASB; ESV) “unknown” (HCSB)

Bible Translations 14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven. Matt. 19:14 (KJV) 14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt. 19:14 (NASB) Also the ESV; HCSB; NKJV.

Bible Translations 27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil. 1:27 (KJV) 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil. 1:27 (NASB)

Bible Translations 15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:15 (KJV) 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:15 (NKJV) Also ASV; ESV; NASB

Bible Translations 7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2 Thess. 2:7 (KJV) 7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way. 2 Thess. 2:7 (NASB) Also NKJV; ESV; HCSB

Bible Translations Examples of changes in English “mean” vs. “unknown” Pr 22:29 “suffer” vs. “let” Mt 19:14 “conversation” vs. “conduct” Ph 1:27 “prevent” vs. “precede” 1Th 4:15 “letteth” vs. “restrains” 2Th 2:7

Bible Translations Differences in manuscript philosophy Byzantine textual tradition Received Text (Textus Receptus) KJV, NKJV Alexandrian textual tradition Critical text (Westcott-Hort) ASV, ERV, RSV Majority textual tradition Based on consensus of majority of Greek texts NASB, NIV, ESV, HCSB

Bible Translations Differences in translation philosophy Word for word (KJV, NASB, NKJV, ESV) Thought for thought (NIV, NLT, NEB) Paraphrase (TLB, GNB, The Message, God’s Word)

Translation and Paraphrase: AD 1885-2003 Modern Translations Translation and Paraphrase: • Formal Translation (word-for-word): Translates the words and structures of the original languages. • Dynamic Translation (thought-for-thought): Translates the meaning and concepts of the original languages. Restructured by translators. • Paraphrase: Rewording of an existing translation in the same language. 1500 BC 500 BC AD 1 AD 500 AD 1000 AD 1500 AD 1900 AD 2000

Original Language Dikaiosunei gar theou en auto apokaluptetai ek pisteos eis pistin (out from faith into faith). . . . (Rom. 1:17)

Bible Translations What is Meant by this Expression? From beginning faith to mature faith; From one person’s faith to another’s; “by faith, from first to last;” From objective faith (the Word) to subjective faith (the conviction of the one who hears or reads); Etc.

NIV Dynamic Equivalence For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, “the righteous will live by faith.” (Rom.1:17)

NASB Modified Literal For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; a it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith(.” sRom. 1:17)

Bible Translations

Bible Translations

Bible Translations Our Preachers Pulpit Bibles (Jenkins Inst.) ESV (89; 31%) NKJV (81; 28%) NASB (50; 17%) KJV (25; 9%) NIV (23; 8%)

Bible Translations Bible sales can be a lucrative market

Bible Translations

Bible Translations

Bible Translations Which Translation Should I Use? Many scholars > one man Diverse groups > one group Word for word > thought for thought Simple text > study Bible Readability (layout, font size)

Bible Translations Personal Recommendations NASB, ESV, NKJV, Simple text (be cautious with study Bibles) Readable Quality binding

Bible Translations II Timothy 3:16-17 final word 1. Bible purchases are individual decisions 2. Jack Lewis—”the best translation is the one you will read” 3. Don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t like the message. 4. We should want to be as accurate as possible.

Bible Translations II Timothy 3:16-17

GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S SALVATION Hear The Gospel – Romans 10:17 Believe That Jesus Is The Christ – John 8:24 Repent Of Sin – Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38 Confess Christ – Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37 Baptized – Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16 Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10