Part 3 – Which Bible should you choose?

Does it actually matter which Bible you read?

Walk into a Christian bookstore or look online, and you will see dozens of different Bibles. Which one should you choose? Is there actually a ‘best’ Bible translation?

Perhaps you have wondered:

• Why are there so many Bible translations?
• Are they all reliable?
• Which Bible is the best one for me to choose?
• And how do I know if a translation stays close to the original text?

Those are important questions. Fortunately, we don’t have to worry that God’s message has been lost.

Why are there so many translations?

The Bible was not originally written in English.

The Old Testament was largely written in Hebrew, with a small portion in Aramaic.

The New Testament was written in Greek.

To make the Bible readable worldwide, it had to be translated.

That is actually a very beautiful thing.

After all, Jesus gave His followers the command:

“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19)

The more people can read the Bible in their own language, the more people can discover God’s message.

Why do translations sometimes differ?

No two languages are exactly the same.

Some words from Hebrew or Greek have multiple meanings.

Translators must therefore sometimes choose which English words best reflect the original intent.

In addition, there are different methods of translation.

Some translations try to stay as close as possible to the original words.

Other translations primarily try to convey the meaning understandably in modern English.

Both have their strengths.

Which translation is best for you to use?

That depends on your goal.

Do you want to study the Bible in depth?

Then a more literal translation is often the best choice.

Do you want to read a Bible that is easy to understand?

Then a more accessible translation can be a good addition.

Personally, I recommend using a translation that stays as close as possible to the original text for serious Bible study.

In addition, it can be very valuable to read difficult passages in a second or third translation.

I find the Bible app very handy. Nowadays, almost everyone has a mobile phone with them. If you put the Bible app on it, you have the Bible in every translation you can imagine, always with you!

Has God’s message remained reliable?

Some people think the Bible has been copied so many times that we no longer know what was originally there.

That might sound logical, but the facts show otherwise.

Thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible have been preserved.

By comparing these with each other, researchers can very accurately determine what was originally written.

Precisely because so many manuscripts exist, the text has been exceptionally well preserved.

God had already promised: “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.” (Isaiah 40:8)

And Jesus said: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.” (Matthew 24:35)

God watches over His Word.

Use multiple tools

A good Bible translation is important.

But even more important is how you read the Bible.

Therefore, compare different Bible passages with each other.

Read the chapter in which a text is located.

Pray for wisdom.

And be willing to learn.

James writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God…” (James 1:5)

God gladly promises to give that wisdom.

The most important question

Ultimately, the question is not:

“Which Bible translation is the best?”

But:

“Am I willing to listen to what God wants to say to me?”

A perfect translation without an open heart changes no one.

God speaks primarily to people who are willing to follow His voice.

Summary

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.

That is why there are different translations.

Although translations sometimes differ from each other, God’s message has been reliably preserved.

For thorough Bible study, a translation that is as literal as possible is often the best choice, but comparing multiple translations can provide a lot of insight.

Remember this

Don’t just ask: “Which translation am I reading?” Above all, ask: “Do I understand what God wants to say to me?” An open heart is more important than a perfect translation.

Think about it

• Which Bible translation do you read?
• Have you ever compared two translations with each other?
• Would you be willing to consult another translation if it helps you understand a text better?

Prayer

Heavenly Father,

Thank You that Your Word has been preserved throughout the centuries.

Thank You that I can read the Bible in my own language today.

Give me wisdom to understand Your message well. Help me not only to read the right words, but especially to hear Your voice.

Teach me to love Your truth and to live according to it.

In Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Next time: In part 4 we answer the question: Why do some Bible verses seem to contradict each other? Discover how difficult passages actually become clear when you let the whole Bible speak.