{"id":1168,"date":"2026-08-01T16:12:49","date_gmt":"2026-08-01T16:12:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/series-how-to-read-and-understand-the-bible-part-3\/"},"modified":"2026-08-02T12:40:10","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T12:40:10","slug":"series-how-to-read-and-understand-the-bible-part-3","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/series-how-to-read-and-understand-the-bible-part-3\/","title":{"rendered":"Series: How to read and understand the Bible &#8211; part 3"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large ext-animate--on\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/afbeelding-how-to-read-the-bible-deel-3-1024x683.png\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1132\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/afbeelding-how-to-read-the-bible-deel-3-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/afbeelding-how-to-read-the-bible-deel-3-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/afbeelding-how-to-read-the-bible-deel-3-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/afbeelding-how-to-read-the-bible-deel-3.png 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Part 3 \u2013 Which Bible should you choose?<\/h2>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Does it actually matter which Bible you read?<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">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 &#8216;best&#8217; Bible translation?  <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Perhaps you have wondered:<\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Why are there so many Bible translations?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Are they all reliable?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Which Bible is the best one for me to choose?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">And how do I know if a translation stays close to the original text?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Those are important questions. Fortunately, we don&#8217;t have to worry that God&#8217;s message has been lost. <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Why are there so many translations?<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The Bible was not originally written in English.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The Old Testament was largely written in <strong>Hebrew<\/strong>, with a small portion in <strong>Aramaic<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The New Testament was written in <strong>Greek<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">To make the Bible readable worldwide, it had to be translated.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">That is actually a very beautiful thing.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">After all, Jesus gave His followers the command:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><em>&#8220;Go therefore and make disciples of all nations&#8230;&#8221;<\/em> <strong>(Matthew 28:19)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The more people can read the Bible in their own language, the more people can discover God&#8217;s message.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Why do translations sometimes differ?<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">No two languages are exactly the same.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Some words from Hebrew or Greek have multiple meanings.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Translators must therefore sometimes choose which English words best reflect the original intent.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, there are different methods of translation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Some translations try to stay as close as possible to the original words.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Other translations primarily try to convey the meaning understandably in modern English.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Both have their strengths.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Which translation is best for you to use?<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">That depends on your goal.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want to study the Bible in depth?<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Then a more literal translation is often the best choice.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Do you want to read a Bible that is easy to understand?<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Then a more accessible translation can be a good addition.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Personally, I recommend using a translation that stays as close as possible to the original text for serious Bible study.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">In addition, it can be very valuable to read difficult passages in a second or third translation.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">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!   <\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Has God&#8217;s message remained reliable?<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Some people think the Bible has been copied so many times that we no longer know what was originally there.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">That might sound logical, but the facts show otherwise.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Thousands of ancient manuscripts of the Bible have been preserved.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">By comparing these with each other, researchers can very accurately determine what was originally written.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Precisely because so many manuscripts exist, the text has been exceptionally well preserved.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">God had already promised: <em>&#8220;The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.&#8221;<\/em> <strong>(Isaiah 40:8)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">And Jesus said: <em>&#8220;Heaven and earth will pass away, but My words will by no means pass away.&#8221;<\/em> <strong>(Matthew 24:35)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">God watches over His Word.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Use multiple tools<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">A good Bible translation is important.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">But even more important is how you read the Bible.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Therefore, compare different Bible passages with each other.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Read the chapter in which a text is located.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Pray for wisdom.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">And be willing to learn.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">James writes: <em>&#8220;If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God&#8230;&#8221;<\/em> <strong>(James 1:5)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">God gladly promises to give that wisdom.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">The most important question<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the question is not:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Which Bible translation is the best?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">But:<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;Am I willing to listen to what God wants to say to me?&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">A perfect translation without an open heart changes no one.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">God speaks primarily to people who are willing to follow His voice.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Summary<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">That is why there are different translations.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Although translations sometimes differ from each other, God&#8217;s message has been reliably preserved.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Remember this<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Don&#8217;t just ask: &#8220;Which translation am I reading?&#8221; Above all, ask: &#8220;Do I understand what God wants to say to me?&#8221; An open heart is more important than a perfect translation.  <\/strong><\/p>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Think about it<\/h4>\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list ext-animate--on\">\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Which Bible translation do you read?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Have you ever compared two translations with each other?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li class=\"ext-animate--on\">Would you be willing to consult another translation if it helps you understand a text better?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading ext-animate--on\">Prayer<\/h4>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Heavenly Father,<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Thank You that Your Word has been preserved throughout the centuries.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Thank You that I can read the Bible in my own language today.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Give me wisdom to understand Your message well. Help me not only to read the right words, but especially to hear Your voice. <\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">Teach me to love Your truth and to live according to it.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\">In Jesus&#8217; name.<\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Amen.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n\n<p class=\"ext-animate--on wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Next time:<\/strong> In <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/serie-hoe-lees-en-begrijp-je-de-bijbel-deel-4\/\" data-type=\"page\" data-id=\"1137\">part 4<\/a><\/strong> we answer the question: <strong>Why do some Bible verses seem to contradict each other? Discover how difficult passages actually become clear when you let the whole Bible speak.<\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Part 3 \u2013 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 &#8216;best&#8217; Bible translation? Perhaps you have wondered: Those are important questions. Fortunately, we don&#8217;t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"page-with-title","meta":{"progress_planner_page_todos":"","footnotes":""},"progress_planner_page_types":[],"class_list":["post-1168","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1168","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1168"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1168\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1176,"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/1168\/revisions\/1176"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1168"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"progress_planner_page_types","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thebiblereveals.org\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/progress_planner_page_types?post=1168"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}