Bible Translation Overview
How to Study the Bible
Picking a Bible to suit your vocabulary, scope of study, and even style can be a daunting task. And really, there’s no “right” answer. So let’s take a look at some of the different versions - their pros, cons, and styles.
Word-for-Word
“Word-for-word” translations of the Bible are not exactly word-for-word because translation doesn’t work like that. However, these Bible translations try to remain as close as possible to the wording, phrasing, and sentence structure of the original texts. These versions are more formal, straightforward, and sometimes awkward to read for modern audiences, but they are great for in-depth study.
King James Version/New King James Version
As a child, I was gifted a pink, Precious Moments themed New King James Version (NKJV, 1982) of the Bible (it was pretty great, it had an attachable strap so it could be carried like a purse). I later “graduated” to a King James Scofield Study Bible. Despite being a high-level reader, I struggled to really understand what the text was saying due to the 17th Century language.
I want to clear the air here - I’m not saying the King James Version (KJV, 1769) is bad, but it’s also not the best. Some people believe the KJV is the only correct version of the Bible because it’s one of the oldest published translations. However, translators now have more original manuscripts at their disposal, making newer translations more accurate. All that to say, if the older language of the KJV or NKJV floats your boat, then have at it!
Luke 17:7-9 (KJV): But which of you, having a servant plowing or feeding cattle, will say unto him by and by, when he is come from the field, Go and sit down to meat? And will not rather say unto him, Make ready wherewith I may sup, and gird thyself, and serve me, till I have eaten and drunken; and afterward thou shalt eat and drink? Doth he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I trow not.
New American Standard Bible/English Standard Version
I personally don’t have much experience with the New American Standard Bible (NASB, 1971), but I use the English Standard Version (ESV, 2001) daily. They both use straightforward, plain language, which is perfect for studying. One thing I don’t like about the ESV is its tendency to translate phrases that include both men and women or “brothers and sisters” to simply, “men” or “brothers,” then put the actual phrase in the footnotes. Overall, the NASB and ESV are good choices if you want a formal yet readable translation.
Luke 17:7-9 (ESV) Will any one of you who has a servant plowing or keeping sheep say to him when he has come in from the field, ‘Come at once and recline at table’? Will he not rather say to him, ‘Prepare supper for me, and dress properly, and serve me while I eat and drink, and afterward you will eat and drink’? Does he thank the servant because he did what was commanded?
Christian Standard Bible/New International Version
The Christian Standard Bible (CSB, 2017) is an updated version of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB, 1999). The CSB and New International Version (NIV, 2011) fall in the middle of the translation spectrum. They maintain a more word-for-word style but are easier to read. The NIV is my other most used translation and has remained widely popular since its original publication in 1973.
Luke 17:7-9 (CSB) Which one of you having a servant tending sheep or plowing will say to him when he comes in from the field, ‘Come at once and sit down to eat’? Instead, will he not tell him, ‘Prepare something for me to eat, get ready, and serve me while I eat and drink; later you can eat and drink’? Does he thank that servant because he did what was commanded?
Thought-for-Thought
Now we move into thought-for-thought translations. These are less formal and more functional. Their main goal is to present the text in modern language so that it affects today’s reader as it did the original audience. These are perfect for more casual reading or teaching young people.
New Living Translation
The New Living Translation (NLT, 1996) uses more modern language but doesn’t feel overly casual. It is my third most used Bible version, and I enjoyed using it to read through the book of Job earlier this year. The language does at times downplay the historical context of the text (ex: using the word “money” rather than “denarii”), so it might not be the best for writing a sermon, but it’s great for telling a story.
Luke 17:7-9 (NLT) When a servant comes in from plowing or taking care of sheep, does his master say, ‘Come in and eat with me’? No, he says, ‘Prepare my meal, put on your apron, and serve me while I eat. Then you can eat later.’ And does the master thank the servant for doing what he was told to do? Of course not.
Contemporary English Version
I don’t use this version very often because it’s a bit too casual for me, but it could be great for a new believer. The Contemporary English Version (CEV, 1995) falls on the end of the formal to functional spectrum. This translation sometimes seems to read into the text, rather than letting the text speak for itself. I think you’ll see what I mean when you read the example verse.
Luke 17:7-9 (CEV) If your servant comes in from plowing or from taking care of the sheep, would you say, “Welcome! Come on in and have something to eat”? No, you wouldn't say that. You would say, “Prepare me something to eat. Get ready to serve me, so I can have my meal. Then later on you can eat and drink.” Servants don't deserve special thanks for doing what they are supposed to do.
This isn’t an exhaustive list - there are many more translations to choose from, but I would venture to say these are some of the most popular. Whichever version you choose, rest assured that the translators’ greatest desire is to accurately communicate the inspired Word of God.