We continue our article from last week regarding Bible translations with five more tips to remember when choosing a Bible translation. As we continue our study, Mosher’s words are good to remember: “Those who are faced with the question as to which translation to use should remember that truth is always of primary importance (John 17:17; 8:31-32; 2 Peter 1:22; John 12:48). A version chosen, then, must be one that is truth.”[1] Here are five more tips regarding Bible translations.
Study the process. Each translation or version has gone through a deep process of work to be complete. Some processes may be fair and without bias, whereas others include theological biases and wrong techniques. Ask questions like: “were the translators honest,” “what doctrines did they try to push,” or “what was their purpose?” If translators were seeking to create a commentary, instead of a copy of the Bible, throw it away. If they were dishonest in their work, don’t trust it. If they added words or took words away, forsake it, for such is an offense of the highest order (Deuteronomy 4:2).
Choose a translation with italics. Some translations add words or phrases to the original text for clarification and easiness in understanding. Use a translation that puts those added words or phrases in italics. This will help you determine what is added and what is not, for sometimes the added words are not needed or can take away powerful emphasis. Compare such a thesis with Ecclesiastes 12:13 and John 8:24 and see how much the italicized words can change the phrase in the KJV.
Don’t be an onlyist. Some are KJV onlyists, while others hold very closely to the NIV. Since no translation is perfect, it is unwise to hold one as such. It is not wrong to have a favorite but be leery of being dogmatic. As it is beneficial to have many resources at one’s disposal for essay writing, it can be good to consult many Bible versions too when studying. However, remember not to pick and choose words in one, and phrases in another to prove your doctrine. Some have erred from the faith for their practice of such. Here are some suggestions regarding the use of the multiplicity of versions in study:
Use the KJV or ASV as standards. Complaints about the KJV and ASV are not often about doctrine, but about old words and phrases. It is better to have a translation where one can look something up, then a translation with false teaching.
Consult versions like the NKJV, ESV, or NASB for a better understanding of words and phrases. These versions sometimes translate words and phrases better than the KJV does.
Check more modern versions for reference or interest. Not every word or phrase in the NIV is bad and modern versions like the Good News Bible may help us explain a Biblical concept in modern terms. Never use these as standards though, for some false doctrines have been advocated for, because of one’s dabbling in some modern versions.
Although keeping these principles are good, NEVER forsake Biblical truths because of a translation’s rendering. If something is in question, always resort to the Greek and Hebrew for Paul did not use the KJV and Peter did not create the ESV. Don’t be like the man that said, “I can correct the Greek with the KJV!”
Use a study Bible with caution. Study Bibles can be great tools for deep study, especially if a verse or passage is confusing. The explanations, cross references, and charts in these Bibles can be helpful, but, most study Bibles were created by denominational scholars, so one is encouraged to be careful. While they may have deep insight and interesting observations, some of their comments on select verses are false doctrine. If you are going to use a study Bible, examine every comment with a critical eye and be sure to match up the comments with Scripture. This author suggests the Defending the Faith Study Bible by Apologetics Press for it was written by members of the church. It too is filled with comments on verses, articles, and cross references for deep study. Overall, be a noble Berean when studying from a study Bible (Acts 17:11).
Use the one you have! It is very important to make sure the translation we are using is accurate and reliable. However, this study matters very little if the book is not even used in the first place. One preacher rightly concluded, “The real problem with Bible translations is not in which one we use, but rather that we do not use the one we have!”
Endnotes
[1]Keith A. Mosher, Sr., The Book God “Breathed,” Sain Publications, 2008, p. 423.
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