August 19, 2010
Bible Translations
Posted by Will
Because the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek (with a little Aramaic thrown in as well), most of us need a translation. There are three main approaches to translating the Bible into English. The first is what is commonly referred to as word for word or “literal” translation; the second is thought for thought or “dynamic equivalence” translation; and the last is paraphrase or “free” translation.
Scholars attempting a word for word translation try to represent each word in English as closely as possible to how it was used in the original language. Obviously this cannot be done with every single word since no two languages are alike, but they do their best to stay as close as possible to the manuscript.
Thought for thought translations aim to reproduce in English the thought or idea conveyed in the original language rather than reproduce every word. Usually these types of translations are easier to understand from a reader’s perspective because it incorporates terms, phrases, and grammar that modern readers are more familiar with.
While a paraphrase translation is based on the same manuscripts as a literal and dynamic equivalent translation, it differs in that it does not necessarily limit itself to the paragraph and sentence structure found in those manuscripts. Paraphrases often expand or amplify the thoughts and ideas being represented in the text. And since most paraphrases are undertaken by one scholar or author, they tend to have a very unique style of language.
There is not one “right” translation of the Bible. In fact, it is a good idea to read and study different translations as they are all helpful for particular uses. Thought for thought translations are great for everyday reading and meditation; word for word translations are particularly helpful for studying; and paraphrase translations can help readers see a familiar passage of Scripture in a new light.
Here are where some of the most common translations fall on the spectrum:
Word for Word
Thought for Thought
Paraphrase
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New International Version (NIV)
The Message (By Eugene Peterson)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Today’s New International Version (TNIV)
The Living Bible (By Ken Taylor)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
New International Reader’s Version (NIRV)
New English Bible
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
New Living Translation (NLT)
For more information about each of these translations, visit the Bibles section of the Resource Center, or refer to How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth.
