So what Bible version should you pick as you set out to study Scripture in depth? Whenever we get started on a long-term goal, it seems we want to make sure we have the “right equipment” in hand. What’s the best Bible version for in-depth Bible study? That seems to be a good question to ask when you set out to study Scripture intentionally. If you are reading the Bible for encouragement or to grasp the overall message, especially as you get started reading your Bible, this is a great translation. However, when you come across a passage you don’t understand even in the NIV, checking out the NLT would be a great next option. It is in the middle between those two categories but officially is still a transliteration.Ĭonsequently, this Bible is not your best choice when you want to study in depth and understand the original text as closely as possible. The NLT is as close to a “dynamic equivalent” translation as you will get while still reading a transliteration. The New Living Translation is actually really great for those of you who struggle to understand the English used in the previously mentioned versions. The two most popular versions are… New Living Translation (NLT): The emphasis for these versions is to be easier to read rather than being close to the original text. The best Bible translation is the one you read consistently!īible versions that are more loosely translated are called “transliterations”. But if you struggle with reading difficult texts, the other type of translation are fine, too.ĭon’t feel like choosing a paraphrase is a lesser choice if you believe it is the translation you would most easily understand. How deep do you want to get into studying the Bible? If you’re the studious type who reads run-on sentences without blinking an eye, a literal translation will be a fantastic choice. It is natural that some believers enjoy reading more than others, some find studying easier than others, and some read technical manuals while others prefer skimming social posts. Literal translation: Word-for-word translationsĭynamic equivalent: Thought-for-thought translationsįriend, not all of us are gifted in the same way, and that is perfectly fine. After all, a wide selection begs the question: What translation should I use to study the Bible? A Note about Reading Levels However, it has led many believers to a bit of confusion. That’s a blessing not everyone in the world enjoys. Thankfully, we have plenty of Bible translations and easy access to them. When your bilingual friend wants to explain one of his culture’s popular phrases, he may first give you a very literal translation, then compare his phrase with a popular American one that uses different words to communicate a similar concept, then combine the two for a happy medium.Ĭan we replicate this for the Bible to take in God’s words more fully? If you are bilingual, have taken a foreign language class, or have a close friend whose first language is different from yours, you are familiar with one truth about languages: Nuances and meanings don’t always fully translate.
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