Episode 24: Bible Study – Bible Translations Explained
Episode Overview
NIV, ESV, NLT, NASB, NKJV, CSB—with so many Bible translations available, how do you know which one to choose? Episode 24 explains why different Bible translations exist, how scholars translate the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, and the differences between word-for-word and thought-for-thought approaches. This episode also explores how comparing trustworthy translations can strengthen Bible study and why the best translation is ultimately one you will faithfully read, understand, and apply.
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Episode Context
Walking into a bookstore or opening a Bible app can quickly reveal just how many English Bible translations are available. Seeing abbreviations such as NIV, ESV, NLT, NASB, NKJV, and CSB can naturally raise an important question: Which Bible translation is the right one?
Understanding why translations exist can help remove much of that confusion.
Second Timothy 3:16 tells us, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.” (NIV) The Scriptures were originally written primarily in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Modern Bible translations represent careful efforts by scholars to faithfully communicate those ancient texts in languages people can understand today.
Translation is necessary because languages don’t always correspond perfectly word for word. Ancient Hebrew and Greek contain grammar, expressions, figures of speech, and vocabulary that may not have exact English equivalents. Translators therefore make careful decisions about how best to preserve the meaning of the original text while communicating it clearly.
Most translations fall somewhere along a spectrum between two general approaches.
Formal equivalence, sometimes described as “word-for-word,” attempts to preserve more of the wording and grammatical structure of the original languages. Translations such as the NASB and ESV generally lean in this direction, while the NKJV also retains a relatively formal style. These translations can be especially useful when examining the details of a passage.
Dynamic or functional equivalence, sometimes described as “thought-for-thought,” places greater emphasis on expressing the meaning of the original text in natural, understandable English. The NLT leans more strongly in this direction, while translations such as the NIV and CSB seek a balance between accuracy and readability.
Neither approach automatically makes a translation superior. Different translation philosophies can serve different purposes. A highly readable translation may be excellent for extended reading or newer Bible readers, while a more formally equivalent translation can be valuable for detailed study.
Comparing several trustworthy translations can also deepen our understanding. Different wording may highlight nuances we might otherwise overlook while helping clarify difficult passages.
It’s equally important to distinguish translations from paraphrases. A translation works directly from the biblical languages using a defined translation philosophy, while a paraphrase expresses biblical ideas more freely in contemporary language. Paraphrases can sometimes provide helpful devotional perspective, but they are better used alongside rather than in place of reliable translations for careful Bible study.
The existence of different translations shouldn’t cause us to lose confidence in Scripture. Across trustworthy translations, the Bible’s central message remains clear: God is holy, humanity is separated from Him by sin, Jesus Christ died and rose again, and salvation is offered through faith in Him.
So which translation should you use?
Consider your purpose, choose a trustworthy translation you can understand, and most importantly, choose one you will actually read. A translation cannot shape our lives if it remains unopened.
As you reflect on this episode, consider this question:
Am I spending more time worrying about which Bible translation is best—or consistently reading, studying, and applying the trustworthy translation already available to me?
Stay rooted in God’s Word. Stand firm in your faith. Live with steadfast fortitude.
