Podcast Episode 1

WHAT BIBLE TRANSLATION TO READ, AND WHY IT DOESN’T MATTER

Intro

Welcome to the first episode of ______ Podcast, a Faith based podcast, focused on Defending, Spreading, and Understanding your faith. I am Charlie Meadows, your host.

Bible Translations are a tricky topic in the Christian faith. My goal is to help to guide you on picking one.

There are KJV-Only-ists, there is the crowd that reads heretical “translations” made by false teachers, and everywhere in between. Today I am going to show you that whatever translation you chose to read, likely, will not matter! So don’t feel bad for reading the NLT. Don’t feel better than everyone for reading the NASB. We are all one in Christ’s love, so why create artificial divisions like this.

Chapter 1: What is a Bible Translation, and what are the goals?

The Bible is God’s Truth, and it is the sole authority for our lives, 2 Timothy 3:16-17 says “All Scripture is breathed out by God, and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.” However, it is old, and it was written in a different part of the world to most of us and in a different language. So it must be translated in order to be understood.

Languages are all different. Each and every language has different rules, different numbers of words, and is understood in completely different ways. For example English has 1 million words, and Greek, which is the language of the New Testament, has over 5 million! Safe to say it is not easy or even possible to translate it perfectly into modern language.

There are two main translation types. The first is a word for word translation. This type tries to stick to what the text actually says. In some cases, it can be awkward in modern languages. The second is a paraphrase translation. The goal of this type is to make the text easier to read, and flow more smoothly in modern language.

Both have their places, and we mustn’t judge people on the translation they read, as long as it is respected. There are many types for many different levels of reading comprehension. If a new believer, who doesn’t speak English well, doesn’t hop straight into the NASB, we must not shame them for trying to read the Word of God.

Chapter 2: What Bible Translation to Read?

Personally, I read the ESV and CSB primarily. these two translations cover my bases very well, and both are well respected. If you don’t prefer these two, that is ok! There are many, many respected choices.

In terms of Word for Word Translations, the ESV, NASB, KJV, and NKJV are some of the best. They are all well respected, and can be trusted.

If you want to split the middle, the CSB and the NIV are two favorites. These give the best of both worlds, flexibility in terms of picking apart the text, and readability because of the modern English used.

If you want a Paraphrase, the NLT, GW, and The Message are some popular ones. I would stick to the NLT, it is plenty readable for me, but if you so desperately want to use something like The Message, let me give you a word of advice, be careful. You can’t easily pick apart wording in these Bibles, as they are changed in order to obtain ease of use. Remember, these are man-made! All translations are, but these are much more so. Use these translations with discernment!

Chapter 3: Why it doesn’t matter!

John 14:26 says, “But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” God uses The Bible and the Holy Spirit in tandem to teach our minds and hearts his truth. Why would different translations and specific wordings change the Holy Spirits penetrative power into your heart?

When you drive on a bridge, do you constantly worry it will collapse from under you? When you go the doctor, do you worry they can’t assess what you need for your health? It is good sometimes in life to simply trust the work of people more experienced than you.

This is sadly not always the case. Several translations are downright heresy, twisting the words of God for personal gain. The Passion translation is a good example of this. It is twisted in just the right ways in order to seem reasonable, but in reality, it is very damaging to the reader. Satan’s best lies are those that are sweet. Those that make you think they are innocent. Lies are the most dangerous when they are close to the truth.

That is why we must have discernment when it comes to what we read. Find out what people think on a translation. Pray on it. Read it for yourself, see if it is changed on key doctrines. Likely, if it is a trusted translation, it will be OK to read!

If you want any advice or encouragement on this topic or any other, text me at 6156352236, or email me at [e-mail].

Conclusion

Don’t focus too much of your mind on Bible Translations. They are important, but once you find a rotation of some that you like, leave it alone! Psalm 119:105 says, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Focus your attention on God’s Word! Pray, and seek to live like Christ. These are the things that should take up our heart, not technicalities of translation. Find a respected translation, and dig in!

Thanks for joining me. Come back next week for another episode of ______ Podcast! Episodes come out every Sunday, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Anchor, and more. Bye!