REASONS WHY WE NEED MORE AND MORE BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
1.THE ORIGINAL WRITINGS OF THE BIBLE NO LONGER EXIST
Only the original writings of the Bible were infallible (error-free). Because those originals are no longer with us, translators rely on ancient hand-written copies (manuscripts) to determine what the originals said. And since most of us cannot read ancient Hebrew and Greek, we depend on versions available in our own language.
All modern translations—including the many editions of each—are “attempts” to reproduce the Bible as close as possible to the original text while keeping it understandable for modern readers. Because infallibility belongs only to the original writings, no translation can claim to be inspired or perfect. There will always be a need for new “attempts” and continual improvement.
2. LANGUAGE CHANGES QUICKLY
Languages evolve rapidly, and English is no exception. Grammar, vocabulary, and formatting today are not the same as ten years ago, nor will they remain the same in the next decade. Translations are revised and new ones created to keep pace with these changes.
Consider this line from the KJV: “Charity suffereth long” To a modern reader, “charity” suggests donations and “suffereth” sounds odd. Most newer translations render it as “Love is patient,” which matches the original meaning. In the 1600s, “charity” could mean “love,” but that meaning has shifted. As words change over time, so must Bible translations.
3. DIFFERENT CATEGORIES OF TRANSLATION
Every translation is an attempt to bring the ancient text into today’s language, but translators follow different guiding philosophies. While they are not rigid, they prioritize certain goals when translating. The three main approaches are formal, dynamic, and optimal, with some versions falling outside these categories.
a. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word or Literal)
The goal is to render the original text into nearly exact words in today’s language so readers can see what the biblical authors actually wrote. Its strength is that it preserves the structure of the original, which is helpful for careful study. Its weakness is that some passages become harder to understand, especially idioms. Examples: KJV, NKJV, ASV, ESV.
b. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought or Functional)
This approach interprets the meaning of the original text and expresses that meaning in today’s language, aiming for how the first readers would have understood it. It is more readable, making it good for devotionals and public reading, but it often conveys only one shade of the text’s meaning. Examples: NIV, NLT, CEV, GNB.
c. Optimal Equivalence
This method balances “structure” and “intention,” seeking to convey both the words and the thoughts of the original text. It remains readable like dynamic translations while preserving some of the formality of literal ones, though it can occasionally stray from both. Example: Christian Standard Bible (CSB), originally the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB).
d. Free Translations (Paraphrases)
These versions go beyond the above categories, paraphrasing the text and using modern equivalents to present the meaning. They give readers a fresh perspective but are not ideal for careful study, since they inevitably add or alter wording for creativity. Examples: The Message (MSG), The Passion Translation (TPT), J.B. Phillips New Testament.
4. ADVANCES IN BIBLICAL RESEARCH
Biblical research continues to progress through archaeological discoveries, improved textual analysis of ancient manuscripts, deeper understanding of ancient cultures, and more. Existing translations are regularly updated, and new ones are produced to incorporate these insights. These revisions do not add to or subtract from Scripture’s content; they help correct minor scribal errors and remove passages shown not to be part of the original text, resulting in more accurate and readable Bibles.
WHY A GOOD TRANSLATION MATTERS
A clear, reliable translation functions almost like a built-in commentary, saving time and aiding understanding.
For example, consider Proverbs 29:18 in the KJV: “Where there is no vision, the people perish.” At first glance, this could sound like a call to have personal goals. Compare it to the ESV: “Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,” the NLT: “When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild,” and the NIV: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint.” Simply reading multiple translations clarifies the meaning: “vision” refers to God’s prophetic revelation or divine guidance, not personal dreams. A good Bible translation is therefore invaluable for proper interpretation. Stay Curious.
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