While updating the text, other manuscripts were taken into consideration. It contains manuscript notes that show textual variations. The NKJV from Nelson publishers is an update to the KJV. It is a literal translation and is the translation I use most for reading, memorization, and study.ĢTi 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.ĢTi 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: 17 That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works. Probably the most popular edition is the 1769. It’s had a major impact on the English language, and is very elegant in its style. There’s a good reason it’s been popular for that long. The KJV is celebrating its 400 th anniversary this year. This is a short summary of some of the major translations in use today, with a sample from 2 Timothy. I realize that not everyone enjoys the Shakespearean-style language, but I do believe it is worthy of study and reading considering its popularity and effect on the English language. I even recommend reading the KJV for its literary style. I also use a formal equivalence for reading. Many feel that the dynamic equivalence, such as NIV and NLT, are better suited for general reading. My next favorites are the NKJV and ESV because they retain accuracy and readability. I use the KJV (just my personal preference). The KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV are all good choices. Is the Bible for general reading or serious study?įor Bible study I recommend a literal translation because of their accuracy. Some are better than others.Ī Bible translation should be chosen according to its purpose. I won’t say that every translation is good. Every translation ever published has gone through revisions to make them better and correct mistakes. The fact that it’s a translation requires there to be a degree of interpretation, and no one’s interpretation is perfect. I would not use them in place of an actual translation. There’s nothing wrong with reading a paraphrase, but I personally avoid them. An example of making a paraphrase might be taking the NIV and rephrasing it in your own words. Paraphrases are not translations and are not based on manuscripts. This includes The Message and the Living Bible. Holman calls it an optimal equivalent.Īnother type of Bible, though not actually a translation, is the paraphrase. The HCSB attempts to remain as literal as possible by only using thought-for-though translation where necessary for clarification. The NIV, NET, and HCSB attempt to combine elements of both types of translations. Thought for thought translations include: They can be better for expressions and idioms, but they’re not as good for word studies because the words and grammar may have been changed to make the text more readable. The goal is to make a readable text, resulting in a lower reading grade-level. This allows more room for interpretation by the translators. However, formal equivalence is far better for serious study because of the accuracy of words and grammar.ĭynamic equivalence, also known as functional equivalence, or thought-for-thought, attempts to translate the thought of the passage rather than the actual words. A formal equivalent doesn’t work as well for idioms and expressions because sometimes the point gets lost in translation. The goal is to make a text that is more accurate to the original and still be readable in the English language. Some versions attempt to bridge the two.įormal equivalence, also known as literal, or word-for-word, attempts to keep as close as possible to the original languages. There are two basic types of Bible translations: formal equivalent (literal, or word for word) and dynamic equivalent (thought for thought). Some translations have more interpretation than others. This requires a degree of interpretation on the part of the translator. Words have a range of meanings, and the range of meanings can be much different from one language to another. Often, there is not a single word in English that means exactly what a word means in Greek or Hebrew. Translating the Scriptures is not a simple task.
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