How to choose a Bible
One reason for the multiplicity of versions is that it is impossible to create a perfect translation. The Bible may be compared to a lustrous diamond. A skilled artisan makes it sparkle by cutting many facets to bring out the light. The different versions of the Bible may be compared to the facets in a precious gem; they help bring out the light and make it sparkle. Since there is no one perfect English version, Bible studies are enhanced when they are based on more than one version, chosen from at least the following two different translation styles.
1. A formal-correspondence translation, which attempts to reflect as closely as possible the actual words, idioms, and formal structure of the original text. These translations bring out the flavour of the original languages; they bring the reader to the text. Examples of this type of translation are: King James Version, New American Standard Bible, and Revised Standard Version.
2. A functional-equivalent or idiomatic translation, which expresses the message of the Greek and Hebrew text in a language that is clear and natural today. These translations tend to have a more immediate impact since they are easy to understand and express the message in a language that people use every day. In this style, the translator attempts to bring the text to the reader. Examples are: Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, and New Living Translation.
Which is the best Bible version for people today?
That will vary from person to person.
A person who is highly educated or is thoroughly familiar with the teachings of Scripture may prefer a version quite different from the person who is encountering the Bible for the first time or who reads very little beyond the newspaper. The best version is the one whose message accurately reflects the original and speaks most clearly to people today.
Ultimately, the best Bible is the one that is well used and whose message is expressed in the way we live our lives each day.
IMPORTANT CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
There are at least five important criteria for distinguishing among different translations of the Bible and evaluating their appropriateness for a given audience.
1. The reliability of the original-language manuscript base used for the translation:
MPORTANT CRITERIA FOR EVALUATING BIBLE TRANSLATIONS
For the Old Testament, most English translations are based on the Masoretic text of the Hebrew Bible. For the New Testament, translators tend to follow one of three major textual traditions. These are:
1.The Greek New Testament Critical Text (United Bible Societies and Nestle-Aland editions);
2.The Textus Receptus;
3.The Majority Text.
While the relative merits of these three major textual traditions are hotly debated in some circles, the reality is that there are very few substantial differences between them. Only a limited number of the differences can be reflected in translation and in no case is a doctrinal issue at stake. While no original manuscripts have been preserved, the content of the Greek New Testament is exceptionally consistent in all of the manuscript traditions. Most scholars today consider the Critical Text to be the most reliable reflection of the original.
2. The faithfulness of the renderings given in the translation:
All of the translations described earlier seek to transfer the original message faithfully and accurately, although there is always a tendency for theological bias to creep in. This is less likely when the translation is produced by a team of scholars from a broad spectrum of traditions.
3. The level and style of English used:
When evaluating the level of English used in different versions, it is relevant to note that the Greek used in the New Testament is known as Koine Greek, which was the language commonly used in everyday life in the first century.
1.Archaic (old);
2.Liturgical (church language);
3.Literary (university level);
4.Contemporary (current usage);
5.Common language (widely used and understood).
4. The theory and style of translation followed:
A variety of terminology is used to refer to different types of translation and some of the terms are overlapping in meaning.
The most common terms are:
1.Formal correspondence (also popularly referred to as literal);
2.Functional or dynamic equivalence;
3.Idiomatic or meaning-based;
4.Free (also popularly known as paraphrase).
5. The intended audience and use:
1. Corporate worship, as in a church setting;
2. Personal devotional reading;
3. Serious Bible study;
4. Evangelism;
5. Children;
6. Memorization;
7. Teaching theology and doctrine.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Theologically conservative. Inclusive language was typically avoided. An "essentially literal" translation that seeks to capture the precise wording of the original text and personal style of each Bible write.
All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.
Conservative.
