Bible Translations Why So Many Translations? Which Is Best?

Bible Translations Why So Many Translations? –The English language is evolving –Differences in manuscript philosophy –Differences in translation philosophy –Bible sales can be a lucrative market

Bible Translations Examples of changes in English – mean vs. unknown Pr 22:29 – suffer vs. permit Mt 19:14 – conversation vs. conduct Ph 1:27 – prevent vs. precede 1Th 4:15 – letteth vs. restrains 2Th 2:7

Bible Translations Differences in manuscript philosophy –Byzantine textual tradition Received Text (Textus Receptus) Received Text (Textus Receptus) KJV, NKJV KJV, NKJV –Alexandrian textual tradition Critical text (Westcott-Hort) Critical text (Westcott-Hort) ASV, RSV, NSV, NASB, NIV, NLT, ESV ASV, RSV, NSV, NASB, NIV, NLT, ESV –Majority textual tradition Based on consensus of majority of Greek texts Based on consensus of majority of Greek texts Similar to Received Text Similar to Received Text

Bible Translations Differences in translation philosophy –Word for word (KJV, NASB, NKJV, ESV) –Thought for thought (NIV, NLT) –Paraphrase (TLB, GNB)

Bible Translations

Bible sales can be a lucrative market Bible sales can be a lucrative market

Bible Translations

Which Translation Should I Use? –Many scholars > one man –Diverse groups > one group –Word for word > thought for thought –Simple text > study Bible –Readability (layout, font size)

Bible Translations

Personal Recommendations –NKJV, ESV, NLT –Simple text –Readable –Quality binding