1. Bible Translations
Why So Many Translations? Which Is Best?

2. 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

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

4. Bible Translations
29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Prov. 22:29 (KJV)
29 Do you see a man who excels in his work? He will stand before kings; He will not stand before unknown men. Prov. 22:29 (NKJV)
“obscure” (NASB; ESV) “unknown” (HCSB)

5. Bible Translations
14 But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.
Matt. 19:14 (KJV)
14 But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these." Matt. 19:14 (NASB)
Also the ESV; HCSB; NKJV.

6. Bible Translations
27 Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ: that whether I come and see you, or else be absent, I may hear of your affairs, that ye stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil. 1:27 (KJV) 27 Only conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or remain absent, I will hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel; Phil. 1:27 (NASB)

7. Bible Translations
15 For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. 1 Thess. 4:15 (KJV)
15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep Thess. 4:15 (NKJV)
Also ASV; ESV; NASB

8. Bible Translations
7 For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. 2 Thess. 2:7 (KJV)
7 For the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only he who now restrains will do so until he is taken out of the way Thess. 2:7 (NASB) Also NKJV; ESV; HCSB

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

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

11. Bible Translations Differences in translation philosophy
Word for word (KJV, NASB, NKJV, ESV)
Thought for thought (NIV, NLT, NEB)
Paraphrase (TLB, GNB, The Message, God’s Word)

12. Translation and Paraphrase:AD
Modern Translations
Translation and Paraphrase:
• Formal Translation (word-for-word): Translates the words and structures of the original languages.
• Dynamic Translation (thought-for-thought):
Translates the meaning and concepts of the
original languages. Restructured by translators.
• Paraphrase: Rewording of an existing
translation in the same language.
1500 BC BC AD AD AD AD AD AD 2000

13. Original Language
Dikaiosunei gar theou en auto apokaluptetai ek pisteos eis pistin (out from faith into faith) (Rom. 1:17)

14. Bible Translations What is Meant by this Expression?
From beginning faith to mature faith;
From one person’s faith to another’s;
“by faith, from first to last;”
From objective faith (the Word) to subjective faith (the conviction of the one who hears or reads);
Etc.

15. NIV
Dynamic Equivalence
For in the gospel a righteousness from God is revealed, a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written, “the righteous will live by faith.” (Rom.1:17)

16. NASB
Modified Literal
For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; a it is written, “But the righteous man shall live by faith(.” sRom. 1:17)

17. Bible Translations

18. Bible Translations

19. Bible Translations Our Preachers Pulpit Bibles (Jenkins Inst.)
ESV (89; 31%)
NKJV (81; 28%)
NASB (50; 17%)
KJV (25; 9%)
NIV (23; 8%)

20. Bible Translations
Bible sales can be a lucrative market

21. Bible Translations

22. Bible Translations

23. 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)

24. Bible Translations Personal Recommendations NASB, ESV, NKJV,
Simple text (be cautious with study Bibles)
Readable
Quality binding

25. Bible Translations II Timothy 3:16-17
final word
1. Bible purchases are individual decisions
2. Jack Lewis—”the best translation is the one you will read”
3. Don’t shoot the messenger if you don’t like the message.
4. We should want to be as accurate as possible.

26. Bible Translations
II Timothy 3:16-17

27. GOD’S PLAN FOR MAN’S SALVATION
Hear The Gospel – Romans 10:17
Believe That Jesus Is The Christ – John 8:24
Repent Of Sin – Luke 13:3; Acts 2:38
Confess Christ – Romans 10:9-10; Acts 8:37
Baptized – Acts 2:38; Mark 16:16
Be Faithful – Revelation 2:10