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. “permit” Mt 19:14
“conversation” vs. “conduct” Ph 1:27
“prevent” vs. “precede” 1Th 4:15
“letteth” vs. “restrains” 2Th 2:7

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

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

6. Bible Translations

7. Bible Translations

8. Bible Translations
Bible sales can be a lucrative market

9. Bible Translations

10. 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)

11. Bible Translations

12. Bible Translations Personal Recommendations NKJV, ESV, NLT Simple text
Readable
Quality binding