A Tidbit on Translations

One of my absolute favorite aspects of study are Bible Translations. I have preached from several translations during my tenure as a pastor and I certainly have a preference. When I first began to preach, I preached out of the NASB95 (New American Standard Bible 1995). This is still my preferred translation for a deep Bible Study and for most things. I enjoy the word-for-word (also called formal equivalence) aspect of the translation. Before I continue, most Bible translations can be placed in one of two categories. Formal Equivalence, which are word-for-word from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic. The second is Dynamic Equivalence, which is more thought-for-thought. The methodology can help you understand what is best for you, but for now that is the main difference between these two styles of Bible translation.

I prefer the NASB95 but that is not the only translation I read. If you get anything out of this post, I pray it is comfort knowing that there is no “perfect” translation of the Bible, but there are Bibles that are written to your comprehension and reading level. I will say I am bias in the fact that I prefer Formal Equivalent translations, but I am not most people. I enjoy digging deep into the original languages to fully understand the context and historical background of a text. That is why I currently preach out of the NKJV (New King James Version) as that is another Formal Equivalent, but not as word-for-word as the NASB95.

The average person will probably not do an in-depth study of the Bible every time they read it, and that is okay. It is important to read and understand the Bible in context, but the depths that you go is up to you. There is value knowing who Jesus Christ is and how His sacrifice on the cross is directly related to the Passover lamb in Exodus. You could spend much time looking at the Hebrew and Greek words to see the meaning and range of emotions that correlate to Jesus’ sacrifice. Or you can know that Jesus willingly died for us because He loves us that much. In any Bible translation worth its weight in salt, the authorship team will convey the message of the Gospel for their intended audience.

For me personally, I enjoy the word-for-word aspect of the NASB95 and other translations like it. When I say word-for-word, I mean as close to the original languages as our own language permits that is grammatically correct. Often in foreign languages, there is no true word-for-word translation as languages tend to pick up means with word that one person may understand, but the next may not. In a sermon I gave, I asked my congregation what they think of first when I say the word “lit.” For the senior saints, they reported lighting a candle. For the younger generation, the said that word makes them of something that is very good. To them “lit” is slang for a very good thing. The same word was used but two different meanings exist. That is perfectly normal in spoken languages as they evolve and change over time.

Translations do the same and that is where dynamic equivalence comes in. If you are doing a first time read or a devotion or find it difficult to understand the sometimes-wooden language of formal equivalence, dynamic is up your alley. The authors in this case seek to translation the entire thought, not just each individual word. They argue that the meaning is more important that each individual word. My first Bible I received when I was in middle school was an NLT (New Living Translation) which falls into this category. The NLT is unique that it does not use the large theological words found in the NASB95 (such as sanctification and regeneration) but provides the idea of what those words mean. Dynamic equivalent translations focus on readability. The best Bible is the one that you can and will read. I stand by that statement to this day.

I really enjoy Bible translations and seeing how there really is a Bible for every English speaking person. For those that speak English, we have so many options in Bibles. We even have the ability to use multiple translations in our studies. I still do this and I HIGHLY recommend doing this as well. I usually recommend a person to have at least two Bibles, one formal equivalent and one dynamic equivalent. This way, you can get a more refined understanding of the text that you are reading. There are pros and cons to each type, but again the best Bible is one that you will read. If you cannot understand 17th century English, then the KJV is not for you. If you like a more literal translation, compete with the idioms and nuance of the original language, then formal equivalents are for you. Whichever you choose, it is important to understand God’s word in the original context with the historical background of the time. As Paul wrote in 2 Timothy, study to show yourself approved.