Which to Use?

Preachers like to have conversations about which translation of the Bible they “preach from.” No doubt you, like me, have heard many arguments as to why it is better to present a lesson from a certain translation.

Lately, the English Standard Version’s quick acceptance has sparked these conversations again. I like the ESV a lot. I read from it often and recently purchased a “reverse interlinear,” which is a good beginning tool for understanding the Greek background of each word or phrase.

Some preachers like to use the King James Version because they are familiar with it, as are many members of the congregation. Others make the slight change to the New King James Version, because it is similar to the KJV, but is more easily understood.

Some older saints use the American Standard Version because they were taught that it is “literal” as it translates from the Hebrew and, especially, the Greek. Some of us younger folks have been told the same about the New American Standard Bible, and, later, the NAS Update.

I have some family friends who use the Revised Standard Version almost exclusively. It should be noted, though, that they are true Bible students, and are willing to admit the weaknesses in that version. Others use the New International Version, saying that it is easier to understand and does a good job translating from the original languages.

So, which to use?

First, let me say that we should be thankful that we are even having this discussion. If one travels to Ghana, India or other foreign lands, he or she will notice that each person is lucky to have one copy of the Bible, much less two or more translations. Most of us have at least 2 or 3 different translations. Personally, I have 10 (King James, New King James, New American Standard Update, American Standard, English Standard, Revised Standard, New International, Modern Language, The Living Bible, New Century), and have not paid all that much for any of them.

Each month at our area preachers’ meetings, brother Michael Jackson, who works with the Winfield church of Christ, is teaching a “Preacher’s Greek Class.” He is teaching us the basics of Greek, so we can use better tools to study original languages and, therefore, not have to always rely on what a commentator says. I am appreciating this class very much, even if I am somewhat behind in my studies for it. Michael is a great teacher who loves the Greek language, and that shows in his teaching.

One of the things this study has opened my eyes to is the translation process, and the differences–sometimes major–between translations that are considered “standard.” Our text is Greek for the Rest of Us by William Mounce, who was on the New Testament translation committee for the ESV. Even he suggests the use of many translations in study and personal life.

So, this may seem like a “cop-out” answer, but we who teach and preach don’t need to get too attached to one version. We need to preach the truth (“the word,” Second Timothy 4:2). If I like the King James, for example, but the NASB does a better job of translating a passage, I should be willing to mention that.

And, while there is nothing wrong with doing this, we need to be careful about saying, “I like what the ___ version does with this passage.” It doesn’t matter what I like, I need to preach what God said!

In our society, most of us can afford several translations, and even some study Bibles. Spend your money wisely. Purchase as many Bibles as you can, and as many tools to study the languages as you can…then put those tools to good use. You will be enriched by your study of God’s Message to us.