Bible 101

Lesson 4: What do the Original Writings and Today’s Bible have in Common? Do we have a Reliable Version?

Modern English Versions

Today, in modern day America, we may choose from a variety of translations, some of the most popular are:

American Standard Version
This version, which already has one further revised version, was created in 1901. It is the American match to the English King James Version.

Amplified Bible
Based on the American Standard Version, this version was published in 1958. It uses contemporary words and sentence structures, while attempting to stay as literal as possible without interrupting the flow of the English language.

Contemporary English Version
Not based on any other modern versions, but relying on the original manuscripts, this version seeks to preserve literal meanings, especially in the poetic sections, without loosing their “sound” and “feel” for modern ears. The NT was translated directly from the Greek text, and the Psalms and Proverbs were translated directly from the Masoretic Hebrew text.

Darby Translation
This translation was derived from a study of the original Hebrew and Greek texts, and represents concurrently a collation of J. N. Darby's German and French Versions. Designed for the layperson, it allows even the uninitiated to fully understand even difficult passages.

King James Version (3)
This is a revision of the Bishop's Bible of 1568. Upon its completion in 1611, it was presented to King James I, of England. It is renowned for its preservation of the literal aspects of translation and for its poetic quality.

Message
This version was penned by Eugene Peterson, pastor of a Presbyterian church in Maryland and professor of spiritual theology at a college in British Columbia. His goal was not to create another literal translation, but on the contrary to use current, fresh, and understandable language. Great for the uninitiated who just wants to get a feel for the faith and all the events that led up to Jesus and the birth of the church; not so great for someone who wishes to conduct literal research.

New American Standard Bible
This version’s main purpose is to revise the American Standard Version. It is more literal than most versions, resting heavily on a word-for-word method of translation rather than a thought-for-thought approach. This version was begun in 1959.

New International Version
This is a new translation of the scriptures, involving over one hundred scholars from the United States, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand, Anglican, Assemblies of God, Baptist, Brethren, Christian Reformed, Church of Christ, Evangelical Free, Lutheran, Mennonite, Methodist, Nazarene, Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and others. The goal was an accurate translation that could be used for in depth study, yet still written in a style that would make difficult passages available also to a layperson. Versions used for the OT included the latest Dead Sea Scrolls, Septuagint, Vulgate, Syriac Peshitta, and others. Quite possibly the best version available at this time.

New King James Version
This update seeks to preserve the original version’s lyric quality, while at the same time doing away with outdated English idioms and expressions.

New Living Translation
This version seeks to modernize the Bible reading experience by using common terms to translate entire thoughts, rather than only words, additionally, it flows easier than other versions, while still making it possible to have deeper study.

Wycliffe New Testament
John Wycliffe translated this version from the Lain sources around 1380.

Young's Literal Translation
This is a strictly literal rendering which is not as pleasant to the ear as one where the obvious meaning of a phrase sought to be captured.

Many an argument has flared up between scholars as to which modern translation is the best to use for study. It is important to remember that none of the modern versions claim to be inspired, the way the original manuscripts were. So, if someone wishes to truly read the scriptures in their purest state, it is necessary to learn the languages in which they were written. Short of that, someone interested in finding a modern version that will enrich their understanding of the scriptures should read through different versions until s/he finds one that speaks to her/him directly. In addition, it is also a good idea to read several versions side by side, especially for the seasoned student of the Bible. This will prevent one from “reading over” a well-known passage.

Congratulations! You have now finished the fourth lesson of Bible 101, and are well versed in the nuances of various modern translations of the Bible manuscripts. Why not test your knowledge now by doing the Lesson 4 Knowledge Quiz?