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• May 22, 2011
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What translation is That?

    I grew up using the King James Version of the Bible.  When I memorized verses as a youngster it was in accordance with the KJV verbiage.  It was what I read.  It was what I studied.  When I obeyed the Gospel and began to be active in the work of the church I purchased a Thompson’s Chain Reference Study Bible and thoroughly enjoyed it.  It was a KJV.  It was that Bible that I was utilizing when I first began preaching.

     Somewhere along the way I began to consider making a change.  There were two primary, motivating factors for me:  1. Obviously, the English language has undergone considerable change since the King James Version was first issued in 1611.  I had decided (as personal preference) to switch to a translation that was more adapted to our current language; 2. I wanted to utilize a paragraph-formatted version as my primary version from which I read, studied and preached.  In the KJV, the beginning of each verse was conveniently located at the left margin of the column.  That made it easy to find the various verses.  However, I found the paragraph format to be more beneficial for me in studying the scriptures.  The paragraph format made it easier to dissect individual passages and follow the thought-flow of the text.  So, I decided to make a change.

     Initially, I was planning on switching to the New American Standard Bible but then came into contact with the English Standard Version.  Honestly, one of the things that first attracted me to the ESV was its convenient size.  It was about half the thickness of my Thompson’s Chain Reference Bible and not quite as wide or tall.  Although the ESV was much smaller in size, it still contained the fullness of God’s word with a font that was slightly larger than my previous Bible.  So, I began reading it and studying with it.  Overall, I was very pleased and therefore made the switch.  So, for about five years now, I’ve been using the English Standard Version.

     I’m providing this explanation for a couple of reasons.  First of all, a few of you have asked which translation it is that I’m using.  So, I figured there are others who have wondered the same thing but haven’t asked me yet.  Secondly, it gives me an opportunity to briefly share my overall view on translations.  As long as a person stays within the “primary” translations (King James Version, New King James Version, New American Standard Bible, American Standard Version, New International Version, English Standard Version., etc.) he/she should be just fine.  There is a multitude of other translations out there.  It is my opinion that some of them have been too generalized/ or “watered down”.  They may be ok for quick, general reading but I would not recommend them for Bible study.  My recommendation: Stay within the “primary” translations for the purpose of Bible study. 

     No, the King James Version is not too complicated to understand.  Individuals have been able to utilize it to understand the truth for centuries.  No, none of these translations will be a safeguard against the false-teachings and so-called “liberal tendencies” of mankind.  Each of these has been misused in the teaching and promotion of error.  No, none of these translations will automatically punch a person’s ticket to the path of liberalism.  The truth has been effectively expounded from each and every one of these.  As a matter of fact, when studying the scriptures – truly digging into its passages – I highly recommend that you consult several translations.  They each have their own advantages and disadvantages in comparison to one another.  Yet, the truth can be found in each.

     My favorite quote of all time regarding Bible translations is found in a little book by Wayne Jackson entitled, The Bible Translation Controversy (Montgomery, Alabama, Apologetics Press, Inc. © 1985).  He states, “The problem with most folks is not the translation they use, but the fact that they do not use the translation they have!” (pg 21).

     So, let’s be sure to put our Bibles to use…no matter which translation it is we prefer.

     “I have stored up your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you.  Blessed are you, O Lord; teach me your statutes!” (Psalm 119:11-12)