The English translations of the Bible come from a variety of sources. How can we know which translations are good and which are not? Which translation is best?

To understand why we have different translations we must take a look at language itself. Both spoken and written language is a work in progress. That is, language is a dynamic process that began when mankind first appeared on the earth and will continue until we as humans no longer communicate with each other. Not only are there different languages spoken in different localities around the world but each individual language such as English is in constant flux. Consider the English spoken in mother England today as compared to the brand of English spoken in the United States. Many of the words are the same, many are not and there is a definite change in the way even the same words sound when spoken by someone in America as compared to someone in the United Kingdom. These changes have taken place in about 400 years, since this nation began to be settled in the early 1600’s. We could even imagine a time in the future when Americans might not be able to talk with someone from England.

The very nature of language requires that there be different translations of any book if everyone is going to be able to read them, the Bible included. While accuracy may not matter in the case of literature it certainly does matter when it comes to knowing the will of God and knowing what it takes to make heaven our home. Fortunately, it is not so difficult as you might imagine.

Remember the thousands of copies of the original books of the Biblethat we do have. They will never change. Those who know Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek today read the original copies the same as language experts did in the past and the same as those will in the future. Only the words into which they are translated will change. This is why we have so many choices of translations of the Bible today. A new one comes along every few years reflecting a slightly different form of the language in use at that time. In general, the older the translation the more removed it is from the current use of language and the harder it is to understand. There is one great caution however. There can and does exist corrupted translations which do not reflect the meaning of the original works. Generally speaking, good translations are the result of the work of a large group of translators. Generally, poor translations are produced by the work of only a few or just one man, thereby reflecting their individual religious bias.

Each of us should definitely have several different translations of the Bible. Then by comparing one with another, we are much more likely to arrive at the correct understanding of truth. All translations have strengths and weaknesses. Don’t place your total confidence in any one translation at the exclusion of all others.

Send comments or questions to the Clintwood Church of Christ, POB 746, Clintwood, Va. 24228 or E-mail me at bryanwa@ntelos.net Come visit us online at clintwoodchurchofchrist.com

You will find past articles, audio sermons, radio archives, and more.