Why are there so many Bible translations?

what does the bible say?

God’s Word does not change, but word usage and languages do, so, updated and revised translations of the Bible are needed. The Bible was first translated into English in the late 1300s by John Wycliffe. The King James Version was finished in 1611, and then revised several times between 1611 and 1769. The explosion of English Bible translations did not occur until the middle of the 1900s. Advances in archaeology and historical research have also clarified ancient customs and practices, allowing for more accurate renderings of biblical passages. While the original writings in Hebrew and Greek are inerrant, infallible and God-breathed (2 Timothy 3:16), we can trust that the Holy Spirit also guides faithful Bible translators. The Bible, even when it is translated, is still God’s Word. Although serious study should include the comparison of several different Bible translations, ultimately it is the Holy Spirit who reveals to our spirits the meaning of the Word of God (1 Corinthians 2:12-14).

from the old testament

• The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew (with some portions in Aramaic). Even within the Old Testament, translations were necessary to make God’s Word understandable to those who spoke other languages, as seen in the creation of the Septuagint, a Greek translation of the Hebrew Scriptures for Jews living in Hellenistic regions.
• Throughout the Old Testament, God’s law and teachings were meant to be known and obeyed by His people (Deuteronomy 6:6-7; Joshua 1:8). Translating Scriptures into languages the people could underst and ensured that His Word remained accessible, reinforcing the principle that God’s message should be clear to those who seek Him (Nehemiah 8:8; Psalm 119:105).

from the new testament

• The entire Bible is the authoritative Word of God. The original Scriptures were inspired by God (2 Timothy 3:16).
• The many Bible translations ensure that people from all parts of the world can have access to the spiritual discernment the Bible provides (Hebrews 4:12).

implications for today

Today there are three general ways to translate the Bible. One is “formal equivalence,” which attempts to translate the text word for word, as literally as possible, such as the NASB, NKJV, LSB, and ESV. Next is “dynamic equivalence,” which attempts to translate thoughts and ideas instead of words, such as the NIV and NLT. Last is “optimal equivalence,” which tries to balance the two methods for better reader understanding, such as the CSB. Examining a Hebrew/Greek interlinear to see the nuances of word usage (e.g., www.blueletterbible.org) can be enlightening. Besides translation styles, the Bible has been translated into more than seven hundred different languages (according to Wycliffe Bible Translators), God’s word continues to go out, ensuring that the world comes to know the good news of Jesus Christ (Matthew 28:16-20).

Recap

understand

• Most people cannot read the Bible’s original languages, and languages change over time, which is why we need translations.
• Archaeological and historical discoveries improve translation accuracy.
• The Holy Spirit guides translators, keeping translated Scripture trustworthy, even if only the original is referred to as inspired.

reflect

• How does knowing that the Holy Spirit guides Bible translators affect your trust in different translations?
• How do you seek to underst and Scripture more deeply when words or phrases differ between translations?
• How can comparing multiple Bible translations help you apply God’s Word more accurately?

engage

• How might understanding the historical and linguistic context of Bible translations influence our interpretation of Scripture?
• How could the variety of translation methods (formal, dynamic, optimal) shape how believers teach or share the Bible?
• How can we examine multiple translations to discern God’s message more clearly while avoiding confusion?