The Bible: What Version Should I Read?
A Word-for-Word style, vs Thought-for-Thought translations!
Jeremiah 15:16 KJV
[16] Thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts.
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic.
Since most people can’t read these languages, the Bible has had to be translated.
There are different ways to translate the same thing.
There’s a word-for-word style, which is very precise, but sometimes harder to understand.
You can also have thought-for-thought translations,
which translate the meaning behind larger chunks of scripture in a way that makes the most sense and are usually easier to read.
The Bible: What Version Should I Read?
Ezekiel 3:1-3 KJV
[1] Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.
[2] So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.
[3] And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. Then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness.
King James Version is a Word-for Word version whereas The Message is a Thought-for-Thought version. All are good.
Here are 5 tips for choosing a translation:
- Keep in mind that there’s not a ‘best translation’.
- Make sure the translation is easy to read for you.
- Choose one translation as your main Bible version.
- For Bible study, compare multiple translations.
- If you’re not sure, ask your pastor or ministry leader.
So, which one should I read?
It mainly depends on why you’re reading it.
If you want to study the Bible, a word-for-word style translation is probably better.
And If you want to get a sense of the overall meaning, then try a thought-for-thought translation.
It’s ok to use more than one style.
Check out some different versions of Psalm 23. Try the King James, NIV, NLT and the Message.
Pick one that you feel comfortable with and, as Ezekiel and Jeremiah did, ‘eat it’ and enjoy the taste.
Psalm 23:1-4 KJV
[1] The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want. [2] He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.
[3] He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.
[4] Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; Thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.
https://bible.com/bible/1/psa.23.1-4.KJV
The Bible: What Version Should I Read?
