How to choose a Bible translation

There are many translations of the Bible from which to choose. Which always causes us to ask the question. “What translation should I read?”

This is a valid question. It shows a hint of wanting to do the “right thing” when it comes to studying God’s Word.

In its original language, the Bible is translated from Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek text.

When translating the Bible, scholars should and want to remain faithful to the original text.

There are no original texts of the Bible in existence, but scholars use manuscript copies during translation.

When the Bible was translated from the original languages, it does not perfectly translate into English. So translators have a couple of different paths they took when translating the Bible.

There is word for word translations. These translate actual words of the original language to get as close as possible in English to the author of the book’s words and structure.

The most known word for word translation is the King James Version (KJV). Also, there is the
New King James Version (NKJV) which is an updated version of the (KJV)

Included in this type of translation is the English Standard Version (ESV) New American Standard Bible (NSAB). Both were translated to make the Bible understandable in a contemporary form.

The next form for Bible translation is thought for thought or meaning-based.
This translation focuses on conveying the author’s meaning of the text. It tries to translate the thought of the time into English. It is more interpretative than word for word but is carefully translated to remain faithful to the original meaning. New Living Translation (NLT) is a thought for thought translation that I have found very easy to read.

The last translation form is a blend of word for word and thought for thought. These translations want to give clarity for English readers. They mix the two forms when they believe it is most true to the text in the original translation from Greek and Hebrew. I am sure you have heard of the New International Version (NIV) and possibly the Christian Standard Bible (CSB).


These translations use the original language in the translation of the Bible but approach the translation using these three forms.

So, what translation of the Bible should you read?
I would say the one you can understand; however, after understanding the different approaches used to translate the Bible into English, I would suggest read one of each.

Why? This provides you with a varied lens through which to read the Bible. You cover all forms of translation, which can help you in your understanding of the Bible.


What translation of the Bible do you like to read? Let me know in the comments below.