Translations and Paraphrases

We are surrounded by different translations of the Bible. Each one often represented by what seems an incomprehensible list of letters: KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, NIV, ESV, YLT, and so on. In addition to translations, there are a great many paraphrases being sold, most famously The Message and The Living Bible. So what is the difference between all of these? Why are there so many?

First, we need to recognize the difference between a translation and a paraphrase. A translation is the original words translated from the original language (be it Hebrew, Aramaic, or Koine Greek) into another language (in our case, English). Effort is put into making sure that the meaning of individual words are not lost, and that each word is as accurately translated as possible. A paraphrase, on the other hand, is when a person or group of persons looks at a translation, then paraphrases it according to what they think it means. Rather than going to the original language and striving to give specific meanings to words, the effort is made to give the idea of the entire text. While this is often easy to read, the meaning of the text is often lost or changed dramatically. After all, if a person is paraphrasing the scriptures, they are really just stating what they think it means. And as most people know, there are a great many outlandish and just plain wrong beliefs about what the Lord has said.

For study of the scriptures, it is best to use a solid, dependable translation. Typically, those that are recommended are the King James Version, the New King James Version, the New American Standard, and the English Standard Version. It's difficult to find, but the American Standard Version is also a very accurate translation. For “heavy” study, a literal translation (in which the syntax of sentences is not modernized, etc.) can be useful (such as Young's Literal Translation), but these make for difficult reading. Paraphrases can be useful as commentaries, but have a great many short failings. Consider these examples of Colossians 2:10:

And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power
(King James Version – KJV)

and you have been given fullness in Christ, who is the head over every power and authority.
(New International Version – NIV)

and in Him you have been made complete, and He is the head over all rule and authority;
(New American Standard – NASB)

and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power
(New King James Version – NKJV)

and in him ye are made full, who is the head of all principality and power
(American Standard – ASV)

and you have been filled in him, who is the head of all rule and authority.
(English Standard Version – ESV)

and in him ye are made full who is the head of all principality and authority
(Young's Literal Translation – YLT)

You don't need a telescope, a microscope, or a horoscope to realize the fullness of Christ.
(The Message - TM)

It is easy to see, in this and in many other places in scripture, the difference between a translation and a paraphrase. As we will be judged by the word (John 12:48, Hebrews 4:12), is it not best to use a solid and dependable translation in our striving to follow Christ? Moreover, dare we stand guilty of changing what the Lord has said? In Revelation 22:18-19, as well as in many other places in scripture, we are warned against changing what the Lord has said. Doing so is wrong, and we stand condemned if we do so.