Bible Translations

At the tower of Babel, God divided languages (Genesis 11:1-9). In Acts 2, the Holy Spirit comes on the twelve apostles, and they begin speaking in foreign languages so people can understand them. And throughout the New Testament, Christ and the apostles usually quote a translation (from Hebrew to Greek) of the Old Testament : the Septuagint. If God gave us the different languages, gave some of His followers the ability to speak in different languages, and Himself used a translation, we can rest assured that using a translation is acceptable. Do we need to be careful of which translations we use? Of course! Some are far less accurate than others. And it's best to avoid using paraphrases, except as a commentary or study aid. But there are numerous good, solid, and serviceable translations for us to use. And, for a very brief comparison, here are several translations (in no particular order) of the same verse: II Timothy 3:16-17.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.

(King James Version)

All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

(New American Standard Version)

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(New International Version)

every Writing [is] God-breathed, ad profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness, that the man of God may be fitted – for every good work having been completed.

(Young's Literal Translation)

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

(New King James Version)

Every Scripture inspired of God is profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for instruction which is in righteousness: that the man of God may be complete, furnished completely unto every good work.

(American Standard Version)

Every holy Writing which comes from God is of profit for teaching, for training, for guiding, for education in righteousness: So that the man of God may be complete, trained and made ready for every good work.

(Bible in Basic English)

One of the things I encourage people to do when they study is to use multiple translations when looking at verses. Either by having multiple Bibles, a parallel Bible, or Bible software that can compare translations. It's easy to see how similar all these translations are, and indeed, these verses all look very similar, do they not? But at the same time, they are subtly different. The point is the same, but the wording and translation is slightly different. By using multiple translations, we can better understand what God says. And by using multiple translations, we can often more easily spot the occasional translational error in one version or another. Like a concordance or Bible dictionary, having multiple translations is an excellent tool for us to use!

Let us make full use of of the liberty God has given us in translations and language!