I got a request from an e-mailer to blog on translations. This is the first one of such posts.
There are a number of good translations available, and there are advocates for each one, and they use a variety of reasons for why they are advocates for one over another. I think there is a quick and generally useful question to ask, and the answer to that question can determine which translation to use. But before that, a good book, like Gordon Fee, Mark Strauss is a great investment: How to Choose A Translation for All Its Worth
.The question is this: "What is my purpose in reading the Bible?"
If
I want to do careful study of the Bible in English, even down to the
point of diagramming sentences, then specific translations will be
better; if I want to choose a Bible that will be good for reading the
Bible in large chunks, then I would choose another; if I want a Bible
that is good for public reading, then yet another. So, the question
"What is my purpose?" is very important and can usually settle the
question.
So, let me answer this question with translations that are best for specific questions.
1. If you want to study the Bible technically, you want a more literal translation
KJV, ASV (1901), NASB, RSV and NRSV.
2. If you want to read the Bible in larger chunks, and so want a readable, smooth translation:
NIV and TNIV, Living Bible, New Living Translation
3. If you want a Bible that is really good for public reading:
KJV, NRSV, NIV and TNIV, NLT; in England many use the NEB
4. If you want a Bible that is sensitive to gender inclusivity:
NRSV, TNIV
Now, you may ask this question of me: "Which do you prefer?" The answer is the same, "It depends on my purpose."
Having said that, for eleven years I have carried the NRSV to class (along with the JPS Tanakh, which has Hebrew and the JPS English translation). The last three years I chose to carry the TNIV, the Today's NIV translation. Why? Because I support the attempt to make the Bible readable for as many as possible and no more offensive than it needs to be. I think the notes on the Christ vs. Messiah and the "adoption to sonship" issue are overcooked notes, but I still think this is the best and most readable translation we have today for a classroom setting. And I really like the new TNIV Thinline Bible: Burgandy/Pecan European Leather (Today's New International Version)
, with two-color (maroon and
brown) leather is a handsome thing to carry. (Now, if all publishers would just
jettison the idea that the words of Jesus need to be in red.)
So, let me answer this question with translations that are best for specific questions.
1. If you want to study the Bible technically, you want a more literal translation
KJV, ASV (1901), NASB, RSV and NRSV.
2. If you want to read the Bible in larger chunks, and so want a readable, smooth translation:
NIV and TNIV, Living Bible, New Living Translation
3. If you want a Bible that is really good for public reading:
KJV, NRSV, NIV and TNIV, NLT; in England many use the NEB
4. If you want a Bible that is sensitive to gender inclusivity:
NRSV, TNIV
Now, you may ask this question of me: "Which do you prefer?" The answer is the same, "It depends on my purpose."
Having said that, for eleven years I have carried the NRSV to class (along with the JPS Tanakh, which has Hebrew and the JPS English translation). The last three years I chose to carry the TNIV, the Today's NIV translation. Why? Because I support the attempt to make the Bible readable for as many as possible and no more offensive than it needs to be. I think the notes on the Christ vs. Messiah and the "adoption to sonship" issue are overcooked notes, but I still think this is the best and most readable translation we have today for a classroom setting. And I really like the new TNIV Thinline Bible: Burgandy/Pecan European Leather (Today's New International Version)
, with two-color (maroon and
brown) leather is a handsome thing to carry. (Now, if all publishers would just
jettison the idea that the words of Jesus need to be in red.)
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Byron,
Thanks for the question ... I did see The Voice mentioned above and said, "Well, what to say." I have a copy; I have only looked it for a minute or so; I had a student in the office the other day who is looking at "additions" to the Bible, including Bible verses and Notes and additional words... and I gave it to her to examine. That's all I can say.
I am glad to see this post. Being a pastor and a part of a fellowship of churches that overall feels certain that reasonably inspired translation mostly stopped with King James -- while at the same time being NIV+ myself -- I appreciate the fair consideration. I too am one who is thankful for the great blessing of a great many great translations.
Scot,
Thanks for the follow-up. I find the additions quite interesting. So far I think they are helpful. It was a little unnerving at first to see them in there. As I've read it though, I think it is just a little more towards the paraphrase side of the continuum and I appreciate that they're honest about it by italicizing their additions. I'd love to hear what your student thinks after their review.
Scot and all... please join me in an attempt to supplement the NRSV reader notes!
I think such a project could be very valuable. When I read any given translation, I wonder what relevant information I might be missing from other translation options. This is perfect material for notes!
http://nrsvnotes.pbwiki.com/
Would or do you use NLT or / and TNIV for preaching, teaching and classes?
If you were a pastor what would your preaching translation be?
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