Ask The Pastor

By Pastor Scott Denham of Harvest Fellowship, Shambaugh, IA

 

Bible Translations

 

Dear Pastor Scott,

       More than once, I’ve heard people say; “If the Bible is true, then why are there so many versions?” What’s a good answer? --M.K.

Dear M,

       Many versions do not necessarily mean contradiction or error, as the question implies. My observation is that, it is not a question that arises from serious investigation, but one passed around second-hand among skeptics.

       To the sincere seeker, this question can be settled with just a little effort. One will be surprised at the overwhelming agreement among the various Bible translations. Notice I said “translations,” not “versions.” There are no differing versions telling contradictory stories but different approaches to translating the same stories from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.

       Though there are different approaches among the translations, the basic rule to which Christianity adheres is that the Bible is inspired and without error in the original text. Almost all translations hold fast to this rule, coming about through teams of Christian scholars and years of research.

       A few exceptions to note are a few loose one-man-translations and the erroneous “New World Translation” used by the Jehovah Witnesses to promote their skewed doctrine of Christ. Also, the TNIV (not to be confused with the NIV) has fallen prey to politically correct thinking in its gender neutral approach.

       But you may ask, why so many translations? For one, language is in constant flux and there is constant need for updating. In addition to this, some target specific groups, such as children, people learning English as a second language, those speaking International English, and the more casual American English.

       My personal favorites are the New American Standard (NASB), which, in my view, is the best word-for-word translation; the New International Version (NIV), which is a great thought-for-thought translation; and the New Living Translation (NLT) which is a very easy-to-read translation for young or new Christians.

       Two quotes to leave you with: “Most people are bothered by those passages in Scripture which they cannot understand.  The Scripture which troubles me most is the Scripture I do understand.” -- Mark Twain.  "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says." --James 1:22 (NIV) 

       --Pastor Scott

To submit your question for Pastor Scott, you may write to: Ask The Pastor, PO Box 98, Shambaugh, IA 51651, or harvest@heartland.net, and on the web at www.askpastorscott.com