Because most English-speaking Christians do not have a working knowledge of Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, we depend on English translations to read God’s word. When it comes to choosing a Bible translation, there are two main types:
The first type is a full translation, which is a version translated directly from the Hebrew and Greek texts by a group of Bible scholars. Because it is based on the original biblical languages, it is more accurate, but sometimes more difficult to understand. Examples include: NIV, NASV, ESV, and NRSV. This type of translation is best when choosing a study Bible.
When a team of scholars produces a full translation of the Bible, they have to choose which translation method they will use. There are two main methods: the literal method and the dynamic equivalence method.
The formal equivalence or literal method uses a “word for word” approach. That is, to translate a Greek sentence into English, the literal method tends to use the English words that most closely correspond to the original Greek words in that sentence. Examples of translations that use a more literal method include the English Standard version (ESV), the New American Standard Version (NASV), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV – except for gender language), and the New King James Version (NKJV).
The dynamic equivalence method, on the other hand, uses a “thought for thought” approach. Here, to translate a Greek sentence into English, the translators tend to ask the question: “What thought or idea is the sentence intended to convey?,” and then they find an equivalent English sentence that conveys the original thought or idea. Examples of translations that use a more dynamic equivalence method include the New Living translation (NLT), the Revised English Bible (REB), and the Contemporary English Version (CEV).
To give an example of how these two methods can differ when translating a Bible passage, here are two translations of the opening statement in Romans 8:9. In the original Greek of this statement, Paul uses the word “sarx,” which literally means “flesh.” The NRSV, using the literal method, translates this statement as: “But you are not in the flesh; you are in the Spirit.” The NLT, using a dynamic equivalence method, translates it as: “But you are not controlled by your sinful nature. You are controlled by the Spirit.”
The second major type of translation is a paraphrase, which is a version that is: (a) usually done by one person, (b) usually based on an English translation, and (c) attempts to make the Bible easier to understand for the average reader. It is less accurate but more readable. Examples include The Message and The Living Bible. This type of translation can be helpful for younger or newer Christians. It is also good for any Christian’s devotional reading time.
Recommended Resources
- How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versions by Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss
