Bible Translations - Evaluating the Versions
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King James Version (KJV)
The King James Bible has with good reason been termed, "the noblest monument of English prose" (RSV preface). Above all its rivals, the King James Version has had the greatest impact in shaping the English language. It is a literary masterpiece. But, lest anyone wishes to revere it because it was "good enough for St. Paul," we must remember that the King James Bible of today is not the King James of 1611. It has undergone three revisions, incorporating more than 100,000 changes! Further, there are over 300 words in the King James that no longer mean what they meant in 1611. If one wishes to use a Bible that follows the same Greek and Hebrew texts as the King James, I recommend the New King James Version. Translated from the original languages by committee. Unexcelled in literary quality, although now archaic. Does not reflect the best text base on recent scholarship (some editions give explanatory notes on the text). Translated in 1611 by 47 scholars using the Byzantine family of manuscripts, Textus Receptus. This remains as a good version of the Bible. Its Elizabethan style Old English is difficult for modern readers, especially youth. This is still a good translation for those who can deal with the language.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
The RSV was completed in 1952 and was intended to be a revision of the King James. Of course, it used the ancient MSS of the NT, resulting in the omission of several verses and words. But the wording was still archaic. The RSV attempts to be a word-for-word translation where possible. Debatable whether more a revision of KJV or a fresh translation from the original (by committee). Probably more the latter in NT. Preserves some of KJV sound of "Bible English", but is somewhat modernized. Accused by ultra-conservatives of deliberate "liberal" bias (along with TEV and others) but has weathered the storm and is considered by some church leaders as the best all-purpose translation. Adequate, though not the best for deeper study in author's opinion.
New American Standard (NASB)
The NASB is something of an evangelical counterpart to the RSV. There are three major differences between the RSV and the NASB: first, the NASB is less archaic in its wording. Second, its translators were more conservative theologically than the RSV translators. Third, because of the translators' desire to adhere as closely to the wording of the original, often this translation is stilted and wooden. Still, the NASB is the best word-for-word translation available today. From the original by interdenominational committee. Patterned after American Standard Version of 1901. Literalness, careful work and good notes make it one of the best study Bibles. Translated in 1971 by 58 scholars of the Lockman Foundation, from Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica and Nestle’s Greek New Testament 23rd ed., which include the Alexandrian Family codices. Though academic in tone, it is said to be the most exact English translation available. A very good version.
New International Version (NIV)
The NIV was published in 1978. It is more a phrase-for-phrase translation than a word-for-word translation, and the scholars were generally more conservative. It is perhaps the best phrase-for-phrase translation available today. However, its major flaw is in its simplicity of language. The editors wanted to make sure it was easy to read. In achieving this goal, they often sacrificed accuracy. Over 100 translators completed this work in 1978 which was composed from Kittel’s, Nestle’s and United Bible Society’s texts, which include the Alexandrian Family codices. This is considered an “open” style translation. It is a good, easy to read version. From the original, by a large interdenominational but conservative committee. Well balanced - good for study, faster reading, or public reading. Based on reliable Greek text. Somewhat inconsistent in modernizing terminology. Pleasing, very readable format (few footnotes). Many feel it will become the most used Bible of the future, especially for evangelicals. NIV provides a good compromise with being faithful to the original form, but adjusting itself for clear understanding as necessary. It rewords idioms in the original languages to make them clear and also converts ancient measures. It is a very popular version.
The New King James Version (NKJV)
130 translators, commissioned by Thomas Nelson Publishers, produced this version from the Byzantine family (Textus Receptus) in 1982. This is a revision of the King James version, updated to modern English with minor translation corrections and retention of traditional phraseology. This is a very good version.
Today’s English Version (TEV) or Good News Bible (GNB)
From the original. NT by one man, approved by committee. It is aimed particularly at those for whom English is a second language and those with little formal education. Achieves its goal and is very readable, good format. Translates dynamics well but not dependable for deeper study if used by itself. Can sometimes be offensive.
New English Bible (NEB)
From the original by interdenominational British committee. Exciting literary style, very readable but with distinct British flavor and idiom. Excellent for non-churched. Departures from the original text and too much liberty in certain renderings make it undependable as a study Bible.
J.B. Phillips Translation (Phillips)
From the original but definitely a paraphrase by J.B. Phillips, a competent Greek scholar. More than any other, makes the Bible "live" for educated or literary people, although in British expression. Does not read like a translation. Provokes new insight and understanding which should, however, be checked with more literal translations and by deeper study. Excellent for the educated, unchurched person as well as the thinking Christian.
Living Bible (LB)
LB is a paraphrase done by one man, Kenneth Taylor, by paraphrasing the American Revised Version. It is not a translation as such, but is built on an existing version. Definitely not to be relied on for interpretations or study. It is very easy to read. Kenneth Taylor provides his own warning about the use of paraphrases in the preface. This is not a genuine translation, but is a type of phrase-by-phrase commentary that was originally intended to help the author’s own children understand the scriptures. It is useful for inspiration and commentary, but for serious Bible study it should only be used in conjunction with a legitimate translation.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
A revision of the Revised Standard Version, it is generally literal and very accurate. The NRSV follows the same principle of translation as the RSV, though has now become more "gender-inclusive" in its approach. At times this is very helpful; at other times, it is misleading.
God’s Word Translation (GW)
Published in 1995 by the God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society as a “closest natural equivalent” translation. Its layout is eye-appealing and helpful for outlining. It uses gender-neutral language. Avoids the use of theological terms, which are difficult to understand. Perhaps the best use of the dynamic equivalent format.
New Century Version (NCV)
The NCV is designed to be easy to read. It includes glossaries explaining specific Biblical terminology. The NCV is linked strongly to the International Children’s Version and was translated by members of the church of Christ. Other versions done by this same group include the Version for the Deaf and the Easy-to-Read Version.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
The CEV is designed to be easily readable and understandable by modern readers. The language is contemporary English and it follows the dynamic equivalence method. This version was designed to be read aloud to listeners and appeals more to the ear than to the eye.
The Message (M) is a paraphrase done by Eugene Peterson. Unlike Kenneth Taylor of the Living Bible, Eugene Peterson knows Biblical languages and translated from them rather than working from another English version. This version is still very free and often misses the meaning of the text.
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