Which Bible Translation Is Best?
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- Опубліковано 28 бер 2020
- Authorized Ch 7 • Everybody's looking for the ONE RING TO RULE THEM ALL. And in this seventh and final video in my vlogging tour through Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible, I answer their questions in a way that I hope will bring peace and not a sword drill between English-speaking Christians.
I think there's a hidden premise, an implicit false belief, that is driving a great deal of the division over English Bibles in the church. And I'm not just talking about KJV-Onlyism here.
I'm not trying to destroy the KJV that I love so much; I am trying to build something good for English Bible readers. I have a constructive mission in my book, and in this video I reveal what it is-as an answer to the question, "Which Bible Translation Is Best?"
😎 Help me end Bible translation tribalism, one plow boy at a time:
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📖 Check out my book, Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible:
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🎥 Watch my Fifty False Friends in the KJV series:
• 50 False Friends in th...
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When I was a kid my first Bible was an NIRV; then I got a KJV so I could follow along easier with my pastor's sermons. Eventually in my teen years when I could follow along without necessarily the same translation I got an NLT. In college I used an NASB. In seminary I moved back to the KJV. Now, I use the NIV. So, I'm very familiar with different translations. Lol. 😅
ME TOO!
I love to use multiple translations!
I was raised with the KJV, but decided to study something easier, like the NLT. Shortly after reading the NLT, I switched to the NAS 1977 version and occasionally used the NKJV. I have read a lot of the ESV and Revised Standard Version, but have found the ASV to be really good as well.
In other words, I use any and all versions available.
The NIV denies the virgin birth, it was based off of the alexandrian manuscripts, the original illuminati. It's basically the satanic bible in english. It's the absolute worst translation of them all.
Ok
Dude I just love you bro! You are officially my Bible translation mentor and teacher! God bless you dude and thank you for making these videos!❤
How can I buy your book?
Many thanks!
amzn.to/2r27Boz
This is an excellent series! I'm looking forward to your next round of videos. Please keep them coming!
Lord willing, I do hope to continue. I've been working hard to prepare. I think I have some content that can bless the church, and specifically other English Bible readers.
Continue your work and please do release your book in cd audio book format please if possible.
Bless you brother.. I came out of a kjv onlyist preacher who I sat under for 5 years and it was poison..
Well said, Mark. I look forward to additional content from your research.
Thank you!
I have had in the past 26 different versions of the New Testament. I tried learning Greek, and quickly realized that I could not 'second guess' the godly scholars who worked on these translations. I really appreciate your thoughtful approach to translations!
Right! Thank you!
I’ve watched this video multiple times. Very good 😊 I appreciate what you do Mark ! Thank you 😊
So glad you enjoyed it!
Man this was a really helpful video! Thanks a bunch! 👏👏👏🙏
Glad to hear it!
My daughter turned me on to the ESV over a year ago and it is awesome. I have learned so much. I still love to memorize verses from the KJV but for knowing what is being taught, the ESV is what I now use.
Wonderful! Daughters are great! I have one at my house. =)
But I turned *her* on to the ESV. =)
I come from the younger generation that isn't expected to use the KJV as widely (I was born in the 90s, for reference), but we definitely have several KJV Bibles in my house, and I still like to memorize certain Bible passages that are widely known in the KJV (like Psalm 23 and the Lord's Prayer) from it. That said, the text of the Lord's Prayer that my mom taught me when I was little and I still say reads a little bit different from how it appears in the KJV, though it still preserves the archaic pronouns and such ("Hallowed by Thy name," "For Thine is the kingdom," etc.).
@@hotwax9376I'm fond of the KJV because the language is beautiful, poetic in a sense. I also find it harder to understand and now use an LSB for daily use. Hopefully they come out with a readers edition. I'm about to pick up an ESV readers edition at Mark's suggestion on another video.
Thanks for sharing and being an example of what you teach.
Glad it was helpful!
You got yourself a new subscriber. This was excellent.
Thank you so much!
I appreciate this so much! I own the NIV, the ESV, the NSB, the Message, and another couple I can't remember, and I appreciate them all and find it very helpful to check them all out from time to time.
My pleasure!
Im glad you dont let labels bother you either. Thank you for this brother and God bless you.
My pleasure!
I love this I subscribed just off of this video alone because since I started back reading the Bible a few years ago I became so amazed with the battle between Christians and their translation. Me I try to read from several but my favorite is the ESV, NASB, and the NLT. I grew up reading kjv and I can honestly say I didn’t really understand much of anything like I do now. So I do not get the feud of the translations I feel it’s just the enemy creating discord in the community of Christ. Thanks for your videos
What a sensible video! I'm glad I found it. It cheered me up after looking at a video in which someone condemned a translation as 'trash' because of tiny differences from other versions the person preferred.
“Cavil, if it do not find a hole, will make one.”
-The KJV Translators, “Translators to the Reader”
I left the Mormon church after 20 years after researching the history of the church and realizing it was wrong. I turned my back on the KJV Bible and when I came back to Christ I tried to distance myself from everything the Mormons used. Got myself a NASB bible in order to have the most literal bible possible. I used to have that same bible tribalism after my experience of being misled by a false prophet with false books. The past few months I've changed that perspective and I've been reading more different versions. They all have value for different purposes and reading many versions give you a better perspective on it all. My shelf now contains many different translations, even the KJV.
I thank God that you were delivered from the false church…have you read “One Nation Under Gods” by Richard Abanes by chance?
Go look at Luke 4:4 in the NASB and then the KJV.
NASB: And Jesus answered him, “It is written: ‘Man shall not live on bread alone.’”
KJV: And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.
Why on earth would you use a translation that chops out the words "but by every word of God"? Why on earth would Luke, a renowned and reliable historian, not have written the quote from Deutoronomy in full (as his contempotary, Matthew, did when writing his Gospel)? Modern translations are based on older manuscripts that foolish, puffed up academics consider "more reliable". What is "more reliable" about a manuscript where Luke only quotes half the verse from Deutoronomy? Ditch the modern versions and go back to the KJV - it's got all the words in it that should be there!
@@user-kc7xk6wy2zbecause this wasnt found in the earliest manuscripts of Luke. But instead at some point a scribe likely added it in Luke to coincide with Matthew 4:4. Regardless it is beautiful and true but just not originally part of Luke. But it is still Scripture due to it being in Matthew.
We see that a lot throughout the KJV. Added words and verses that although beautiful were likely not part of the original. It doesn't make the KJV wrong or newer translations wrong but both are valuable and help us to know what the originals said
And Luke was a physician not a historian. Scripture says that no where. But Luke although very accurate and detailed was not Jewish. It makes sense Matthew. Wrote the full quote being Jewish and we see throughout Matthew a very Jewish book and he would've been more knowledgeable. Regardless this is all just debate. There are in fact older manuscripts and in those the full quote is not there
Very awesome video! I grew up with King James but read out of the NASB and New King James versions later in my Christian journey. The NASB and NKJV versions really helped me understand God's Word in a much deeper way, simply because I could understand them better.
To me KJV is "God's Word," but I would say there is not a scientific explanation to it more than, that is what I grew up with, and that is where a lot my memorized verses come from.
You are spot on that all of these reliable transitions are God's Word, and each has it's benefits. We are all influenced and probably gravitate to a version based on who influenced us, and there is nothing wrong with that. I just want to say, well done again! Great video!
Mark, you're one of the finest Christian voices on UA-cam. Keep making the videos.
You are far, far too kind. I am praying that my work does good for the church.
Agreed; my only beef with him is that he's a Calvinist.
@@hotwax9376 We are all one in Christ, no matter if you're calvinist ect. God bless!
Because of my work with Wycliffe, I frequently get asked what the best English Bible translation is. And my response is always the same: The best Bible translation is the one you read every day! ... Thanks for the good video.
Right!
I personally support a Wycliffe missionary. Thank you, in turn, for your work.
Agreed ( unless it's not accurate like the Passion translation). Thank you for what you do at Wycliffe.
Your channel should have a lot more followers, you're amazing
It's anti-redhead discrimination. ;)
Love you, Brother Mark, and what God is doing through you.
I read ESV bible . Thank you for this video love it.
Excellent! A good choice.
Thank you Mark. In my search for the 'one ring' this clip has allowed me to stop and take a breath, and with that breath...
I thank you Father, for giving us your Word (and word), your mercy endures forever, that yours alone be the glory, honour, & praise.
Amen.
Praise God. Glad to be of service!
I have recently purchased an RSV translation and I must say that I am falling in love with it more everyday. I grew up on the NKJV, switched to the ESV, then to the NAS and now to the RSV. They all have been good translations to me.
More power to you, brother!
Where did you purchase your RSV? I use it, too, but the RSV has been out of print for many years, as best as I can determine -- replaced by the NRSV, which I find rather unsuitable for its political or social "correctness."
I have a kjv an nlt and the message, so a few different spectrums. I had a hard time reading and understanding the kjv, so I purchased the nlt and wow!! Huge difference, I got the message as a verse by verse and will read it occasionally to see how a common man would tell the everyday man about the bible in a way he can understand with everyday talk and still using the Bible’s word. I think all translations are worth looking at to some degree either reading the whole Bible or verse by verse to get a different understanding of how different Bibles speak to you
Excellent! The NLT is a great tool for understanding God's word!
I subscribed to your channel because I just finished watching your interview on Sean McDowels Channel. I started out with the KJV as a child (I’m 77 years young now). That was all we knew about. Then I got a NKJV, and said “oh that’s what that means!” I have a NASB now, and Bible Gateway. Looking forward to more of your Channel. 😸
Welcome! I pray my work can be a benefit to you!
Love and enjoy your channel mark I'm learning alot. I got to say is I love the kjv old English now I do agree some of the archaic words and language need to be updated. But I love listening to Alexander scourby and the beautiful Majestic of the kjv ad I sit in my car at times looking at the stars and moon at night and sun rise and sun set just the Majestic English language makes all wholesome as I listen and meditate on God's word. Thank u for ur channel Dr Mark
More power to you! And my channel can help you understand some of the words you maybe didn't realize you weren't quite grasping!
@@markwardonwords thank you so 🙏 much for replying could u tell me what books and or dictionary should look up definitions to some of the archaic words that the kjv in 1611?
Only the Oxford English Dictionary fits that bill. It is literally the only dictionary in existence that is truly suited to the task. It's also 20-volumes and very expensive. I use it online through my local library system.
Thank you for your videos. They are very helpful! I would like to know your personal opinion about which are most useful for you. What one do you find most useful for preaching? Most useful for evangelism? Most useful for reading through in a year? Most useful for close study? Best for reading to kids? And which is most useful for memorization? I know some, in fact many, of these questions have been addressed in other videos. I apologize for the repetitive nature in the responses. I also know some of these answers may change based on the person. That’s why I’m curious to hear your general opinion if you had to generically pick one for each category. I’m especially interested in your response to reading through in a year and for memorization. What’s a good one to read through in a year if you’ve never done so before?
I’m not against using multiple translations in regards to equivalence or textual differences. I currently reference most of the major evangelical translations, but I’ve had a difficult time over the years in settling on one as a “go to” translation. Now it has become more of a labor and at times draws away from a healthy use of the abundance available. I’m at the point I would like to bring more consistency into my daily reading as well as memorization. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you for your time.
Most useful for preaching: ESV.
Most useful for evangelism: NIV.
Most useful for reading through in a year: this year, for me, KJV.
Most useful for close study: ESV.
Best for reading to kids: NIrV or NIV or CSB.
And which is most useful for memorization: Depends on many factors.
Suggestion: based solely on this one comment and the quality of your writing, I like sticking with tradition and going with the ESV. People who write good sentences, like you do, are, I presume, good readers. Use a basically literal translation, I suggest. And go with the ESV, too, because of the many beautiful editions of it that exist. Supplement it with other translations, especially those that aren't so formal. That's what I suggest!
@@markwardonwords This has been very helpful for me. I truly appreciate your response. May God bless you and bless your ministry.
Hi Mark. New to Christianity and your videos are fantastic. I will have to check out the book!
Many thanks! If my little book (and my many videos) help you nail down one thing in your life as a new Christian, let it be that you don't need to freak out about the existence of multiple Bible translations but can see them as a boon to your Bible study. May the Lord help you!
@@markwardonwords thank you Mark! I've decided to adopt just that approach, and my goodness, is this stuff just endlessly fascinating. :)
Excellently presented.
Thank you kindly!
You are such a blessing for us Christians. Good bless your heart and soul 🙌❤️
Thank you!
I'll be honest i use multiple translations pretty consistently. I love seeing how different translator may translate different more complicated passages. My favorites are the ESV and LSB but i use a few other ones when I'm doing deep study of a book and passages
Spectacular!!!! Well articulated!!!
Thank you kindly!
Which Bible Translation is the Best?
The one that you will actually sit down with and read!
I love the KJV & NKJV, but I helped a young man, who has special needs, by giving him the AAT Bible (An American Translation). And he loves it! He told me he tried reading the KJV, NKJV, NIV, etc and he just struggled with all of them, but now he reads his AAT Bible everyday.
Praise be to God that He has blessed us with multiple excellent translations to help all us know Him and love Him. Amen!
Yes! Right!
Videos and arguments against translations meant I began to feel all were inaccurate and then stopped reading altogether for fear I was reading the wrong one! My next battle is whether to annotate or not and should I have a ‘main’ bible. I really appreciated this video.
This is the sad irony of all this fighting! May I assume you are an evangelical Protestant Christian? In general, if a Bible translation was created by serious evangelical Christians, you should be able to trust it. Not that it's perfect, just that it's good.
@@markwardonwords Yes I'm Baptist (UK) I lean to ESV but my church use NIV
I have gained great profit from both the ESV and the NIV. One way I'd suggest you might build trust in those two translations is by reading works by Vern Poythress of the ESV (I run his website, frame-poythress.org) and Doug Moo of the NIV (you might try Encountering Romans). You'll see quickly that these men love the Lord and know the Word!
This is a very thoughtful and wise take on our "Bible battles". Let all Christians be as one. 🙏🏼
Thank you!
Well presented.
Thank you!
My favorite line... "their wicked Bible translation and their funny hair." Hilarious!! More seriously, this is excellent - thank you.
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great video.
I really appreciate the work that you do. Thank you so much. Can you define what you mean by false friends?
In my book, Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible, I define false friends this way:
"The biggest problem in understanding the KJV comes from “false friends,” words that are still in common use but have changed meaning in ways that modern readers are highly unlikely to recognize."
Over time, I've elaborated this a bit more. False friends are…
1. Words we still use.
2. Words we use differently than did the Elizabethans (in other words, they had a sense of the word we don't use anymore).
3. Words that are likely to mislead contemporary readers, who won't realize that changes in English are causing them to misunderstand.
I've got almost 75 examples in my Fifty False Friends in the KJV series:
ua-cam.com/play/PLq1Aq0ucgkPCtHJ5pwhrU1pjMsUr9F2rc.html
Thank you for your content. I have enjoyed these videos very much and look forward to reading your book which I ordered on Amazon yesterday. Please consider including Catholic bibles in your ongoing content. Perhaps comparing the KJV and the DR. Your thoughts on the Jerusalem bible, the RSVCE, and the NABRE would be interesting. And I would certainly enjoy hearing your opinions on the gender inclusive/ gender accurate debates. Thanks!!
I don't have much direct experience with Catholic Bibles. I have checked them many times, of course, but never read through any of them and don't have a strong impression. But I do hope to address inclusive language debates after a little more homework!
Dr Ward. Wonderful to find you a long lost brother. I evem have relations called Ward. I'm a New Zealander so I doubt we are close family-wise but we are very close faith-wise. How good God is.
✔
The Holy Spirit leads us into all truth. The version doesn't matter, our intention does. Is our intention to walk worthy of the Lord, to fully please Him, to be fruitful in our good works while we increase our knowledge of God (paraphrase of Col 1:10), or is it based in pride to set one apart in self-righteousness? I have never seen olde-English in a foreign language, yet we have truly Born-Again Brothers and Sisters in every country! Thank you for this wonderful series!
Thank you for watching!
I have used the NASB 77 for a long time. I finally made a switch to the NASB 95, and a few years ago to ESV which was recommended by my son. I like it, but even after a few years of use if I want to search for a verse my memory is still with the NASB. 😆
Recently I downloaded several Bible apps in my phone for comparison. It’s kinda fun. I like the footnotes that come with the NET Bible, and since downloading the free version of Logos I appreciate the Faithlife Study Bible notes, Lexham Bible Dictionary, and Lexham Bible version. As a retiree I like free. Especially when it’s good.
Nice! Good choices!
Definitely value here. Praise the LORD, for we might get this translation debacle figured out once and for all. 🙏
Very good, very true I as agree with what you say. God Bless!
Thank you for watching! I'm happy to take agreement! =)
Great appreciation for your work, Dr. Ward. I hope your work will be an invaluable source for me- I live in Korea, and dear friend of mine has joined a church who claims KJV is the only uncorrupted bible, and my quest for truth has led me here (after a week of digging in lots of articles and hyperlinks, I landed on your book and they use K-KJV. Yes, KJV translated into Korean, and one of the translators who participated in that translation led a church, and a large portion of the blog posts of that church are mainly about connecting angels and UFOs, claiming those aliens ARE(must be) the “giants(nephilims of Genesis 6)” and abductions are done by those fallen angels.
Well, the way I found about his joining of K-KJVO is a random talk that came out of the topic Genesis 6 (Southern Seminary’s UA-cam answers of Nephilim), then “up next”, “REAL BIBLE BELIEVERS (Dr. Gene Kim, of U.C Berkley, PBI)... which also claims UFO, SATYR, UNICORN, and mermaids as real life creatures...) And that (hopefully) is only a small portion of the extreme group who would take any conspiracy theory as reality.
#2
I am not sure if you read any of their recommended books, I think such books as (Robert Sargent (of Bible Baptist Church) are leading people into disbelief in any others sources, and only of those the references of KJVO recommended books while claiming even the dictionaries are corrupted if it doesn’t match the definition they prefer (Answer Book, Samuel Gibb)
(1) the books have certain flow, a hidden logic that works as some kind of brainwashing. They sometimes start quoting the right idea or facts, many times bible verses, then asserting false reasoning as causes of the problems in the society or academia, or current problems of the church. Then they discredit scholars and dictionaries, and make people believe see things as “spiritual attacks”. And from there the books lead readers to believe they had been living in the satan-edited versions of books, and start to believe they are finally granted with THE TRUTH while they are only resting on a view of certain group idea or scholar, and set it as their identity; just like you mentioned- then it is now in the real of tribalism. Not just preference, but people who want to “KEEP” “The WORD” and others who people who are deceived by the devil.
Your gentle approach is very heartwarming, but I am concerned whether your kindness will help them see the misunderstandings or well hidden lies of their books.
They reconstruct the view of the readers then insert the theology they like to use.
Ii.e., the verse from 2 TIM 2:15 (without 2:14... ) being the basis of Dispensationalism.
(Since “RIGHTLY DIVIDING” “THE WORD” fits that concept they like to adopt) and sneaking in genealogy of angels and the satan with old drawings .
And their tendency to literalism outside of genre-specific interpretation, seems to lead them to extreme cases like know-it-all including the mythology and lost civilization.
Honestly, 2 TIM 2:14 almost refrained me from engaging in this topic as well as what C.S Lewis wrote in Mere Christianity. But then I saw the value of your work, so I continued the other direction that might work (once i can get passed already tinted-glasses)
(2) my approach was to spot the lies. Because I believe the Truth doesn’t need lies to protect itself. And with great claims comes heavier burden of proofs.
There is a Korean translated version conveniently omitted rule 3 of “Instructions to the translators” - 3. The old ecclesiastical words to be kept, as the word, church. [the Korean version omitted, “not to be translated congregation.”]
Have you read the book? If so, could you help me check if the original English book has also omitted that part?
The instructions could be a stepping stone reasonably let KJVO believers to think about the possibility of KJV not being bias-free nor without any tint of political goals.
At least, in South Korea.
I am totally with your approach and your way makes me feel like you are working with the fruits of the spirit, for your lack of condescending attacks like those books do.
Do you have any plans to make any videos toward those direction? Not directly towards KJVO per-se, but of array of lies those books which led people perceive KJV onlyism as The Truth?
Peace be with you,
From Seoul, R.o.K
I haven't read that book, no! And I'm a little bit unclear on what "direction" you mean. Could you explain a little more?
Here's a question, when doing a study on a topic, do you think it's more fruitful to use one translation for a complete study through in order to link ideas and context and then maybe do the same study again with another or just go through and do it all at once? I hope I articulated that correctly. I'm an amateur apologetics guy so I'm learning it on my own with God's grace of course. Looking for tips on how to do it better or more effectively.
I'd check as I go along, but there's no right or wrong here.
@@markwardonwords Well thanks for replying Mr. Ward. I've got one more question for you if you would be so inclined. I would like to be more methodical with my Bible study. I fine myself just reading and reading which isn't a bad thing but on to the question. In studying, do you find it to be more beneficial to pick a book, read and study a few verses at a time or to study the book as a whole? I'm not really sure how to pick sections or where to end or begin them if that makes sense. Thanks for your input. I really appreciate your videos.
I do both! I vary my study! I go back and forth on purpose between the general and the particular. A great book to read for the general view: God's Big Picture by Vaughan Roberts.
@@markwardonwords thank you, I'll check that out
Thank you so much for your videos! I've learned a lot. The one question I can't seem to find an answer to is related to this argument from KJV onlyists: Do you have resources to share with KJV onlyists about the history of Siniaticus and Vaticanus, and Westcott & Hort that show that they are trustworthy and not corrupt? Specifically in relation to where the manuscripts were found (with Catholics), whether they're "missing portions" because of the Alexandrians being "corrupt", and that W&H can't be trusted because they are said to be Darwinists? Thanks so much for all you do to share the validity of modern Bible translations!!
The Textual Confidence Collective is planning on doing this work this fall, Lord willing.
Hey mark great video would would you do a video on on audio bibles I have a few myself and I just like to hear your thoughts on those Thank you
Great idea! Thank you for this. I have experience with just a few of them… I've listened all the way through to several.
I read your book and enjoyed it. Thanks for your contribution. I attend an independent Baptist church, where the KJV is still the only authorized Bible for preaching, scripture memory and Bible study. This is something good for everyone to see.
I have been a KJV guy over 35 years, I bought a Tony Evans CSB study Bible and I am very impressed with it!
Enjoy! If you learn something you didn't know before by reading the CSB, please tell me! Where are you surprised by the meaning of KJV archaisms you didn't realize were archaisms!
I had a minister who read a version they thought was best for the scripture for that Sunday. I thought that was interesting. I had a person used a parallel Bible for Sunday School which was great.
Thank you so much for this video! It is of my humble opinion we should all ask the Holy Spirit, an excellent concordance and a few Greek and Hebrew dictionaries to help us us understand the scripture (unless you speak these languages fluently). I, personally think the most important Bible is the one you actually read. I, personally read four versions (NKJV, NASB, AMPLIFIED AND ESV).
More than anything else, we need to stand together the Body of Christ and love each other and respect each other.
Excellent! Agreed.
2:21 especially 😄
You said in another comment on another video that you love the KJV but don't like the demonization of the non-KJV-Only by the KJV-Only. I agree. Of course, that demonization doesn't always happen. But division nearly always does. The KJV is used as a boundary marker. Everyone inside is okay; everyone outside is, at best, suspect. This is a work of the flesh (Gal 5). It ought not so to be.
Thanks for watching.
I find the thought for thought translations communicate the meaning much better such as good news translation, contemporary english version, etc. Many things are lost in translation though so for people who have time, better to learn hebrew and greek.
Could you list the textual references (are they mainly dictionaries) you refer to the most in determining bible meanings and intent. You mentioned a --I think_-dictionary or something with like 4 name s attached to it --bixby something or other--. I would love to find an alternative to strongs and standard dictionarys
I have an appendix in my forthcoming book, KJV Words You Don't Know You Don't Know, which answers your question. Also, check out this video: ua-cam.com/video/XmLPFOZzSRQ/v-deo.html
Mark, if you were to choose one translation for the sole purpose of memorization, which one would you choose and why?
ESV. I love the KJV tradition. I think it has served us well.
@@markwardonwords Thank you! I am really enjoying the CSB but having read the ESV twice, I like how it has a similar feel and rythm to it like the KJV. Much appreciation for your channel and your videos!!
I read both ESV and KJV, both are so beautiful for me to learn to be a Christian and learn some more about English language itself(which is not my 1st language), truly wonderful they are! Thanks for making the video for us to open our minds to be better human beings! May God Bless You, Mr. Ward. thank you!
Praise God! Grateful to be of service!
Your book is excellent.
Well, thank you!
why did the NIV 2011 add the ending of paragraph 5:21 to the beginning of 5:22 in Ephesians and change the meaning all my other translation Nasb95 Esv Lsb nkjv and Niv 1990 split Ephesians 5:21 an 5:22 ...it seems like the niv is missleading at times compared to my other translations
This sounds like a great Bible study journey! Check some commentaries. See if you can figure out why the evangelical Christian scholars behind the NIV made this choice! I don't honestly think it changes the meaning. And remember: there are leading complementarians on the NIV committee. It's not all egalitarians.
Thanks for every each info, how about non popular Bibles?
I have focused my study on 1) English, 2) evangelical, 3) contemporary, 4) mainstream, 5) committee-based translations. I can't speak with authority to others.
I use the NIV the HCSB and the NASB. I'm heartbroken by this stuff especially the King James only group. I've seen new believers get frustrated and walk away because they can't understand the Bible they're reading and it's heartbreaking. I believe that these people are going to have to give an account for this one day and I don't think they're going to be happy when that day comes.
It is indeed heartbreaking; I am praying and working for a day when English-speaking Christians are free in their consciences to use all the good evangelical English Bible translations we have.
It's too easy to get sucked into the KJV Only thought process, but I was raised using NIV. Sometimes I wish I could scrub my brain from going down the KJV rabbit hole. 😭 I do own a variety of translations: NIV, KJV, NKJV, ESV, Amp, NLT.
@@markwardonwordsAmen. 🙏🏻
which version would you say is most accurate MEANING-wise?
I answer that question in the video!
My concern with going through different bibles for understanding can bring confusion if the text does seem to be saying the same thing and these are from the trusted ones you have listed.
If responsible Bible translations made by careful evangelical scholars differ, there's a good reason. And there's insight to be found in that difference. Pursue those differences as Bible study journeys. Come here and ask questions!
Shortly after i was saved at 16, i was given an NIV and was basically oblivious to the fact there were other translations. When i went to Bible college, the NASB was pushed strongly. Outside of seeing the KJV, in many older commentaries and writing, i never used it and was somewhat unaware of the KJV only debate, although I've had many interactions since i started pastoring. Personally, i will recognize the value of other translations, and i have most of them in my library, but i almost exclusively prefer tge NIV unless im reading the original languages . It is familiar and reliable and ive read through it so many times nothing else feels like the Bible for me. I recognize the value and reliability and integrity of many of the more modern translations and would defend them, but i much prefer to mostly stick with my NIV.
For what it's worth, my favourites are - "Young's Literal Translation" and the "World English Bible"
Hope this helps.
All the best!✨
May the Lord help us all to read his word with care and attention!
English is my second language, so I look for a clear understanding translation of the Bible. I didn’t even know people judge others on that. How sad! Regardless of the Bible you carry, just study it. It will change your life forever! Jesus saves!
What about the New King James Version,I heard somewhere it is the marijuana of Bibles do you agree?I'm using NKJV to supplement the KJV though I'm through being KJVonly.
The NKJV is an excellent translation of the same Greek and Hebrew texts used by the KJV translators. Not a marijuana of Bibles; that's conspiracy theorizing. =(
Right I agree with you,though I am not a pastor or engage in vocational christian service I want to read and the study the Bible and decided to use other modern versions aside from KJV like NKJV,NASB,NIV,NLT and recently came across the New Authorized Version new testament published by Communication Architects for the New Authorized Version Foundation,www.AV7.org.I am interested in buying a copy of your book but due to financial limitations at moment its not possible.Is it possible to download from your website a copy I can assure its for personal use only.Thanks again for reply to your comment.
Jose, this video we’re commenting on is the seventh in a series that takes viewers through my book. I myself have literally one copy left; I have given all the others away. Basically, if you watch these videos, you get my book for free!
I can I understand that you have one copy left.To be honest I am interested downloading which my nephew can do for me because he has a laptop while I am using a cheap tablet in typing this message or comment to you.What can you say about the 1967 New Scofield Reference Bible is it ok to read I heard in another UA-cam video that its a clear deception and dishonoring C I Scofield who pass away when it came out and he(critic) is sure if Scofield is alive today he would disown this Bible.Thanks for your reply.
What can I do about memorizing different translations , I have short term memory loss .
That sounds like a good question for your pastor!
I like to buy and read study Bibles produced by various denominations so I can see what they believe. I love reading a variety of translations.
There's a reason most bible software have a "compare" or "parallel" feature. I think the much more important issue is the interpretative material found in study bibles. The study edition of the translation I prefer does have some interpretive material that is directly opposed to my faith; I know that and am on constant lookout. But even so, it seems like it gets about 95% right. I put my trust in the Holy Spirit for discernment.
Study Bibles will always have a denominational perspective. It is indeed important for people to be aware of the perspective from which a given study Bible comes.
I'm a Reformed/Calvinist and conservative evangelical Christian. Theologically I'm closest to people like Don Carson, Tom Schreiner, Greg Beale, John Frame, Vern Poythress, Bill Davis, James Anderson, Greg Welty, etc. (Evidently I can't make up my mind on baptism!)
My primary translation is (no surprise) the ESV. Although I appreciate "all the good ones" as Mark Ward often says. Recently I've enjoyed reading the CSB.
But also recently I've been reading and thoroughly enjoying the NLT! Again, I definitely wouldn't consider myself a "seeker sensitive evangelical", but I do love the NLT so far. I wouldn't say it'll ever be my primary translation, but it's an awesome supplemental translation that the English speaking world is blessed to have.
I've also been surprised to learn there are quite a few number of broadly Reformed scholars who have worked on the NLT translation to one degree or another (e.g. Don Carson, Tom Schreiner, Greg Beale, Richard Pratt, Mark Futato, Doug Moo, Moises Silva). For example, I've enjoyed reading Romans, and the NLT translation seems to be more accurate and faithful to the Greek than I initially expected it to be (though not entirely of course but no translation is). Even when I didn't agree with the NLT's interpretation, I soon realized there's a fair body of biblical literature that stands behind most of their decisions, it's not as willy nilly as one might think. Not to mention the NLT is far more clear and natural sounding than most other English translations of Romans. in any case, I suppose the main reason for all this is because both Moo and Schreiner formed part of the team that worked on the NLT's translation of Romans. Moo and Schreiner have each written arguably the two best (or at least among the best) academic or scholarly commentaries on Romans.
Still I doubt the NLT will ever be a widely popular translation among my fellow Reformed Christians, though I'd love to be proven wrong. Right now, I think it's mainly just a nobody like me and Tommy Keene (Reformed Theological Seminary) who are Reformed and love the NLT. I kid, kind of. 😅
I had a similar reaction, and I come from a similar (perhaps pretty much the same) place.
I have ESV and NKJV, my daughter has NASB, my son has NLT, and our church uses CSB and NIV...and just to be safe I have Logos and a Catholic Bible app handy because all my in laws are Catholic.
I have all those, too! Good to have.
I couldn't agree more with what has just been said... I got 5 English versions to read.
Excellent!
Mark you should do a video on the legacy standard bible.
I wrote a lengthy article about it at Evangelical Textual Criticism, and I did a Word Nerd video that was actually inspired by the LSB: ua-cam.com/video/BmRkeOqEfww/v-deo.html
But I'm somewhat unlikely to get around to doing a video about the LSB or the NASB2020-I need to read them first, and that's going to take a while!
Very good video sir.. something that was not addressed though is the removal of text in some of these versions which is concerning for me. Now, I am by no means a scholar, and I apologize for anything concerning my ignorance, but I have seen removal of import items from the NLT compared to many older texts. Again, I am happy Christians reading their Bible, but changes in gods word cannot be healthy and should be on the tops of importance.
Thank you!
I very self-consciously avoided that issue, but I do have other videos that address it. Follow your conscience, brother. But do consider watching the main video where I address this issue: ua-cam.com/video/NAqeYqp0-7o/v-deo.html
Dear brother Mark, I really appreciate your works. :) I learned from this great video how to use the translated bible. I have one question. So, I leave this note here. I got your lecture from Logos. "How to Choose the Right Bible Translation for the Task" Overall, it was really great for me.
But, I have one question. I quote from you as "That’s helpful to me. Nobody is saying that the Hebrew actually says “Smart-Mouth College.” Nobody is saying that this is a literal translation; nobody is even saying it’s a translation. It’s a paraphrase; it’s a tool. All Bible translations and paraphrases are tools for understanding what God said. He wrote it in languages that we don’t speak or read typically: Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic."
This is in the context of the benefit of the MESSAGE bible. I have one question about this sentence. "All Bible translations and paraphrases are tools for understanding what God said." when I heard this, I surprised. Because it seems that I should separate the translated bible from "God's word". I believe that even translated bibles are God's word. Of course, I know that the translation itself is a kind of interpretation.
However, as a local church pastor, I do not speak to my church member like this. "As you know, this Korean or English bible is just a tool to discover God's word. It is hard to say that the translated Bible is God's word. You should read the original Hebrew or Greek text to read real God's word." How do you think that? Could you clarify your thought on this sentence?
Excellent, excellent question. I think that during most situations in which you must refer to God's Word, you can and should point to a translation-namely the one you're holding in your hand. But also, at regular times, you should remind your people that the Bible is a translated document, that a translation is God's word only insofar as it accurately reflects the Hebrew and Greek originals. Otherwise you get the cult of the Vulgate or of the KJV that have developed over time. I'm willing to say that the translation I preach from is God's word, and I'm willing to say that it is a tool for understanding God's word-both are true, depending on the context and (especially) the level of precision demanded by that context. When I am preaching on 2 Tim 3:16 (as I will do tonight!), and I say, "The Bible is God's Word," I will hold up my ESV or NASB or NIV while I say it. When I am teaching on bibliology in Sunday school, I will clarify that translations are tools.
Does that help?
@@markwardonwords Brother Mark, Thank you for your great response. Finally, I can understand fully your thought and your great lecture. :) And, I had been served the children in my church for 5 years. So, I respect you who care for young children and young adults who sometimes have difficulties understanding the literal translated Bible. Unfortunately, some scholars forget to serve spiritually weak people. :) I pray that God gave you the wisdom and strength to help the church to grow biblically. Thank you again.
Of course, "brother" is the expression of intimacy. :) I respect you as a Doctor. :)
Thank you for your kindness, brother!
@@markwardonwords I'd like to note that "the Hebrew and Greek originals" have every weakness that translations have, namely, they are NOT the autographs. There is no way to prove that "the Hebrew and Greek originals" accurately reflect the Autograph - certainly not in any of the verses disputed in the translation debate. There are many forgeries, many poor copies, etc., and how would we ever know if "the Hebrew and Greek originals" weren't manipulated, forged, or translations themselves without the autograph to compare them with or verifiable evidence of the exemplar? i don't believe that the term Scriptures is defined by "that which matches to originals or even, that which matches the KJV." Which brings us to the definition of Scripture and how it is recognized by the Church of God. Not sure why both side of the debate seem to ignore that relevant issue.
Another mission worth undertaking is to end the constant quest to find a perfect English bible translation. It's almost frightening how many people buy the latest version and end up with huge collections of bibles. Having several translations is fine, I have a few, yet questing for a perfect bible translation is not worth doing.
I agree: there is no “best.” Unless God inspires one, there is no “best.”
listened to all 7 and it was the best explanation I have heard yet. I applaud you for your work.
Many thanks!
Thanks
Likewise-thanks for watching!
Excellent videos thanks,I’ve wondered what translation to use for years after leaving a KJVO church
People in your situation are, I think, a big portion of my mental picture of my target audience. I, too, had a conscience bound to the KJV several years after I left my KJV-Only church.
Had a preacher in church say “if you have anything other than a KJV you don’t have a Bible,you have a book”...I was young and that confused me for a long time.
And you are right.
I try to be!
I feel like there are multiple answers to this question. It all depends on context for me.
Are you new to the faith or just trying to really get into reading Scripture, get the NLT.
Are you looking for a bit more meat in the text to study, get the ESV.
Are you looking to do some really hard core bible word study or in seminary, I like the new NRSVue.
The best bible translation is the one that gets you in his word. I have slight problems with all 3 of the translations listed about. But the rest of the little theological bits can be sorted out later, overall its still Gods word.
2:05
Or, better still, if you want a bible with every verse that should be there, get the KJV or the NKJV. Modern translations, based on suspicious older manuscripts, have partial and full verses chopped out which, combined together, make up the equivalent of 1 and 2 Peter.
Consider, simply, Luke 4:4 in modern translations. "Man shall not live by bread alone", and then consider it in the KJV or NKJV, "Man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God." Why on earth would Luke have only written half the verse from Deutoronomy and not finished it? It seems really clear to me that he would have written it in full (as Matthew did in his Gospel) and that the older, allegedly "more reliable" manuscripts were hackjobs that left lots of important bits out. Why would I want to use a version of scripture that quite literally leaves out the words "but by every word of God"? The irony!
I personally use HCSB NIV NASB and NLT. All great versions. I don’t use KJV simply because it’s difficult to read and the manuscripts used to translate them are much newer than ones used to translate the NIV and other translations
Excellent. Those are the same reasons I don’t use the KJV for preaching ministry, though I still use it all the time for study.
@@markwardonwords It’s a great translation, the other reason I didn’t like using my king James Bible in particular is because it’s an exact reproduction of the Bible used to inaugurate Abraham Lincoln and they only made those for a very limited time. I wanted to keep it as close to my condition as possible I picked up another KJV I could in it’s place. I personally prefer the HCSB for my normal reading and study as it’s right in the middle of being literal and thought for thought.
Please give me a list based on your experience of the best 3 Bibles that you recommend in English. I'm starting with the KJV. I have only read in Spanish. Thank you
If you are bilingual, I'd go NIV, CSB, and ESV.
@@markwardonwords Thank you. God bless you.
As long as it's an accurate translation, I don't care what a person uses.
Me too.
Useful... this is good. KJV provided me years of memorization and familiarity and frankly most of the hymn language I have tucked away in my memory as well. However, being a believer for 40 years still didn't bring me to reading through the Bible. Ever. I was raised in KJV-only communities, but even my NIV purchase in adulthood didn't persuade me to read through. I felt compelled many times, tried, and gave up. I'm not sure if the version of my favourite-to-hold KJV Bible was the obstacle or not, but it wasn't until I was gifted some money last Christmas that I bought a CSB. I felt prompted by the Holy Spirit and my husband and I had already worked to carve out early morning time to read and study, so it stuck. I will always be grateful for the prompting to buy the CSB and then the push to read day after day. I read through the whole Bible by mid July. I was sure it was "the best version." But by then I was deep into Bible study and translation blogs and reviews and was learning much about other translations that I figured it was appropriate for me to experiment with some others as well. Bought a NKJV, then an ESV, and most recently, an NASB95. Now I have to keep myself in check that I don't make studying the Bible an idol, but WOW have I been enjoying the ride. What a blessing to have so many versions to compare and contrast. My focus is now on digging in to (1) knowing and loving God more, and (2) vocabulary differences between versions and how that affects the message I receive in reading. It's interesting to me the subtle differences I find. I have learned much from Mark Ward in keeping this recent growth from becoming a soap box that promotes division in my faith community. Thank you to Mr. Ward for speaking out with such grace about the damages that are done by setting up camp with and valuing one translation only. My study is just beginning and my heart is longing for more. I am no longer an imposter in a world of Christians who love the Word of God and I'm so, so grateful.
I absolutely love this! Every bit of it. Thank you for sharing!
I'm definitely late to the party for this video, but I totally agree. Spurgeon once said all honestly-translated versions have merit. Thanks, Mark.
I totally agree!
my brother....you are sincerely a blessing..i have been following you for a minute and its been such a blessing listening to you especially on bible translations.....May God most high bless you from above....i have one question though.... i reside in Africa, a continent where english sometimes is a second or third language and we are inundated with KJV or NKJV and so our teaching ministries find themselves challenged since the language used in those bibles is for the higher learning grades......for some reason the bad rap on the NIV was so deep that people innately distrust it. however when I read the NLT to them..it is like EUREKA!!! i finally understand what God is saying......in your honest estimation ( btw the ESV is seen as a reformed bible..did you say bible tribalism somewhere?) in your honest estimation....can I faithfully use the NLT for devotions, discipleship, teaching and use it as the mainstay bible for a church...in a country where people can sometimes only afford one bible for a lifetime? i am grateful for all you have taught me...gracias!!
This is a fantastic question. Honestly, I think I have to know more about your situation. Is English the second or third language for the particular people you serve? Are there Bible translations available in their first language(s)? If English isn't their first language, why is it being used in the church (I'm not criticizing, just wanting to understand!).
Mark you could've at least given your top 5 or top 10 bible translations. (In no particular order). As that's what the video title implies you would be doing. That would still not cause bible translation denominational/theological echo Chambers because you could mention the ESV and tNIV in the same list 😉
I personally read and enjoy the Message bible. Easy read.
I definitely see strong points in it! ua-cam.com/video/F5Q74WuvFNU/v-deo.html
RSV or NASB for me; though the Bible I *like* best is the 1970 NEB (which has been superseded by the REB). I would like one that is perfectly accurate, while recognising that no such translation exists.
Great job! Thank you. One of the best videos on different translations I’ve ever seen. Kudos.
However... you don’t address textual basis. You only address translation-“which one translates the best.” This is relevant when asking the question, “Which is better, the NIV or the ESV?” It does not, on the other hand, address the question of, “Which is better, the NKJV or the NASB?” Textual basis matters, and someone is right and someone is wrong. It’s not just how to translate the originals. It’s also which originals you chose to translate from.
All good points, but not quite complete. I would love to see a follow up. Again, I think this is one of the best videos on this topic I’ve seen (and I watch A LOT). Great job, brother. 😊
Gary, thanks for watching and commenting! And you are right: I omitted that topic. My omission was very, very intentional. =) I wrote in Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible about why I shouldn't have to talk about textual criticism in popular-level videos like this one. I've written about textual criticism on the scholarly level, however (DBSJ, May, 2020: dbts.edu/journal/).
In short: I'd want to significantly tweak your statement, "Someone is right and someone is wrong." I'm actually happy for people to use TR-based translations and CT-based translations, as long as they are not reviling and dividing from each over the issues.
CSB is really good!
It sure is!
The one you use 😊
Pretty close to my answer!
1. I honestly think we're spoilt rotten for choice, too many choices confuse. Trying to stick to just *one* translation is a real conundrum sometimes. 2. I'm bilingual, I'm also a native Spanish speaker. Over the years I've found out that I get the most out of my Bible reading when I have multiple translations out and reading from them all at the same time. Of late my translation pairs of choice are: ESV/NVI or NASB/NTV. Having a "literal" translation in one language and pairing it with a more "though for thought" in the other language is a gift from heaven indeed.
Nice! I'm with you!
Just get em all and compare. Sometimes I understand niv passages more, sometimes its the kjv, sometimes its the nlt, sometimes the esv, sometimes the nasb. Youll get a better understanding if you compare them i think.
Amen!
The one that is done in a language and for a people not yet covered by the blood.
I spent 20 years reading the NIV-85 before retiring my dog-eared, disintegrating copy and beginning the search for a new translation. That search -- the search for the "best" translation -- has, for years, prevented me from settling on a new translation and interrupted my formerly faithful daily devotional reading. I now know more about Bible translations but have read it far less. My search has cost me time, money, and spiritual growth but here I am, still today, chasing translations. My new love is the Berean Standard Bible but, then, I have had several translations that I thought were "the one". I can't help comparing one translation to another and I agonize over which rendering of a passage is more correct. For example: I like the way the NET renders Genesis 3:16b but is it more accurate than, say, the NKJV? I don't like the way the NET renders adelphoi as "brothers and sisters" in James 3:1. I find myself looking at passages as they compare to an interlinear Bible and liking translations that are more formal in equivalence but tend to lean more toward dynamic equivalence for smoothness of reading. Still, I don't feel comfortable with how far the NLT goes. So, I'm stuck... Right now I'm between the NET, NKJV, and CSB with an eye on the Berean Standard Bible (meaning spending more money on yet another Bible). Part of this post is to emphasize my agony over the rabbit hole I've gone down in searching for the "best" translation, and how doing so has hurt rather than helped me.
Did my video help, brother? There is no "best" translation. And spending money on Bibles isn't such a bad sin unless you're coveting…
If you agonize over which rendering is correct, then reach for the tools that can help-which is why it's great that you have the NET Bible. Exegetical commentaries are also good. And it's not too late to pick up some Greek!
But don't agonize, brother. There's no reason to. As the KJV translators said, unless God inspires certain translators, we can't call any translation perfect-or, likely, "best."
I hope to write a book someday helping Christians with no Hebrew or Greek knowledge to know how to study translation differences.
@@markwardonwords - Your videos do help! I've watched many of them. I sadly concluded some time ago that there's no "best", only a "best for me"...and that's what I still wrestle with. That wrestling, which is tiring, must be one reason why at least some people just stick with the KJV and give up trying to decide! But you're right...maybe it's time to take a course in koine Greek!
Thank you for your reply, and for your excellent videos!
As a non scholar who only knows English who has looked into this, I have found that every passage I study tends to have a different translation that handles it most to my uninformed liking. I have settled with the advice of Dan Wallace from an interview with Mike Licona. I interpreted his advice as follows and have each of these bibles: NET full notes version for study, ESV and NIV for reading, KJV for inspiration. I do not have the NRSV which he recommended for ecumenical reference (and so that you can have the Apocrypha). I actually have an NIV 1984 which is kind of cheating. You can get those in used bookstores, which you might consider since you liked that bible for years. It usually isn't very different from 2011. In some places, 2011 is an improvement.
I should have paid more attention to your post. You are pretty much set up same as me except you have CSB instead of ESV (I believe they are pretty much the same), NKJV instead of KJV (which will help since NKJV has New Testament footnotes which say where modern scholarship disagrees with Textus Receptus), and you are missing the NIV 1984. If you do get a Berean Standard Bible, I've heard it's similar to NIV 1984. Either way, in my mind you are set up to read and study the 3 (or 4) high quality translations you have. If you want to study Greek go for it. I considered it but learning languages isn't my thing.
I must correct myself, CSB and ESV are not at all the same, but I still consider them to fill the same role as a good bible for reading on the more functional equivalent and gender preserving side of things compared to NIV etc Therefore having an ESV already, I never had a desire to add a CSB. Likewise if I already had a CSB I wouldn't feel a need to add an ESV.
Nasby 😅 I am currently reading the NEB.
I never have read the whole thing. I have a very nice copy someone gave me; I LOVE the format: single-column, paragraphed, verse numbers in the margins.