5 Reasons You Should Try Out a Different Bible Translation

1. Reliable Translations All Convey God’s Word

For some congregations, there is only one version of God’s Word – the King James Version (KJV). Those who are adamant about only reading this version adhere to a movement called King James Only, though some may not specifically call their viewpoint by this name. Regardless, the message is the same: Christians should not read any other versions, for they are not viewed as reputable.

Even if a Christian does not hold to the view of King James Only, they could still feel inclined to prefer one translation over another. They may even think their favorite copy is superior in quality or authority. The mindset behind this assumption may sound something like, “I already have the best version. Why read another one?”

Despite our inclination toward preferences, no single version can claim to be more inspired or authoritative than others. The original text of the Bible is what is inerrant and divinely inspired. It is this which refers to the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic manuscripts that have been preserved in countless copies. What English-speaking people regularly read are translations of these copies.

Of course, some versions are better translated than others and capture the original meaning more accurately. However, there is no reason to elevate one translation over the other as the only copy of God’s Word. We can benefit from reading and studying from a variety of translations, including older versions like the KJV and newer ones like the NLT. In this way, we get a fuller and richer reading of God’s Word.

Note: Although paraphrases of the Bible, such as The Message or The Living Bible, capture modern ways of speaking, they are not translations. We can utilize paraphrases, but our main source of studying Scripture should come from reliable versions that have been translated according to the original languages. Reliable, in this sense, refers to scholarly translations, not those that claim to be translations but lack accurate rendering of the original languages, such as the New World Translation of the Jehovah’s Witnesses.

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2. Using Only One Translation Is Limiting

Consider the hinderances believers experience when they read only one version. They might encounter a verse with  confusing wording. Perhaps a phrase is not as well-translated as it could be. But these believers have no other translation with which to compare. Since the various reputable translations in English taken together provide a more complete reading of God’s Word, using only one version is limiting.

Specific versions also approach translation differently. For example, some Bible versions focus on a direct translation of the original language in what is known as a word-for-word approach. Others adopt a different approach with the intent of conveying the overall meaning of the passage. However, many versions combine the two methods. As Andy Rau wrote in a post on Bible Gateway, “Technically, all Bible translations mix the two approaches — no approach is purely word-for-word or purely thought-for-thought.”

Humans completed the work of translating the original languages into English, so each version has its own approach to interpretation. This is to be expected when trying to convey words, expressions, and idioms from one language to another. Hence, we need to use more than one translation to gain a firmer grasp on the meaning of Scripture with all its nuances. We can then compare versions whenever a word or phrase is confusing and interact more with the text in study. We should not limit ourselves when reading God’s Word.

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3. A Different Translation Can Get Us out of a Bible Reading Rut

The Bible is inspired by God, and is therefore “useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness” (2 Timothy 3:16, NIV). Too often, though, when we confine ourselves to one version, we become overly familiar with specific phrasing. This is beneficial for memorization and meditation. However, sometimes we can get into a reading rut and our study becomes dry instead of life-giving. Familiarity can blind us to the ways that God is challenging or convicting us through His Word.

For example, we might read a Psalm or a section of the Sermon on the Mount and quickly scan over it. We already know what the passage says, so why consider it anew? With a different translation, this becomes less of a temptation. Our sense of familiarity is shaken and removed. As a result, we pay closer attention to the words.

Sometimes the new perspective may be slight but impactful. For example, we might think of the Lord’s name differently when we read versions that translate LORD as Yahweh, representative of the divine name YHWH. In Psalm 9:1, for instance, the HCSB says, “I will thank Yahweh with all my heart; I will declare all Your wonderful works.” Consistently reading this version will encourage us to consider the names of God more carefully. We will have a stronger understanding that He is Lord, but also Yahweh, the great I AM.

A change may just be what the Holy Spirit uses to capture our attention. We could find that an unfamiliar translation, though still the living and active Word, cuts through our assumptions and challenges us to walk in obedience (Hebrews 4:12). We may also experience a revitalization of our devotional time, as well as in our prayers and worship of the Lord.

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4. New Perspective on Passages

Once we start seeing the passages in a fresh way, we gain a new perspective of the Bible. Like opening the curtains on a sunny day or turning on a light in a shadowy room, we start to see things we may not have noticed before or from different angles.

Consider a believer who knows Proverbs 3:5-6 in the ESV or NIV. He or she is familiar with the statement that if they acknowledge God, then He will “make straight [their] paths” (Proverbs 3:6, ESV). Despite this knowledge, they may wonder what it means for the Lord to make their path straight, especially when faced with decisions in life. Reading a version like the KJV or the NLT could give them a fresh perspective of the passage. We find that not only are we to acknowledge Him, but we are to “Seek His will” (Proverbs 3:6, NLT). If we do, then the Lord will direct us and show us which path is the best to take (see KJV and NLT).

Or perhaps the language itself invites us to think more about a passage. We may get muddled in the older language of the KJB (or KJV), when we read, “Because thy lovingkindness is better than life, my lips shall praise thee” (Psalm 63:3, KJB). A modern rendering, though, can cause us to pause and ponder. The NLT renders the verse as “Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!” A change from poetic to straightforward helps us see the verse anew. The same can also be true in reverse if we solely use a modern translation.

If we open ourselves to the challenge of regularly reading a different Bible translation, we might find that we come away with a new perspective that leads us to praise the Lord.

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5. Wider Understanding of Words and Phrases

Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic are different than English. There are certain aspects of Scripture that we cannot fully grasp without a knowledge of the original languages, such as wordplays or the structure of Hebrew poetry. Words or phrases can also carry stronger meaning than an English equivalent can convey. Hence, we need the variety that many translations offer us to help us understand Scripture in its original intent.

One place we can see this at work is in John’s Gospel. Most of us know the traditional rendering that Jesus is the “only begotten Son,” which is used in many translations (John 1:18; see KJV, NKJV, ASV, LSB). The English meaning of “begotten” can be confusing to many, though, as we often think of physical offspring like Isaac being begotten of Abraham. The Son and Father connection is evident, but some may mistakenly assume this means Christ was created and is not eternal. Also, the wording does not convey the complete depth of the Greek that emphasizes the uniqueness of Christ.

Using other translations enables us to capture the original meaning. Jesus is God the Son, and there is no one else like Him. As another translations renders the verse, “No one has ever seen God, but the one and only Son, who is Himself God and is at the Father’s side, has made Him known” (John 1:18, BSB). The NLT even sums up the meaning by referring to Christ as “the unique One.” We grow in our understanding of Scripture in all its fullness and wonder by reading other versions.

So why not pick up another translation of God’s Word and start reading? After a season, we might just find that we have grown in our understanding, appreciation, and application of the Bible.

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