Choosing a translation of the Bible can be a daunting task for any new believer. With so many versions available, how do you choose the correct Bible for you? Reading and studying the translation that is right for your education and faith is important. Your preferred version may depend upon which church or prayer group you attend, what language you speak, or what type of reading experience you want.
Most studies show that the original Old Testament books were written in Hebrew and Aramaic, while the New Testament books were written in Greek. There are many translations due to the complexity of the language and the difficulty of capturing the original meaning for today’s audience. For instance, the word “love” in Biblical Greek could be written as agape, philia, eros, or storge. Each word describes a different kind of love, but English only has one word for love.
King James Version (KJV)
- Stands the test of time and remains one of the most popular translations.
- One of the few translations written from a set of different manuscripts.
- Poetic language that some people say is easy to remember.
- Suitable for in-depth study.
English Standard Edition (ESV)
- Modern English, easy to understand translation.
- Suitable format for preaching, reading, and even recitation.
- Relevant for daily reading.
New International Edition (NIV)
- Provides more explanations for complex paragraphs.
- Modern English, easy to understand translation.
- Developed from the original manuscript instead of the expanded version.
Amplified Bible (AMP)
- Clarifies complex terms and passages better than any other translation.
- Verbatim translation.
- Suitable for daily Bible study.
New Life Translation (NLT)
- Designed for public reading.
- Eliminates most of the guesswork in daily reading.
- Suitable for quiet time rather than an in-depth study.
Whether you choose one of these popular versions or a version not listed here, make your decision according to what you feel comfortable with and what you will enjoy reading on a daily basis to study Scripture.
Global University and The Assemblies of God
If you’re wondering which Bible you should choose, reach out to Global University today, and we’ll be happy to help you!