January 7, 2016

If you “Google” translations of the bible, you may find there are more than one hundred different translations to choose from. I am not sure you will find one hundred selections at your local book store, but a bible reading “App” like “BibleGateway” will give you many, many options. So, which one should you choose? That is your preference, and why it is exciting that there are more than one hundred options to choose from. For, what sounds good to you may not sound good to someone else, but we each need to find what feeds us individually. I always blanch at the thought that so many believers think that the King James Version is the “only” acceptable and true translation to read or study. During my Seminary years I learned that the King James Version (KJV, c. 1611 CE) was translated from the best known manuscripts of their time. But since then, better and older manuscripts have been discovered – but this reality must be accepted, or not.

The question then remains “Which translation?” I have my own favorites. For example, I like the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) which is recommended by the Revised Common Lectionary, a three year cycle of readings used by churches like the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). But, sometimes I like the older translation that predates the NRSV, the Revised Standard Version or (RSV). The New International Version (NIV) is good, and faithful to the Greek language. I also like the New English Translation (NET) and the Contemporary English Version (CEV). And, of course, if you want something called a transliteration, or a paraphrase bible, you could read The Message by Eugene Peterson.

So, what have we learned today? It is simple, if not complex in many ways, but find the translation of the bible that speaks to you – and allows G-d to speak directly to you.
Pastor Dave