Ready for today’s wonderment?
What’s your favorite Bible translation and why?
This thought came to me earlier this week when I was reading in NLT rather than my standard NASB. A verse jumped off the page at me because of the way it was worded. It made me look at that verse in a way I had never seen it before.
I immediately pulled out my NASB to compare.
The meaning was relatively the same. It was just that the unfamiliar wording made me stop and think twice about the verse.
I love my NASB because it is so literal. I know that even the most literal translators have to make judgment calls, but more literal translations have fewer of those than some of the more reader-friendly translations.
Even so, it is always neat to switch translations for reading purposes. I find myself truly reading verses I might have otherwise skimmed over because of familiarity.
So, what about you? Do you have a favorite? Do you switch around?
And do you remember to be thankful for the fact that you not only have a Bible in your own language, but have multiple versions, translations, and copies?
I am thankful for all of the above. The ability to explore God’s Word is such an incredible blessing and delight!
Not Quite Ordinary 
I’ve been reading my NIV since junior high. I grew up doing AWANA so I memorized a bunch of Scripture in KJV/NKJV. I’ve heard really good things about NASB — which is what my wife used in college. I’m open to whatever translation is on hand; one of my family members said that reading The Message completely transformed how she thought about certain passages because of how the word choice illuminated the familiar.
So, yes, I am very, very glad for the blessing I have to read Scripture in many ways and have commentaries and resources which provide even more background and insights into the history and context of the passages. Love it.
~Luke
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I memorized a lot in KJV, too, Luke, and it’s still with me today! So beautifully poetic for memorization!
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If the NASB was good enough Paul and the Apostles…oh, wait.
I like NASB for literal renderings, but find New Living a good “ooh, that’s a different way to take that” translation.
I see The Message more as Peterson’s running explanation of what he thinks the Bible says, like the original Living Bible. It’s generally good, but I cringe when I see people hang major theological or life-changing decisions on it. Especially on some of the Message’s Proverbs readings.
One that I find intriguing is The Voice, which is laid out like a screenplay in the narrative sections. I don’t know what to make of it as a Bible nerd, though.
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