For a generation raised on Bible apps instead of pew Bibles, the sheer number of translations can feel more like a design flaw than a blessing. Some sound stiff and archaic. Others feel like a casual text from your spiritual bestie. And just when you start to get used to one, someone else insists their version is the “most accurate.”
So what gives? Why are there so many translations of one book? And how are you supposed to know which one to trust?
Let’s break it down.
Lost in translation
The Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek—languages full of nuance, poetry and structure that don’t always transfer neatly into English. Take the Hebrew word chesed, for example. It describes covenantal love, kindness, loyalty and mercy—and yet there’s no single English word that nails all those layers. Translators have to make a judgment call: do they go with “steadfast love”? “Faithful kindness”? Something else entirely?
This is where translation philosophies come into play. Some versions, like the English Standard Version or New American Standard Bible, lean into formal equivalence—a word-for-word approach that stays as close to the original languages as possible. These are popular in study settings but can feel clunky or overly rigid in everyday reading.
Other versions, like the New Living Translation or Good News Translation, use dynamic equivalence, focusing more on readability and clarity. These prioritize conveying the meaning of a passage rather than preserving its exact wording. It’s why the NLT might say “I will not fail you or abandon you,” while the ESV says “I will not leave you or forsake you.” Both are faithful—but the tone hits differently.
And then there are paraphrases like The Message or The Passion Translation. These aren’t translations in the traditional sense but creative retellings. They’re often used devotionally, designed to help familiar passages feel fresh again. But because they take more liberties with the text, they’re not always ideal for theological deep dives.
Translation—and theology—is never neutral
Beyond just language differences, translations often reflect theological perspectives. The King James Version, for example, was commissioned in 1604 as part of a political effort to unify the Church of England. The New International Version was developed in the 1970s by evangelical scholars wanting an accessible, widely used translation rooted in conservative theology.
More recent updates, like the New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition or the Christian Standard Bible, have sparked debates around things like gender-inclusive language and cultural context. These debates matter because how we translate something can subtly shape what we believe about it.
Even punctuation—yes, punctuation—has sparked arguments. Take Luke 23:43, where Jesus says to the thief on the cross, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.” Move the comma just one word—“Truly I tell you today, you will be with me in paradise”—and you get a very different interpretation of when that promise is fulfilled.
So which one should you use?
Here’s the best answer you’re going to get: use the translation that helps you understand and engage with Scripture.
If you want something precise and study-friendly, go for the NASB or ESV. If you’re new to Scripture or want something that reads smoothly, try the NLT or CSB. If you’re reading devotionally and need something to shake things up, The Message might be a refreshing option—just don’t build your entire theology on it.
Some pastors and scholars recommend comparing translations side by side. This helps you spot meaningful differences, slow down your reading and ask better questions. Sites like BibleGateway.com or YouVersion’s app let you toggle between versions easily, and a good study Bible can fill in the gaps with footnotes and commentary.
More options, not more confusion
If the endless translation choices feel overwhelming, you’re not alone. But take a step back and see the bigger picture: the Bible has been translated into more than 700 languages worldwide. What you’re seeing isn’t fragmentation—it’s accessibility. It’s a faith that refuses to stay locked in a single language, geography or generation.
The early Church heard Scripture read aloud. Medieval Christians clung to Latin translations they couldn’t read. Reformers risked death to print the Bible in their native tongue. And now, you can carry dozens of translations in your pocket—for free.
That’s not something to stress over. That’s something to thank God for.
Because no matter how it’s phrased—whether it says “Word,” “Message,” “Good News” or “the Divine”—the heart of Scripture hasn’t changed. It still calls us to love God, love others and live like the story isn’t finished yet.
