Bible Translations

There is life in the Word!

I am very thankful for all the wonderful translations we have available to us these days. I love having a number of bibles (my wife calls it an addiction!). I justify it by saying, 'If the Word is central to my life it only makes sense to invest in a variey of versions and translations.

So ... what are my favorites?

For serious study - NASB update with translation notes in the margin. I love it because it is very literal - not very open to the translators particular 'interpretation' of a phrase or sentence. The downside of the NASB is that it can sometimes be a bit awkward in it's English and takes some time to dig out what it is saying.

For clear reading - English Standard Version , Holman Christian Standard. Both of these are accurate and quite literal, but written in 'easier to read and understand' English. Still good for memorization, study, and public use. I also would place the NIV here, but find I am not using it nearly as much as I used to.

Easy to understand - Right now I am really enjoying the New Living Translation - second edition. I find it much improved over the original NLT. Less 'chatty' and more accurate. It is very easy to read and understand, and great for public reading when there are younger listeners, or those who are not immersed in 'church culture.'

'Devotional' - The Message falls into this category for me. It is more like a 'commentary' than a real translation. But it is fresh and alive and makes me think and laugh, and grabs my attention. My only advise here is to make sure you have a good reliable, accurate, more literal, tranlsation close at hand for reference.

So there you have it .. my favorite bibles ...