Ever wondered why there are so many translations? Or asked, how do I know which one I should use? Augustine, a theological scholar of the Church who wrote in the late 300’s AD, noted the use of many translations can help the reader to produce a better rendering of the original text.

There are two basic considerations: the goal of the translation and the source used for translation.

First, we must consider the goal of each translation. Some seek to be word for word, or ‘essentially literal.’ Wayne Grudem defines it as something that “translates the meaning of every word in the original language, understood correctly in its context, into its nearest English equivalent.” (Which Bible p43) Some Bibles that fall into that category are the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV.

Other translations seek ‘dynamic equivalence’. Grudem says, “A dynamic-equivalence translation translates the thoughts or ideas of the original text into similar thoughts or ideas in English.” (Which Bible p45) Bible versions following this method include the NLB, CEV, and NCV. These tend to be periphrastic. The NIV is basically dynamic-equivalent, but also includes some ‘essentially literal’ portions, which places it between the two categories.

Another type of translation is paraphrase. In these the author simply puts the words into the cultural vernacular, without any significant regard for the literal words. Many scholars do not count these as translations-but they still may be helpful. (The Message and Living Bible)

So, the difference is whether the translators are seeking to find exact words, or what they believe to be equivalent thoughts in modern English, or just putting it into their own words. You can see how it might be helpful to read all types when studying the Bible.

Secondly, we should consider the sources used for the translation. There are three basic families to consider for the New Testament. The NIV, NASB, and ESV are among those that come from the Alexandrian family, known as the oldest manuscripts (also known as ‘Critical Text’). The KJV and NKJV are among those that come from the Byzantine family of manuscripts, which are not as old but are in much greater abundance (also known as ‘Textus Receptus’). The New American Bible, Jerusalem Bible, and Rhemes New Testament are among the Western family (Latin text – mostly Catholic). The differences in these families can seem significant in some cases, but theologically they do not create any differences in doctrine.

There are cautions though. Alexandrian manuscripts often omit verses that are found in the other sources. Again, these do not account for any differences in theology or doctrine, as sound development of doctrine is not based on single verses of scripture.

I like to use the NKJV because it falls into both categories that I prefer – literal and Byzantine. Many in our congregation use the ESV, which is essentially literal and Alexandrian. Some use NASB which is literal and Alexandrian. Others in our congregation prefer the ease of reading that the NIV offers from dynamic translation.

Sources for further study:
“A Visual History of the English Bible” by Donald L. Brake.
“Which Bible Translation Should I Use?” Edited by Andreas J. Kostenberger and David Croteau. “The Bible in Translation” by Bruce M. Metzger.