How do You Choose A Bible Translation?

We who speak English are blessed with a multitude of competing translations of the Bible. With so many possibilities, which should you choose? Here is at least one answer to this common question.

[matthaviland]

I go NASB, NKJV, and ESV. Regardless of your preference, Tim is right when he says we are so blessed to have multiple options. The vast majority of Christians around the world put their life on the line every day just by possessing a Bible. God's Word is supernatural and life-changing, and should never be taken for granted.

[diananickel]

Don't use the Message for any reason at all.
See comments below.

[kimberleerivera]

Glory To GOD!!!
Thank you Tim Challies!
That was simple and yet informative and fast!

[davidcreekpodcast]

Thank you for taking the time to put this together.

[charlesshepherd]

A very excellent overview and great resource to show both new as well as long term Christians.

[AllforOne_OneforAll]

I use both the NKJV for personal study and the CSB for teaching. These both work great for me!

[Ledvolta]

Thanks for explaining this; you did a great job, brother. 👏🏻🙏🏻 Until recently, I wasn’t very familiar with what all the different options mean, and how they differ.

[juan_urbina]

This is awesome information! I never understood the difference between translations. Do you have a chart/visual that plots where the most common translations fall on the spectrum you mentioned? That would be awesome to see and pick different translations. I’m currently reading Ecclesiastes given everything going on this book has been very helpful to me in these times. Thank you! 🙏

[michaelkelleypoetry]

When I was a kid, I used the NIRV; I eventually moved to the KJV so I could follow on with my pastor's sermons. As I got older in my teen years when I didn't have to have the same wording to keep up, I began using the NCV and NLT at different points. In college, I started using the NASB which I really liked. Eventually, I switched back to the KJV which I continued to used even through seminary later. Now, I use the NIV for my reading, usually comparing it in study with the NASB. The NIV has a good balanced feel between word-for-word and thought-for-thought

[MarkHyde]

ESV, NASB, NIV and NLT. I find the NLT helps with comprehending the more structured word for word translations. ESV is my main translation though.

[DavidRodriguez-hgkq]

Clear and concise the type of bibles out there. I really enjoyed what you said about paraphrase bibles, use them as commentaries because they're not translations.

[renpatman]

This was incredibly helpful. Thank you!

[Corinna_Schuett_GER]

In my country Germany, we have this discussion too. I have learned to withdraw from all bible translations that either have a "New" in their name or have been translated after 1990. A truly born again believer will have the Holy Spirit dwelling inside to instruct and lead him to the right understanding of scripture. There is always the Strongs Concordance to go deeper into certain words too.

[stardreamer]

Thank this video break this topic down well

[warrenrhinerson]

I have 5 bibles, in four translations: two NIV bibles(one I used since I was a child and has by far the most wear, the other from my University which I carry in my backpack due to its size) the HCSB which I was given by my mom when I was 15(this is the one I use most often), NLT study bible I got for my seventeenth birthday(I personally do not use this one much as it is to heavy and bulky for me) and an 1853 King James Bible that is an exact replica of the Bible used to swear in Presidents Abraham Lincoln, Barack Obama and Donald Trump. This bible is very special for me as Lincoln has always been a personal hero, Obama was the first President I watched get sworn in, and Trump was the first President I ever voted for. I usually don't use this bible for reading unless it's a special occasion. It took me years to find this one.

[rudielopez]

I didn't think I'd see so many toxic comments on a video about Bibles. God bless you all.

[SunFlower-xbgf]

KateOwlNebula9
Thanks for your information. Robert Alter's new translation 'The Hebrew Bible' is a great translation with commentary that also explains the puns, word plays, word choices, syntax, rhythm and dialogue qualities of the text. His 'Art of Bible Translation' goes into the energy involved in keeping repetitions, keywords, and following the Hebrew word order, even if it surprises English speakers. It's terrific.

[josephmyrtil]

I use the Good new bible, is that a good one?

[timwilkins]

Using the CEB, NET, ESV, NRSV, RSV2CE, CSB, NKJV and NCV NT regularly.

[allankempson]

I use the CSB because it has a great balance between word for word and thought for thought. I like that its more literal than the NIV and the NLT, but not quite as literal as the ESV.