Did you ever wonder why there are so many Bible translations available today? How can we know which one is most correct? Do we need to study more than one version to get the best insight into God’s Word? What does Revelation 22:18, 19 really mean?
Let’s explore the last question first, since its answer is the foundation on which I wish to build. John warns everyone who hears the words of the Revelation prophecy not to add or take away anything from it. He further warns that violators will be visited by the plagues listed in this prophecy and lose their share in the tree of life. He talks about “this book of prophecy” and “the prophecy of this book.” The word “this” points to a singular subject “the” prophecy is also obviously singular and makes it clear that he was writing about Revelation and the prophecy it contained. I don’t believe he ascribed the plagues to anyone who translated his writing into English nor did the warnings apply to the writings of the whole Bible.
It is of utmost importance that the translations we use were translated from the original manuscripts so that we can be assured that they best convey the intended interpretation of the Holy Scripture, which is the inerrant word of God. God is incapable of error and I believe the original manuscripts were “God breathed” as the Word states. However, modern man, who is entrusted with the translation process, must be extremely cautious and prayerful when translating so as to capture the intended rendering of each word and phrase.
I personally have and study several different translations, and compare them for clarity. I think that each of them is accurate and true to the original, but often translate passages differently, not incorrectly but synonymically, allowing clearer understanding. They may use an alternate word that helps clarify the meaning or may say it more eloquently, profoundly or may graphically create a memorable word picture. For example: if you are worried, I Peter 5:7, King James Version says, “cast all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” If anxious, the NIV says it better; “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Which version is correct? Should the word be translated “anxiety” or “care”? The original word is “merimna” which means distraction or solicitude. Solicitude means a state of anxiety or concern. Taking into account the original word and coming to a better understanding of its meaning we can come up with our own translation which might be, “cast all your concerns, distractions, anxieties and cares on the Lord because He cares about you.” So, the answer to the question is that both versions are correct. Having looked at both, however, we have a better understanding of what the writer was saying to us and can know clearly that our Heavenly Father cares about anything that troubles His children.
MODERN TRANSLATIONS
The English versions
of the Bible date back to 1380 when John Wycliffe set out to translate
the whole Bible, starting as modern translators often do, with
the New Testament first. He translated from the Latin Vulgate.
Since then more than twenty English translations, revisions and
paraphrases have been written.
Why? I think the main reason for so many translations is simple. We desire with all our hearts to understand the Word of God. Not only are there some 24 versions but there are thousands of books and commentaries written to help us further understand God’s Holy Scriptures. Another reason for new translations is an ever-changing English language. The discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls continues to unlock the door to a better understanding and contribute to the new translations as well. Other archeological discoveries may necessitate future revisions.
The translation you use is a personal choice. As I said, I use several. The language in the King James is beautiful, almost poetic and I read and quote from it often. The New King James retains the beauty of the King James but may be a little easier to understand for most. Many will not consider using any other version of the Bible because the King James to them is the “Bible.” I must agree that the King James Version is a beautiful translation and its words have provided “God’s Word” for many generations. Did you know that the King James Version is a revision of the Bishops Bible of 1568? The King James was revised again and became the Revised Version. The Revised Version was revised and became the American Standard Version.
The New International Version is a completely new translation using the oldest manuscripts and the best Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts available. One hundred scholars of many denominational backgrounds performed a word for word translation taking into consideration thought pattern and syntax language differences. Because of these considerations many believe the NIV is a more accurate translation. The NIV is being used by many Pastors and congregations as is the KJV and NKJV. I use all three. I also use the New American Standard, Amplified and a Greek and Hebrew computer program. I love to study the Word!
I believe that the closer we get to the end the more light God will shine on us as we seek to understand His Word. We should be diligent in our study of His Word and leave no stone unturned in our quest for understanding. As you study, pray that God will reveal His Word to you fresh each day and give you greater insight into His plan for your life. Pray that He will open your spiritual eyes to see with better clarity, and help you grow through the infusion of His Word in your heart.
Here is a chronology of the English Bible as presented in the Thompson Chain Reference Bible Edition published by Zondervan Bible Publishers, Grand Rapids, Michigan.
| TRANSLATION YEAR | |
| 1. Original Manuscripts | 1500 B.C.-A.D. 100 |
| 2. Vulgate | A.D. 400 |
| 3. Masoretic Text | A.D. 500-950 |
| ENGISH VERSIONS | |
| 4. Wycliffe | 1380 |
| 5. Tyndale | 1525 |
| 6. Coverdale | 1535 |
| 7. Matthew’s | 1537 |
| 8. Great | 1539 |
| 9. Geneva | 1560 |
| 10. Bishop’s | 1568 |
| 11. Douay | 1610 |
| 12. King James Version | 1611 |
| 13. Revised Version | 1881 |
| 14. American Standard Version | 1901 |
| 15. Revised Standard Version | 1952 |
| 16. Berkeley Version | 1959 |
| 17. Amplified Bible | 1965 |
| 18. Jerusalem Bible | 1966 |
| 19. New English Bible | 1970 |
| 20. New American Standard | 1971 |
| 21. Living Bible | 1971 |
| 22. Today’s English (Good News) | 1976 |
| 23. New International Version | 1978 |
| 24. New King James Version | 1982 |
