Why They Differ, What They Mean, and Why You Can Still Trust God’s Word
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” — Isaiah 40:8 (ESV)
1. Why Bible Translations Exist
The Bible was not originally written in English.
- The Old Testament was written mostly in Hebrew (with small sections in Aramaic).
- The New Testament was written in Greek — specifically Koine Greek, the common language of the first century.
As the gospel spread, believers translated Scripture into other languages so people could understand it.
Every translation since then has had one goal: to make God’s Word understandable without changing its meaning.
2. How Translations Differ
There are three main translation philosophies used by scholars today.
A. Word-for-Word (Formal Equivalence)
Seeks to preserve the exact wording and structure of the original text as closely as possible.
- Strength: Very accurate for study and exegesis.
- Weakness: Can sound stiff or difficult to read in modern English.
Examples:
- King James Version (KJV)
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)
B. Thought-for-Thought (Dynamic Equivalence)
Translates ideas rather than exact words to make meaning clearer in modern language.
- Strength: Easier to understand for daily reading.
- Weakness: More interpretation by translators, slightly less literal.
Examples:
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
C. Paraphrase (Conceptual Rendering)
Rephrases Scripture in very modern, conversational wording.
- Strength: Makes ideas simple and relatable.
- Weakness: Not suitable for deep study; can drift from original nuance.
Examples:
- The Message (MSG)
- The Living Bible (TLB)
- The Passion Translation (TPT – note: controversial for accuracy)
3. Why Translations Don’t Always Match
People often say, “My Bible says it differently — so which one is right?”
Here’s why differences exist:
A. Language Changes Over Time
Words evolve.
- “Conversation” in 1611 (KJV) meant “way of life,” not talking.
- “Suffer” once meant “allow.”
Modern translations update language without changing doctrine.
B. Different Source Manuscripts
We have thousands of ancient manuscripts — and translators use the most reliable ones available.
- The KJV used Erasmus’ Textus Receptus (from the 1500s).
- Modern translations use older and more complete manuscripts like the Dead Sea Scrolls and Codex Sinaiticus.
This doesn’t mean the KJV is “wrong” — it means modern versions have access to more evidence.
C. Translation Goals
Some aim for literary beauty (KJV), others for clarity (NLT), and others for literal accuracy (NASB).
These goals shape wording choices — not theology.
D. Idioms and Cultural Expressions
Ancient Hebrew and Greek use expressions that don’t translate directly.
Example:
Hebrew phrase “his nose burned” (Exodus 4:14) literally means “he became angry.”
Translators must choose between literal word or intended meaning.
4. Claimed Inconsistencies and How to Understand Them
Claim 1: “Modern translations remove verses.”
Certain verses (like Matthew 17:21 or Mark 16:9–20) are absent or footnoted in modern Bibles because:
- These verses appear in later manuscripts, not the earliest ones.
- Translators include notes to be transparent — not to hide truth.
- No core doctrine is changed or lost.
In other words, nothing about salvation, Jesus’ divinity, or morality is altered.
Claim 2: “The King James is the only true Bible.”
The KJV is a beautiful, faithful translation — but it’s one of many that convey God’s truth.
God’s Word is inspired in the original languages, not in one translation.
If the KJV were the only valid version, most of the world (reading in other languages) would be excluded — which contradicts the gospel itself (Matthew 28:19).
Claim 3: “Different wording means contradiction.”
For example:
- ESV: “Lead us not into temptation.”
- NLT: “Don’t let us yield to temptation.”
The difference isn’t contradiction — it’s clarity. The Greek phrase eis peirasmon means both “into temptation” and “toward testing.”
Both express the same truth: asking God to keep us from sin’s trap.
Claim 4: “The Message or paraphrases change meaning.”
Paraphrases are written for devotional reading, not for doctrinal precision.
They interpret Scripture creatively but shouldn’t replace study translations.
They’re like commentary — helpful, but not authoritative.
5. How to Choose and Use Translations Wisely
A. For Deep Study:
Use a word-for-word translation like ESV, NASB, or KJV.
These stay close to the original text, ideal for sermons and teaching.
B. For Reading and Understanding:
Use a thought-for-thought translation like NLT, NIV, or CSB.
They help modern readers grasp the message quickly.
C. For Parallel Reading:
Compare versions side by side.
Example: Read ESV + NLT together for balance between accuracy and clarity.
D. For Teaching or Evangelism:
Use what your audience understands.
The goal is comprehension — not defending a version.
E. For Memorization:
Pick one translation and stay consistent; it helps internalize Scripture smoothly.
6. Can We Trust Modern Translations?
Absolutely.
Across all faithful translations:
- Jesus is Lord.
- Salvation is by grace through faith.
- The gospel message is unchanged.
- God’s character and promises remain constant.
The variations are linguistic — not theological.
Psalm 119:89 — “Forever, O Lord, Your word is firmly fixed in the heavens.”
God’s Word is preserved not in one form, but through His faithful message across every faithful translation.
7. How to Explain “Differences” to Others
When someone says, “My Bible doesn’t say that,” teach them to ask:
- What is the translation philosophy here?
- Does the difference change the meaning, or just the wording?
- How do both versions express the same truth in different language?
- Is this about clarity or about core doctrine?
Most disagreements disappear when Scripture is read in context and with humility.
8. The Unchanging Message
Despite centuries of translation and thousands of language updates, every faithful Bible still tells the same story:
- God created.
- Man sinned.
- Christ came.
- The cross redeemed.
- The Spirit empowers.
- Heaven awaits.
Different versions — same gospel.
Different languages — same truth.
Different words — one eternal Word.
Summary Table: Major English Translations
| Translation | Type | Reading Level | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| KJV | Word-for-word | 12th grade | Classic, majestic, older English |
| NKJV | Word-for-word | 8th grade | Modern update of KJV |
| ESV | Word-for-word | 10th grade | Balance of accuracy and readability |
| NASB 2020 | Word-for-word | 11th grade | Very literal, ideal for study |
| CSB | Thought-for-thought | 7th grade | Accurate but smoother language |
| NIV | Thought-for-thought | 7th grade | Global readability, mainstream use |
| NLT | Thought-for-thought | 6th grade | Clear and devotional |
| MSG | Paraphrase | 5th grade | Modern conversational rephrasing |
Final Reflection
The goal of Bible translation is not competition — it’s communication.
God’s Word is living and active (Hebrews 4:12), not locked to one era or vocabulary.
So whether you read KJV, ESV, NLT, or NIV —
the question isn’t, “Which Bible is best?”
The question is, “Am I reading and living it?”
Because no translation matters more than transformation.