Catalogue of English Bible Translations compiled by William J. Chamberlin
It must be noted that there were 75 translation of the New Testament that appeared in the last 100 years. The list in this article only covers a small number of available of English translations.
There are many many translations on the market. We have covered many that are on the market that are popular. This does not mean that you should not consider others. But that you should look for in the reviews are the philosophy of translation used, and the use of notes. You need to do your research.
The recommendations are as follows:
Which translation, then, should you read? My favorite is the TNIV is as good a translation as you will get.
The Today's New International Version (TNIV) is a thoroughly accurate. This Bible can be trusted in accuracy, clear and useful because of the extensive notes. The translation is a "thought-for-thought" translation and has constant regard for the contextual meanings of words.
The GNT (also known as Today's English Version or Good News Bible) is one of the first meaning-based aka functional equivalent translations.It was first published in 1976. It was later revised in 1992. This version presents the Bible in a level of English that is common to most of the English-speaking world. The GNT is still used widely in youth Bible study groups and in less formal worship services.
The NAB was published in 1970. The method used is meaning-based The New Testament was revised in 1986, shifting more toward a word-for-word or formal translation. This translation is used primarily by American Catholics.
The NASB, was first published in the 1960's. This is a “word-for-word” translation.This is a good version to use along side of others in Bible study. The original form of the original language is maintained This version was revised in 1995.
The NRSV is a 1989 revision of the Revised Standard Version (1952). The NRSV is now the latest authorized translation in the King James tradition. This version is readable. Besides being readable, it aims to keep the words and phrases from the KJV which are familiar and loved by most. This translation is in the gray area of being meaning-based and form-based translation.
This version is used in in seminaries and colleges.
In the 1960s, the Lockman Foundation updated original ASV.This decision was due to new findings of Old Testament texts. A further revision was developed in the past decade, now known as the New American Standard Update (NASU), changing only a few things in the translation.
The REB is a revision of the New English Bible (NEB). This translation has a British flavor. The REB removed much of the British influence and replaced it with an American flavor. The REB is a meaning-based translation. Much of the traditional language and style has been retained.
Total reliance upon the Holy Spirit during Bible study is completely necessary for any study of the Bible.
Before the Bible study:
Before Bible study follow the recommendation in this article.
There is one last recommendation to be made.
The most importation you can make is to realize that you have a purpose: To seek God. The seeker must prepare the mind to that end.
Pray for God’s self revelation during the study. The faith displayed by the reader must be child-like and trusting. Let His love, His grace, His mercy and His justice draw the reader toward eternity and into eternity. Open the heart wide to receive God so that He can fill it with Himself. Seek His guidenance in everything.
Remember you have come to study the word of God. Keep in mind there is a principle of Bible study that cannot be neglected or done away with, This principle is indispensable. You do not want to take it for granted. Do not be guilty of substituting that which is helpful for that which is indispensable.
If you desire to have God make Himself known to you in and through the study of the Bible, you must come to Him as a Child. Only God can reveal God. He delights to do it; He longs to show Himself to our hearts.
The next time we will cover how to learn the context of what is being read and apply the lesson to the letters of the New Testaments.
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