Why are There So Many Bible Translations/Which One is Best? (ft. Mark Ward)

[@bereanthinking]

"Great Bible Translations" 1.NKJV @ 7:03 2. ESV @ 9:10 3. NASB @ 11:41 4. CSB @ 15:37 5. NIV @ 19:04 6. NET @ 25:01 7. NLT @ 28:44 Honorable Mentions @ 31:50 NASB20, LSB, MSG, BSB Bible for new believers: CSB @ 34:00 Bible for kids: NIRV, NLT, ESV, NASB @ 34:39 Bible for pastors and students: ESV, NASB @ 36:11

[@mkovis8587]

Great translations, but King James Bible is the word of God. The numerical patterns in it are out of this world, and if you don't know what I'm talking about, check stuff from "Truth is Christ" for example the newest one "7 Terrifying Patterns ONLY Found in the King James Bible" and this one is a closer look at one of them which is absolutely mind blowing "URGENT! New Discovery in FIRST and LAST Verses of the King James Bible! [2023]"

[@triciamaddoxbehncke4191]

Two of my favorite Bible scholars! Wow. So glad to hear your support of NIrV and NLT for young readers or those with reading difficulties. I have an adult daughter with disability and love them both for her. But I ended up choosing NLT because I couldn't find an adult-looking NIrV Bible that didn't have children's pictures on the cover and pages. So yes, appearance and typography matters! 😀

[@ewxlt]

It’s CSB not CSV

[@bereanthinking]

@@ewxlt Noted and changed, Thanks!

[@sdlorah6450]

The KJV, the standard for English readers and speakers for 400 years even to this day, is noticeably absent.

[@rscottadams7082]

Mark Ward has been a real blessing in my life. Scholarly, a great communicator, winsome, balanced. Thanks for having him on your channel.

[@smpittsburgh264]

The title A More Sure Word: Which Bible Can You Trust by R. B. Ouellette is recommended. The book is understandable by non scholars and helps Bible believers to appreciate and evaluate the issues surrounding modern Bible versions.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

"winsome" - do you know what the word means?

[@randscottadams490]

@@HarryNicNicholas " generally pleasing and engaging ..." and that's exactly what I meant.

[@JonHuhnMedical]

Not to mention a snazzy dresser. Wow-wee!

[@duranbailiff5337]

@@HarryNicNicholas Hairy-Nick: We are waiting for other boot to drop... (from you)

[@maigallop]

I’m gonna say, the best translation is the one a person will actually read and study.

[@mendoza2489]

This comment should be pinned. 💪

[@TheSaintFrenzy]

I think everyone should have a MAIN bible translation they study from. A go to bible for daily use. Then a supplement Bible translation for variety or to help you grasp difficult text better. I've presently left the NIV after DECADES w/ it. I now use the ESV and use the NLT as a supplement. The ultimate goal would be to find one of these 7 translations mentioned, read and grow in the understanding of the Lord. I do think churches (pastors) should preach from a more word for word-based text. I'm glad my pastor preaches from the ESV.

[@cloudx4541]

The problem with that generalization is that someone would read the Passion, Message, or New World Translation

[@sambeezy007]

That part. I have the KJV but as I keep learning about how the Europeans corrupted several things such as the image of the people in the bible and the KJV alone, I've been reading the Ethiopian bible and other bibles connected to Hebrew text. 2 Timothy 2:15 "Study to show yourself approved". It's a thing.

[@wrjsn231]

I really appreciate this! Mark is not only knowledgeable, but communicates so well that even not-so-educated people can follow! I soooo appreciate the reassurances that all of the translations are acceptable. Sometimes you’re almost paralyzed by not knowing which translation is accurate or reliable, and being afraid of choosing the wrong one. You all put that fear to rest. Thank you!

[@rebeccamartin3744]

When I first got saved and really wanted to get into the Hebrew and Greek I was gifted a NASB Hebrew -Greek Keyword Study Bible. It was so helpful and still one of my favorite Bibles. 13 years later, I'm reading and studying out of my CSB Everyday Study Bible and loving it.

[@paultrosclair1775]

The problem is, you are using a critical text greek. The critical text is a fraud.

[@faytleingod1851]

​@@paultrosclair1775 every Bible has been a fraud for years now. The true Bible will say the lion lays down with lamb. The Lord's prayer is forgive me my trespass as I forgive those who trespass against me. Those Bibles dont exist anymore.

[@sylvieannpilon3281]

Twelve years ago, my husband, who grew up with the King James Version and has been using the ESV for years, offered me as my first Bible the NLT. Reason; I’m Francophone, highly inquisitive. The 2006 edition had a synopsis before every book, with the author, date written and content, giving me a good, simple, concise overview before I would start a specific book. Since then I started learning Hebrew, I’m almost finished the One Year NLT Chronological Study Bible, first time reading the Bible start to finish, and I’m marvelled by it all. In so, I do agree with Mark Ward that what ever Bible brings the character of GOD and the story to life is at the end the Bible that one might want to read. As a side bar, interestingly enough, if we talk about strict translation, in Psalm 150:3 in all the English versions I checked, it reads that it is the blast of a “trumpet”, as in the Hebrew Bible/Tanakh/Miqra we read the “shofar”, in the NLT it it the blast of the ram’s horn, which is a shofar. So all in all although not viewed by scholar as the most academic, in my book it has served the biggest purpose to bring me closer to GOD.

[@shirleygray8253]

If you are interested in background information and notes that help understand the text, try reading a Scofield Refernce Bible. Originally in 1907, revised 1917, and reissued in 1976 and the New Scofield Bible with a new genaration of translators/editors. It has been the standard reference Bible for the past 50 years and longer in some circles.

[@GemStateMom]

Thank you for having Mark Ward as a guest, he’s a voice of reason in the translation world. I hope that viewers will take his advice to check out the NET translation notes. They are an amazing resource, especially for understanding translation differences.

[@nguyenducdat6579]

NET is a must-have.

[@ScottSteubing]

Loved this interview. I use the CSB for my daily reading, and I have an ESB, NET and NIV (1984) right next to it. I usually find that checking other translations is more helpful for me than checking a study bible's notes or a commentary.

[@Asher0208]

Thanks, always for an interesting topic. I feel The NetBible is a forgotten translation. I love how it allows us to understand the reasoning behind and challenges of translating the Bible.

[@patriciapoeller7358]

46:26

[@NickTarterOKC]

This is good stuff gentlemen. I am largely on the same page. My personal favorite for preaching and study is the NASB 2020. I grew up with the NASB and think they did a faithful job of updating the translation. I also like the ESV, CSB, NKJV, and NET a lot and use them all fairly regularly. I bought my kids the CSB because of its readability. The CSB and NKJV are my personal favorite for devotional reading. We are very blessed to have so many good options today.

[@lukeswain1752]

Nice comment! I've been searching for another version to use other than the kjv. I'm leaning towards the nasb now. I understand the 3 versions of it. I'm wondering, which updated version would you say is best over all? I'm leaning towards the 95 middle one. Seems like the best overall. Also, because it's more "literal," how hard is it to understand the whole meaning of a passage or context of a verse? Thanks, God bless you! ❤

[@michealferrell1677]

Yes!! Please bring him back , his content is just pure gold I have learned so much from Dr Mark Ward .

[@pattube]

1. I love Mark Ward. First, if I recall correctly, his (now famous) video on Bible typography was my first exposure to him and it was music to my ears! I couldn't agree more with everything he said in that video. Beauty can and should help foster better Bible reading. Second, after watching his typography video, I purchased and read his book Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible. I think it's the best book on the KJV Only debate since James White's and Don Carson's books on the KJV over a generation or two ago. Third, along with others (e.g. Dave Brunn, Don Carson, Mark Strauss), I find Ward to be a wonderfully winsome voice of reason when it comes to Bible translation debates. He's scholarly without being snobby, he's unifying without being cloying or truth-compromising, he's clear and well spoken without being showy or flashy, he's cool and level headed without losing compassion and affection in his desire to see more come to Jesus and the Bible. A true scholar and gentleman. And faithful brother in Christ. 2. I'm from the same or nearly the same tribe as Mark Ward is: biblically and theologically conservative, evangelical, Reformed, a big fan of Vern Poythress and John Frame (I didn't know Ward was behind the Poythress-Frame website until recently!), and so forth. And I have always loved the KJV. So it probably comes as no surprise to say that my Bible crush, if I had to pick only one, would likewise be the ESV aka the Elect Standard Version. ;) I see the ESV as the best modern heir of the Tyndale-KJV tradition of Bible translations. 3. However, I honestly love multiple Bible translations including almost all the ones Mark Ward listed. I think I'd like the NKJV "the least" mainly because of textual critical concerns (e.g. I lean CT, not MT/TR). But like Mark Ward, this is a very trivial point for me. I'd be grateful even if the NKJV was the only available English translation today. 4. Lately I've been quite impressed with the CSB. It's an outstanding translation. In particular I love how it doesn't fear breaking with tradition where warranted (e.g. John 3:16, "instruction" for "law" in many cases), though I wish the CSB hadn't reverted back to LORD for the Tetragrammaton but stuck to the HCSB's translation or transliteration. I agree with most of Mark Strauss' review of the CSB in Themelios. 5. That said, I tend to group the CSB in the same camp as the NIV 2011. I know people often say the NIV 2011 is more functional than formal, whereas the CSB strikes the "optimal" balance between formal and functional, but I think this is much of a muchness. I see the NIV 2011 and the CSB as both striking the "optimal" balance between formal and functional. Or, alternatively, I suppose one could conclude both the CSB and the NIV 2011 are more functional than formal. Again, I don't see a huge difference in translation philosophy between the two. However, if there must be a difference between the CSB and the NIV 2011, then I suppose I'd say the CSB is a less gender-controversial NIV 2011 or something along those lines. That is, both the CSB and NIV 2011 are accurate, clear, and natural, very readable. I think the NIV 2011 tends to use the third person plural as a singular pronoun (they, them) more than the CSB which tends to use the more traditional third person masculine singular pronoun (he, him), and I tend to favor the CSB in this regard, but overall I don't see it as a deal breaker or anything. Plus, I don't think the NIV 2011's CBT was at all motivated by a political agenda (e.g. woke feminism). Rather several CBT members (Doug Moo, Bill Mounce, Karen Jobes) have in fact stated the contrary. They've stated it was strictly linguistic concerns primarily centering around our changing English usage, spoken and written. That said, I would in fact favor the CSB when it comes to the debatable translations like Phoebe as a "deacon" (Rom 16:1) and "assume" authority (1 Tim 2:12). But I also don't think the NIV 2011's translation choices are as atrocious as many in my tribe seem to think it is. I disagree with the NIV 2011, but I don't think the NIV 2011 is utterly indefensible let alone trying to twist and change God's words or the like. 6. I haven't read the NASB in its entirety, but I have read significant portions and representative verses and passages in it. I like the NASB in all its recent incarnations: NASB 1995, NASB 2020, and LSB which is apparently John MacArthur's "perfected" NASB. I don't really see significant differences in these incarnations of the NASB. I think it's good we have moved away from the thees and thous of the NASB 1995 though. Overall I like the NASB, it's a kind of crib on the biblical Hebrew and Greek, but if I had to pick a translation that's closer to being a crib on the biblical languages, then I think I'd opt for the Lexham English Bible (LEB). Oh, and I don't know if Mark Ward still shares these concerns today, but I appreciate his article "A Rising Tide Sinks All Boats: The Legacy Standard Bible and Stewarding the Church’s Trust" posted on Evangelical Textual Criticism. 7. I admit I don't really care much for the NET Bible as a translation. But I absolutely love its full notes. The notes are an amazing window into all the issues mentioned thus far - textual criticism, translation choices, etc. And it's all freely available online! Other online Bibles I've recently been impressed with are the Step Bible (the brainchild of David Instone-Brewer at Tyndale House in Cambridge) and the very unique TIPs Bible (Translation Insights and Perspectives). 8. I've also been pleasantly surprised by the accuracy of the NLT. Of course, I knew the NLT was clear and natural, extremely easy to read for most average readers, but I was surprised to find it accurate too. I haven't read all of it, however, so I'll have to keep reading it as I have time. 9. I don't know much about the Message at all. I've never read it. 10. Not that I know much, and certainly far less than Mark Ward and other scholars like him, but I find the more I learn the biblical languages, the less dogmatic I am about Bible translations in English or any other language. 11. I hope I'm not nitpicking. Apologies in advance if so! At 10:30 I believe that's the Heirloom Heritage, not the Heirloom Legacy as Mark Ward says in the video (e.g. the headings are in the main text, not off to the side in the margins as the headings are in the Legacy). Regardless, both the Legacy and the Heritage are my absolute favorite layouts for the ESV, though I prefer the Heritage slightly more. That's because the Heritage has a smaller footprint, more space between the lines, and fewer words per line, each of which combined makes for an aesthetically pleasing reading experience for me. The Heritage also seems more portable to me since it's a mid-sized Bible, whereas the Legacy is a large-sized Bible. By the way, there are TruTone versions of both the Legacy (I own a TruTone Legacy) and the Heirloom (forthcoming early next year) that are far more affordable than the beautiful Heirloom editions of the Heritage and the Legacy.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

it's so great that there is a new bible, the old one was crap wasn't it, is ezekiel 23 still in this one?

[@pattube]

@@HarryNicNicholas Oh I didn't know Ezekiel 23 was missing! Is this in an older version of the Heirloom Legacy or the Heirloom Heritage or something else?

[@fnjesusfreak]

The CSB is also more willing to break away from the KJV tradition than the NIV is (e.g., John 3.16, where language drift regarding the word "so" has resulted in misunderstanding, and the CSB gets it right).

[@pattube]

@@fnjesusfreak Absolutely! The CSB is a very good translation. Especially on verses like John 3:16 as you point out. That said, I was surprised to learn the NLT (which I'm reading now) also gets John 3:16 right. At least as far as I know (which isn't much so I could easily be mistaken), the CSB and the NLT are the only major modern English translations that get John 3:16 right.

[@fnjesusfreak]

@@pattube A lot of them get it very wrong because "so" does not mean the same thing as in 1611 (think of the phrase "thus and so"). The verse isn't saying "God loved the world so much that he sent..." - but more "God loved the world by sending..." or maybe even "God's love for the world was THAT he sent..." - something very different. The equivalent in the Spanish Reina-Valera and the NBLA, "De tal manera amó Dios al mundo..." is unambiguously correct.

[@jessiedaniel3878]

I really appreciate this guest and how clear and specific his explanations are. His knowledge is extremely helpful, thanks for sharing!

[@dellabesong9447]

Thank you very much Sean, great time. would be good to have Mark back.

[@sethtbaguley]

Love Mark - what a legend! Admire him mostly for dealing with an area of debate where the Duning-Kruger effect parades itself in the comments section daily - what a man to have such patience in dealing with it all. Thanks for having him on the channel and for being a wonderful host.

[@maximusatlas9377]

I can already hear the KJV only crowd preparing to type the amount of reasons why they don't trust other bibles. Meanwhile I just collect them all. Except the New world translation...we don't talk about that one.

[@michaelbrickley2443]

NLT, ESV, NIV, NASB, NKJV

[@russellmiles2861]

it is funny as KJV fans don't know how many books there are in the KJV ... it is. 73! They certainly don't know why publishers print a shortened version of 66 books.

[@biblicalworldview1]

Or the Passion Translation, which is a fake translation. Avoid it at all costs.

[@19king14]

One important reason that the New World Translation maybe should be talked about is that it introduces millions of people every month to their first hands-on experience with the bible. It already has been printed in over 240 million copies and in over 210 languages and was the first complete bible in sign language. It is a very common and mainstream bible.

[@KM-zn3lx]

Also The Passion Bible is bad and there are others.

[@ClauGutierrezY]

I came to find the "the best Bible translation is the one that is read" comment

[@thomasmyers3808]

Unless you’re reading a bad one

[@TheHcjfctc]

I’m so grateful for this. I started with the NIV as a new Christian, but have bounced around to many translations over the years. I’m currently reading through the Bible specifically looking for everything it has to say regarding men, women, family, etc and I went with the NIV in this quest because it did seem to use gender neutral language for passages that were gender neutral and gendered language when it needed to be gendered. I’m glad that I was accurate in that assessment. The number of translations can be overwhelming, but I am so grateful for them to get more clarity in what the writers were trying to convey.

[@coffee735]

NIV is not a good interpretation

[@TheHcjfctc]

@@coffee735 what is your support for this claim?

[@MariaVogel-rf4mf]

In spanish, Italian, bibles have gender distinction. This is so helpful when it comes to study bible truth.

[@brucemcqueen5395]

Mark Ward is absolutely right. Use the bible version that you need to understand it. The Bible is useless if you don't understand what you read.

[@collinthomas9808]

Well said.

[@debbiefocht1907]

I have used NIV since the 1980's its my favorite. Thanks for the information on translations.

[@a.syching678]

same, If people want to use KJV let them use it, but they shouldn't demonize other translations.

[@peterhipwell4632]

I love KJV but of late I have transitioned to NIV and more recently NLT I wanted a lay flat bible while was speaking in church couldn’t find a lay flat in KJV or NIV IN the Christian bookshop so ended up with a NLT and I love it. THANK YOU FOR an informative discussion

[@seascape1059]

This was such a good conversation on such a helpful topic. Thankyou! 😊

[@SeanMcDowell]

You bet!

[@ronomgenuff]

Went and subscribed just 10 minutes in to Mark's channel. Anytime that talks about the Bible like that i want to hear what they have to say!

[@timsheets209]

Great show! At our church we’ve really taken a liking to the NLT. The NLT filament Bible that allows you to pull up commentary notes on every page has been really helpful. It’s a great idea using an app. Also, all the NLT bibles coming out have nicely sewn bindings. Win win!

[@davidhiramreyes6490]

To me the NKJV is more accurate & readable than the NASB

[@rebeccanoegrosso]

Thanks you both for this video. I appreciate the details, conversation and information. God bless

[@trinitycreek01]

Thank you for sound advice on biblical versions. My mother has adopted the ONLY KJV mantra. Although, I don't fight her about it, it is so wonderful to be able to share these resources in case it comes up naturally. Bless Mark and his ministry. And as alasys thank you, Sean. I am praying for your health and blesings!!❤

[@quickplaya]

Videos like this just help grow my appreciation for the original KJV based on the TR! God Bless!

[@gregorytoews8316]

It's always interesting to see evangelicals prioritize word for word translation over thought for thought. It's as if they don't understand the purpose and function of words. Words are tools that serve ideas and concepts. The concept/idea is the master, the words are the servants/tools. Anyone who grew up bilingual knows instinctively that accurate translation of words rarely gives us accurate translation of meaning. The cart before the horse idiom comes to mind.

[@mombythesea2426]

I agree. I have been studying Islam and they have a belief that if you haven't read the quran in Arabic, you haven't read the quran. Every other "translation" is just a translated meaning. You can't recite it in English or pray in English (or any other language except arabic). That made me think about the gift of tongues in the NT when the apostles started speaking in other languages. I think that is so important as a distinction for Christianity. The Word is not limited by language. We can see truth in creation. God speaks in so many ways that fighting over "goes" vs "walked" is just silly.

[@MAMoreno]

The value of a so-called word-for-word translation is that it serves as a baseline for understanding why thought-for-thought translations may disagree. For instance, consider 1 John 5.6. If I read it in the NLT, it says, "And Jesus Christ was revealed as God’s Son by his baptism in water and by shedding his blood on the cross-not by water only, but by water and blood. And the Spirit, who is truth, confirms it with his testimony." But the CEV says, "Water and blood came out from the side of Jesus Christ. It wasn't just water, but water and blood. The Spirit tells about this, because the Spirit is truthful." If you're unaware that the Greek text itself doesn't specify which "water" and which "blood" John means, then you're likely to be confused as to why these two versions are so drastically different here. But then you look into the more formal NRSV, and what you see is this: "This is the one who came by water and blood, Jesus Christ, not with the water only but with the water and the blood. And the Spirit is the one that testifies, for the Spirit is the truth" (cf. NASB). And now it's obvious that the NLT and CEV are giving educated guesses, not definitive interpretations of the text.

[@19king14]

@@MAMoreno I agree. There is good in functional translations, but many of them can and do go too far. It's best to have both functional and formal.

[@chesapeakeglenn]

At rock bottom in my life, reading Ecclesiastes in the NLT literally saved my life. That and the Spirit opening my eyes to see. Even now with several translations, reading that book in that version still brings back that initial gratitude towards my Creator being so merciful and forgiving, knowing I did NOT deserve it at all. Thank you guys for a clear and understandable breakdown of the nuances between the different versions. Just another blessing He keeps providing. (Just like the first Libronix study software I bought that has grown into Logos!)

[@nickshively1192]

I read the KJV, because the Lord has blessed me with dyslexia and it’s the only version that flows better when I read it. 😊

[@KolinHoopes]

I love this! Many people say the KJV is “dated and hard to understand” but it is actually so beautiful and very readable for an educated reader!

[@PastorJerett]

For preaching I am using the Legacy Standard Bible. For youth group we are using New Living Translation. Elder of the church uses the translation they are most comfortable with: LSB, NIV 84, NKJV, and ESV.

[@TheDrawingDaughter]

This was great. I love my NIV Bible because it has huge margins for notes & journaling plus it’s spiral bound so it lays flat. My daughter has a NLT that I love for her because it has break off devotional type pages & pages of applications of principles that young girls might face. I instantly went and downloaded a CSB and NET translation on my Bible app. The NET is seriously jam packed with notes. So helpful!

[@HarryNicNicholas]

have you read ezekiel 23:14 yet?

[@matthewfunk6658]

Man, I love listening to Mark Ward!

[@MicheMoffatt]

I used to be a bit of a NKJ but I am in love with the ESV and NASB now and love them! I am excited to hear what else you guys say x x x

[@michaelbrickley2443]

NLT for variation and NIV for simplicity

[@HarryNicNicholas]

it's so great that there is a new bible, the old one was crap wasn't it, is ezekiel 23 still in this one?

[@EverymanEvangelism]

I have the apologetics study bible for students and LOVE it! Such an excellent tool for the tool box.

[@twiceborn_by_grace]

I love 2K Denmark. I really struggle with reading, but 2K Demark typesetting is perfect.

[@SpanishwithNeena]

Mark Ward is an impressive Bible scholar....I too was raised in a "King James Only" tradition, but went to a college where I was exposed to other translations. This talk was informative and helpful.

[@AurorXZ]

For those curious, the academic standard is the NRSV (newly the NRSVue)-scholars heartily recommend this packaged within the _New Oxford Annotated Bible_ (5th edition). As in the video, another excellent scholarly resource is the NET Bible for the superb notes.

[@ballasog]

I like the Revised NJB, study Bible Edition as well as the New Oxford Annotated. I just got my hands on Robert Alter's translation of the Hebrew Bible. I like the KJV for the beautiful English. The translators improved on the original in many places, making it more lyrical - in many cases they made improvements so the translation reflected what God would have written if he were a better writer.

[@AurorXZ]

​@@ballasog I'll need to check it out! I know Tolkien was the primary translator of the original JB's French-sourced Jonah, so it's a cool piece of history. And Robert Alter's Hebrew Bible is fantastic. His book "The Art of Bible Translation" is a lovely little love letter to the KJV, and as he describes it his own translation is an attempt to do what the KJV alone tried to do-highlight the literary sophistication and artistry of the received texts.

[@MAMoreno]

If someone is wary about the skeptical tone of some notes in the NOAB but still wants something with a more academic slant, they should consider the NRSV edition of the Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. (Hopefully, they will release it in the updated edition soon.) Another good option is the Baylor Annotated Study Bible, which includes the Apocrypha in the back (though without any corresponding notes, sadly). The NRSVue doesn't have any study Bibles yet, but the SBL Study Bible should be out later this month. If it's anything like its immediate predecessor (the HarperCollins Study Bible), it may make the NOAB look like the ESV Study Bible by comparison, but it should still be useful in spite of its secular bent.

[@thedungeon1288]

Isaiah 7:14 is all wrong. It does not say a virgin gave birth like all the other translations. I have also heard it that it tries to soften Gods rebuke to homosexuality. The passage I am referring to is 1 Corinthians 6:9. Instead of saying homosexuals that it disapproves of it says male prostitutes. I am sure most of the Bible is fine but those parts are not correct.

[@TheFaithofJesus-bk4wl]

It goes much deeper than that as to why we have so many translations, after the KJV. Anyone who deeply studies Origen, Westcott, and Hort will find exactly why these translations exist. Here's a perfect example of how men have altered or changed the different Bibles from the original Textus Receptus since the KJV. Verses that have been altered or are missing, and these are just 9 different Bibles. 1.) NAS 909 verses 2.) RV 788 verses 3.) NWT 767 verses 4.) NIV 695 verses 5.) GNB 614 verses 6.) AVB 484 verses 7.) OJW 120 verses 8.) NKJV 1200 verses 9.) Douay 421 verses From these versions, words or verses are completely missing; these are just 9 of the newest translations since the KJV.

[@markyearty6717]

The Berean Standard Bible has become my favorite for the last year and a half. It's moved past the NIV, the NASB, and the NKJV in my life.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

great to hear that there are better bibles, the first one was crap.

[@joewilson3358]

Love mine

[@g2D1]

When comments that do not agree with you are removed. That pretty much says it all! Matthew 7:15-16 (NIV): "Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. By their fruit you will recognize them."

[@SeanMcDowell]

I haven’t removed any comments here.

[@LetsTalkChristMinistries]

I prefer more word for word translations. I use the ESV. For those who are new to the faith, I always encourage them to read the NLT, very easy, solid translation. I will often refer to it, too, when I want an easier rendering of the text. The only translations I don’t recommend to people are the Passion translation and the Message. Great discussion.

[@xraargu6212]

@mlward038, I've got a 1984 NIV that I have worn thin because of the perceived issues with the newer NIV translations (NIV only because that is what I grew up on as a baby Christian of the 80s). It's good to hear the NIV is not as bad as I thought. Glad to see you hold up that NKJV at the beginning as I've always liked the NKJV version. I don't know why. I got a small/portable one as a gift from my sister decades ago and just always enjoyed reading it.

[@WayneDomingo-Sambrano-xe4ff]

Amen... me too

[@aaronpayne4637]

In my personal study, I make use of a New Living Translation (NLT), and in my seminary schooling, I make use of an English Standard Version (ESV). I enjoyed this film because it simplified the process of explaining why the various translations are not literal and can be trusted. I use a NLT in my personal studies and an ESV in my seminary training. I appreciated this video because it simplifies the explanation of why the different translations can be trusted and are not heretical.

[@tStoneofHelp]

Very interesting and informative. I would also assume they would be even more varied across other language translations.

[@benkennington8941]

Brothers, and comment readers: in many places I find the NKJV to be more literal than the NASB. One example is Romans 6:6 where "old man" is turned into "old self" in the NASB. In many places (like this verse) the NASB has a footnote that gives the literal, and the NKJV simply has the more literal in the text. A wonderful advantage of the NKJV is that it is the ONLY bible (I believe) which shows in footnotes the differences between the two families of manuscripts. See all the "NU" etc. footnotes. And it does read at least as well as if not better than the New American Standard.

[@MAMoreno]

It's the old ἄνθρωπος, or old person. It's a term for a member of the species, regardless of sex. So the NKJV is misleading here: Paul isn't assuming that only males can be united with Christ in his death and resurrection. The NASB isn't being less literal by recognizing that a Greek word cannot always be translated with the same English word. (But if you insist on translating it this way, you'll be happy to find that the LSB has modified the NASB to say "man" here.)

[@thejourney1369]

Sean, thanks for having Mark on your channel. I’m subscribed to his channel and appreciate the work he does. I love different Bible translations and have certain ones that I go to for clarification, ESV, NKJV, NIV, and even though I’m college educated, the NLT has been my daily driver for a number of years. But I think come the first of the year, I’m going to give the CSB a try. I hope you are feeling better.

[@HarryNicNicholas]

it's so great that there is a new bible, the old one was crap wasn't it, is ezekiel 23 still in this one?

[@ephesians_2_8]

I use the NRSVue which Ward dislikes for inaccurately translating two random Greek words all of the most popular Evangelical translations also inaccurately translate and the KJV which he also dislikes because his vocabulary is too limited to recognize that "halt" and "halting" still mean "limp" and "limping" to many English speakers. I use the ESV at church, because it is what my pastor uses, but I find some of its choices to not just be inaccurate, but indefensible.

[@suecaldwell2587]

Love the reference and honor given to Josh McDowell!!! Thank you for sharing that personal info, Mark Ward!

[@brutus1562]

I had to scroll through comments… still have chills, I looked at the name, then the backstory, Josh’s son… memories… God is Good❤️✝️❤️

[@wittwittwer1043]

A single word in the bible can make an enormous difference. The NKJV has made a correction to the decalogue that dramatically changed the meaning of one of the commandments: Instead or being translated as "thou shalt not kill," in the KJV, it reads, "thou shalt not murder."

[@cyberlizardcouk]

One thing I often wonder is why more of us don’t use translations of the Septuagint for our Old Testament as it better fits with that of the early church.

[@jameswatters8281]

I appreciate the depth & great performance in this vid

[@ronmahurin1623]

Why don’t you just quit arguing and use a Hebrew bible? Get the words from the real source .

[@rpminc1974]

The best translation of the Bible is the one that you read all the time and do what it says

[@johannagarcelon9240]

NASB all the way. Most accurate word for word translation. It’s not a complicated translation at all.

[@lukeswain1752]

I'm really leaning towards that version to read. I was raised and still use the kjv. What updated version of the nasb is best? And what particular printing do you use? I know the clarion is reccomended by the person in this video. Thanks!

[@Luuv_Jesh]

@@lukeswain1752NASB 2020 is the latest so it may be for you.

[@terfybrown9349]

What is truly needed is translations in other languages. There are so many who need the word.

[@fnjesusfreak]

Yes. There is a dearth of translations, let alone good translations, in languages other than English.

[@marylamb6063]

I taught Attic and Koine Greek to classics students in Europe for 25 years. I would stick with the KJV only because some (like the Amplified) will get people into trouble. Just one example: Christ said to the thief, "I tell you, this day you shall be with me in paradise." The comma is misplaced and this translation supports Augustine's Neo-Platonic view of the afterlife. Christ was a Jew, and he really said, "I tell you this day, you shall be with me in paradise," with "I tell you this day" being a Jewish solemn promise (also quoted in Deuteronomy). We don't talk like that, because we're not first-century Jews. We're looking at the Bible through Greco-Roman eyes, and translators are not looking at the text through Jewish eyes either.

[@MAMoreno]

The KJV says, "Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise." So it is coming from the same "Neo-Platonic" view as the version you quoted. In fact, all of the major versions read this way.

[@marylamb6063]

@@MAMoreno I know it adds the Platonic view of the afterlife, but newer translations sneak works into the gospel of faith in Christ. An example is James, where newer translations are trying to create a heretical doctrine of "genuine saving faith" evidenced by works, even though James refers to faith in the Jewish Shema and not the blood atonement of Christ. (James writes to Messianic Jews, not the Body of Christ.) Faith is pisteou, and from Aristotle to Xenophon it just means mental assent, an agreement that an argument presented is true (Aristotle being the most succint).

[@DrDoerk]

Kjv isn't the translated from the most accurate and oldest manuscripts though. Newer translations, niv, esv, nasb etc. Use older and more accurate transcripts than the kjv. The kjv isn't bad, but there are errors, and these others are not only easier to read, but more accurate as well.

[@jeffofthehillpeople7728]

Terrific conversation. I really appreciate the topic and hope that you guys will do more of this. Thank you and may God bless you both.

[@peixinsun7839]

I'm a chinese. I seldom go to church.But I want to read bible.Which version would you recommend ？ thank you.

[@LinerInsights]

NKJV 😊

[@2Snakes]

CSB

[@quickplaya]

NKJV

[@wendykuster8412]

Also, your Dad and/or you came to Real Life Ministries In Post Falls, ID and spoke many years ago now, which was wonderful. Opened my eyes and heart to apologetics!!

[@SeanMcDowell]

Yes we did. I love RLM!

[@otsodos8247]

What about those NIV Bible verses deleted by a publisher that bought Zondervan that became controversial?

[@MAMoreno]

The only reason that verses were "deleted" from the NIV is because the man who created the verse numbers in the first place (Robert Estienne) was working with the Greek text assembled by Erasmus in the 1500s, which tended to have longer readings than those found in the earliest extant Greek copies of the New Testament. These verse numbers will have been around for 500 years as of 2050, but the Church went without these verse numbers for nearly 1500 years.

[@thomasmyers3808]

I love my NKJV, but also enjoy other translations. CSB is also a very readable translation that I enjoy.

[@annonimouse170]

Sorry, I'm going to be a pedant. Could I ask Mark if he has a preference between the NASB 1995 and NASB 2020? Great conversation and video, thanks both.

[@markwardonwords]

A fine question, but I don’t yet have an answer. I just haven’t been able to read all the way through the 2020.

[@annonimouse170]

@@markwardonwords no worries Mark, thanks for your answer, the video and all you bring to the church. Many blessings from 'the other side of the pond'.

[@-GodIsMyJudge-]

My favorite is the NASB 77 haha 😅

[@vipnetworker]

I have multiple Bible apps on my phone and I LOVE the ability to read the Bible and easily switch between virtually any translation and see how those words are translated between each version. Usually it is very similar, but in many cases it is helpful to see an NLT translation when I am otherwise reading the KJV or NKJV. I also like to cross reference with ESV and NET. Those are my 4 go to translations. I have a beautiful audio bible in NKJV so I am going through that cover to cover now, both listen and reading simultaneously. Then I use NLT the most to cross reference for simplicity. I have since been convinced ESV and NET are probably “the best” translations to use now, but my NKJV audio bible is sooooooo good with narrators and background sound, it pulls me in so well. I really enjoy it.

[@kevinvassago]

Ive studied 16-20th century linguistics since i was like 14 or 15 yrs old, i work in medicine and am somewhat fluent in Latin, and I have an extensive english vocabulary. But the first bible i chose to read was the NIrV, because i wanted to really understand all of it, and a simplistic reading level with the accuracy of the NIV was important for me to really grasp every concept the bible has to offer. I love the eloquent wording of the NKJ, but for new Christians, it's the best approach to read the most simplistic bible first. You will instantly understand every passage without question. Then, once every message in the bible is completely grasped, move on to others. It made a really big difference in my understanding of God's message and my appreciation of Christianity

[@GalenCurrah]

Only Indo-European languages can be translated "formally". Languages in other linguistic families structure their morphology, grammar and syntax so differently, that formality is not possible. In these languages, translators must pay attention to original information, both expressed and implied, and then express that information in a way that avoid losing information or importing extraneous information.

[@PhillTheGreat]

My thoughts are amateur. I by no means am a Ph.D. I have several Bible's, but to me, the word of GOD is not something we will ever fully comprehend. With todays technology, i have found myself reading the KJV and cross-referencing and double-checking my understanding with online and computer software. I believe this is the best version of the Bible. My next step is to read the Bible in Spanish while reading the KJV and using software to examine my understanding again.

[@gracewest5504]

I have passed this video on. Thanks for your wonderful explanation of the Bibles.

[@SeanMcDowell]

Thanks for sharing!

[@hamarijz-borokgoro]

Thank you Sean. May God bless you.

[@PrentissYeates]

Great interview Sean! For Mark, I have been a formal equivalent guy, born with KJV heritage. But, this year my wife and I are listening to the bible for the year with our church. We are really enjoying listening to the NIV/UK, narration by David Suchet. God’s words are breathed out and we have been blessed by His Word.

[@markwardonwords]

Awesome!

[@davidlarsen6175]

I grew up on the NIV and have always loved it. I’ve started reading other versions, and had a person I respect preach KJV only. I was shocked at the lack of knowledge about the nature of translating and language in general. I really appreciate your thoughts guys. Really balanced!!!

[@KM-zn3lx]

So my story as a reborn Christian as a KjVO person was shock and ultimately I parted ways with her. She and I discussed this issue , but she also had beliefs that bled into her idolatry of the KJVO. 1) her Pastor could do no wrong2) she kept inviting me to attend her church even though she knew I attended elsewhere 3) she had an innate distrust of anyone outside her church...even identifying ppl as saved or not saved in her family 4) she criticized her son's church because they left out Begotten in John 3:16 and used eternal life instead of everlasting because it was an ESV Bible translation. Finally she voiced her concern for me and my husband because we took a one week vacation and when we came back I was sick so I didn't attend church physically which I told her. then I told her we'd visit my sons family 8 hours away the following weekend. So she decided we weren't honoring the Sabbath. She apologized later but not for that but that it caused anger on my part. I forgave her but why hang out when she causes me to feel constantly scrutinized? She wouldn't even comment when I sent her scriptures from my NKJV Bible or told her of world events she called conspiracy theories.

[@KM-zn3lx]

First sentence should read after reborn Christian was I befriended a lady who was a KJVO person...to whomever might read my diatribe😊💕

[@kellydunn7113]

@@KM-zn3lx I thought your post was interesting. I will not engage in any conversations with KJVO people ever. They have all the earmarks of a cult. They're judgmental and mean. I avoid them at all costs.

[@angelaanderson5360]

Sean I am praying for you right now because your face tells me that you may be ill.❤

[@michaelbrickley2443]

He had an update a few days back. He had lost a lot of weight and ended up having surgery and he is on the mend. Shalom

[@jreeder6168]

I love the 1599 Geneva Bible. The notes by the great theologians are helpful.

[@Doc.JEGBravo]

Thank you so much for such a wonderful talk. This has been very helpful in directing readers to get into the Word and takes away prejudices for particular versions. May God bless you and your ministry all the more.

[@johnallen470]

Acts 28:29....if it's missing it's a translation in error. Period.

[@cindyssss4099]

Thank you so much! Really appreciate this. I heard your Dad back in the 70s and loved his books.

[@captiosus9753]

I’ve been going down the translation rabbit hole for almost a year now and, while all of them speak to me (being the word of God), it was the NASB and the NLT that really CALLED to me and helped me find Christ. I find people’s hatred of the NLT hilarious and it exposes they probably haven’t touched it in years, perhaps decades. I compared the most recent NLT revision (2015, iirc) to the 2011 NIV and there are places where the NLT is *more* literal than the NIV. I love my NASB for deeply literal study and my NLT for daily casual reading and devotionals. My honorable mentions would be the NKJV and CSB. Also, as an aside, I LOVE watching KJV-onlyists go completely apoplectic when other translations are mentioned. They completely ignore the myriad of issues and errors that have been found in the KJV and cling to it like it was handed down to them as if they were Moses. Their obsession with the translation and the way they denigrate anyone who doesn’t use it borders on idolatry and false worship.

[@tonicarter5275]

Thanks for the great insights on translations. Your information helped clarify many questions and provided how to's.

[@midimusicforever]

KJV-onlyism considered harmful

[@carolynlineberger1929]

I am in my later years of my life. I became a Christian at an early age and attended Bible believing churches all my life, thus far. I am a user of the NKJV, and will research terms or phrases that I do not completely understand. Recently I have noticed something that is disturbing to me. God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit are central to my life and Bible study. The Holy Trinity are sacred to me and I respect this in my life. I am disturbed about the disrespect to The Holy Trinity that is clearly shown in other versions of the Bible. When referring to God, Jesus Christ, and the Holy Spirit, the pronouns are not capitalized. It may require extra time to capitalize the pronouns, but it shows a deep respect for The Trinity.

[@jo-annguthur7314]

NO! Stay away from that version! It’s corrupt.

[@Crafty.Veteran.Survival]

What version, and how?

[@MicheMoffatt]

What is?

[@esth8175]

Lol, probably a troll

[@Isosceles1]

Why is the NASB always described as “wooden”? What does that mean?

[@davidspringer4019]

Thank you for your clarification of Bibles. I noticed you didn't mention the Amplified version. This is the one I use with Strong's Concordance. God bless you.

[@Jesus_is_otw]

Such a great video thank you for this! Praise God for you both

[@SeanMcDowell]

You bet!

[@ZackRekeSkjell]

Thank you for making these videos together! I didn’t even know until quite recently that there was any other English translation than KJV. My Bible has always just been the Norwegian translation (both 2005 and 2011 I believe), and the most common dispute is what version of Our Father is the correct one, so I hadn’t really heard the big dispute between different versions. So when I made the choice to read the Bible from beginning to end earlier this year I just picked up the first one I found which was a KJV. Then I realised NIV existed when I looked up some scripture online. Had I seen this video before starting I would probably have chosen a different version.

[@txkmike1]

Have followed Mark for around 3 or 4 years now. He is exceptionally gifted by God in his area of knowledge of the translations and languages and has helped me see the sad division over KJV Onlyism of which I had been a part of myself. Got over it years ago before I ran across Mark, but he has given my position a lot of cement that is helping me to see the importance and differences of translations. The series of "False Friends" has particularly been of the utmost value to me in my understanding of the Scriptures as it shows clearly how our English language has changed over the centuries now and why it is so critical to be able to understand God's word in our current language. Keep it up Dr. Ward, you have a lot of support out here!

[@markwardonwords]

Wow-these are such kind and meaningful words! Thank you!

[@shirleygray8253]

I all fairness, the so-called divisiveness over the KJV did not originate with that version. There was no controversy until other versions came along that presented themselves as 'the true Bible' and 'more faithful to the originals', which no one has nor has ever seen. There has been a concerted effort to foist on the Church the notion that the originals were lost and we need textual criticism to 'recover' or 'restore' the originals. There has been a bias away from the Traditional Text because of a desire for 'readability' over literalness. I have found no real problem in the Traditional Text and its life-changing effects it has had on people for over 400 years.

[@Jessehermansonphotography]

I used NASB, NIV and have the message for my young kids. I explained the them that the message is a translation that helps them understand the story, but their NASB and NIV will be there when they are older are more able to understand the more accurate translations.

[@LoneStarLawman]

NASB 2020. best word for word translation, which I believe, is best.

[@cloudx4541]

Mark Ward helped free me from KJV onlyism. LSB, KJV/NKJV are my favorite.

[@saintsheepy6682]

I consider the ESV and NKJV the best two from what I've read, but both have their pros and cons. The NKJV capitalizes words like He, You, His, Him, and Your when talking about both God and Jesus, emphasizing the deity of God and Jesus, while the ESV doesn't. But on the other hand, the NKJV keeps the KJV's translation error from Acts 22:9 (it actually said in the original Koine Greek that they did not understand the voice, not that they didn't hear it), whilst the ESV corrects it. Said error was also in the RSV and Recovery Version as well. My church uses the RSV, but at the Bible study I attend, I use an NIV I've had for 20 years, which, to me, ties with the NLT for best of the paraphrasing Bibles.

[@BrendaBoykin-qz5dj]

Thank you, Brothers✨✨✨🌹🌹🌹⭐⭐⭐

[@soulosxpiotov7280]

Dr. Ward was one of my Sunday school teachers back in our Mount Calvary days, I miss his fellowship. Perhaps one day he'll drive through Ohio and stop by to visit Pastor V. Glad you know him, Sean.

[@markwardonwords]

I do believe I will!

[@josettedc703]

been following Pastor Mark when our women Bible Study years back got hold of the viral "the NIV did not include or omitted the verses such as the 'Trinity' [which i think was a successful info dissemination of the KJV only movement]. Honestly, i veered away from NIV but I got illuminated by Pastor Mark's thorough explanation of different current English translations!

[@marsheilasteffen7740]

KJV. Why would you want to use another version. When the NIV leaves out over 2000 verses. And other translation change the meaning of a verse. And if you want to copy a verse from the Bible. You can use the KJV with no written permission. Other translation you have to have permission.

[@berndtherrenvolk1951]

I am leery of some translations and tend to use word-for-word as a plumb line. That said, my regular reading bible is ESV. But when I do more in-depth bible study, I use a quadripartite parallel bible which includes: NASB, KJV, Amplified and NLT. I read the studied passage in all of them, which allows my brain to wrestly more fully with the meaning rather than getting lost in repetitive reading. If there is a conflict, which is rare, I go with the NASB. The NLT usually lacks detail. But I also have NKJV, CSB, Dickson's Analytical, and Geneva (1560).

[@tmkind6274]

I have used the King James Version since a child and the E. S. V for 20 odd years, and for the last 6 years I have been using the New King James so I have to agree with you that they are great to use them together. God Bless.

[@jeffking4176]

I did some studying on some 41 English translations, over a few years. Personally I like: KJV, NKJV, MEV, Amplified, CSB, HCSB, NASB-77[ NASB-95], For a devotional, HCSB,

[@jeffking4176]

I like the J.N.Darby for his notes. The J.N.Darby Bible, 1871.