Why are There So Many Bible Translations, and Which One is Best?

This is a common question on a huge subject. There is a lot to know and learn about Bible translations, and some are a bit more passionate about which translation they feel is "best". But is that the question to ask? These are my thoughts.
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[@DaveGme]

I’d like to clear this up once and for all. LARGE PRINT! It’s large print. It’s the best.

[@evasccl7846]

😂 Granny said the same thing !

[@kaslynn961]

33yo with 20/20 vision and I totally agree!!

[@gi169]

Amen

[@user-qp9kk9bz8n]

I use the large print ESV Study Bible but the notes are still too small and it is a bit bulky to carry around.

[@evasccl7846]

@@user-qp9kk9bz8n My granny had the Bible with the largest print at that time, and she asked for a magnifying glass 🤣 remember seeing her using it and leaving inside the Bible when she was not reading it 💝 There is a detail i did not mention, but it is important: The magnifying glass, was just not your ordinary one... it was one bigger than her hand!!! 😆 Now, visualize that for a moment and imagine her hunger for God's word... may we always be hungry and feed in God's word daily 🤗❤️

[@iriskeen8930]

I read the King James and have since I was 6 years old, now 61. Always pray before reading your Bible and God will lead you.

[@Frantic857]

Amen, praise God.

[@bickabraham2397]

The Great thing about KJV is Vines & Strongs concordance backs up the words in KJV

[@Chuckmbfl]

Sorry, it doesnt work that way.

[@Frantic857]

@@Chuckmbfl How do you think it works then?

[@angelagioe8663]

God leads Once in Christ. God uses His Word, which is Christ to Bring sinners To Himself in The Gospel. 😊❤️🙏🏻☝️🙌

[@timp1051]

I've heard some people say that if you didn't use a King James Bible then you were never truly saved. That's looney.

[@theobsoleteman7504]

Even as someone who believes the King James is Gods perfect word(for the English speaking people), I do agree that is pretty loony. Anyone can be saved by hearing the gospel of Jesus Christ

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

​@@theobsoleteman7504 Not at all dear chap, if you are not saved by nkjv according to the exact method described in john3v1-7 and Romans 10v9-13 then thou shalt be banished from the kingdom forever and burnt 🥵🔥 foreva in my favourite BBQ sauce and chillies

[@theobsoleteman7504]

@@user-qe1tv1bu2f obviously, I’m not denying what you’re saying. I’m just saying anyone can hear the truth and turn to Jesus Christ to be saved even without a Bible like the dying thief on the cross.

[@1611savedmatthew]

If someone rejects the final authority of the King James Bible, then yes they are most certainly lost.

[@theobsoleteman7504]

@@1611savedmatthew I’ll defend the KJB as Gods perfect word till the day I die, but i wont tell somebody that they’re lost if they have a genuine testimony. I might question them, but everyone is different, people backslide and are sanctified at different rates. It’s a though subject, but I’ll let God be the judge.

[@user-qp9kk9bz8n]

The Message is not a translation, it is a one man paraphrase and , in my humble opinion, can be blasphemous at times.

[@DaysofElijah317]

💯 and he had new age tendencies that he snuck in

[@Charles.Wright]

@@DaysofElijah317 where?

[@camillewilliams3185]

I avoid the Message. It's more on the interpretative side. So I'm skeptical of it.

[@DaysofElijah317]

@@Charles.WrightI read parts of the message a long time ago so I can’t quote it for you but if you want to know about the New Ageism look up Eugene Peterson the supposed translator.

[@ThaAlphaMale88]

Facts.

[@eladiocofresi5202]

As a bilingual Hispanic, your comments are very true, relatable, and helped me appreciate other English translations of the Bible.

[@barrientos92]

Si.

[@egrace67]

LOL! I'm right there with you nerding out with my ESV, NIV, KJV and NLT - I thought I was the only one 😊 I truly enjoy reading a verse in one and then going to the other translations and reading how it was translated in those Bibles. When I became a Christian, I received some nastiness from other Christians because I started with the NLT. God knew what he was doing.

[@disciplecraig]

My parallel has the NASB instead of the ESV. I like all these versions and love to study in all of them. You are not alone.

[@MrCalderonchrism]

I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but God did not invent those other versions. Do you realize when they change the words of the Bible from one version to the other? It changes the meaning, When we were taught in school words matter, they really do matter. I'm sorry other Christians were ugly to you because they shouldn't be, But other religions also beat up on each other. the real question is. Are you saved and if you are God bless you.

[@PJRayment]

@@MrCalderonchrism "I'm sorry to burst your bubble, but God did not invent those other versions." He didn't invent the KJV either. "Do you realize when they change the words of the Bible from one version to the other?" They don't. They change the words of the Hebrew and Aramaic and Greek into English words. They don't change the words from one English version to another. "It changes the meaning,..." Did you even watch this video? There is often not a one-for-one translation of Hebrew or Greek into English. There are several different Greek words for love, including _eros_ (erotic love), _philia_ (intimate friendship), and _agape,_ or universal love. How should they be translated into English? Just "love", or do you make a phrase out of it? And if so, what are the _best_ words to use?

[@1611savedmatthew]

KJV is the Bible for English. NLT, NIV, ESV is deceptive trash; someone who loves you will warn you so you are not deceived, friend.

[@davidscott2809]

​@@PJRayment you are so right, english and Greek are poles apart. I only use the Septuagint as all modern translations fail dramatically compared to the original Greek.

[@gracemember101]

Someone once said the best translation is the one that leads you to Christ and helps you grow in knowledge of Him. That has quieted my penchant to zero in on one that is the "best" or "only reliable".

[@joannetompkins7833]

I'm a missionary ministering in an African language. Only recently has there been a written version of the language. Language is dynamic. There are words that don't have equivalents. I am also ministering to Muslims. You can explain difficult/hot concepts if you avoid the trigger words.

[@MelissaDougherty]

Thank you for sharing this.

[@mikenixon2401]

Yes. You suggest an important element. Do not translate word for word. Rather do so meaning to meaning.

[@gunstar168]

@joannetompkins7833 What does this have to do with English versions or their translators? Regardless, I pray for your efforts to win souls to Christ, and I thank you as your fellow saint for doing so.

[@gunstar168]

@@mikenixon2401 That's not Biblical. We are commanded to literally translate God's words (Deuteronomy 4:2) and then to explain (teach) them as necessary (Deuteronomy 6:7, Proverbs 22:6, Nehemiah 8:8). Translating and explaining are not the same, just as facts and opinions are not the same thing, despite being related.

[@danikac7206]

⁠@@gunstar168 did you listen to her in this video? She explains how both word-for-word and phrase-for-phrase have their benefits and purposes (and drawbacks too). As long as they're actively conveying the original content and seeking to please and honor God (not man). One has to take into account language and culture, as she explains with the JWs. It's not so cut-and-dry, and I'd say the same to the guy you were replying to...

[@lynnettecook6973]

Having a Hebrew, Greek, and Chalti dictionary helps too. Strong's Exhaustive Concordance is wonderful!!! An example is the verse "In my Father's house are many mansions, I go to prepare a place for you". John 14:1-3. When we hear the word mansions, we/I think of a huge home with all these fancy fixtures and furnature that costs multi millions of dollars. The word mansions actually means dwelling places. Learning the original words opens a whole new world of understanding. Knowing the history and culture also helps a lot. Just a thought.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Same with the word conversation, which really means manner of living. There are quite a few words that have changed meaning since the KJV came out.

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Naughty Means evil Prevent Means meet

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

@@SpaceCadet4Jesusor behavior

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Mansion should rly be abiding places We will need nothing more than His presence for it to ultimate blissful eternity In Jewish culture, sons added a room onto the house as they married. They didnt live off on their own as is the American ideal but few other non westernized cultures. We will abide WITH the Godhead in Their many-roomed mansion!!

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

@@YeshuaKingMessiah since there is no Night in Heaven, I'm hoping we still have private places to go to get away from people or to just be with our loved ones. I don't think I would like it if we all just stood around, like at a huge party in an outdoor Arena, just talking and talking to everybody for eternity. I want doors on my mansion. I want to play chess with the angels, without 10,000 observers gawking. Can you imagine all the time spent on trying to catch up with all the events and lives of all of your ancestors, and their loved ones and their cousins? Not that this is going to happen but, just saying.

[@haroldwalma255]

I started reading the King James, 1611, when I was 10. Didn't have a lot of trouble, but then I knew how to use a dictionary

[@timcarr6401]

A number of words from the KJV have not been found in 19th, 20th and 21st century dictionaries.

[@haroldwalma255]

@@timcarr6401 must have learned to read from Government Indoctrination System, and their "Whole Language" crap method. I learned by myself using phonics. Took me a couple of hours to figure it out and have read way beyond grade level since. Ever her the phrase, "context is king"? Many words derive their meaning from context. It isn't nuclear physics.

[@jamessheffield4173]

@@timcarr6401 Try, Google.

[@joshbarnard3003]

The King James actually has a built in dictionary in the way of context. Just read the verse again I'm context to understand it's meaning. There are plenty of reasons to read the King James 1611.

[@timcarr6401]

@@joshbarnard3003 Context goes only so far when it comes to understanding the meaning of not only strange words, but phrases and sentences. My favorite verse of the KJV to illustrate this is Job 36:33 : The noise thereof sheweth concerning it, the cattle also concerning the vapour. Gen. 26:8 Isaac was sporting with his wife Gen 26:31 And they rose up betimes in the morning Ps 119:147 I prevented the dawning of the morning Jer 48:12 I will send wanderers, that shall cause him to wander Amos 5:24 But let judgment roll down like a river Matt 17:25 Jesus prevented him Acts 21:15 we took up our carriages Acts 28:13 we fetched a compass Ro 1:28 to do those things which are not convenient 1 Cor 10:24 Let no man seek his own, but every man another's wealth Phil 3:20 conversation 1 Thess 1:4 your election of God 1 Thess 4:15 feebleminded 2 Thess 2:7 he who now letteth

[@MyPammer]

I recently introduced my husband to the compare feature on YouVersion. He was delighted! Lost my phone for the duration of the lesson😂. But I always prefer my trusty paper version with a lovely purple faux-leather cover...ESV of course. I have a paper Bible in several different translations. I love comparing while I'm studying.

[@jannacamperman456]

Blue Letter Bible is also a solid option for version comparison. Lets you do side by side plus ready access to commentaries and concordances.

[@wrenithilduincats]

I love that function on youversion! Some verses are translated so powerfully in some versions, and feel normal in others. For example, Psalm 91:4, in the KJV it's feathers, but in most translations it's pinions.

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

My very first thought was, how typical, she's eve.

[@dwellinj1513]

I have a shelf full of other translations and will look up verses comparing them.

[@MyPammer]

​@@user-qe1tv1bu2f Wow! You really don't know me or the situation. Lol!

[@thabathakumi2136]

All I can say is "BEAUTIFUL!!!" I love your teaching. Bible translations is one of my strong points. I was here to throw water at everything you say but you won me over!!! I LOVE it. Thank you very much sister.

[@davidgatzke8337]

As a Messianic Jewish Rabbi who believes in Yeshua as my Savior I’m asked this question a lot. It’s not that the majority of English translations are wrong it’s that the English language is inadequate, for a good translation. Yes, study multiple translations with a interliteral, that I found to be the best

[@Bookish7106]

Hey! I’m messianic too! Shabbat shalom!

[@michaelparsons9063]

So true. That is why I learned the Hebrew alphabet, then purchased a KEY WORD BIBLE, with Hebrew/Greek, in both NKJV and ESV. Shalom.🕊

[@haroldwalma255]

I agree Rabbi. I use a King James with Strongs numbers in my Bible study app, plus I have learned some Greek and Hebrew. A case in point is "ge", gamma eta, which most translators translate as "earth" in Revelations but would be more accurately translated as "land", which I have only found one translation to do so.

[@angelagioe8663]

Amen ❤️🙏🏻🙌

[@joyful_tanya]

I love my interlinear.

[@JaggedJack1]

How can The Passion translation belong in my trash can? That would mean I would have to buy a copy just to throw it out.

[@cherylcogan3542]

😅 I think she means if you already have a copy. I'm not buying anything just to throw it away either.

[@WhosthatHotspice]

@@cherylcogan3542 He's being satire, this seems to be the nature of this channel and many comments.

[@SpaceCadet4Jesus]

Please buy a few copies and throw them out at least other people won't buy them and read them.

[@artistocracy]

😂📖

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

​@@SpaceCadet4Jesus Bad chess move cowboy, they will print more on demand. Check!!

[@susanpumphrey354]

Thank you for your comments about gleaning a deeper meaning by reading a passage in several different translations. I've found that to be SO true over the years -- I'll read a familiar passage in a different translation than what I'm used to, and suddenly something will jump out at me that I had never noticed before, sending me off on a deep dive into something I had never thought to look into. It's SO rewarding!

[@user-bp3vp4gd7m]

Good info. I was raised a Jehovah witness and your right. So many changes. So glad I found the real truth.

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

And what, pray tell , is that??

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

It might be the real truth of this book, but that doesn't make it the real truth of the universe.

[@Easydoesit101]

Love the way you think and you make sense, we are out 30+ years. Free at last

[@user-uu5jj8xh5z]

Amen, Amen So happy for you,, seriously 😊❤

[@michaelgarner7268]

In one of Billy Graham’s presentations he mentioned that he was reading from KJV because it was one of the few gifted to him in large print. But he also thought it might shed some light on what these seminarian students on the translation they were using and following along. He always promoted bringing your own Bible and associated translation to everyone coming to hear him speak. I agree be ready to search the scriptures with multiple reputable versions. I personally use the NIV with support from an American Standard Version and then the King James to remember how I originally learned that particular scripture.

[@josephpchajek2685]

Billy Graham isn't Christian.

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

Well now we have an even bigger problem now. Billy Graham was also photographed in his 33rd degree free masonry regalia and I've seen it. Which version do we read now???

[@michaelgarner7268]

@@user-qe1tv1bu2f I recommend NIV and New American Standard but any that Melissa recommends should be good including King James

[@rose.888]

Where is this picture at?​@@user-qe1tv1bu2f

[@PJRayment]

@@user-qe1tv1bu2f "...Billy Graham was also photographed in his 33rd degree free masonry regalia..." Perhaps the photograph was faked. There appears to be no good evidence that he was a freemason, and plenty of reasons to reject that he was. But even IF that was the case, no Christian is perfect, and can still say good things despite being imperfect. The opening commenter's point is not that we ought to do it because Graham said it, but that it is a good idea that apparently got from Graham. As such the source is irrelevant to the point.

[@brendak2273]

Melissa I am getting ready to watch this episode,but last night I watched the one with Alisa Childers and Tim Barnett AWESOME! I enjoy your channel and your humor. Thanks for blessing me with your knowledge.

[@robpollock3090]

Love your videos. Always informative.

[@Bulldog75stp]

When the NIV committee is consulting a Lesbian/Feminist for their "new and exciting" translation, you know it came from the pit of Hell.

[@mistiroberts1576]

Not to mention it was funded by Rupert Murdoch and changes and leaves a lot of things completely out

[@timcarr6401]

You are misinformed about the role of VM.

[@Bulldog75stp]

@@timcarr6401 So you're saying a Lesbian/Feminist has a role, I was just wrong on what it was? Wow, okay.

[@timcarr6401]

@@Bulldog75stp Virginia had a minor role as an English stylist. And, this is very important --she had not spoken about her sexuality. No one knew. You are making a mountain out of a tiny molehill.

[@Frantic857]

@@timcarr6401 So these translators were so focused on accuracy that they forgot to vet the people working on it. What else did they forget to check? From what I've seen, it was the whole thing!

[@ralphwilliams8083]

Appreciate you, Melissa! The original language is key to an accurate Bible translation. May the LORD bless you and keep you! Numbers 6:24-27

[@Tommy_Two_Two]

For just common people, I like the NLT or NIV. I always say that you would start a child with a Children's Bible, not NKJV. So for us common folk who speak plain English and don't have masters degrees in the Bible, we should start with a plain English translation like NLT and NIV. But that's just my opinion.

[@soniajhonen]

I don’t know if it’s all NIV translations but in my NIV bible, Matthew chapter 17 verse 21 is missing. 😮

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

U have alot of just in there. What's an uncommon person, or overly common person?? Common people means their lowly, uneducated under par, etc etc. Commoners. Personally, I'm an Heir, a gemstone, a warrior, an alien, soujourner, and plenty more, but never a commoner. 😂😂😂

[@user-qe1tv1bu2f]

​@@soniajhonenoh dear, and to where did it go??

[@jamiemoreno1723]

@@soniajhonensame but it says the verse can be found in another of the gospel books but I forget which one, it says it was excluded because it’s a repeated verse…

[@PJRayment]

@@soniajhonen "I don’t know if it’s all NIV translations but in my NIV bible, Matthew chapter 17 verse 21 is missing." What makes you think it should have been there? Perhaps some other translation that has it has wrongly added it in?

[@AnotherNewLeaf]

Yaaaas! Excited for this video.

[@peterschreiner9245]

Thank you for this video. While a bit elementary, it clearly hit the high points of the differences in English translations. Especially helpful for those who have not explored this topic at any depth is the differences in languages and how that affects translations. A special thank you for including Wesley Huff's website. I was not aware of it.

[@gregorytoews8316]

Melissa, your Spanish example is also a great illustration of how literal-ness of wording doesn't necessarily give us literal-ness of meaning, or thought. We scientific/technical westerners (including us christians) have forgotten that breaking things into their constituent parts breaks things. All the king's horses...

[@YeshuaKingMessiah]

Yet the Word ain’t written in slang Lechito is slang Not a good snalogy

[@GINZO4849]

Stumbled across your channel and am glad I did. Thank you. Melissa

[@seraphandseraphin7082]

I always enjoy your content on any topic. Loving the background.

[@saraforhan6442]

Thanks for a straightforward explanation and wisdom regarding translations! Translation matters. Like many commenters, I grew up on a certain translation (GNT, KJV) and eventually discovered others (NIV, NLT, AMP, ESV). My lovely husband watched many videos to finally decide on an NLT Filament app Bible for me. The app has an audiobook feature, essays, maps, as well as Bible Project vids, but I still read as well as listen, and even read out loud. I appreciate sites or apps like Bible Gateway where you can quickly compare translations. I also like it very much when pastors talk about passages and reveal the original words in Hebrew or Greek as their translation is ultra important. Agape, eros, philia, and storge all mean love, but different kinds of love. So many things to learn, glad to have resources for help. 🙏🏻

[@livingforhim1462]

Love this. Thanks for the breakdown. Your awesome.

[@purposepowerlove]

Fantastic video. Thanks for sharing.

[@InHIM564]

This was excellent, Melissa! Thanks!

[@auntblingsgratefullife4480]

Thank you for such wonderful videos with much needed information and truth. I started watching you when you and Doreen Virtue were making videos together before I finally left the New Age. I finally rededicated myself to Jesus in January 2019 after watching an amazing interview with an Ex-Newager that stabbed my soul with such truth of what I was doing and who I was really working with (Demons instead of Angels). Thank you for all your amazing videos over the years. Your quirky personality and always fighting for the truth of God makes such a wonderful blend of God-Soup. :) May God continue to bless you and your ministry! You have been a blessing to me! Thank you!

[@eryhv]

Perfect timing! I'm actually looking into different translations to compare and contrast so that I can glean the most from what the bible actually teaches, thanks again!

[@Aaron-hype]

Try the AMP or AMPC. It uses brackets to describe the "single word meanings" that aren't described in a single word. You don't miss the original intent of the words or sentences. Test for you that all translations fail EXCEPT AMP and AMPC. Luke 1:37 "rhema" is in this verse; the spoken word of God. Seems vastly different from "Nothing is impossible with God." No translation articulates this properly, but those two. Enjoy!

[@mikefrench4787]

God said He would preserve His word not our language. The problem begins when someone uses their preferred word and not the word that accurately communicates the idea. The word ( word ) means idea . That is why we use words to communicate ideas. 1. When we accurately communicate the idea 2. The Holy Spirit helps us with wisdom and understanding , and that begins with the fear of The Lord

[@pamg5497]

When I asked for a new Christians what Bible translation they should read I always told him the one that you were the most comfortable with and it’s easiest for you to understand. The most important thing is is that you read it daily. Just let go of the part you don’t understand and obey the part you do. As you keep reading it, you will gain more understanding.

[@b_korthuis]

The problem in English is sometimes there isn't just one word that will do. Sometimes it takes multiple English words to represent one word in Greek or Hebrew. And that doesn't fit with a word for word translation. It isn't someone choosing the wrong word or "their" word, sometimes English is just sucks as a language.

[@timlee778]

Thx for your POV. I disagree. The KJB is God's Word in English. It is pure and has been kept that way for 400 years. Wescott and Hort and the RC church has successfully undermined it by all the modern versions. Older is not better especially if Rome is involved. Be not deceived. Joshua 9.

[@johnmcafee6140]

@@timlee778 If the KJV is so "pure" why does it have so many translation errors?

[@timlee778]

@@johnmcafee6140 Acts 12:4

[@MsAnna4040]

Excellent video, as always!

[@barbs1298]

Great video Melissa. Breaks things down for us to understand!

[@WH6FQE]

One thing most people do not realize is their "King James Bible", is not actually the 1611 version of it to begin with. It is a more modern translation of it, even though it doesn't say that it is. I have the King James Bible, along with the Authorized King James Bible, and both of them are quite different from my original copy of the 1611 King James Bible, which is extremely difficult to read because the font that was used in 1611 is no longer used. When I have someone tell me that they only read from the King James Bible, I hand them my copy of the 1611 version and say, "ok, read to me from that one then" then smile when they struggle thorough it.

[@PJRayment]

"I have the King James Bible, along with the Authorized King James Bible,..." What's the difference? King James _authorised_ that particular English translation.

[@evasccl7846]

Loved it!! My first Bible was a KJV in Spanish and the only one i had to study from. Later on, my dad got the Bible translation from Hebrew and Greek into Spanish and taught me how to use it, that was such an eye opener in so many ways... As I got older, and learnt English i was gifted the NIV Bible and i noticed that some passages i understand better in my NIV Bible compared to my spanish KJV Bible and viceversa... it is so exciting!! Bottom line is that they don't contradict each other. When stumbling with something harder, i like to spend more time and see what other truth seekers find, whilst praying over it! Thank you ❤

[@fnjesusfreak]

A Spanish KJV? Yikes. The Reina-Valera and NBLA are both much better choices than that.

[@evasccl7846]

@@fnjesusfreak Yikes or not, i got to know Jesus through it... so praise God! you should too 😇 Oh and i bought myself Reina Valera revision 1960, i was little when i started reading the Bible so had what was given to me and i am grateful for it, then in my late teens i bought the Reina Valera 1960 all in Spanish. The rest, i've already shared it!! 🥰

[@fnjesusfreak]

@@evasccl7846 I've gotten some yikes at having come to Jesus via RSV, TEV and NRSV, so...

[@4jgarner]

​@@evasccl7846What are your thoughts on the lbla?

[@timlee778]

They do contradict.

[@lbrown6859]

Melissa I thoroughly enjoyed this video. I have now actually watched it 3x!

[@charlesmorris8791]

I enjoy the ESV and the Amplified Bible. Thank you for this teaching. God bless you and your loved ones.

[@adamsilva711]

I’ve used the amplified bible for 20 years. I thought I was the only one. Lol

[@mara.downs227]

Love AMP! I don’t know why is not famous

[@adamsilva711]

@@mara.downs227 I think it has gotten a bad rap possibly because a few more famous and maybe controversial televangelists have used it like Joyce Meyer use it exensively. Not throwing shade at Joyce.. Just thinking outloud

[@mara.downs227]

@@adamsilva711 that’s sad, not AMP fault though. Nice definitions and footnotes

[@stepone6159]

One of the many Bible translations I have was done by a couple whom the Lord sent to the Eskimos to tell them about Jesus and salvation. After a time the Lord encouraged them to translate the Bible in their language which was much simpler than our English language. (I read it periodically.) They had to come up with words the Eskimos could understand about God. The Eskimos had no equivalent for the word glory for example. So in order to help them understand what was meant by that -- glory was written as -- His shinning greatness. That is just one of many examples.

[@185MDE]

I keep an ESV and NASB, Sometimes just the differences in the translations are a great lesson :)

[@WordwithWarren]

Appreciate your approach to this. Thank you.

[@MikeC19100]

Thank you. This was a good and quick overview of some of the various Bible translations available. I personally enjoy reading the NASB translation but many of the study Bibles are in the NIV format.

[@lynnegakavian740]

Love NASB, but my favorite is the TLV (Tree of Life Version). Translation by Messianic Jews…wow! The clarity and power of the Word is incredible ❤️

[@charlesf2804]

I have KJV, CSB, NET, ESV, and (one) NIV; and an Interlinear. The big guns, however, are the NASB and NKJV; I spend most of my time with those. I do not use paraphrases. I teach Sunday school so I want to be as close to the original as possible. I can pull out the Interlinear or a Hebrew/Greek dictionary to get at the meaning of the original language, then teach the class. Your take on the various translation types is spot on, by the way. And the way you present your ideas is great as well. Keep the good work going!

[@davidscott2809]

If you compare MTH.17v9 in the NKJV with the old KJV or most other translations, you'll find it omits a crucial word that totally changes the narrative and meaning of the verse.

[@charlesf2804]

@@davidscott2809 I did the comparison, looking at that verse in the KJV, NKJV, CSB, NASB, and Young's Literal Translation of the Holy Bible, along with my Interlinear Bible; only the KJV has the word "again." I could see where someone unfamiliar with Elizabethan-style English and with Scripture in general could draw the wrong conclusion, but I would think a bit of study, involving the whole context of Scripture, should relieve any concerns.

[@marshaogden3941]

That was very helpful...thank you!

[@CynthiaRaeC]

Thanks for explaining the difference between contextualization and syncretism! That was very helpful

[@rustytrotter1677]

Hey Melissa, thank you for your insight. I've been pastoring for 44 years. The last 21 in Franklin, TN. Your love of Scripture makes me so happy!!!! God bless your ministry! Keep running toward the High Calling!!!

[@brycechristensen1510]

I'd like to share a little parable that I think can be illustrative in this context. When one of my children was learning to ride a bike, we put training wheels on the bike to keep it from tipping over. Then we got the child on there and he merrily went chasing after his brothers. After a fairly short time, I noticed that he wasn't balancing at all- he was intentionally leaning to one side or the other so the training wheels were always in contact with the ground, meaning he wasn't learning to balance without them. Helping him be successful required taking the training wheels off, doing the hard work of helping him figure out what it feels like to be in balance, and then letting him fall (a number of times). I think this applies when choosing a Bible translation. If we choose an easy to read translation, we may build the muscles of regular scripture study and get familiarity with the content. But the goal shouldn't be to avoid more difficult translations because they are in another culture and language. The goal should be to get enough of a groundwork to understand as you become familiar with that culture and language. Learning not only the words of the Bible but also the culture of the ancient Jews has helped me consider my own practices and habits while seeing them with more human eyes- they lived in a world where freedom meant being willing to fight against powerful people that want your stuff or your women. So their rules and what they understood tended to be more harsh. There was possibility of both virtue and corruption in this- it means sometimes the punishment didn't fit the crime, but it also meant that family members didn't question whether or not they were loved- their safety was constantly given primary consideration.

[@mcfarvo]

Apt analogy

[@benjaminchaston7202]

Very good parable.

[@gunstar168]

Then why can't you just teach them the words they don't understand (as commanded in Deuteronomy 6:7, alluded to in Proverbs 22:6, and practiced in Nehemiah 8:8) instead of changing the standard? There weren't gradual versions of the Hebrew Old Testament or Greek New Testament based on how old the reader/student was: there was simply a gradual teaching of the same version (aka, same standard).

[@CAHiredGun]

@@gunstar168 Spot on.

[@brycechristensen1510]

@@gunstar168 Did you read my entire comment? That was the point of the parable- help them along instead of relying on training wheels.

[@rogergarner6617]

I'm currently in the middle of reading a book by John Barton called, The Word: How we Translate the Bible and Why It Matters. I recommend this book to anyone who wants to take a deep dive into this topic. Thanks, Melissa.

[@josephschiavone402]

Great word Melissa. I read multiole as you suggest. NIV home.

[@JoeyJeremiah4315]

You said things were added to KJV. Could it be things are missing in other translations?

[@basicforge]

Probably the more important thing is to ask which Bibles to stay away from. The Message, and The Passion Translation come to mind. Any others?

[@saxmanjpr5092]

I had a cousin who told me to stay away form the NIV

[@basicforge]

@@saxmanjpr5092 Because?

[@saxmanjpr5092]

@@basicforge Because it is heresy. Just read what it says and impair it to any other translation and you will see that it says something completely different. Dude! Use some critical thinking.

[@basicforge]

@@saxmanjpr5092 Well, you didn't answer the question. It is heresy? Give me an example. please.

[@karintraut8151]

Awesome teaching. God bless, much ❤️ South Africa 🙏🌍

[@user-te6ou3us7b]

I have to say that it is a blessing to be bilingual and reading bibles in both languages because it really helps to get a better understanding of what’s being said in many passage. Then getting older and learning some key Greek and Hebrew words and phrases like “okay I wasn’t sure but I wasn’t wrong either” In hindsight what made the Bible harder to understand for me was not understanding how artificial the world I grew up in is. Even modern language is in many ways artificial.

[@relaxwithscriptures]

“But, If the King James makes your brain cells fist fight” I felt this 😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@myfakeguuglaccount8307]

Funny. Before you said "Lechito," I thought "Lechito!"

[@meganfoster8838]

Me too! Lechito el Gatito.

[@MrAndyhdz]

Lechita since I assumed it was a female

[@treatzfortruckerz3913]

Thank you for the information 🙏 😊

[@gi169]

Awesome thanks Melissa.

[@JinKobayashiHearMe]

NIV is New International Version not New Interlinear Version

[@Fairford2001]

I recommend the Legacy Standard Bible (LSB), an update to the NASB 1995.

[@perilousrange]

I didn't know those were related... I'm typically an NASB fanboy. How similar are they?

[@user-qp9kk9bz8n]

Not sure I agree with the Yahweh interpretation though

[@perilousrange]

@@user-qp9kk9bz8n How do they use it, that you disagree with? (not familiar with LSB).

[@mythbhavd]

They use it when the word is in the Hebrew instead of using all caps “LORD” as most English translations do.

[@perilousrange]

@@mythbhavd Only in that case, or in all cases of Father?

[@emmanueldedmon6690]

Cool video keep up the good work

[@lauradsouza1345]

God bless you Melissa,for your videos,that explain this. I have started to read Holy Bible its in large print and KJV. I read 10 pages or so a day, so in 200 days i will finish. 🙏

[@Harbringe]

I was raised KJV and always found it to possess a certain richness or eloquence of language that I didnt find in other versions , but has since come to realize having a ESV or other bible to compare with is much more rewarding.

[@1611savedmatthew]

It's rewarding to read how wrong the new versions are and how pure the King James Bible is.

[@Frantic857]

@@1611savedmatthew Amen!

[@joseenriqueagutaya131]

Thanks for this video i am an ex kjv only and i am now using the KJV because I prefer it plus the church I am now attending but I also read NKJV,ESV,NASB,NIV and NLT.I am glad i am out of kjv onlyism.I enjoy watching all your videos.

[@nerowolfe929]

Interestingly enough, the KJV translators...were most definitely NOT KJVO! Google the translators' Preface to the Reader. Key passages (I don't have it in front of me now, so don't hold me to the exact wording): 1. We hold that the very meanest (poorly done) translation...contains the Word of God, nay, IS the word of God, as the King's speech is still the King's speech even though it be not set forth beautifully at every point...2. Is the Kingdom of God become words and syllables? Why should we be in bondage to them if we may be free?

[@joseenriqueagutaya131]

I agree with you.Everytime I come across a video by a kjv onlyist I can't help but think I'm glad to ex kjv onlyist because I feel comparing different translations helps you loved the Bible more.

[@RisenShine-zy7dn]

Well done Melissa, you nailed it! You deliver the true message with facts & a lot of funny to boot. Personally as a student of God's word, I love the Greek Interlinear. However this has been a journey and just beginning with God's word is a start. Yes avoid the 'passion' & 'the message'.

[@aerowyn8555]

When researching scripture to find context and relevancy to life today in an applicable manor I use the amplified version as a reference as it expounds on both the Greek and Hebrew words originally used. Thank you for this important information, Melissa. Perspective is everything.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

It's hard to be relevant when it says things like, slaves obey your masters, even if they are cruel in the new testament.

[@PJRayment]

@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr Not everything has to be relevant for it to still have relevance. But that principle is still relevant, that we need to obey our masters (government) even if we find that hard. (I'm not suggesting that we need to obey them when they are clearly being anti-God.) And of course that is followed by the instruction for masters to treat their slaves well. Perhaps you can find some relevance in how _both_ parties must do right by the other, rather than it being all one way.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

@@PJRayment Sure, give some lip service to not treating your slaves badly. But if they ARE treated badly, then God wants them to take it like an abuse victim. That's cool right?

[@PJRayment]

@@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr "Sure, give some lip service to not treating your slaves badly." No, it wasn't lip service. It was an instruction to treat the slave like a brother. "But if they ARE treated badly, then God wants them to take it like an abuse victim." No, that wasn't said. Paul espoused a principle of slaves obeying their masters, not a principle of accepting abuse. In fact your claim of "even if they are cruel in the new testament" is not in the New Testament. "That's cool right?" Your jaundiced view of it? Of course not.

[@Volleyball_Chess_and_Geoguessr]

@@PJRayment Ok so abusing your slaves is ok in the new testament but you think I'm being too loose by extrapolating that to other forms of abuse? Okay, I suppose that's fair.

[@drumdad54sdl47]

While I can appreciate the richness of the KJV & have become familiar with many verses in that version throughout my life, we simply don't use 400+ yr old language such as that anymore. When I find my brain cells fighting (😉) after reading a verse, I haven't accomplished my goal of understanding God through His word, which is what I want. I'm the kind of person who needs layman's terms while as doctrinally pure as possible.

[@fishtail1129]

Love the name Lechito!

[@John_Fisher]

One answer to the question "What's the best translation of the Bible?" is "The one that you will read." (I've heard it attributed to Billy Graham, but I don't know if it actually originates from him).

[@S.Her.]

I love to "nerd out" with an interlinear Bible and various translations! 😄

[@enonknives5449]

The church grew the fasted before there was a compiled New Testament. Most Gentiles were illiterate and had no access to the Old Testament. All that was required was preaching the Gospel, walking by the Spirit, and using a little common sense. That's all that's necessary today. However, having the complete bible is a benefit. But consider that before we had the printed bible, fewer people were taking it out of context.

[@BillTony2]

The printing press as only allowed for mass produced bibles for 1/4 of church history. 3/4 of church history did not have it. So, you make a great point.

[@Paul-ts9hl]

One of the main criteria for which writings made it into the New Testament was that they had to have been widely read and proclaimed throughout all the churches from the time of the Apostles onward. There may not have been an officially compiled New Testament, but all the books of the New Testament were in existence and used throughout the Church during the time you speak of.

[@Davidsavage8008]

That due to the fact , christians had to be Jews to be Christian until the 1700's when that was overturned.

[@enonknives5449]

@@Paul-ts9hl -- True, but while churches had access to copies of certain letters, they didn't have a compiled bible. And just because a church pastor had a copy doesn't mean the congregation had access to any texts.

[@lhart5632]

​@Davidsavage8008 that is so absolutely untrue. Go read the history of the church without a biased author.

[@marthaj67]

😂 KJV-Only people be like 😤😡🤯🌋

[@ChristopherHeidt]

Great video!

[@luke19631963]

The original King James Version is the one to use for the English translation. All other versions in English have had some verses either eliminated or condensed or changed. Pray to God for wisdom and understanding when reading His Holy Word and listen to the still small voice of the Holy Spirit. Study your Bible. Reading the Bible is like raking leaves, studying is like digging. It takes effort and like digging you get tired and sore but you find gems that raking won’t find. Too many lazy Christian’s want God to just hand stuff to them instead of spending quality time studying the Bible.

[@Joelconway34]

Glory to God Almighty ❤️So much happiness $47k weekly returns has been life changing. AWESOME GOD I now have a house and can now afford anything for my family even with my Retirement..

[@MarkWills-we9de]

Wow how did you make so much money?

[@MsSkoodals]

I love how the way you said lechito could also be le Cheeto. Thank you for going into the subject of translations. Lots of Christians or Christian curious people need to know more about this!

[@KenyonBowers]

The best English translation is the King James Bible. If you're an English-speaker, you should only use KJV. Also, we should not translate the Bible differently because of culture. God inspired it how HE wanted it, stop changing it from knocking on the door to calling from a gate.

[@youaregodspursuit]

So what do you do with the dozens of pre-KJV translations? Were all those who became "Christians" prior to that bound for hell?

[@KenyonBowers]

@@youaregodspursuit no

[@sjurdurkjv]

KJV is the real one

[@TomGandee-ji9hr]

I used to read the NI V but now I read the NLT. I love it so easy to understand

[@andrewkim6037]

Fascinating topic, sub!

[@dakota47v8]

I study from the King James 1611 Authorized version .... 🙂 I would like to say if anyone is interested in understanding why we have so many different versions of The Bible... I would like to suggest search out The textus receptus majority texts verse The minority Alexandrian texts... Once you do then you should see why there are so many versions.... Note Remember just bc something claims to be thee oldest version doesn't make it thee most accurate translation, especially if it has been corrupted....

[@danielsmith8141]

YES. But very few will care about doing that. Its a matter of life and death potentially

[@Charles.Wright]

KJV Only cultists assemble!

[@danielsmith8141]

@@Charles.Wright if seeking out the truth and believing what I have found makes me a cultist, I guess I am one sir. You mock, and that reply says more about your heart than I could have assumed :/ please just be open to learn and accept whatever truth you find instead of clearly just hating. I hope to have an actually really good discussion with you possibly. If you have any points to oppose what the person aboves comment was I really do want to hear it! God bless you and be with you that you may have an ear to hear and a heart that's humble!

[@Charles.Wright]

@@danielsmith8141 well the exact argument he uses to refute (I suppose?) the newer translations that rely on older manuscript evidence is exactly what KJVO would have used before the Dead Sea Scrolls were discovered! The entire case for KJVO is ludicrous. It isn't > the TR that you insist is the word of God, but the SPECIFIC translation into a language that we barely even speak anymore! The anglo-centrism of the movement is wild, and this is coming from someone who is proud to be white.

[@youaregodspursuit]

Says who... Let's see... I have judged that I like this source and anything else regardless of age or wording is trash?

[@jenniferschade7553]

I bought the Evidence Study Bible - NKJV, because as a former JW, I was terrified at the selections of bibles and wanting to get the real word so I simply went to Ray Comfort. I'm obviously not finished reading it but I am pleased you mentioned NKJV.

[@samburton2978]

Good job! I have taught classes on translations for decades. It's remarkable that we still have to do this. When I was about 10 or 11, Good News For Modern Man came out. I bought one right away. But I remember ABC News had a segment of their 6 o'clock evening news reviewing and criticizing it. 😏 Thanks so much.

[@KyleHong]

Amazing video!

[@RonMeadows-ri1ec]

Interesting video...well presented

[@michaelfuller34]

Great treatment of this important question! I was glad to hear you speak of textual criticism around minute 12 and that brings to mind the corollary question. What is the provenance of the sources used in the various translations? So much great scholarship on this over the last century. Great female voices here in Elaine Pagels, Paula Fredriksen, F Stavrakopoulou. Glad to see your intelligent curiosity and would be interested in seeing your take on sources.

[@DualLaneProductions]

We use the NKJV, ESV, CSB, NIV, NET, NLT, NASB, AMP and NCV for our verse mapping. We love to do a comparison and dive deep into specific keywords. We also love the Net Bible because we can go into the Greek and Hebrew. Logos has some pretty amazing search capabilities. I am using ESV for our inductive Bible study. - Rebecca

[@jenniferoutlaw1975]

I find that using different translations are also great for understanding difficult portions of books of the Bible, like Kings and Chronicles. It makes the reading much more fluid.

[@melchysomba9690]

On point. Love your work and your channel. My friend who just came across your channel through this video says your background is so neat that it looks AI generated. I just felt like commenting with that, lol God bless 😊🙏

[@alexcitron5159]

Really good overview! As a Hebrew reader and Greek novice, I still need to use multiple translations. Agree, avoid those that are too free. In future videos would you consider suggesting people also look at a Jewish translation? For comparison. Several are available online

[@pollycronopolis7648]

This was a timely video! Last night, I was wrestling over which 3 to gather for balance overseas here in a few days. Would you like ESV, NIV, and NET?

[@R0ckanddj-qj4fc]

Your the best. .. Keep going maam.

[@MauriceWilson-fo3sw]

Good video and explanation about the different Bible translations. Enjoyed the blunt honesty (realness) as always. I totally agree how the KJV can be an epic fail for new believers, because I experienced that. I like the NKJV and NASB. I’m a bit skeptical of the NLT. I didn’t like how it read when it came to translating the books of the prophets. It reads past tense (already happened) instead of from the prophets perspective. I do need more translations though for comparison. I will probably get the ESV. Thanks for the video.

[@user-uj9lj1yp2p]

Melissa, thank you for a video that rings with clarity. As a former follower of the Watchtower (they are not Jehovah’s witnesses) I was a lifelong reader of the New World Translation. While the NWT certainly has an agenda, it is insightful, especially when it comes to verb tenses. However, it is one of those that you should read with caution. My go to now is the Legacy Standard Bible for study (not surprising since it is similar in approach to the NWT in a word for word approach). I have found them to be reliable when it comes to deeper study. For readability, I really have come to appreciate the New Living Translation, which has one of the best translations of Matthew 5:3 when it comes to getting to the meaning of what Jesus was saying. Like everything else human, language has developed a shorthand that would be missed by a non-native speaker. Getting to that shorthand and extracting the intent is one of the most difficult jobs of a translator.

[@joeking433]

Yeah, I tend to like the ESV and I also like to compare translations when trying to figure out something Biblically.

[@davidjacobo4204]

It won’t let me do 100 thumbs up only one. But FYI 100 thumbs up on this. Clear accurate and relevant with flawless presentation.

[@vickih5405]

I think the door vs gate example is a good time for a foot note in a bible for a culture to explain that this isn't a threat it's polite.

[@royb3532]

The example starting just before 7min is really great. Reminds me of brilliant book "Peace Child" by Don Richardson where Judas was initially perceived as the hero rather than villan! Was also just a couple of weeks ago seeing Shane Willard on Acts 17:23 (altar to unknown god) and history near 600 years earlier. Also inspired me to get back to reading (with Willard's other reference to it) Don Richardson's other book "Eternity in their hearts".