This Sunday, September 18,
2016 I will be preaching from one of my favorite verses, Romans 12:2.
"Do not be conformed to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by
the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's
will is -- his good, pleasing and perfect will." I hope you will join us as we explore how God
powerfully renews our mind through His Word of truth.
Below are some helps on getting
started in God's Word.
Getting Started in God’s Word
Choosing a Bible Translation
Why do translations read so
differently from one another? The challenge for Bible translators is that they
are working with texts that are tied to ancient cultures that are vastly
different from that of today. Each translator or team of translators must make
a choice concerning how they will bridge the gap between the original language
of the Bible (Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek) and the language that they are
translating into (for us, English). The act of translation means that the
translator will make judgments based on his or her understanding of the
original languages and the language they are translating into.
Three Theories of translation have been generally
followed in bridging the gap between the original languages and the receptor
language, in our case English.
Literal or Formal Equivalency (“Word Correspondence”). Following
this process, the translator attempts to translate by keeping as close as
possible to the exact words (Word Correspondence) and phrasing in
the original language, yet still make sense in the receptor language (English).
This makes for a very good translation but sometimes it is disjointed sounding
and awkward because of the differences between the two languages.
Literal/Formal Examples
KJV,
NKJV, RSV, NRSV, NASB, HCSB, ESV
Dynamic Equivalency (“Functional”). Following this
process, the translator attempts to translate words, idioms, and grammatical
constructions from the original language into precise equivalents in
the receptive language (English). This is considered a thought-for-thought
translation. Such a translation keeps historical distance on all historical and
most factual matters, but “updates” matters of language, grammar, and style.
Meaning takes precedence over matters of structure and style.
Dynamic Equivalent
Examples
NIV, NLT, CEV, GNB, NEB
Free (Paraphrases). Following this
process, the translator attempts to translate the ideas from one
language to another, with less concern about using the exact words of the
original. Free translations, also called paraphrases, are not technically translations
and should not be treated as such.
Free Examples
The
Message, The Living Bible
Practical Considerations
*For general use in daily devotional reading and worship, I
would recommend a literal/formal equivalency such as the English Standard Version
(ESV) or a dynamic equivalency Bible such as the New International Version
(NIV) which I commonly preach from in worship.
*For in-depth Bible study, a literal/formal equivalency Bible with the
focus on biblical words is indispensible. Supplement your study with a dynamic
equivalent translation like the NIV or NLT.
*Use translations that contain
helpful notes in the margin that reflect modern scholarship.
*Paraphrases may be helpful for devotional
reading and for clarifying difficult passages.
*Once you decide on the translation
that you like, there are many different types of Bibles to choose from. You will
have to decide if you want just the biblical text or if you would like the text
plus study helps. A “Study” Bible will often contain articles, book
introductions and other useful commentary and notes on the biblical text. I
have several very good study Bibles; however, the downside is that some can be
quite heavy to lug around. Some popular “Study” Bibles include: The ESV Study
Bible, Thompson Chain Reference Bible, and Life Application Study Bible. Many other
“Specialty” study Bibles and study Bibles that include commentary and notes
from well-known Christian Pastors are available too.
Regardless of the Bible you choose, with
so many excellent translations available today, and a variety of helpful study
Bibles, the Christian has a variety of great choices for both devotional
reading and serious study.
Where Do I Start Reading?
There are many helpful plans for reading the Bible and
an array of resources to help you. Shown below are just a few web sites that
will help you get started off right.
A great resource, includes fifteen
(15) different reading plans that you can download and print.
Thirteen (13) different Bible reading
plans to choose from.
This is the premier site to read the
Bible online in the Bible translation of your choice. Includes a link to a one
year Bible Blog. This excellent resource includes historical background of the
day’s passages and elaborates on the Scriptures that you are reading.
Other Great Bible Reading Resources
http://www.biblegateway.com/
Indispensable for Bible study! Access
over fifty (50) complete English versions of the Bible. Search the Bible, print
Scripture, and find links to other resources.
Five complete reading plans (Chronological,
Historical, Old and New Testament Together, Beginning to End, and Blended).
Includes other Bible study resources too.
http://www.odb.org
A favorite devotional, now online!
Listen or read “Our Daily Bread” daily devotionals.
