bible-translations

KJ(ES/NI/NRS)V…or: God Still Speaks

John Wylie —  October 24, 2012 — 10 Comments

I watched a few YouTube videos yesterday.

Not funny ones.
These ones were really angry.

The videos were of a man who constantly bashed other translations of the bible.
And claimed that the KJV is God’s only inspired word for English speakers.

It broke me.

Not because he was so angry and up-in-arms about it.
But because I was like him before,
but at the same time, opposite.

I used to hate people who used the KJV NKJV or any ‘old’ translation.
I was so narrow-minded.

The simple fact of the matter is this:
God speaks thru His word.
Whether that is KJV NKJV NIV NRSV AMP or ESV.
He speaks. Thru His word.

It is up to us to read it, treasure it and abide in it.

So – don’t worry about having the ‘most accurate’ or ‘most readable’ version.
Get what you feel most comfortable reading…and listen.

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John Wylie

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John Wylie is the man behind the cartoon - a guy who enjoys drumming, hanging out with friends, and traveling. John is currently attending the SevenTen Discipleship Program with Ryan Dalgliesh in Texas - he plans to use this education to preach & teach all over the country (and hopefully, the world). John also feels very awkward typing in third person.
  • http://twitter.com/terryjstroud Terry J. Stroud

    I mostly agree with you, although I’d say we should also do our homework and understand the pros and cons of each translation as well! Humility comes when we realize that our “favourite” is not necessarily the “best” for everyone.

    ie. I have a friend who wanted a new Bible that was great for study (not just casual reading) so since he doesn’t have a basic understanding of greek or hebrew, I recommended he avoid NASB and check into the ESV.

    I know someone who love poetry. Go KJV. Just remember some of the slants it may take.

    I know people who adore the NIV. I warn them about how it over-spiritualizes some verses.

    All in all, translations end up showing multiple light of the original text that we can’t read unless we know the original languages. Does it make it inaccurate? Not in the slightest. If anything, it helps us see things in ways we never would have considered. I think multiple translations are a blessing so long as they’re credible! Hence why as I pastor I use the following for study: NIV, TNIV, NLT, NASB, KJV, The Message, ESV.

    I avoid BLTs though… I hate tomato.

    • http://www.ivoryjohn.com/ John Wylie

      Well of course there are more ‘current’ and ‘accurate’ to the original translations. But that doesn’t mean the Spirit of God can’t still speak thru the KJV or any other translation.

      I use ESV for deep studies along with my NASB.
      But for casual reading I use my NIV.

      It is okay to have a preference, it is NOT okay to think that other people aren’t actually reading the Word of God when they are just using a different translation.

      • http://twitter.com/terryjstroud Terry J. Stroud

        AMEN!!!!!

  • craig_4524

    Why would God wait until the 17th century and for English to evolve before before giving people His word? Even if He did, then why were there over 400 typo’s in the first edition of the KJV? Its a case for it’s just another translatoin…

    • craig_4524

      LOL, accidental typo…

    • http://twitter.com/terryjstroud Terry J. Stroud

      ROFLOL!!!!! I think that’s the best thing I’ve ever heard on this topic!

  • brianfalexander

    What are your thoughts on The Message? I know it’s still a version of the Bible, but isn’t a paraphrase different than a translation? Thoughts?

    • http://www.ivoryjohn.com/ John Wylie

      It is a paraphrase. And the writer of that translation even says to use another translation beside it. The Message is a great one to use for clarification or simplification of ideas/themes/texts that don’t quite make sense to our minds.

  • http://twitter.com/KyleGivens4 Kyle Givens

    I just came across this quote from C.S. Lewis in one of his letters where he said, the less the Bible is read the more it is translated.

  • http://twitter.com/KyleGivens4 Kyle Givens

    I was the opposite of you, though, I was up in arms against anything new…not so much now – just read the thing!