[Note: This blog post is part of the Questions About Bible Translations Series.]
Maybe you’re picking out your first Bible. Maybe you’re replacing a well-worn copy. Or maybe you’re just wondering: With so many Bible translations available today, how do I know which one to use?
That’s a good question. A faithful one. Because behind it is a deeper desire: to hear God speak clearly and truthfully. And that’s exactly what Scripture is—God’s Word, not human invention or religious opinion.
So how do we choose a translation that helps us hear the Word as God gave it?
Not All Translations Are the Same
As mentioned in a previous post, the Bible was originally written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. That means every English Bible is a translation—an attempt to express God’s original words in a way modern readers can understand. But the way translators approach that task varies.
Some aim to be literal, translating word for word as much as possible. Others lean toward thought for thought, focusing on readability and flow. Some paraphrase heavily, simplifying meaning but often drifting far from the original text.
This is why choosing a translation isn’t about preference alone. It’s about faithfulness to what God actually said. After all, Jesus prayed to the Father in John 17:17, “Sanctify them by the truth. Your word is truth.” That’s what we’re seeking: truth.
Look for Faithfulness Over Familiarity
As you evaluate translations, ask:
- Does this version treat the Bible as God’s inspired, inerrant Word?
- Does it carefully preserve the meaning of the original languages?
- Does it clearly proclaim Christ as Savior, without altering or watering down doctrine?
Translations that reflect these values—regardless of publisher or denomination—can be trusted tools for study and devotion. Some may lean more literal, others more readable. That’s okay. The goal isn’t to find the perfect version, but a faithful one that leads you to the cross and the empty tomb again and again.
Ask for Guidance, and Trust the Word to Work
If you’re unsure about which translation to choose, ask your pastor or another trusted Christian mentor. Discuss what translation your church uses in worship and why. Let those conversations lead you deeper—not just into preferences, but into God’s Word, which shapes our hearts and lives.
Remember: The Holy Spirit is at work in the Word—not because of our translation choice, but because the message of Christ crucified is living and active. The Bible is not a puzzle to decode. It’s a gift to be received.
So choose wisely. Choose prayerfully. Above all, open your Bible and listen to your Savior’s voice.
A Prayer
Lord, you have given us your Word to reveal your heart and bring us to salvation in Christ. Guide me to use a Bible translation that faithfully communicates your truth and draws me closer to you. Help me to read it not just with understanding but with faith. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Scripture references come from the Holy Bible: Evangelical Heritage Version. Click here to learn more about this translation. Have questions about the Bible itself? Check out a helpful series here.
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