Q&A: Which Bible Translation Should I Use?

One of the most common questions I encounter when speaking with people about exploring the word of God is, "Which translation should I use?" It is a fair question, and one worth addressing thoughtfully.

The Bible is a collection of books written over the course of roughly 1,500 to 1,600 years, with Genesis estimated to be approximately 3,400 to 3,500 years old. The original texts were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Koine Greek. Translating from these ancient languages into modern ones is no small task. Translators must carefully examine the meaning behind each word and select the closest equivalent in the target language, and this process inevitably invites questions about bias. The theological convictions, traditions, and assumptions of a translation team can influence the choices they make, and that is a legitimate concern worth acknowledging.

That said, we live in a remarkable era for those who genuinely want to engage with the original text. Parallel Bibles that display the English translation alongside the original Hebrew or Greek are widely available. Interlinear tools, lexicons, and translation apps allow anyone with curiosity and an internet connection to explore the meaning behind individual words. It has never been more accessible for an ordinary person to examine what the ancient manuscripts actually say.

With that in mind, I want to offer a gentle but honest observation. In many conversations, the question of translation becomes less about scholarly concern and more about finding a reason to delay seeking God. If someone genuinely desires a relationship with Him and wants to engage deeply with the original languages, that level of commitment is admirable and will be richly rewarded. Studying the ancient text takes real devotion, and God honors that pursuit.

But we must be careful not to allow that pursuit of precision to become a barrier. Do not wait for a perfect translation before drawing near to God. Begin with a translation in your own language, one that is faithful and readable, and let God meet you there. As you grow, so will your understanding. Run toward Him, and He will guide you into all truth.