Alot of People may not know the purpose of every Bible Translations and assume one is more trustworthy than others. In truth, each translation is actually of the same doctrine. Since the English language moreso generalizes words that another language could be saying due to words having mutliple meanings, we need translations to break down what original scriptures in Greek/Hebrews were actually saying.
Therefore any translations outside of these that speak a different gospel or adds to God's word or changes anything is NOT to be trusted and are called false doctrines. (Also be careful of abusing scriptures for personal gains or misinterpreting the words arrogantly)
The purpose of Word-for-Word/Word-Exact translations such as:
Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
King James Version (KJV)
New King James Version (NKJV)
Revised Standard Version (RSV) ** (forgot to add)
English Standard Version (ESV)
Modern English Version (MEV)
These translations can be trusted but at times difficult to understand what's said.
ANNDDDD... that's why these other translations are very helpful in assistance ⬇️
Balanced Translations are helpful in clarification of what the Word-Exact translations are saying:
New English Translation (NET)
ChristianStandardBible (CSB)
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
New International Version (NIV)
These translations smooth out the wording, preserves the meaning while slightly staying close to the true wording; great for teaching, daily reading, balanced understanding
THEN....!!!
We have the meaning focused translations!
Meaning- Focused Translations:
New Living Translation (NLT)
God's Word Translation (GWT)
NRSVue (New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition)
Their purpose is simply to help you understand meaning over exact true wording. **** BUT not recommended by itself especially for a new beginner or someone who needs to understand Armor of God.
So you can actually look at ESV or NKJV with a NLT and they're very helpful together.
Best for serious Bible Study: The Word for Word translations like ESV /NKJV (I never had the LSB, NASB, RSV, or MEV, but from experience its easier to read ESV and NKJV)
**** BONUSES 😎😎😎😎⏬️
For Cultural Translations to focus on the Hebrew/ Jewish perspective you can check out:
Tree of Life Verison (TLV)
CJB (Complete Jewish Bible)
Now these are NOT more accurate, its more so just different lens in perspective, its just simply to have a cultural understanding.
🚫🚫🚫🚫 Doctrinally Altered! STAY AWAY from These Translations:
New World Translation (NWT)
produced by Jehovah Witness; intentionally changing verses to deny Jesus (John 1:1; Colossians 1:16)
Joseph Smith Translation (JST)
used by Mormons contains significant additions and changes to the biblical text
The Passion Translation (TPT)
its a one man work that adds thousands of words NOT found in the original texts to push a specific spiritual agenda
These are dangerous because God doesn't want any of his people led astray. God is not a cruel God, He who is a loving Father and Mighty God understands us better than we do, and knows we will make mistakes, that's why he leads us to the truth so we can continue to learn and grow in truth. ❤️
There's a difference in someone coming to Christ and making some mistakes or may misinterpret AND someone who KNOWS they're spreading and following false doctrine, choosing to resist correction. Dangerous for themselves and others. So don't just believe in what Jesus say, do it. Love out Lord God and love our neighbors as ourselves. The same love, mercy, grace, forgiveness he gave us, we extend to others. Be respectfully honest with God about anything that's bothering you. Building a relationship with God is more important. Avoid being a hypocrite.
Our God is a merciful, loving, and understanding compassionate God who lovingly leads us to the truth when we're given false information.
So here's the warnings ⚠️:
Deuteronomy 12:32
(ESV)
" Everything that I command you, you shall be careful to do. You shall not add to it or take from it."
(NKJV)
"Whatever I command you, be careful to observe it, you shall not add to it or take away from it."
(NLT)
"So be careful to obey all the commands I give you. You must not add anything to them or subtract anything from them."
Proverbs 30: 5-6
(NLT)
" Every word of God proves true. He is a shield to all who come to him for protection. Do not add to his words, or he may rebuke you and expose you as a liar."
Matthew 15:8-9
(NKJV)
"These people draw near to Me with their mouth, And honor Me with their lips, But their heart is far from Me, And in vain they worship Me, Teaching as doctrines the commandments of men."
for further understanding of this:
Matthew 15:8-9
(NLT)
"These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me, Their worship is a farce, for they teach man-made ideas as commands from God."
(farce means mockery; fake; insincere)
James 3:1
(NLT)
"Dear brothers and sisters, not many of you should become teachers in the church, for we who teach will be judged more strictly."
Revelation 22:18-19
(NLT)
And I solemnly declare to everyone who hears the words of prophecy written in this book: If anyone adds anything to what is written here, God will add to that person the plagues described in this book. And if anyone removes any of the words from this book of prophecy, God will remove that person's share in the tree of life and in the holy city that are described in this book.
In my experience studying various Bible translations, it's crucial to recognize how each type serves different purposes and audiences. Word-for-Word translations such as the ESV or NKJV stick closely to the original Hebrew and Greek texts, making them ideal for serious study. However, they can sometimes feel dense or difficult to understand at first glance, especially for new readers. For instance, I found the King James Version beautifully poetic but occasionally hard to grasp without additional context. Balanced translations like the NIV or CSB offer a great middle ground, smoothing some of the harder phrasing while preserving original meanings. When reading daily devotionals or teaching materials, these versions helped me grasp scripture more clearly without losing doctrinal accuracy. They are especially suited for those new to Bible study, as they make the text more accessible. Meaning-Focused translations, such as the New Living Translation, prioritize readability and contemporary language. In my personal study, I often cross-reference these with a Word-for-Word translation to better understand difficult passages. They are excellent tools for gaining insight into the message behind the words, but I recommend caution about relying on them alone, particularly for theological study. Cultural translations like the Tree of Life Version or Complete Jewish Bible provide a valuable Jewish perspective, offering insight into the cultural and historical context of the scriptures. While they are not necessarily more accurate, they enriched my appreciation of the Bible by highlighting its roots in Hebrew tradition. Equally important is to avoid translations that alter doctrine, such as the New World Translation or the Joseph Smith Translation. These versions contain intentional changes that can mislead readers about fundamental Christian beliefs. Always check the background and theological perspective behind a Bible translation. Ultimately, building a relationship with God through earnest prayer and study is more important than any single translation. Using multiple translations together enhances understanding and helps guard against misinterpretation. I encourage readers to respect the scriptures, be honest in their spiritual journey, and seek truth with an open heart.
Sorry for the typos, I was correcting them 😅