Ask the Pastor: The Best Bible Translation
by the Rev. Walter Snyder
Religion Columnist

Q: There are many numerous Bible versions on the market today, several of which I
have read. They do contain differences of doctrine and content. I know that "all Scripture is
given by inspiration of God" but I wonder which one you think we can call the scriptures and
which one is indeed the infallible, inspired word of God.

The best thing is to be able to read Greek and Hebrew. While the original Scriptures were
inspired, there are problems in transmission. There were places where spelling and other errors led
to variant readings, places where it appears that comments in a margin later became copied as part
of the text, and other minor problems.

Actually, though, when you compare most translations, you can reconcile better than 99% of
the texts. However, as you note, there are some glaring inconsistencies. Part of this stems from the
choice of text(s) to translate. Some of it is also what you'd consider theological bias on the part of
translators. Thus, Acts 3:20, concerning Jesus' ascension, is translated, "whom heaven must receive,"
in the Revised Standard Version and, "Whom the heaven must receive," in the King James Version.
However, the New International Version says that Jesus "must remain in heaven." One has to play
with the edges of meaning of the Greek verb in order to change "receive" into "remain." It seems
that some who worked on the translation of the NIV had problems with Christ being present in his
full divine and human natures, and decided that since he has a physical body, it is bound to one
location because all other human bodies are bound to one location.

As I said, the best solution is to learn Greek and Hebrew (and Aramaic). Failing this, then
asking questions of those whom you trust and comparing the translations and, when possible, the
theology of the translators is essential. Remember that commentaries are also written by theologians
who make assumptions, so their interpretations will be colored by their biases. As far as literal
accuracy and using a lot of textual comparison, the New American Standard Bible is hard to beat.
The Authorized Version (or the King James) uses one text for translation, and some scholars think that
copyists' errors crept into the text, but the English is faithful to what it translates. The "old" RSV
likewise is fairly faithful, but theological judgments such as translating the Hebrew in Isaiah as "young woman" instead of "virgin" (granted, either is technically accurate) cause many to shy away
from it.

Many modern translations are not "word-for-word," but are "idea-for-idea" or "dynamic equivalent."
They try to convey the thought of a whole phrase or verse, rather than an exact translation of each
word. Thus, I'd almost consider them to be as much paraphrases as they are translations.

The best "version" will remain the original, and since we have many copies but no authentic originals,
we pray that we make wise decisions when we must choose between variant readings.

To Ask the Pastor, please write Ask the Pastor, PO Box 12, Emma, MO, 65327 or send email to
askthepastor@aol.com. I look forward to hearing from you.

Walter Snyder is the pastor of Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Emma, Missouri and coauthor of the book
"What Do Lutherans Believe."

Ask the Pastor is copyright (c) 2001 by Walter P. Snyder. It may be reproduced  in totality, including
this disclaimer, by anyone, provided that no profit is generated by said republication and
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