Ever wonder why reading the Bible can be so difficult some times? Well, if you’re a new Christian or beginner Bible reader, you should be using the NIV translation in order to better understand the Scriptures. But why? Why does the Bible translation matter?
If you Google, “What translation of the bible should I use?” you’ll come across millions of search results, from millions of different websites, that express millions of different opinions.
Some will say that certain translations are better than others because they’re more accurate to the original sacred text, while others will discredit the validity of other translations based on who may have put that translation together.
Ultimately, as long as the translation is not blatantly manipulating the word of God to the extent that it says something completely different, then any translation of the Bible is great to use. And realistically, as you mature in your Bible reading and understanding, you should read through different translations of the Bible.
But what about when you’re just starting out? What translation is best to use when you’re a beginner Bible reader?
We recommend the New International Version (NIV).
It’s not that the NIV is somehow more superior than other versions. We just find it to be one of the best versions to use when you’re starting out on your Bible journey.
Here are three main reasons why we think the NIV is a great version to use:
1. It’s in English we can understand
Have you ever felt like reading the Bible was like trying to read through Shakespeare’s Macbeth? Except, somehow, Macbeth was way easier to read and understand…?
That’s how reading the Bible used to be for us too.
The King James Version (KJV) of the Bible is one of the most popular, standard, English-speaking versions of the Bible around the world. The translation was authorized in 1604 by King James I of England, and was finished in 1611, which explains why it reads like Shakespearean prose (for more information on the history of the KJV, we encourage you to check out this article from Time).
It’s not that the KJV is a “bad” version—it’s just difficult for us living in the 21st century to understand because we are pretty removed from that type of prose.
And apparently, we haven’t been the only ones who haven’t understood that version…
An engineer named Howard Long, who was a devoted KJV Bible reader/user, noticed that the friends he shared Scriptures with could never really understand them. They would be confused about the Bible and this would deter them from wanting to read further.
This is what inspired him to come up with a translation that was in a more contemporary language—the NIV.
The NIV is a translation of the Bible written in contemporary, modern day language that was developed by over one hundred trans-denominational and international scholars from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts (for more on the history of the NIV, feel free to check out this article from Biblegateway.
Because it’s in a more modern language, it is much easier to understand the Bible and connect with the Scriptures at a heart level.
2. The translation is said to be thought for thought
A lot of the opinions you’ll find online regarding Bible translations comes down to whether the translation is “word for word” or “thought for thought”.
“Word for word” translations emphasize the actual words of the Scriptures as they were written in the original source documents. Therefore, it’s a more literal translation, which is why translation “critics” prefer these versions—they believe them to be more accurate.
A “Thought for Thought” translation means that more emphasis is placed on the overall meaning or message of the Scriptures. Therefore, unlike with the “word for word” translation, where a reader’s ability to understand the Scriptures may vary with each verse, the thought for thought translation is easier to comprehend.
When you’re starting out on your Bible reading journey, we think the most important thing is for you to actually understand and comprehend what you’re reading. The NIV is a “thought for thought” translation of the Bible, while the KJV is “word for word”. Let’s look at an example of the difference. Here is James 1:22-25 in the KJV and NIV:
JAMES 1:22-25 KJV
22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. 23 For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: 24 For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. 25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.
JAMES 1:22-25 NIV
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
Which one do you honestly understand better?
Both Scriptures have the same message, but one is easier to comprehend than the other…
What stops many from even opening the Bible is their discouragement and lack of comprehension upon reading a few verses in the KJV. The Bible is truly life changing, and it would be to your own disservice not to read it due to a lack of understanding. So as a beginner, focus on getting the big picture behind the Scriptures—then you can go back and read other versions for some deeper Bible study.
3. It’s the most used version right behind the KJV
But wait—if more Americans are using the KJV, doesn’t that mean we should be using it too?
Not necessarily. The study did not say anything about the person’s level of comprehension in reading the Bible, how often they read it, or why they read. It only mentioned that 55% of Americans would go to it. Perhaps those 55% are turning to that version because it’s easily accessible, they have that copy in their homes, and it’s the version they heard read in church while they were growing up. That doesn’t necessarily mean they actually understand what they are reading…
That said, the fact that the NIV is the second commonly used version tells you that more people are using it—which means, if you were to go to a church, Bible study, or Bible website, there’s a strong chance that they would be preaching from and referring to the NIV. That means it’ll be easier for you to follow along with what the person is teaching, since you’re actually reading the same translation of Scriptures.
CONCLUSION
When you’re a beginner Bible reader, the goal is to learn how to read the Bible and understand it, so you can actually apply it. Therefore, the best translation is the one that will bring you closest to this goal. We think the NIV is the best for translation for that.
Do you have a particular translation that you enjoy? Let us know in the comments below!
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