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Favorites & Others

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It is essential to recognize the differences between Bible versions when engaging in serious study or seeking guidance from the Lord.

Bible translations can be divided into word-for-word or thought-for-thought

In a thought-for-thought translation, the writer conveys what he believes is the intended message of the scripture based on his interpretation.

A word-for-word translation translates the original text exactly as it is.

Therefore, it will be what the Lord is truly saying to us.

The following versions are translated from the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic texts.

The King James

The New King James

The New American Standard

The English Standard

The following versions are man's interpretations or thoughts.

NIV New International Version

NIRV New International Readers Version

GNT Good News translation

AMP The Amplified version

The Message

GW God’s Word

NLT New Living Translation

And More

To me, thought-for-thought translations are dangerous because they are more likely to be a man's interpretation or explanation instead of what the original authors wrote.

Here are some examples.

KJV   He answered and said, Lo, I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire, and they have no hurt; and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.”

NIV "He said, “Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods.”

AMP He answered, “Look! I see four men untied, walking around in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt! And the appearance of the fourth is like [a]a son of the gods!

Acts 3:19

NKJV Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, 

NIRV So turn away from your sins. Turn to God. Then your sins will be wiped away. The time will come when the Lord will make everything new. 

NASB Act 3:19  "Therefore repent and return, so that your sins may be wiped away, in order that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord; 

NIV Acts 3:19 states: "Repent, then, and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord"

Amplified version, "So repent [change your inner self—your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God—seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord

GW God had Christ, who was sinless, take our sin so that we might receive God’s approval through him.

NASB  He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 

NIRV 2 Cor 5:21  Christ didn't have any sin. But God made him become sin for us. So we can be made right with God because of what Christ has done for us. 

KJV 2 Cor 5:21  For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him. 

Amplified version, 2 Corinthians 5:21 states: "He made Christ Who knew no sin to [judicially] be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we would become the righteousness of God [that is, we would be made acceptable to Him and placed in a right relationship with Him by His gracious loving kindness]"

In conclusion, thought-for-thought translations could be helpful. Personally, I do not like them, but just be aware that if the translation you are reading is not coming from the original text, it is very possible that it is not what the Lord is saying through His word


History

Heb 5:13-14 For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.

Why Multiple Translations?

When the English King James was translated from Greek, English has about 6,000 words. While Greek had over 12,000 words.

My Translations

• NASB w/Strongs
• KJV w/Strongs
• Literal Translation
• Brenton's English Septuagint

Demostrations

DEMO: John 1:14 - And the Word became flesh, and dwelt among us,

DEMO: Gen 1:1-2 In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. (KJV)

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