Which Bible translation should you use?

Rev. Roderick Heck, M.T.S., M.Div. Pastor Theologian

Have you ever wondered which Bible translation to use.  I think the best way to decide is to compare scriptures in various translations.  Let’s look at Romans 3:21-26 which teaches the righteousness of God through faith in four popular Bible translations, King James Version (KJV), English Standard Version (ESV), New American Standard Bible (NASB) and New Living Translation (NLT).

Paul’s argument in Rom. 3:21-26 is as follows.

In Rom. 3:21-23, Paul argues that righteousness in the sight of God cannot be achieved (manifested) by the law but must be achieved through faith in Jesus Christ. He points to the Law and the Prophets as testaments of this fact. He further argues that the righteousness of God is available to all who believe in Jesus Christ. In this context he is speaking of both Jew and Gentile for which he says there is no distinction because each has sinned and fallen short of God’s glory.

In Rom 3:24-25, Paul continues his argument by stating that both Jew and Gentile are justified (declared or made righteous in the sight of God) by God’s grace. This justification is a gift through the redemption in Jesus whom God put forth as a propitiation (appeasement or atonement) by his blood which is received by faith.

 Let’s read the King James translation.

But now, the righteousness of God

21 But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; 22 Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: 23 For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; 24 Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: 25 Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; 26 To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus.  Romans 3:21-26 KJV

Now, the English Standard Version.

The Righteousness of God Through Faith

21 But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God's righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  Romans 3:21-26 ESV

Now, the New American Standard Bible translation.

Justification by Faith

21 But now apart from the Law the righteousness of God has been revealed, being witnessed by the Law and the Prophets, 22 but it is the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all those who believe; for there is no distinction, 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God displayed publicly as a propitiation in His blood through faith. This was to demonstrate His righteousness, because in God’s merciful restraint He let the sins previously committed go unpunished; 26 for the demonstration, that is, of His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.  Romans 3:21-26 NASB

Finally, the New Living Translation.

Christ Took Our Punishment

21 But now God has shown us a way to be made right with him without keeping the requirements of the law, as was promised in the writings of Moses and the prophets long ago. 22 We are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ. And this is true for everyone who believes, no matter who we are.

23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. 24 Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. 25 For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, 26 for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.   Romans 3:21-26 NLT

The most obvious differences between the translations are the education level needed to understand the vocabulary used.  The ESV translates the King James Version (KJV) Elizabethan English into today’s European English but is more verbose.  In my view the ESV is harder to read and understand as compared to the KJV.  This is probably because I grew up reading and studying the KJV. It is the standard version used in most Baptist churches.

The NASB is easier to read and understand as it uses American English however it is more verbose.  The NLT is the easiest to read and understand.  The verses use more understandable words which make the passage more understandable, but the reader is given a point of view versus having to take a point of view as to what the scripture may mean.

I find very little theological differences in the translations of the texts.  All three texts explain that Jesus was given to free us from the requirements of the Mosaic Law which we were unable to keep.  The NLT translation is exegetically better from my point of view because it does a better job of conceptually breaking down each verse without straying theologically.

The advantage of the ESV is that it is a closer translation of the KJV.  The disadvantage is the complexity of the vocabulary.  The advantage of the NASB is that it uses American English.  The disadvantage is also the complexity of the vocabulary used.  The advantage of the NLT is the ease at which the reader can read and understand the verses.  The reader is also able to understand the complete thought without intense study of each verse. 

The greatest advantage of the NLT is that it makes the bible understandable to a less educated reader.  The disadvantage of the NLT is the fact that a point of view is given to the reader versus the reader having to study each verse and the passage to gain a point of view.

When studying the Bible, my recommendation is to read different translations to see which you most enjoy using. Changing translations from time to time can be a great way to get a fresh perspective on a familiar passage.  Studying the Bible through various translations will also offer a balanced approach between readability and accuracy.

No matter which translation you choose to use, remember, as in all things, ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

God Bless!

Sign-up to receive notifications of new blog posts.

Partner with us as we take the transformative message of God's love, hope and salvation to the world.

Visit Our Gift Shop for upcoming holiday gifts.