No translation is perfect. Different versions have different strengths. Many times translators will express the meaning of a scripture according to their doctrinal biases. That makes those verses a mistranslation. It delivers an inaccurate understanding of God’s word. Our answers sometimes refer back to the Greek and Hebrew word definitions to find the meaning of those words.
Additionally, some Bible versions are easier to read for different verses. Bible FAQ tries to use accurate yet easy to read translations for our quoted scriptures. We want the reader to understand God’s thought.
Sometimes, it is impossible to translate something word for word and still translate the thought. In English, we might say, “Oh, nuts!” The speaker is not asking for nuts. He is expressing frustration.
Finally, some translators do not use the oldest and best manuscripts. The King James translators used the best texts available in the 1600s. But today, we have more manuscripts dating from earlier centuries. These codices reveal where additions, changes or deletions from God’s word have occurred. For example, Mark 16:9-20 does not appear in the oldest manuscripts. They were added and are spurious.
When you read God’s word and something is confusing or does not sound right, look into different translations for those verses. It can help you in your studies.
Additional Resources:
The Bible was not originally written in English. How did our English translation of the Bible come about? Learn how our King James Version has many translational errors. Eminent Bible scholar Professor C. Tischendorf presents a list of spurious passages based on the ancient Siniatic manuscript.
Download PDF: “Our Bible Translated”
Christian Questions Podcast
Episode #1151: “Has the Bible Been Mistranslated and Misunderstood? (Part I)”
Discovering and authenticating how the Bible came to be
Preview Video
CQ Rewind Show Notes
