Guided by The Gospel – Issue 177 (Questions of Faith: Do Bible Translations Change God’s Message?)

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

One of the most common concerns about the Bible’s reliability is the number of different translations available today. Some ask: If the Bible has been translated so many times, how do we know it still conveys God’s original message? Others wonder if variations between translations weaken the Bible’s authority or introduce errors.

With translations ranging from word-for-word versions (like the ESV or NASB) to thought-for-thought versions (like the NIV or NLT), and even paraphrases (like The Message), how can we trust that God’s truth remains unchanged?

The Bible was originally written in Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament), with a small portion in Aramaic. Because languages evolve, translation is necessary for people to understand God’s Word in their own language.

Jesus Himself affirmed the use of translations when He quoted from the Septuagint (a Greek translation of the Hebrew Old Testament), proving that translations do not automatically distort God’s message (Luke 4:17-21).

More importantly, God’s truth is preserved not by a specific translation but by His sovereign power:

• Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God stands forever.”
• Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.”

Faithful translations do not weaken God’s Word; they make it accessible so that people of all nations can understand and believe.

The vast variety of translations exists because languages change over time, and different approaches are used to balance accuracy and readability. Most Bible translations fall into one of three categories:

1. Word-for-Word (Literal) Translations – These closely follow the original Hebrew and Greek, aiming for precision but sometimes sounding unnatural in modern English.
2. Thought-for-Thought Translations – These prioritize conveying the original meaning in clearer, more natural language.
3. Paraphrases (Simplified Retelling) – These aim to restate biblical concepts in very modern or conversational terms.

No single translation is perfect, but each serves a purpose. A good practice is to compare multiple translations to gain a deeper understanding.

Some skeptics claim that because translations differ in wording, the Bible must be unreliable. However, textual scholars overwhelmingly confirm that the core message of Scripture remains intact.

Even with minor wording differences, no essential doctrine of Christianity is changed or lost. For example:

• John 3:16 (NIV): “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son…”
• John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son…”

The phrase “one and only Son” and “only begotten Son” express the same truth in slightly different ways. The meaning remains unchanged.

Additionally, thousands of ancient manuscripts confirm that the Bible has been faithfully copied and preserved over time. God has ensured His Word endures.

Practical Takeaway: What Does This Mean for Us?

• Choose a translation that is accurate and understandable. A reliable Bible should be translated from the original Hebrew and Greek texts rather than from another translation.
• Don’t let translation differences shake your faith. The variations in wording do not alter the core truths of Scripture—God’s message remains the same.
• Study multiple translations for a fuller understanding. Comparing versions like the ESV (word-for-word) and the NLT (thought-for-thought) can enrich your study.

God’s Word is alive and active (Hebrews 4:12), and He has preserved it so that all people may come to know Him.

Reflection and Challenge - Have you ever struggled with understanding certain passages because of translation differences? Try comparing a word-for-word translation with a thought-for-thought version and see how it deepens your insight.

I’d love to hear your thoughts—share in the comments or reach out to me privately if you have any questions.

With Hope and Faith,

Edward C. Thomas

Guided by The Gospel

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