The “Best” Translation? That Depends

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Part 1 –
The “Best” Translation? That Depends
This opening episode bluntly states that the best translation of the Bible is a direct translation based on the oldest Greek and Hebrew copies. Presuming we’re reading an English translation, the best version is one that relies directly on the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. Some earlier English Bibles were translations of translations, depending on the Latin Vulgate instead of Greek and Hebrew copies. Accuracy is potentially sacrificed. Modern English translations typically use either a literal word-for-word approach (formal equivalence) or a thought-to-thought (dynamic equivalence). The advantage of the first method is accuracy, whereas the second is readability. The “best” translation largely depends on one’s purposes. Those who’d like to go deeper into their study of the Bible should rely on more literal translation, whereas, for devotional purposes, a thought-to-thought version might be better. For those who’d like the best of both worlds, the NIV is probably the best. The Message is very readable, but since it is a paraphrase and not a translation, it should generally be avoided. At the very least, only use The Message in conjunction with a more literal translation.

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:35 – Introduction to the Bible Translation Question
  • 00:01:41 – Importance of Accurate Translations
  • 00:02:18 – Historical Manuscripts Overview
  • 00:04:10 – Best Practices for Translation Selection
  • 00:05:29 – Understanding Translation Approaches
  • 00:06:25 – Word for Word vs. Thought for Thought
  • 00:08:58 – Choosing the Right Translation for Devotion
  • 00:10:25 – Using Multiple Translations
  • 00:12:14 – Final Thoughts on Accurate Bible Versions
  • 00:12:53 – Closing Prayer
Part 1 –
The “Best” Translation? That Depends

Podcast (kingdomquestions): Play in new window | Download | Embed

  • 00:00:35 – Introduction to the Bible Translation Question
  • 00:01:41 – Importance of Accurate Translations
  • 00:02:18 – Historical Manuscripts Overview
  • 00:04:10 – Best Practices for Translation Selection
  • 00:05:29 – Understanding Translation Approaches
  • 00:06:25 – Word for Word vs. Thought for Thought
  • 00:08:58 – Choosing the Right Translation for Devotion
  • 00:10:25 – Using Multiple Translations
  • 00:12:14 – Final Thoughts on Accurate Bible Versions
  • 00:12:53 – Closing Prayer
This opening episode bluntly states that the best translation of the Bible is a direct translation based on the oldest Greek and Hebrew copies. Presuming we’re reading an English translation, the best version is one that relies directly on the Hebrew Old Testament and the Greek New Testament. Some earlier English Bibles were translations of translations, depending on the Latin Vulgate instead of Greek and Hebrew copies. Accuracy is potentially sacrificed. Modern English translations typically use either a literal word-for-word approach (formal equivalence) or a thought-to-thought (dynamic equivalence). The advantage of the first method is accuracy, whereas the second is readability. The “best” translation largely depends on one’s purposes. Those who’d like to go deeper into their study of the Bible should rely on more literal translation, whereas, for devotional purposes, a thought-to-thought version might be better. For those who’d like the best of both worlds, the NIV is probably the best. The Message is very readable, but since it is a paraphrase and not a translation, it should generally be avoided. At the very least, only use The Message in conjunction with a more literal translation.

Episode Scripture References -

Genesis 1:1

More About This Episode -

In this podcast episode titled “The ‘Best’ Translation? That Depends,” host Victor Vigorito addresses the question of how to determine which version of the Bible is correct amidst the many translations available. He begins by emphasizing that while there are various English translations, they primarily rely on the original Hebrew and Greek texts, and their accuracy is largely influenced by the oldest available manuscripts.


Victor explains that the best translations are those directly from Hebrew and Greek to English, based on the oldest manuscripts. He points out the critical role of translation methods, distinguishing between word-for-word translations (formal equivalence) and thought-for-thought translations (dynamic equivalence). He notes that word-for-word translations are typically more literal, while thought-for-thought translations prioritize understandability for the reader.


Throughout the episode, Victor highlights the nuances of translation, particularly with Hebrew, which has a limited vocabulary leading to multiple meanings for many words. He suggests that those who desire an accurate and detailed understanding of Scripture should choose literal translations like the New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), or King James Version (KJV). For readers seeking a more accessible understanding, he recommends the New International Version (NIV), which balances both methods.


Victor emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on one translation, encouraging listeners to explore multiple translations to better engage with the Scriptures. He cautions against using paraphrase editions, such as “The Message,” which may diverge too far from the original texts.


As Victor delves deeper, he discusses how using the law as a means for sanctification is futile, as it only reveals personal shortcomings without the power to enable change. He reiterates that true sanctification must come through the Holy Spirit, who helps believers live in accordance with God’s will, emphasizing the theme of walking by the Spirit to avoid acting on sinful desires.

Key Terms From This Episode -

Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

    Key Points:

  • Various English translations rely on original Hebrew and Greek texts
  • Word-for-word (formal equivalence): More literal
  • Thought-for-thought (dynamic equivalence): Prioritizes understandability
  • Nuances of Hebrew language lead to multiple word meanings
  • For accurate understanding: New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), King James Version (KJV). For accessibility: New International Version (NIV)

    • Episode Scripture References -

    Genesis 1:1

    More About This Episode -

    In this podcast episode titled “The ‘Best’ Translation? That Depends,” host Victor Vigorito addresses the question of how to determine which version of the Bible is correct amidst the many translations available. He begins by emphasizing that while there are various English translations, they primarily rely on the original Hebrew and Greek texts, and their accuracy is largely influenced by the oldest available manuscripts.


    Victor explains that the best translations are those directly from Hebrew and Greek to English, based on the oldest manuscripts. He points out the critical role of translation methods, distinguishing between word-for-word translations (formal equivalence) and thought-for-thought translations (dynamic equivalence). He notes that word-for-word translations are typically more literal, while thought-for-thought translations prioritize understandability for the reader.


    Throughout the episode, Victor highlights the nuances of translation, particularly with Hebrew, which has a limited vocabulary leading to multiple meanings for many words. He suggests that those who desire an accurate and detailed understanding of Scripture should choose literal translations like the New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), or King James Version (KJV). For readers seeking a more accessible understanding, he recommends the New International Version (NIV), which balances both methods.


    Victor emphasizes the importance of not relying solely on one translation, encouraging listeners to explore multiple translations to better engage with the Scriptures. He cautions against using paraphrase editions, such as “The Message,” which may diverge too far from the original texts.


    As Victor delves deeper, he discusses how using the law as a means for sanctification is futile, as it only reveals personal shortcomings without the power to enable change. He reiterates that true sanctification must come through the Holy Spirit, who helps believers live in accordance with God’s will, emphasizing the theme of walking by the Spirit to avoid acting on sinful desires.

    Key Terms From This Episode -

    Main Theme: Determining the correct Bible translation from many available options

      Key Points:

  • Various English translations rely on original Hebrew and Greek texts
  • Word-for-word (formal equivalence): More literal
  • Thought-for-thought (dynamic equivalence): Prioritizes understandability
  • Nuances of Hebrew language lead to multiple word meanings
  • For accurate understanding: New American Standard Bible (NASB), English Standard Version (ESV), King James Version (KJV). For accessibility: New International Version (NIV)
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