If the only Bible we had were the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament, then most of us would be in dire straits when it comes to reading and understanding the Scriptures. We must rely on translations into our own language. But all English translations are not equal.

The last fifty years has brought us a flood of English translations – each claiming to be better and easier to read by their publishers. When one says “The Bible says ....” one almost feels compelled to ask, “Which Bible...” One never knows which version a preacher or teacher is going to be using in his presentation. And people are asking, “What is the best translation to use in our personal study?”

One should be careful not to jump on to any translation simply because it makes for easier reading. He should be more concerned with the accuracy of translation.

Many of, or dare I say most of, the modern translations are the results of an agenda. Publishing companies are in the business of publishing books and the continuance of their business depends on bringing out fresh material periodically. Hence, the temptation of Bible publishers to bring out new translations from time to time to compete with other companies that are doing the same. I highly suspect that many of modern translations are the result of the desire to bring out a new product that will boost their sales for a while. So, their agenda is more commercial than anything else.

Some translations are the result of a doctrinal agenda of the persons or groups that publishes them. These translations are usually slanted toward the doctrine they want to propagate. The Watchtower people and some Calvinistic slanted versions are of this type. Most one person translations at least give the appearance of an effort of an individual wanting to stroke his ego by putting himself forward as a scholar capable of producing a translations better than all the rest – at least one to his liking.

What is one to do to keep from drowning in the sea of translations and confusion? Actually, a few of these modern translations are pretty good. One does not want to go to the extreme of rejecting all modern versions. A suggestion to my preaching brethren, if you prefer to use a modern translation in pulpit, let the folks know which version you are using.

However, there are two older translations that have stood the test of time and critical examination. They are the King James Version of 1611 and the American Standard version of 1901. They have been recognized by preachers/teachers and groups of all stripes as the standard by which truth is measured for many years.

My practice has been, and I would recommend it to others, to use these versions as the foundation of personal study and the standard by which to measure the accuracy of any modern version. A version may reword a text in a way as to clarify some of the archaic language of KJV and ASV, much in the way we often do in our efforts to explain the scriptures. This can be beneficial. But as we compare the various renderings of various versions, we believe it to be a safe practice to check their accuracy by referencing these two versions.

The major objections that I hear to these versions is their archaic language. Personally, I have no problems with the “thou, thy, and thine” especially when referring to Deity. I still use them in addressing God publicly and privately. Even modern English recognizes them as being pronouns of Deity. Some wonder why I still use them in my prayers, do I not know that the Greek makes no distinction in personal pronouns referring to God and pronouns referring to man? My standard answer is that I am aware of this fact and that the next time I pray in Greek I would not make a distinction. But in the meantime, since this tool of distinction was available in English, that I would prefer to use them as I addressed God. I have no criticism of those who prefer to reverently use “You, Your, and Yours” as they pray to God. Just don’t get on my case for not doing so.