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Q: I have started my study of the Bible. I already have a question. Since the Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, what version or translation of the Bible do you use? Since there are no two translations that are identical or without error, how do you make sure that your interpretation and understanding is correct, accurate, and true to the original intent of the Bible?
A: Thanks for your question.
I have copies of several popular versions of The Bible, but my personal preference over the decades has been The New King James Version. (NKJV) While this is the first one I reach for, whenever I encounter sections that require clarification, pondering or deeper reflection and study, I consult BibleGateway.com, which has dozens of English translations of The Bible. In that app, I usually turn to The Amplified Bible, The King James Version, and especially Young’s Literal Translation and Wycliff Bible. As time and interest permit, I may check a few of the more modern versions, some of which only focus on the New Testament. Finally, for tough sections or concepts, I search the web for commentaries by scholars around the world. The diversity of views on this matter is considerable. There are numerous Bible reading and commentary websites and apps.
As you read, consider this idea as an alternative viewpoint. The Lord God has a strategic spiritual message for us humans, and In His wisdom, He’s decided to convey His spiritual message to us via a book, comprised of history, poetry, prophecy, letters and prose. Then He offers His Holy Spirit (via the process of being ‘born’ into His Kingdom) to help those who ask, with their ability to perceive, understand and prosper from His strategic message that is 'hidden for us', not 'hidden from us' who diligently seek Him. So knowing this, consider reading His message from the perspective of you being there with Him in Heaven over the ages, looking over His shoulder as He stimulates the human writers of the 66 books in The Bible, to actually write in such a way as to convey HIS consistent, over-arching strategic spiritual message. Doing this without a myopic focus on books, chapters and verses will greatly help. Try to perceive His message across all the verses, chapters, books, history, writing styles, and ages. As you read, try to perceive what The Lord says about the past, current and predicted future ages.
He fully knew human social cultures would morph over time, and would actually devolve and deteriorate to their worst states by the end of this current age. Thus, He structured His message, His Book, in such a way to convey its core points across evolving times and ages. So don’t get too dragged down in the nitty-gritty issues of socio-cultural norms across the thousands of years over which The Bible was written. Keep your focus on hearing His core strategy.
If you may be skilled in reading strategically, e.g., with deeper understanding, read to be able to summarize succinctly to others your understanding of The Lord’s strategy, from start-to-end. I believe the 14 points noted in this blog post capture His strategy as I understand it. How to be Spirit-Led
Great question about confidence in my understanding. My reply is largely based on what Jesus, Himself, iteratively says in St. John 10 and 15:1-17 namely that,
My sheep know, hear and follow My voice. (John 10)
They abide in Me, bear fruit, and have full joy. (John15)
In John 10, Jesus effectively released His faith regarding all future believers who would fully embrace His salvation. As we similarly release our faith in response to His, The Holy Spirit triggers His works in and through us, building our confidence that we are indeed learning to know, hear and follow His voice.
In John 15, Jesus commands us to abide in Him, and then promises some glorious rewards. I perceive increased confidence in hearing His voice is implicit therein. I understand abiding in Him to mean meditating, musing -pondering, praying and practicing His Word, and also practicing His presence in our lives.
I hope this is helpful, and is not overly prescriptive. It’s a synthesis of what I have learned. Other readers may contribute their insights.
Post-script: Please see this series written June 2024:
