In Translation

Listing of the Bible translations for use in study, meditation, and speaking the Word in prayer

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Pray for me also. Pray that I might open my mouth without fear. Pray that I will use the right words to preach that which is hard to understand in the Good News. - Ephesians 6:19 (NLV)

I don't know about you, but I can get lost in archaic language and jargon of certain translations, even though I grew up hearing and studying them. In the past, I have felt both disoriented and discouraged trying to interpret the Word without the benefit of a linguistics or theology degree.

But the use of a concordance and several online tools to read and compare verses, has literally been a God-send! Transformative. Game changing. A legitimate come up. I gain a much fuller and clearer understanding of the Word using these resources.

The advantage in reading and re-reading across multiple translations, is that the study, worship, memorization, and prayer are inherent in the process.

BOOM. The true art of the multi-task. The definition of time well spent.

I intentionally use various translations to help myself (and others) understand, relate, and experience the full truth of God's Word. I commonly use the translations listed below when praying, studying, and meditating.

I encourage you to find the translations that are understandable to you and speak to your Spirit. I implore you to seek the knowledge and mysteries of God in reading multiple tellings and retellings of God’s Word.

Don’t let the theological debates behind who, what, when distract you from the fact that most publicly available Bible versions accurately depict the intention of God as well as the words used in the writings that were selected (yes, selected) to be in our standard Bible. Reading across the translations will easily show you that. There’s plenty of history and controversy there for those who long for such a rabbit hole. No judgment. Just don’t get stuck in the what ifs when those of us privileged to live in a free world have full and free access to I AM. (2 Timothy 3:16-17)

At the end of the day, it is important to remember that your faith and respect for God used in the act of seeking out, studying, and longing for understanding of God’s Word, is what is most important to God and what will be most beneficial to you on your Lookout.

Wisdom begins with respect for the Lord. And understanding begins with knowing God, the Holy One. - Proverbs 9:10 (ICB)

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In no particular order, here are a few English translations I commonly use (and that you will see sprinkled through the blog), along with a reason or two that I appreciate them.

The Amplified Version (AMP)

Why I like it:

This is the good old King James Version broken down with explanatory words and phrases in brackets. Thank you! I use this as a standalone study option and in combination with just about every other translation I read.

The Message (MSG)

Why I like it:

This is the Word as a compilation of conversational stories that clearly states and reasonably frames, groups, and labels chunks and sections of verse, chapters, and books. This is common sense poignant speak. I love using this translation to pray.

The Passion Translation (TPT)

Why I like it:

This is what I imagine God often sounds like. This translation is good for emotional connection and clarity of intent. I love reading this side by side with the Amplified and Message versions for a dose of sugar, spice, and realness. Come on!

The Easy to Read Version (ERV)

Why I like it:

I am so annoyed that it took me as long as it did to crack this cookie. Whenever I am in doubt, slightly confused, or just not focused or energetic enough to plough through the complexity or verboseness of the other translations, this one is all I need. It just "gets it." Talk about solving the mystery. A good side by side study option--no flourishes, strings, or parentheses (even though I really love parenthetical descriptions).

Living Bible (TLB)

Why I like it:

There is something about this translation that always grabs me. It is not quite King James, not quite the Message, not quite the expository of the Passion or Amplified versions either. This version seems to communicate God's intent in a way that is straightforward, plain spoken, earnest, and unrestrained. A great jump off for a meditation or study.

Expanded Bible (EXB)

Why I like it:

This one is relatively new to me too. That said, I use it often--very often. It is like the Amplified pumped up and modernized. Actually, it is almost the inverse of the Amplified, in that it is plain spoken with references to the more traditional and sometimes more complex and less modern language (looking at you, King James Version) in brackets. Super helpful when looking to decode some archaic language or phrasing or revisiting those verses we memorized long ago but never really fully dug into or grasped.

God's Word Translation (GW)

Why I like it:

This version is clear with some language parallels to more familiar translations, making it easy to both understand and connect with the text. I also noticed this version is good about adding modern descriptors and using clearer phrasing even if sticking to the same wording to help ensure sentences and verses don't lose the context.

The Voice (VOICE)

Why I like it:

This version is all about identifying the speaker. It often does a great job of describing the persona of God in plain speak when God is talking so that it aligns with the name of God used in the original text. This version also tends to have a clear fresh straightforward approach at translation like some of the more modern translations like the Message and Passion. So this one can do double duty when you want a clear presentation of the story or a better understanding of who God says He is in a scripture.

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

Why I like it:

This translation is a pleasant surprise. Expository. Clear. Detailed. This translation does what the Message and some other translations do: group the verses together according to how they are best read, understood, or likely were written (instead of what sometimes feels like the random numbering of verses). I like reading this for a good breakdown of just about everything that any other version has interpreted the text to say, but in a way that is clear because of both language choice and sentence structure. Don't even ask me if this is what the translators were going for...I just revel in its depths! (Note, this is a translation for the New Testament books of the Bible only).

Jubilee Bible (JUB)

Why I like it:

On occasion I find that this translation brings the passion and the energy. I find this translation can have pretty impactful language and emphasis that is good for study and meditation.

Names of God Bible (NOG)

Why I like it:

I love studying the names and character of God. This is my go to when trying to discern who my God says He is, what He wants me to know about the One who is speaking at that moment in time, and who He is able to be for me. While the language is more updated structurally and linguistically than the King James Version, it works best for me as a study companion alongside other translations for the purpose of understanding God's character.

The New Living Translation (NLT)

Why I like it:

This is like a mix of the King James Version with the modern clarity of the Living Bible. I find it good for when I need to compare or deduce the text of a verse in the King James translation that I am already familiar.

A big nugget for thought...and to explore in different translations:

We teach wisdom to people who are mature, but the wisdom we teach is not from this world...we speak God’s secret wisdom that has been hidden from everyone until now. God planned this wisdom for our glory. He planned it before the world began. No one has ever seen, no one has ever heard, no one has ever imagined what God has prepared for those who love him. God has shown us these things through the Spirit. The Spirit knows all things. The Spirit even knows the deep secrets of God...No one knows God’s thoughts except God’s Spirit. We received the Spirit that is from God, not the spirit of the world. We received God’s Spirit so that we can know all that God has given us. When we say this, we don’t use words taught to us by human wisdom. We use words taught to us by the Spirit. We use the Spirit’s words to explain spiritual truths. - 1 Corinthians 2: 6-7, 10-13 (ERV)

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Call to Action: Dive deep. Understand and feel what you speak!

It is the glory of God to conceal the word, but the honour of kings is to search out the word. - Proverbs 25:2 (JUB)