Bible Translations, Wording & Confusion

Why is the wording in my Bible so different from yours?

             Have you ever shared a Scripture verse with someone only to discover the verses don’t sound the same? Maybe you can’t find the Pondering verse wording in your Bible. The Psalms numbers don’t match up.  Why do some Bibles have different books?  Why is the wording different? The answers to these relatively simple questions will quickly get you mired in biblical scholarship, theology, and philology.   Researching these questions can send you down a rabbit hole of despair, especially if you ask questions online where loads of comments about different faith traditions will discourage and cause you to doubt the holiness of Christians. Who on earth could be behind the scattering and confusion of Christians about the Word of God?  I wonder…?

 For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. 1 Corinthians 14:33

Let us then pursue what makes for peace and mutual upbuilding. Romans 14:19

 Which Bible version should I use?

             Your faith tradition is a good place to start. Ask your priest, pastor, or youth minister for a recommendation. If they don’t have an answer, run! If you are beginning your Scripture studies, a Youth or Teen Bible might be appropriate as many contain useful definitions and articles and are in a very readable language.  I chose my “everyday” Bible because most of the spiritual books I read and the contemporary speakers I listen to use the same translation which got my attention. I also like the cadence and style of the English wording. It is more closely a word for word translation, and I like that. I personally use the Revised Standard Version (RSV) 2^nd Catholic Edition by Ignatius Press.  Take the time to get to know your version of the Bible.  It is usually listed on the spine or on the title page of your book.  My Bible has a comprehensive and easy to read introduction outlining its version history. Take the time to read the introduction and any notes in the beginning of your Bible.  The introduction will likely answer your questions about the translation you are holding minus the annoying online comments.

             I also use other Bibles for reference including several study Bibles.  A comprehensive study Bible often has footnotes, lengthy commentaries, historical notes, original language references and definitions which are all very helpful. A study Bible as a reference can really help you dive deeper into Scripture.  The only drawback with Study Bibles is they often come in multiple volume sets and are too large to carry around.  As you pray and study with Scripture, always remember it is not what you know but WHO you know that helps you be holy! [i.e. Jesus]

            Please don’t let scholarly differences trip you up with the Bible or give you an excuse not to trust its effectiveness in conveying who Jesus Christ is.  Whichever translation you use along with your faith tradition and a ton of help from the Holy Spirit you will get to know Jesus intimately.  Your spiritual growth will soar.  Union with Jesus is the goal!

I thought this comment from my study Bible’s introduction was right on point:

“Perhaps the most important context of all is the interior life of the reader.  What we get out of the Bible will largely depend on how we approach the Bible.  Unless we are living a sustained and disciplined life of prayer, we will never have the reverence, the profound humility, or the grace we need to see the Scriptures for what they really are.  You are approaching the “word of God”. But for thousands of years, since before he knit you in your mother’s womb, the Word of God has been approaching you.” ¹

1. The Ignatius Catholic Study Bible: New Testament. Revised Standard Version Second Catholic Edition. Ignatius Press, 2010, pp. xiv.

History of English Bible Translations

Bible Translation Chart