How To Pick A Bible For Your Purpose

As you begin to pick an English Bible for your purpose, remember that some of the translations available today are better known by their full name, and others by their acronyms. Here's a list of some of the most popular:

- Contemporary English Version (CEV)
- Good News Translation (GNT)
- King James Version (KJV)
- New American Bible (NAB)
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
- Revised English Bible (REB)
- Tanakh (Jewish Publication Society)
- Today's New International Version (TNIV)

 

Take a few minutes to think about how and when you will be using your new Bible most often. Obviously, you will use it in different situations, but what will be the primary purpose of your time with this Bible?

With Children and Young People

If you plan to read the Bible with children or young people, the CEV, the NLT, the NIV, or the GNT are very good choices. The language in these tends to more readable and modern. These translations also avoid some of the difficult phrases and words you often find in other translations. This also makes them excellent choices to use with anyone not familiar with the Bible.

 

In Worship and Public Reading

A few of the popular translations used in worship and for public reading are NRSV, the NIV, the KJV, and the GNT. Of these, the KJV remains a standard Bible that is read widely in churches, probably because the language is stately and familiar. The GNT is also popular, mostly in churches where the style of worship is less formal and traditional. In more formal and liturgical worship services, the NRSV and the NIV are often used.

 

For Private Study

The translation that you use in your own study time is simply a matter of preference. The important thing to remember in this situation is to have some help through study notes, introductions, and maps. You might consider looking for a Bible that has some of these helps for your study. Many people prefer a more modern translation (like the CEV, the GNT, the NLT, or the Tanakh) for study because the language is more contemporary, and understanding the text tends to be a bit easier.

 

In Devotional Times

Many people agree that for private devotional time, the traditional language found in more formal translations is deeply moving. The KJV (and NKJV) is familiar to many of us, while the REB and NJB contain beautiful poetry and language for reading. For others, contemporary language and an easy-to-read text is most important.

 

In Small Group Bible Study

Just as for private study, a Bible used in a small group situation should have some notes and helps to aid your study. Consider a study Bible for this use. Many of the English translations come in either a text edition (with few or no study aids) and a study edition. When searching for a study Bible, first decide on the translation itself (for example, the CEV, the NIV, the NRSV, the GNT) and then look around for a study edition tied to that particular translation. A study Bible should include at the very least substantial introductions to the books, maps, notes for understanding what you've read, and outlines of the books to see what you're reading.