Finding a Good Bible

I’ve always heard the term “good bible”, especially in the context on making sure that you had one yourself. But what exactly makes a “good bible”? How do I know if I have a bad bible, and does it need to repent? Have I been reading God’s word wrong all along!?!

If you’ve been an avid Bible reader for a number of years you probably already have a go-to version. There have also probably been times when you hear a familiar verse in a different translation, and it sounds entirely different, almost blasphemous! But rest assured, although some translations may sound odd, most Bibles are “good bibles”, you just need to understand with what purpose they were translated.

The purpose of this article is to guide you in identifying a good Bible that adequately meets your needs.

We will review:

• What is Translation Philosophy?

• Types of Translation Philosophy

• Different Translations in Action

• What Is a Good Bible for You?

What is Translation Philosophy?

Translation Philosophy might sound like a new made-up phrase to some, but this term simply means the method used to interpret the original language in scripture. Go ahead and grab your favorite bible, and usually you’ll find a section at the beginning where it explains the translation philosophy for your translation. It’s typically found before you get to the book of Genesis. 

Although your Bible explains it’s translation philosophy well, this article’s goal is to simplify and demonstrate the different kinds, in hopes that you are using one that suits your needs. Ultimately, we want you to feel comfortable and confident when you pick up and read your Bible. This is the first step we must all take before we can dive deeper into His Word.

To explain some of the differences we see in translation philosophy, I’ll use an example that may hit closer to home. As a bilingual church we often face challenges translating between English & Spanish in our day-to-day life. Without realizing we decide whether we translate “word-for-word” or “thought-for-thought”. 

English to Spanish Example:

• English: “I’m hot”

• Spanish:

  • Word-for-word: “Estoy caliente”

  • Thought-for-thought: “Tengo calor”

Spanish to English Example:

• Spanish: “Tengo calor”

• English:

  • Word-for-word: “I have heat”

  • Thought-for-thought: “I’m hot”

The example above may seem silly to us especially when we have the proper context in mind, but now imagine translating something thousands of years old, from a culture you are not familiar with, and harder yet, it’s the very word of God! You’d think twice about how you go about translating. 

Types of Translation Philosophy:

1. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)

   • Examples: Interlinear Bibles, NASB, AMP, ESV, KJV, NKJV

     • These translations aim for accuracy and precision, often prioritizing the original sentence structure, but at times losing the original intended meaning.

   • Best for: Detailed study and understanding of theological nuances.

2. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)

   • Examples: NIV, NLT

     • These aim to convey the meaning behind the original text while making it more readable, but at times lose the impact of key words used in the original language.

   • Best for: Devotional reading, group study, and understanding general ideas.

Different Translations in Action

Let’s examine the difference between two of my favorite translations, NLT (thought-for-thought), and NASB1995 (word-for-word). Although these are my favorites, you will see that no translation is perfect, only the original manuscripts were. 

Matthew 5:3 (NASB1995) [Word-for-word]

"Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven."

• Why It’s a Strength:

  • The phrase "poor in spirit" (πτωχοὶ τῷ πνεύματι / ptōchoi tō pneumati) is preserved exactly as in Greek, maintaining the spiritual depth of Jesus' teaching.

  • The Greek word "ptōchos" (poor) refers to total dependence on God, not just economic poverty.

  • A more interpretive translation might alter the meaning, while NASB ensures that readers engage with the original intent.

Matthew 5:3 (NLT) [Thought-for-thought]

"God blesses those who are poor and realize their need for him, for the Kingdom of Heaven is theirs."

• Why It’s a Weakness:

  • The Greek does not say "realize their need for him"—it says "poor in spirit."

  • Adding "realize their need for him" is an interpretation, not a translation. While the meaning is similar, it lessens the profoundness of Jesus’ words.

  • If you were casually reading the passage, you may not realize the nuance lost—that it’s not just about "realizing a need," but about spiritual bankruptcy and total dependence on God.

Proverbs 29:18 (NASB1995) [Word-for-word]

"Where there is no vision, the people are unrestrained, but happy is he who keeps the law."

• Why It’s a Weakness:

  • The phrase "Where there is no vision" is a direct, literal translation of the Hebrew, but "vision" in Hebrew (ḥāzôn) refers specifically to prophetic revelation, not just general vision or goals.

  • NASB preserves the wording, but it might be unclear as to its actual meaning.

Proverbs 29:18 (NLT) [Thought-for-thought]

"When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild. But whoever obeys the law is joyful."

• Why It’s a Strength:

  • Instead of "vision," NLT correctly explains the meaning by saying "divine guidance," clarifying that the verse refers to God’s revelation, not just general leadership or ambition.

  • "Run wild" is a dynamic but accurate way to capture the Hebrew "unrestrained", making the verse easier to grasp.

  • More understandable without losing the main idea.

What Is a Good Bible for You?

There is no perfect “one size fit’s all” solution for everyone. Throughout the years I’ve noticed a gradual approach may be the most appropriate. 

As more understanding is gained on a particular passage, you can decide to take steps diving deeper into understanding. Remember, there should be no rush in reading God’s Word. It would be better to read one page and understand, than read the whole book and not.

1. Beginner/Devotional/Daily Reading

   • Use a Study Bible that gives an introductory overview and context.

   • Consider finding your favorite “thought-for-thought” translation.

     • The language should be natural and easy for you to read.

2. Advanced/Study

   • Use both a “thought-for-thought” translation, and a “word-for-word” translation.

     • Gain understanding with one, and dive into key words with the other.

   • Study tools good to have in your Bible:

     • Detailed concordance.

       • Most bible apps and websites feature a free concordance. Just search for the term you want to study and read all the verses related to it.

     • Bible with a Strong’s Concordance (or interlinear Bible)

       • A Strong’s Concordance gives you the exact Hebrew/Greek word used, its definition, and where else that exact word appears in the Bible.

       • Free tools: Blueletterbible.com

If you are unfamiliar with the term “concordance” mentioned above, it is simply an index for the Bible. It helps you find where specific words appear in Scripture. If you want to look up all the places where "faith" is mentioned, a concordance lists those verses for you.

A “Strong’s Concordance” is a special type of concordance that not only lists words but also connects them to their original Hebrew or Greek meanings using numbered references. It helps you understand the deeper meaning of words in the Bible without needing to know Hebrew or Greek.

Final Thoughts

I encourage you to find out what kind of translation philosophy your Bible is. Do you like it? Do you have both types of translations at home (thought-for-thought & word-for-word)?  Is your version easy to understand? Would a Study Bible help you gain better context when reading & studying? Have you ever tried studying God’s Word using a concordance?

Our deepest desire is that you can receive God’s Word daily. Although Church on Sunday is great, we need more of Him throughout the week. These are the first steps you can take to make sure your journey is fruitful.