What Bible Translation is Best
In this video I share the inherent problem with Bible translations, a few of examples of bad translations, and my recommendation if you must use one. Please share your comments below.
In this video I share the inherent problem with Bible translations, a few of examples of bad translations, and my recommendation if you must use one. Please share your comments below.
Hebrew Voices – What Bible Translation is Best
You are listening to Hebrew Voices with Nehemia Gordon. Thank you for supporting Nehemia Gordon's Makor Hebrew Foundation. Learn more at NehemiasWall.com.
Michael: Well, it turns out that we're not the only ones that get questions from cyberspace, Area 51 and beyond. Also, Nehemia Gordon gets these questions - and so Nehemia is back with us, and Nehemia, you have a question from one of your viewers out there.
Nehemia: So, Lou Rempel wrote in, he said, "What Bible translation would you recommend, and is there one with the real name of YHWH?" I get this question all the time. "What Bible translation do I use?" And often, the way that the question is described is, it’s like this, it's often described as, "I want a translation that's a word-for-word from Hebrew and not an interpretation." And the reality is, no such thing, by definition, can ever exist.
Michael: It's impossible.
Nehemia: It's impossible. Every translation is by definition someone's interpretation. What I recommend people do is use at least two translations and compare them. Now, when they agree, that doesn't mean you have no work to do, but when they disagree, that's a good place to start. I could tell you what some of the really bad translations are, and when I'm done, I want to hear your opinion, Michael, but from my experience, the worst translations out there are, for example, the NIV, the Nearly Inspired Version.
Michael: I call it the Non-Inspired version!
Nehemia: Yeah! And then on the Jewish side is the Stone Edition, which is one of the worst translations ever made. In the Stone Edition, when it gets to the Song of Songs, it doesn't translate it - it gives you the Rabbinical allegorical interpretation. That it’s speaking about the Written Law and the Oral Law in one passage – and that's in the translation!
Michael: Right, it leaves it. It leaves the actual Hebrew itself completely…
Nehemia: Right, going behind into their allegory, which is unforgivable in my view. And then there are some better translations, like the New Revised Standard Version on the Christian side, and on the Jewish side, the JPS. That doesn't mean…
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Comments
Do you have this Bible yourself? How do you find it? I am wanting to search for the best version myself
Hebrew scholar Benjamin Kedar-Kopfstein praised the New World Translation (NWT) for its honest attempt at accuracy, noting that it is a reliable reference in his linguistic research of the Hebrew Bible. Other Scholars have praised it as well, while others (due to theological bias) may not be a fan. The 1984 Reference Bible version is excellent as well as the 2013 Study Bible Edition which contains rich background, historical and reference information. Both are available for free in hardcopy at a local Kingdom Hall or digital via the free JW Library app
Shalom Nehemia.
What can you say about the New World Translation bible 1984 edition with references by the Watchtower Society?
Very helpful.
Would the Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) be a good one to have as well ?
In regards to suggesting that the NRSV is a better translation, is that the same as the ESV? I have heard on one hand that they are the same, and on another that they are different. Thanks!
Nehemia.
Shalom!
I study “The Scriptures” by the ISR. I used to study only the “new testament” at a stage in its many translations. However, it is 6 years now that I study the Torah of Moshe from Shabbat to Shabbat. As I am doing it my eyes are constantly opened to the false Christian misconceptions as well as many of the zealous Scirbes’ and Pharisees’s own interpretations and additions. My prayer for you and us is that the Most High Elohim leads us and guides us in trusting Him to “open my eyes that I might see wonders from Your Torah” Teh 119:18 (i got this from one of your shows with Keith Johnson)
There was a man called Yeshua though and he came to teach us the Torah, not to start a new religion. I do reserve my thoughts as to who he really was as I do not know that yet. I trust in Father to show that to me and you and all who seek the Torah with our whole life.
If we rely on any translation we fail miserably. We have to do real Teshuva and get into a real relationship with the Holy One of Israel as in the days of old.
Blessed are you in what you do
Thank you Nehemia
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