OpenTube

Why I Don't ALWAYS RECOMMEND the NKJV?!?

A Nickels Worth Bible Reviews

11,558 views

Choosing a Bible translation can feel surprisingly daunting. KJV, NKJV, ESV, NASB, NIV, NLT—and that’s only the beginning. Then you start hearing terms like literal, word-for-word, thought-for-thought, dynamic equivalence, and paraphrase. How are you supposed to know which Bible translation is right for you?

In this video I join my friends Spencer and Ivan with Chirst in Focus, and I try to take some of the mystery out of Bible translation by walking through the spectrum of translation philosophy—from interlinears on one end to paraphrases on the other. We’ll look at what each approach is trying to accomplish, the strengths and weaknesses along the way, and why there isn’t necessarily one translation that is best for every person and every purpose.

I’ll also tell you where I think paraphrases fit (or don’t fit), which translations I personally prefer, and which Bible translation I would recommend to a brand-new believer. And if you know my usual preferences, my answer to that last one might surprise you.

My goal isn’t to start another Bible translation war. It’s to help you understand what you’re holding in your hands so you can make an informed choice and, most importantly, read your Bible.

So—which Bible translation is best for YOU?

20 Comments

@bonniepearce5151 1 month ago

I thought this was going to be just an academic video on translations.
Then you went and made me cry with your definition of propitiation.
Praise God for the sacrifice of His Son.

@j.woodbury412 1 month ago

The CSB is what my Sunday school class uses. Very good choice. My pastor uses the ESV translation.

@ivanh. 1 month ago

I loved this conversation! Thanks for collaborating with us.

@bartleby1807 1 month ago

Thank you! The CSB is a great translation. I wish it followed the Majority Text in the New Testament. The CSB is a good step to the NKJV.

@JustinChristopher-w3k 1 month ago

I would say, we're all a little different, but here's my rationale. The more I read and study, the more I realize a good balance across the bible translation spectrum is beneficial more so than just starting super dynamic and looking to move to more formal. Translation rendering matters and can subtly influence people as they're reading. I think only focusing on formal equivalent does not help if meaning is lost. Dynamic translations can sometimes add or smooth out meaning, but sometimes I have noticed they retain meaning VASTLY superior to formal equivalent translations in verses because of word differences across languages, cultural awareness etc. For me, the sweet spot is retaining meaning, accuracy and truth more so than word-for-word (because that's not even technically a thing in translations) translation emphasis. I do seek formal equivalence, but a good balance is better for different emphases and reading and study sessions. Dynamic translations, when they go off the rails, tend to really change or smooth out, so I caution overreliance on them instead of more formal or optimal. But, if the most formal that someone engages with is an NLT that is infinitely better than someone trying to force themselves to try and understand a formal equivalent translation and falling away/stumbling (again word renderings matter). A big example is word choice, steadfast love speaks to me, mercy, faithful love, lovingkindness and especially loyal love much less so. So, as I'm reading, being able to read, engage, study and learn is far more critically important than just trying to graduate to the most formal equivalent I can get.

@jenihansen7201 1 month ago

Tim, I loved this.
What a great way to listen and be taught. You are Genius !!!

@Bodaharrid-o9r 3 weeks ago (edited)

Thank you for always sharing the wisdom and knowledge God has given you. As a Black American, who grew up with relatives with basic reading skills, KJV has always been a translation in our homes. My Elders, who didn't get to finish school, but could read, understand and teach the scriptures. Though they did not know Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic, they always trusted the Holy Spirit to lead and guide them to the Truth. I have several testimonies of our ancestors, learning to read the Bible, comprehend and memorize it with little to no education. The KJV Bible is deeply ingrained in Black American history. I read multiple translations, but study with KJV only. Again thank you🙏

@zac_in_ak 1 month ago

Love the definitions you used. Very clear and easy to understand.

@lolasimmons9152 1 month ago

Hi Tim, I would recommend the HCSB because it's true to the original text but modern concerning measurements. Very understandable to modern people

@Fairford2001 1 month ago

The NKJV is a great translation and I used it for many years. I still own many copies of it. However, I have grown to like the NASB 1977 edition as my go-to Bible.

@OzZy3120 4 weeks ago

For a new believer I would recommend the niv or the nlt those two are probably the best bibles for new believers

@spencersmithmusic 1 month ago

Great video Tim! 🔥

@michael24582 1 month ago

That ending was fantastic brother. You are a valuable resource for the Christian community

@TruthandShadowPodcast 1 month ago

Ya even our discussion back a while on #123 you did great telling me what you do with recommends for Bible translations, techniques that I have used since we spoke

@jenihansen7201 1 month ago

My go to Bibles are....CSB, NLT, NIV, and last but certainly not least is the BSB. I am so fortunate to be able to have all of these Bibles in print form, and then of course I use Bible Hub on the computer. I use the NET, DAKES, EXPOSITORY commentaries for looking up things that I don't quite understand or for a clearer picture.

@charlesratcliff2016 1 month ago (edited)

I learned in a New Testament word studies class that a word like "spring" can have many different meanings.

@AdrianBelgrave-Bible_N_Beats 1 month ago

Everybody does have their Translation they adore and respect to all Brothas and Sistas who Love their Translation and I personally got the NKJV as a Top 5 Translation Overall... With the BSB being my #1 Translation... That said... I'd recommend the CSB to any new Believer that has the right balance when it comes to meaning and accuracy of the Word of God... Thanks for the video Tim... God Bless yall...