Lesson 3 | The Third Pass: Arrows
Which Bible Version Should I Use in Phrasing?
Folks new to Phrasing often ask, “Which Bible version is the most grammatically accurate for practicing phrasing?”
Clarifying the question
When you select a passage in the Phrasing module, you not only have to choose which book, chapter, and verse to phrase, but also what Bible version to use. Biblearc gives you access to many good English versions. Which one should you choose when you begin a phrase?
Before I answer that, I want to give you a reminder, a clarification, and an encouragement.
First, this is not really a problem but a blessing! We have such an embarrassment of riches in English; we have a multitude of wonderful, trustworthy translations of God’s Word. We should be thankful and not irritated!
Also, I want it to be clear that I’m not telling you which is the best version to use for your daily Bible reading, or in your teaching or preaching ministry. Different Bibles are useful for different purposes: for deep study, for children’s ministry, and for outreach.
Finally, you don’t have to choose only one Bible version when you’re phrasing! It takes more work, but you can always put more than one version side-by-side and/or swap them in and out. Spotting the differences in multiple versions can show you translational or interpretational difficulties that will help you dig deeper in understanding the text.
But really, what's the answer?
Now let me answer the question. When you are working as closely with the grammar of a text as we are in Phrasing, I suggest that you use an English translation based on the formal equivalence method of translating, rather than the functional equivalence method. Formal equivalence translations stick as closely as possible to the grammar and syntax of the original language; translations using this method include the ESV, NASB, and NKJV. On the other hand, functional equivalence translations focus more on replicating the meaning and style of the original in the target language; translations using this method include the NIV11 and NLT. Then there is the CSB which seeks to combine the best of both methods.
In giving that advice, I’m not saying that functional equivalence translations like the NIV or NLT are bad! But when you’re dissecting the grammar of a passage, such translations often mask its underlying structure in the original language. Of course, they are trying to put the Bible into a more idiomatic English, and that is a perfectly good goal. But when phrasing, we want to get as close to the original language in structure as possible.
In your homework, the ESV is pre-loaded into your assignment. But when you phrase on your own (as I certainly hope you will do!), I suggest that you use the ESV, NASB, CSB, or NKJV.
How others have answered
Here are some helpful articles on different sides of the formal/functional equivalence debate:
How Do You Translate the World's Most Popular Book?Interview with David Allen, Tom Schreiner, and Trevin Wax (pro-CSB)
Here are two brief book reviews that will help you dig further into this issue:
The Best All-Around Book on Bible Translationby Andy Naselli, reviewing How to Choose a Translation for All It's Worth (by Gordon D. Fee and Mark L. Strauss)
My Second-Favorite All-Around Book on Bible Translationby Andy Naselli, reviewing One Bible, Many Versions: Are All Translations Created Equal? (by Dave Brunn)