What translation is the best?

[Reluctant Theologian]

My motives are Biblical Truth. It’s not that I prefer “the” over “a” its what its referring to. To my point, can you please show me through Scripture where there is more than one Sabbath at Creation? Or that in the Sabbath commandment its referring to any other Sabbath other than the weekly Sabbath that started at Creation?

The motives are the same for all (Biblical Truth), but the opinions on how to get there and translation principles differ. The translators of most modern translations (at least those for ESV/NASB/LSB/CJB/YLT/CLV/NIV/CSB/NLT/NET) only use the Hebrew for that verse (and the immediate context) as their source - so in all these translations 'a' is used.

The KJV (and thus also the NKJV, and also the modern MEV/RSV) follow the Vulgate (Latin translation from 5th century) in using 'the' - that was the standard Bible for the church for more than a 1000 years. And other older translations like the Geneva Bible and Tyndale also follow the Vulgate tradition.

The question whether at Creation or in the Creation history at that point only the 7th day Sabbath/rest/stop was known is irrelevant to the translators of that long list of modern English translation (and I share their translation principles). By the time of Exodus 20 the other Sabbath periods were also introduced - and the text was written much later. It would be good you at least recognise the principles used, although you're free to disagree of course. Those translators (and I) cannot inject a 'the' into the translation when the source Hebrew is unambigously omitting it (for Exodus 20:8). I don't prefer translations that try to smoothen out any supposed inconsistenties or unnecessarily inject a theological viewpoint.

Be blessed sister!

(I consider my contribution to this thread finalised as all viewpoints have been shared.)

 

[SabbathBlessings]

The question whether at Creation or in the Creation history at that point only the 7th day Sabbath/rest/stop was known is irrelevant to the translators of that long list of modern English translation (and I share their translation principles).

Do you not see the difference between “a” and “the”? To me, there is a big difference so I do not understand how the context would not be important especially when its one of God’s commandments.

By the time of Exodus 20 the other Sabbath periods were also introduced - and the text was written much later.

Agreed, but thats not what I asked. I asked if you can prove from Scripture that the Sabbath commandment is referring to any other Sabbath other than the weekly Sabbath that started from Creation, which at that point, there were no other sabbaths, just the Sabbath. Exo 20:11 Gen 2:1-3

It would be good you at least recognise the principles used, although you're free to disagree of course. Those translators (and I) cannot inject a 'the' into the translation when the source Hebrew is unambigously omitting it (for Exodus 20:8). I don't prefer translations that try to smoothen out any supposed inconsistenties or unnecessarily inject a theological viewpoint.

The context will always trump everything, which is what I believe the KJV/NKJV were honoring. NASB even used “the” in Exo 20:8 Actually all the translators used “the” in Exo 20:8 Exodus 20:8 - The Ten Commandments

I also do not like translations that unnecessarily interject a theological viewpoint, and since there was only one Sabbath the Ten Commandants is referring to that started at Creation Exo 20:11 inserting “a” when there was only one, seems to be doing just that.

Be blessed sister!

(I consider my contribution to this thread finalised as all viewpoints have been shared.)

Ok, I wish you had answered the question I asked, but understand if you wish to bow out.

Be blessed!

 

[trophy33]

Do you not see the difference between “a” and “the”? To me, there is a big difference so I do not understand how the context would not be important especially when its one of God’s commandments.

Cannot you understand, still? The Hebrew text used for the translations does not have "the". Many Bible translations just stick to it, because their goal is to translate the text, not to interpret it "how it should be".

If you want the definite article to be there, take it to the Hebrew writers, not to the English translators.

 

[SabbathBlessings]

Cannot you understand, still? The Hebrew text used for the translations does not have "the". Many Bible translations just stick to it, because they goal is to translate the text, not to interpret it "how it should be".

If you want the definite article to be there, take it to the Hebrew writers, not to the English translators.

I understand just fine. Weren’t you the one who said context is above everything? Translations like NASB/ESV still take their own liberties and there was never “a” Sabbath at Creation, there was only one Gen 2:1-3 Exo 20:11 but you are free to prove through Scripture where the other sabbath(s)/feast days were at Creation or how the yearly sabbath started when there was only 7 days ever created at that time. Since you have stated you do not believe in literal creation, probably not the best person to ask, so I will agree to disagree.

 

[trophy33]

I understand just fine. Weren’t you the one who said context is above everything?

I did not say above everything. But context is what explains the text regarding theology and meaning.

However, if you want to have a literal, precise translation, you translate what the text says. You do not insert a meaning that is not in the text you translate from. Translation is not explanation, unless it is a dynamic way of translation (thought for thought).

Or, if the original text is obviously wrong, some translations correct it in the translated text and place a note below that the original text does not say it. This is another, still an honest way to translate precisely.

 

[GoldenKingGaze]

The NLT was finished in 1996. Made by over 90 Bible scholars. It is easy to read. It has references linked to verses, at the bottom of the page giving information such as, if "the most ancient texts do not have this verse"... The KJV is more literal and was made by 46 scholars.

I like to NKJV. For checking scriptures if you don't have the benefit of reading Greek and Hebrew there is the YLT translated around 1900 by one man. Isaiah 9:6 meaning comes out here, with "Father of eternity", Jesus founded time itself and is not the Father God.

In the NLT I have read Luke. Passages have headings. My NLT is light weight a NT only. Otherwise the heavier full Bible with cross references is good. And you may like an interlinear Bible, with more than one translation in it. The Berean Bible is interesting, with the rendering of Jonah 2 and says "God's mercy" instead of "there own mercy". You can check key verses in Bible Hub and Bible Gateway.

My first Bible was the LB, the version prior to the NLT release.

The KJV is the old favourite with translators additions in italics.

You may like Jack Hayford's Spirit Filled Bible.

 

[DuaneR]

I've been praying lately and do ask for prayers on this too as well. I want to know what translation of the bible is best. I've been praying that I be guided into the translation thats best for my walk with God? I dont know if that means I'm also asking by extension the best preserved/literal/closest to the original manuscripts. I just want to know and am asking for advice and guidance along with some info. I'm inviting people on here to present their case for why the translation that they recommended is best. What makes you choose your translation? I'm asking for good solid evidence, thanks.

Hi. I am new here, but have been a believer for a long time. I grew up on the KJV, but never understood why some people got so wrapped up by it. These days I prefer the NASB-95 and will also use the NKJV.

I like those because they are the most word for word literal translations of the 2 main NT manuscript families.
NASB => Nestle Aland
NKJV => Textus Receptus

But for you the best may not mean the most literal. I have talked with those who like other, less strict, translations like the NIV that the NASB is too "rough" or "difficult." Find one that reads well for you and you understand. But remember always and old Italian proverb: Traladore traitore. The translator is a traitor.

No translation will ever be 100 %. So as you grow, try to learn some Hebrew, and then some Greek. Hebrew first because the Greek writers of the NT were well versed in the Hebrew scriptures and used them as their foundation.

 

[DuaneR]

So I am not trying to turn this thread into a debate but since you brought this up I thought we could look at a couple KJV verses who I think got it right over the ESV/NASB
Both ESV/NASB in the Ten Commandments uses "a" Sabbath in the 4th commandment Exo 20:10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God.
In the KJV/NKJV both uses"the" Sabbath Exo 20:10 but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord your God

To me, there is a big difference between say for example, a pen, or the pen.

It would be fair to say at this point that Hebrew has no indefinite article. No "a" or "an." Only "The." And that is a prefix ha-
So the Hebrew says ha-shabbat. The sabbath.

 

[linux.poet]

AMBASSADOR HAT​

While I understand that how certain Sabbath verses are translated may be important as to what translation to select, please do not turn this thread into a Sabbatarian debate please, as those debates belong in the Sabbath and the Law subforum.

Let's try to get back on topic as to what Bible translation is the best. Thanks!

AMBASSADOR HAT OFF​

 

[BPPLEE]

I've been praying lately and do ask for prayers on this too as well. I want to know what translation of the bible is best. I've been praying that I be guided into the translation thats best for my walk with God? I dont know if that means I'm also asking by extension the best preserved/literal/closest to the original manuscripts. I just want to know and am asking for advice and guidance along with some info. I'm inviting people on here to present their case for why the translation that they recommended is best. What makes you choose your translation? I'm asking for good solid evidence, thanks.

I like the NET full notes version.

 

[linux.poet]

I think I’ve said this before in another thread, but I like NRSV the best. Probably because the poetic nature of the translation makes it easier to memorize and remember. It sounds cool.

Recently I’ve been trying to switch to NASB on the road of going back to the original Hebrew and Greek, but I’ve also been trying to memorize the whole Bible and make that switch at the same time. The latter Biblical memorization project would be easier if I just memorized the NRSV and dealt with it. Sometimes I need to get out of my own way.