Reading & Studying The Word – Part 1

I was in a blog chat the other day disscussing reading the Word when I was asked if I was a KJV (King James Version) ONLY man. What this person was asking was if I believed the KJV was the only viable English version available. He asked because there are some (not him) who believe the KJV is the only legitimate English Bible out there. There are still others who think the Bible was written in King James English! The question asked of me just confirmed that I should share a little bit about some of the different English Bible versions we have available, why they were put together the way they were and which ones are suitable for use in general reading or for serious studying of Biblical words and principles. In this regard, I will also address different aspects about reading the Word of God versus studying the Word of God, because they are not necessarily the same. So then, since there are so many uses and choices concerning how to pick a Bible, which one is the ‘best’ one to use? That’s a fair question but we first need to understand a bit more about how the Bible originated.

1 Cor 14:10-11

There are, it may be, so many kinds of languages in the world, and none of them is without significance. (NKJV)

The first thing we all need to understand is that true Scripture is God’s direct way of sharing His thoughts, intentions, principles and directions to Man. Scripture is Divine in origin, and is immutable;

2 Tim 3:16-17

All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

New King James Version

2 Peter 1:19-21

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

New King James Version

There have always been attacks against the Word of God, and those attacks continue to this day. We need to realize that God does not author confusion or contradiction. If we perceive those things then there must be something that requires us to look further. Once this fact is settled then we can move on to a more true and productive way to learn from God. The only God-ordained way to learn about Him is through His Word. This is accomplished either through others who point you to His Word, of from reading and studying His Word for yourself.

The Bible is divided into two sections, which are the Old and New Testaments. The Old Testament (OT) was almost entirely written in Hebrew, with a few passages written in Aramaic. The New Testament (NT) was written in Koine (koy-nay) Greek, and Koine was also used to translate the OT into a language the people of that time could understand (it is called the Septuagint). From that time to this people have wanted to have a Bible in their own native language, and Biblical scholars have made hundreds of translations. As God’s Word becomes available for general dissemination to various language groups, the light of the gospel works in the hearts and minds of those who seek the truth contained therein.

Just as languages change over time, so do the meanings of the words used in the translation. A modern example is the English word gay. It used to mean happy or joyful, but unfortunately, it has a much different connotation now! In the same way, when you read or study a version of the Bible you want to get a version that conveys the most accurate meaning of the words used in the original text. Another consideration is that a word in the original Hebrew or Koine can have two or more words available which can be used in translation, yet still maintain the meaning of the original word.  Faith, confidence, belief and reliance are English words that have similar meanings, yet they are distinctly separate. Because of this fact each word may (or may not) be used interchangeably when considered for use in a translation. This interchangeability is sometimes why there are differences between modern translations. And just to make things a little more interesting we need to know there are also differences between translations and paraphrases, but more on this later.

This is Part One of a multi-part series. Keep an eye out for the next installment!