Which Bible Translation Should You Use? - Essay Sample

Introduction

There are many Bible translations that we have been currently blessed from which to pick. Every translation will have its own advantage and disadvantage depending on the reader; hence is, therefore, important for one to choose the translation that he/she is comfortable with. Some of the translation may be too closer to the original wording and scripture of the Bible, making it easy to read and understand. It is a good thing for one to use multiple translations for comparison and more understanding. There are various ways to achieve this, such as using numerous versions in group study. Group leaders should encourage their members to use multiple versions in their study, and they should not enforce their preferences to the people. The difference in the translation can be used as a theological discussion on why a specific version has a particular word while the other doesn't have. The second way to use multiple translations is to first memorize from the original version since it is difficult for one to memorize scripture from many texts. The original version will assist one to be able to read from other translation since it will be easy for one to understand.

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Interpret: How to Find the Meaning of the Bible

Interpretation of the Bible for one to find meaning is one of the fundamental things for every Christian, which must be based on the author's intention of meaning but not the reader. It is essential to get to the author's context with his literary forms and conventions, which they were trying to communicate. Interpreting the Bible literally allows the usage of figurative language. Taking the plain text at face value may laterally not make sense. When, for example, how the Bible speaks that if we fail to sing for God, then the stone will sing for him. It is clear that stone does not have life; hence this is a figure of speech that gives the Bible a powerful and colorful meaning of the expression. Another way to find the meaning of the Bible is to interpret the problematic verses with a clear one. Taking time in analyzing the Bible and asking for help can also assist in the interpretation of the Bible.

Apply: How to Live Out What You Learn

For one to be able to apply the Bible, they must first know and understand it. To know the Bible means reading it, listening to it, and meditating on the scriptures throughout the time we have. Learning God's ways is one of guidance to help us apply what we learn through the Bible. When we learn his ways, then we will be able to live according to him and what He has taught us in the scriptures. Being prayerful and having the desire to heed God's instructions will lead us to the obedience of His laws and enable us to live according to His teachings. Holding what we have learned will allow us to apply God's lessons in our daily life. Asking for forgiveness when we fail to do according to the teaching of the Bible will help us in the future to know our mistakes and deviate from them hence living according to what we have learned in the Bible. Practicing the fruit of love in our hearts will be one of the major contributors that will enable us to live out what we have been learning in the Bible.

Correlate: How to See Jesus in the Bible

Jesus is the main point and can be found in the entire Bible, either physically or spiritually, where he existed in various scripture both in the old and New Testament. On many occasions, Jesus claimed that he is the theme of all the scriptures where he came not to abolish them but to fulfill them. In the Old Testament, Jesus is seen through a direct prediction of his life and death. Various stories also tell what happens long before his birth. In the comparison of different scripture in the Bible, when God asked Abraham to sacrifice his only beloved son, this can be compared by the way God also sacrifice his only bigoted son to suffer and die for our sins. When Daniel in the old testament was tossed in the lion's den but came out unharmed, it demonstrates how Jesus will go through death but within three days resurrect. These scriptures in both the Old and New Testament explains how the entire Bible bears the witness of Christ. We should, however, not look for Jesus in every detail of the Bible as a whole but his message, which is everywhere.