Take Your Stand

The New Living Translation (NLT) is a dynamic equivalent with a desire to help readers understand the message of the Bible. Several well-known scholars worked on this version, and I also share some examples of how the translation philosophy is played out in a few verses. At the close of the episode, I give a brief review of Kevin DeYoung’s book, “The Hole in Our Holiness.” “The Hole in Our Holines...

We move into the discussion of dynamic equivalent translations this week with the New International Version (NIV). I share some details about this version as well as counter some accusations raised against this Bible. I conclude with a brief discussion of the “Grace and Truth Study Bible” by Zondervan. NIV Preface: https://bibleversion.org/bible/versions/modern-english/new-international-version/ne...

The Christian Standard Bible (CSB) is a new translation that splits the middle between formal and dynamic equivalence. I share a little about those involved in the translation as well as some endorsements for the version. At the close of the podcast, I discuss Mark Dever’s book, “The Compelling Community.”   “The Compelling Community: Where God’s Power Makes a Church Attractive,” by Mark Deve...

The English Standard Version (ESV) is a solid translation that honors the KJV, has a commitment to the words of Scripture, and comes from a theological robust team of scholars. A little easier to read than some other formal equivalents, the ESV is an excellent choice for both preaching and private devotions. At the conclusion of the episode, I share about the music group, “The Corner Room.” Bible...

The NRSV and NRSVU are both updates of the Revised Standard Version. All of them are formal equivalents, and the NRSV comes from an ecumenical committee. This background is displayed in some of the translation choices. These considerations may cause hesitation to embrace this version as a primary translation. Norman L. Geisler and William E Nix. From God to Us: How We Got Our Bible, Revised and Ex...

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a great example of a formal equivalence translation. After explaining what a formal equivalent version is, I share about the various editions of the NASB and the related Legacy Standard Bible. The NASB is a solid translation that is an excellent option for deep study, but may be a little more challenging for some devotional reading. NASB Translators: https...

The Revised Standard Version (RSV) honors the tradition of the King James while simultaneously making use of newer manuscript discoveries. This translation can be a good resource as a reference, but because of the archaic language in prayer, may not be the best for primary study. Also in this episode, I defend some accusations leveled against modern translations and review the book, “Knowing God,”...

After a few introductory words about this part of the series, I get into the Modern English Version (MEV). This is a newer translation of the TR and does an excellent job with bringing Scripture into our language today. Bible Gateway on MEV: https://www.biblegateway.com/versions/Modern-English-Version-MEV-Bible/ The MEV Translators: https://modernenglishversion.com/translators/ Mark Ward on NKJV a...

The opening section of the episode focuses on what text-types are and how they relate to modern translations. After distinguishing the majority text and the eclectic text, I move on to give a brief overview of the New King James Version of the Bible. NKJV translation committee: https://www.zeolla.org/christian/versions/misc/translators.htm Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Sta...

This week is a little bit of a recap and transition into the next phase of this series. I begin answering the question, “Why do we even need modern translations?” I close the podcast out with a critique of Ted Decker’s book, “Water Walker.” Bruce, F. F. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable? Kindle Edition ( Bath and Nashville: Kingsley Books, 2018) p. 69-70 Ward, Mark. Authorized: the Us...

The Dead Sea Scrolls are an amazing discovery and testify to God’s preservation of His Word. We have manuscripts from before the time of Christ, strengthening our confidence that we do indeed have God’s Word today. In the closing section of the podcast, I discuss Chris Anderson’s new book, “Theology that Sticks.” “Theology that Sticks: the Life-Changing Power of Exceptional Hymns,” by Chris Anders...

Building upon the previous episode, I discuss two more great Codices as well as a few of the most significant papyrus manuscripts. While not all of these have a marked impact upon translation, they bear testimony to how God has faithfully preserved His Word. I close the episode out with discussing the film, “Enemies Within: The Church.” F. F. Bruce. The New Testament Documents: Are They Reliable?...

The KJV translators used the Greek texts available at the time, but many older manuscripts have been discovered since 1611. In this episode, I focus on two especially significant ones: Sinaiticus and Vaticanus. Closing out this episode, I discuss Mark Ward’s book, “Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible.” “Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible,” by Mark Ward: https...

We dig into some specifics of the translation of the King James Bible this week. The version was first published in 1611, but that wasn’t the end of its translation journey. In the second part of the podcast, I talk about Kevin DeYoung’s book, “Men and Women in the Church.” “Men and Women in the Church: A Short, Biblical, Practical Introduction,” by Kevin DeYoung: https://www.christianbook.com/wom...

In this episode, we finish laying the foundation for the King James Bible and delve into the history of the translation itself. I discuss the rise of James I and what came from the Hampton Court Conference. In the final part of the episode, I share briefly D. A. Carson’s book, “The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism.” “The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism,” by D. A. Carson:...

Through the changing political and religious climate of England, a series of translations began to emerge. These included the Coverdale, Matthew’s, and Geneva Bibles. Each is significant in its own rite, and begins to lay the foundation for the King James Version. Don Carson, Timothy Keller, Mark Ashton, and Kent Hughes. Worship By The Book, Kindle Edition. (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2010). p. 70....

As we move into the time of the Reformation, two major figures come to the forefront: Martin Luther and William Tyndale. These men have had an incredible impact upon the church as a whole and on my life personally. Both had a commitment to getting the Bible into the language of the people and both used the Greek text of Erasmus. I explore some of the history of each of these men in this episode. I...

Erasmus is a major figure in the history of translations. Most notably, he is remembered for first publishing a Greek text of the New Testament. His texts became the foundation for translations after him, and a key part in the modern discussion of translations. I look at several aspects of his work and lay a foundation for future episodes. Scripture quotations taken from the NASB (New American Sta...

I start this week with a brief word about the recent Supreme Court decision before digging into the heart of the episode. This week, we look at a few forerunners of the reformation and their commitment to getting God’s Word into the hands of the people.  And then I close everything out with “Finding the Right Hills to Die On” by Gavin Ortlund. Here are some of the resources I usd in studying...

As Christianity began to spread, there arose a need for new translations. In this episode, we look at a few significant ones, and we focus mostly on the Latin translation of Jerome. Not only was the work significant and controversial in his own day, Jerome’s translation would play an important role in the centuries to follow. In the second part of the episode, I discuss Paul Tripp’s book, “Instrum...

Kara Linaburg is the special guest on the podcast this week, and we discuss her most recent book, “A Study In Terminal.” The book is a gripping story with timely messages to consider. Check out Kara’s books, blog, and podcast on her website: https://thebeautifullybrokenlifeblog.wordpress.com/ Follow Kara on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kara_lynn_author/?hl=en

As we move into the New Testament era, we see the scroll give way to the more compact Codex. This has great implications for how the Bible was copied, implications key to the discussion of modern translations. I also point out how this change coincided with the spread of Christianity throughout the empire. In the second part of this episode, I share about the book, “Ben-Hur” by Lewis Wallace. “Ben...

The Septuagint (LXX) plays a major role in the history of the Bible, both in the manuscripts themselves and in the principle it demonstrates. Also in this episode, I briefly discuss the group called the Essenes as well as the book “Authorized: the Use and Misuse of the King James Bible” by Mark Ward. “Authorized: the Use and Misuse of the King James Bible,” by Mark Ward: https://www.amazon.com/Aut...

We lay a foundation this week of themes and terms for the discussion to follow. The languages God chose to use and His preservation of the Scriptures are two major points that will continue to grow throughout the season. In the second half, I consider “Worship by the Book,” edited by D. A. Carson. “Worship by the Book,” edited by D. A. Carson, written by Mark Ashton, Kent Hughes, and Timothy Kelle...

As we continue the series on the Bible, we further explore the question, “Who’s Word Is It?” In this episode, we look at some specific examples where God commanded men to write down His Word. God was communicating a message, not just for the time of the human authors, but also for a time to come. The book this week is “Christ-Centered Biblical Counselling,” Edited by Bob Kellemen and Stephen Viars...