Bible Study - Compare Bible Translations


If you are wondering which Bible translation you could use for your Bible study, you have perhaps come to the right place :-) In this section, I am going to present you with a selection of biblical texts for you to compare. I'll use six different translations that are widely available on the market.

Three of them are Catholic Bibles: Three are Protestant Bibles: One additional translation, the New World Translation (NWT), is shown below to inform readers why they should choose their Bible carefully. Not all Bible translations are equal. You'll see why shortly. Before we get started, let's give credits where they are due.

Credits

Douay-Rheims Bible
Public Domain. No copyright.

King James Version
Public Domain. No copyright.

New American Bible
Scripture texts in this work are taken from the New American Bible with Revised New Testament and Revised Psalms © 1991, 1986, 1970 Confraternity of Christian Doctrine, Washington, D.C. and are used by permission of the copyright owner. All Rights Reserved. No part of the New American Bible may be reproduced in any form without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

New American Standard Bible
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®, Copyright © 1960,1962,1963,1968,1971,1972,1973,1975,1977,1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission.

New International Version
Scripture taken from the HOLY BIBLE, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 Biblica. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.
The "NIV" and "New International Version" trademarks are registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by Biblica. Use of either trademark requires the permission of Biblica.

New World Translation
Copyright © 1961, 1981, 1984 WATCH TOWER BIBLE AND TRACT SOCIETY OF PENNSYLVANIA. All Rights Reserved.

Revised Standard Version - Second Catholic Edition
Revised Standard Version, Ignatius Edition, Copyright © 2006, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America



In the following different sections, a list of biblical texts presents some strengths and weaknesses of different Bible translations. In order to remain concise, only a small selection of Bible verses will be shown. This comparison does neither claim to be an exhaustive comparison; nor does the author claim any authority. This work reflects only the joy of a lover of the Holy Scripture and his personal opinions. That being said, I do hope that this comparison could show readers a few reasons why choosing a good Bible matters.

I'll use the Color Code below to indicate how good a translation is for each of the biblical verses that we are examining. In many cases, the color emphasis will make it obvious which ones are good translations and which ones are not so good. Whenever, it is not that clear, I'll write a short comment to provide readers with some explanations.

Color codes:

Blue text : John 3:16 indicates the biblical verse that we are comparing. In this example, it means the Gospel of John, chapter 3, verse 16.

Green text: indicates that the biblical text as translated was compared to the Greek text and was found to be correct or very close to the Greek text. Checks against Greek biblical texts were done by using Bible software and online Greek dictionary.

Black text: indicates that the biblical text as translated was compared to the Greek text and was found to be neither an excellent nor a bad translation. It could be better translated however.

Red text indicates that the biblical text as translated was compared to the Greek text and was found to either have different, incorrect or imprecise meaning, or to be difficult to understand for average readers, or to simply lack of elegance in language.

Note: I don't know Greek, but I can use Greek dictionaries, and so can you.


1. Why can't the NWT be considered in this comparison ?

Let's take a look at three examples.

John 1:1

[DRB] In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God.

[KJV] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

[NAB] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

[NASB] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

[NIV] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God

[NWT] In the beginning the Word was, and the Word was with God, and the Word was a god.

[RSV-2CE] In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.
As you can see, "God" was blatantly changed to "a god" with a lower case 'g' to reflect Jehovah Witnesses' belief that Jesus is NOT God.

John 8:58

[DRB] Jesus said to them: Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham was made, I AM.

[KJV] Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.

[NAB] Jesus said to them, "Amen, amen, I say to you, before Abraham came to be, I AM."

[NASB] Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was born, I am."

[NIV] I tell you the truth," Jesus answered, "before Abraham was born, I am!"

[NWT] Jesus said to them: “Most truly I say to YOU, Before Abraham came into existence, I have been.”

[RSV-2CE] Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am."
The "I AM" here is the Holy Name of God as indicated in Exodus 3:14 when Moses asked God what God's name was : "God said to Moses, "I AM WHO I AM." And he said, "Say this to the people of Israel, `I AM has sent me to you.'" "I AM" in John 8:58 indicates the divinity of Jesus Christ, but Jehovah Witnesses could not take that and then had to alter their translation to "I have been".

Matthew 2:11

[DRB] And entering into the house, they found the child with Mary his mother, and falling down they adored him : and opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

[KJV] And when they were come into the house, they saw the young child with Mary his mother, and fell down, and worshipped him : and when they had opened their treasures, they presented unto him gifts; gold, and frankincense, and myrrh.

[NAB] and on entering the house they saw the child with Mary his mother. They prostrated themselves and did him homage. Then they opened their treasures and offered him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

[NASB] After coming into the house they saw the Child with Mary His mother, and fell to the ground and worshiped Him. Then, opening their treasures, they presented to Him gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

[NIV] On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh.

[NWT] And when they went into the house they saw the young child with Mary its mother, and falling down, they did obeisance to it They also opened their treasures and presented it with gifts, gold, and frankincense and myrrh.

[RSV-2CE] and going into the house they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts; gold, and frankincense and myrrh.
Is this one bad enough to eliminate the NWT from our comparison ? I think so. Since when can we address the Child of God as it ? Do we address our child as he, she or it ? I personally don't use it when I refer to my child. Also, to do obeisance to is very different from to worship or to adore. Notice that the NAB translates this as did him homage; although this is not technically incorrect, in the 20th century English, did him homage has a much weaker meaning than worshiped him or adored him. I can pay homage to a president, a king, a queen, a general, a brave soldier ... but I certainly won't worship or adore them. In this verse, Jesus, being God, deserves the NAB to make good use of the verbs worship or adore. This applies to Matthew 2:2 as well.


2. Old English has its own precision that modern English doesn't offer.

Luke 22:31-32

[DRB] And the Lord said: Simon, Simon, behold Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and thou, being once converted, confirm thy brethren.

[KJV] And the Lord said, Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you , that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not: and when thou art converted, strengthen thy brethren.

[NAB] "Simon, Simon, behold Satan has demanded to sift all of you like wheat, but I have prayed that your own faith may not fail; and once you have turned back, you must strengthen your brothers."

[NASB] "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers."

[NIV] "Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers."

[RSV-2CE] "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail; and when you have turned again, strengthen your brethren."
In Luke 22:31-32, the word you in modern English has two different meanings depending on the context. It's either a singular or a plural you. Even the context of In Luke 22:31-32 does not allow to clearly distinguish the two. With the use of Elizabethan English of thee which is singular, we can clearly understand that Satan has demanded to sift all of Jesus's disciples, but Jesus chose to pray only for Peter, giving Peter a special place among all disciples. The DRB and the KJV translations give readers that precision that most modern translations lack. For these verses, some but not all modern translations would provide footnotes to make it clear which you is singular and which one is plural. The NAB correctly reflects this difference by translating the plural you with all of you.
John 7:16-17

[DRB] Jesus answered them, and said: My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man do the will of him; he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

[KJV] Jesus answered them, and said, My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself.

[NAB] Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not my own but is from the one who sent me. Whoever chooses to do his will shall know whether my teaching is from God or whether I speak on my own.

[NASB] So Jesus answered them and said, "My teaching is not Mine, but His who sent Me. "If anyone is willing to do His will, he will know of the teaching, whether it is of God or whether I speak from Myself.

[NIV] Jesus answered, "My teaching is not my own. It comes from him who sent me. If anyone chooses to do God's will, he will find out whether my teaching comes from God or whether I speak on my own.

[RSV-2CE] So Jesus answered them, "My teaching is not mine, but his who sent me; if any man's will is to do his will, he shall know whether the teaching is from God or whether I am speaking on my own authority."
In the case of John 7:16-17, although the Greek word didache can technically be translated as doctrine, instruction, or teaching. However, the word doctrine has much more weight than the word teaching. When it comes to divine matters, I believe the word doctrine is a far better choice.




3. Old English makes it difficult to correctly understand the real meaning of the scripture in certain passages

Genesis 25:29

[DRB] And Jacob boiled pottage: to whom Esau, coming faint out of the field,

[KJV] And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint:

[NAB] Once, when Jacob was cooking a stew, Esau came in from the open, famished.

[NASB] When Jacob had cooked stew, Esau came in from the field and he was famished;

[NIV] Once when Jacob was cooking some stew, Esau came in from the open country, famished.

[RSV-2CE] Once when Jacob was boiling pottage, Esau came in from the field, and he was famished.

2 Timothy 2:15

[DRB] Carefully study to present thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth

[KJV] Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

[NAB] Be eager to present yourself as acceptable to God, a workman who causes no disgrace, imparting the word of truth without deviation.

[NASB] Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, accurately handling the word of truth.

[NIV] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

[RSV-2CE] Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

Romans 1:13

[DRB] And I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that I have often purposed to come unto you, (and have been hindered hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

[KJV] Now I would not have you ignorant, brethren, that oftentimes I purposed to come unto you, (but was let hitherto,) that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among other Gentiles.

[NAB] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, though I was prevented until now, that I might harvest some fruit among you, too, as among the rest of the Gentiles.

[NASB] I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that often I have planned to come to you (and have been prevented so far) so that I may obtain some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

[NIV] I do not want you to be unaware, brothers, that I planned many times to come to you (but have been prevented from doing so until now) in order that I might have a harvest among you, just as I have had among the other Gentiles.

[RSV-2CE] I want you to know, brethren, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
In Romans 1:13 above, the KJV's "was let hitherto" could be understood by people unfamiliar with old English as "was allowed to" or some other meaning than the correct "have been prevented".

Now let's examine the next four verses. Unless I consult and compare with other English translations I couldn't understand the meaning of certain biblical texts. This is where it is nice to have a few different Bible translations handy. I've shown some of these verses to friends whose English was their mother tongue, they couldn't understand them either.
John 1:5

[DRB] And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

[KJV] And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

[NAB] the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

[NASB] The Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it.

[NIV] The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

[RSV-2CE] The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
Acts 28:13

[DRB] From thence, compassing by the shore, we came to Rhegium: and after one day, the south wind blowing, we came the second day to Puteoli;

[KJV] And from thence we fetched a compass, and came to Rhegium: and after one day the south wind blew, and we came the next day to Puteoli:

[NAB] and from there we sailed round the coast and arrived at Rhegium. After a day, a south wind came up and in two days we reached Puteoli.

[NASB] From there we sailed around and arrived at Rhegium, and a day later a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Puteoli.

[NIV] From there we set sail and arrived at Rhegium. The next day the south wind came up, and on the following day we reached Puteoli.

[RSV-2CE] And from there we made a circuit and arrived at Rhe'gium; and after one day a south wind sprang up, and on the second day we came to Pute'oli.
Matthew 19:14

[DRB] But Jesus said to them: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not to come to me: for the kingdom of heaven is for such.

[KJV] But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.

[NAB] but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not prevent them; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

[NASB] But Jesus said, "Let the children alone, and do not hinder them from coming to Me; for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

[NIV] Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

[RSV-2CE] but Jesus said, "Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them; for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven."
1 Corinthians 10:13

[DRB] Let no temptation take hold on you, but such as is human. And God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that which you are able: but will make also with temptation issue, that you may be able to bear it.

[KJV] There hath no temptation taken you but such as is common to man: but God is faithful, who will not suffer you to be tempted above that ye are able; but will with the temptation also make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it.

[NAB] No trial has come to you but what is human. God is faithful and will not let you be tried beyond your strength; but with the trial he will also provide a way out, so that you may be able to bear it

[NASB] No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it

[NIV] No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.

[RSV-2CE] No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your strength, but with the temptation will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it



4. The incorrect translation of a word weakens or sometimes completely changes the meaning the original text.

2 Thessalonians 2:15

[DRB] Therefore, brethren, stand fast; and hold the traditions which you have learned, whether by word, or by our epistle.

[KJV] Therefore, brethren, stand fast, and hold the traditions which ye have been taught, whether by word, or our epistle.

[NAB] Therefore, brothers, stand firm and hold fast to the traditions that you were taught, either by an oral statement or by a letter of ours.

[NASB] So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught, whether by word of mouth or by letter from us. comprehend .

[NIV] So then, brothers, stand firm and hold to the teachings we passed on to you, whether by word of mouth or by letter.

[RSV-2CE] So then, brethren, stand firm and hold to the traditions which you were taught by us, either by word of mouth or by letter.
In 2 Thessalonians 2:15, the Greek word paradosis means tradition. All of the above translations use the word tradition, except the NIV. The word tradition means, according to English dictionaries, the handing down of statements, beliefs, legends, customs, information; or the transmission from generation to generation, especially by word of mouth or by practice. Whereas teaching does not necessarily means something that was received and then handed over to the next generation. You and I can learn or discover something on our own and then teach someone else. So translating paradosis as teaching is a huge cut from the meaning of the Greek word.

If people put traditions of men above God's commandments, Jesus does condemn those in Matthew 15:6, Mark 7:8-9, Mark 7:13, etc. But not all traditions are traditions of men. There are traditions that are of God that are passed down to us by the oral ways as St Paul says in 2 Thessalonians 2:15. St Paul confirms that in two other places: 1 Corinthians 11:2 and 2 Thessalonians 3:6 as seen below.
1 Corinthians 11:2

[DRB] Now I praise you, brethren, that in all things you are mindful of me: and keep my ordinances as I have delivered them to you.

[KJV] Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered them to you

[NAB] I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold fast to the traditions , just as I handed them on to you.

[NASB] Now I praise you because you remember me in everything and hold firmly to the traditions, just as I delivered them to you.

[NIV] I praise you for remembering me in everything and for holding to the teachings, just as I passed them on to you.

[RSV-2CE] I commend you because you remember me in everything and maintain the traditions even as I have delivered them to you.

2 Thessalonians 3:6

[DRB] And we charge you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother walking disorderly, and not according to the tradition which they have received of us.

[KJV] Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye withdraw yourselves from every brother that walketh disorderly, and not after the tradition which he received of us.

[NAB] We instruct you, brothers, in the name of (our) Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who conducts himself in a disorderly way and not according to the tradition they received from us.

[NASB] Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who leads an unruly life and not according to the tradition which you received from us.

[NIV] In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, we command you, brothers, to keep away from every brother who is idle and does not live according to the teaching you received from us.

[RSV-2CE] Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from any brother who is living in idleness and not in accord with the tradition that you received from us.


Below in 1 Timothy 3:1-2, we are seeing another example of how the precision of a translation could have so many other implications. The Greek word episkope indicates specifically the Christian "episcopate", best translated as the office of a bishop, or bishoprick. The Strong's Dictionary reference G1980 says the following for the Greek word episkope : inspection (for relief); by implication superintendence; specifically the Christian “episcopate”: - the office of a “bishop”, bishoprick, visitation.
1 Timothy 3:1-2

[DRB] A faithful saying: If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth good work. It behoveth therefore a bishop, to be blameless, the husband of one wife, sober, prudent, of good behaviour, chaste, given to hospitality, a teacher,

[KJV] This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. A bishop, then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality, apt to teach;

[NAB] This saying is trustworthy: whoever aspires to the office of bishop desires a noble task. Therefore, a bishop must be irreproachable, married only once, temperate, self-controlled, decent, hospitable, able to teach,

[NASB] "It is a trustworthy statement: if any man aspires to the office of overseer, it is a fine work he desires to do. An overseer, then, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

[NIV] Here is a trustworthy saying: If anyone sets his heart on being an overseer, he desires a noble task. Now the overseer, must be above reproach, the husband of but one wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach,

[RSV-2CE] The saying is sure: If any one aspires to the office of bishop, he desires a noble task. Now a bishop, must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, dignified, hospitable, an apt teacher,
Notice that the NASB translates episkope as the office of overseer. While the word "office" is present, the word overseer is vague. An overseer could be a secular overseer, a political overseer, a military overseer ... or a spiritual overseer. 1 Timothy 3:1-2 clearly talk about a spiritual overseer, thus the office of a bishop is the best translation, not the office of overseer.

Notice that the NIV removed the word "office" from its translation. I'll discuss below why I think the NIV weakens the meaning of this verse.

Similar to 1 Timothy 3:1-2, in Acts 1:20 below, we are seeing that the NIV no longer translates episkope as overseer but as leadership. The problem with the word leadership is that it does not necessarily indicate any continuity of that responsibility. One can be a leader of a Bible study group for a while, then stops leading it for any reason and that Bible study group would then cease to exist. The word office, on the other hand, implies the continuity of the office authority should the person holding that authority dies, or retires. For instance, the office of the President of the United States will continue, if a President dies or is not re-elected. Acts 1:20 is one of the many biblical texts that show the Apostolic offices of the chosen Twelve Apostles must continue down the generations through Apostolic Succession.
Acts 1:20

[DRB] For it is written in the book of Psalms: Let their habitation become desolate, and let there be none to dwell therein. And his bishopric let another take.

[KJV] For it is written in the book of Psalms, Let his habitation be desolate, and let no man dwell therein: and his bishoprick let another take.

[NAB] For it is written in the Book of Psalms: 'Let his encampment become desolate, and may no one dwell in it.' And: 'May another take his office.'

[NASB] "For it is written in the book of Psalms,
         'LET HIS HOMESTEAD BE MADE DESOLATE, AND LET NO ONE DWELL IN IT';
         and,
         'LET ANOTHER MAN TAKE HIS OFFICE.'

[NIV] "For," said Peter, "it is written in the book of Psalms,
   " 'May his place be deserted; let there be no one to dwell in it,'and,
   " 'May another take his place of leadership.'

[RSV-2CE] For it is written in the book of Psalms, `Let his habitation become desolate, and let there be no one to live in it'; and `His office let another take.'



Let's take one last example for this section to show how the careful choice of words is important.
Psalm 23:6

[DRB] And thy mercy will follow me all the days of my life. And that I may dwell in the house of the Lord unto length of days.

[KJV] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.

[NAB] Only goodness and love will pursue me all the days of my life; I will dwell in the house of the LORD for years to come.

[NASB] Surely goodness and lovingkindness will follow me all the days of my life, And I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

[NIV] Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.

[RSV-2CE] Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD for ever.
What do "length of days" and "for years to come" mean when one dwells in the house of the Lord ? If we make it to dwell in the house of the Lord, we'll be out of space and time. We'll be there forever with the Lord. The DRB has the excuse of being of old English. The NAB has no excuse.

Let's move to another topic: Justification by Faith Alone. This has been the huge doctrinal difference between Protestant Christians and Catholic Christians. Protestants believe that we are justified by faith alone, while Catholics believe that we are justified by faith and works. While we won't enter this debate here, let's see what the Scripture says about it and how some translation can water down this teaching.
James 2:24

[DRB] Do you see that by works a man is justified; and not by faith only? And in like manner also Rahab the harlot, was not she justified by works, receiving the messengers, and sending them out another way? For even as the body without the spirit is dead; so also faith without works is dead.

[KJV] Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only. Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way? For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

[NAB] See how a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she welcomed the messengers and sent them out by a different route? For just as a body without a spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

[NASB] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way? For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.

[NIV] You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

[RSV-2CE] You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone. And in the same way was not also Rahab the harlot justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out another way? For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so faith apart from works is dead.
The NIV Bible translates part of this verse as by what he does instead of by works. Even the KJV and the NASB, two major and respected Protestant Bibles, use "by works". One can do a lot of things during a day such as watching TV, playing video games, playing sports, ... without doing any work. Works require that one applies oneself to them, and to put effort into them, and perhaps even perform the hard and boring works that one does not like to feed her family. Then there are many other forms of work, the works of charity for example. Charitable works require us to sacrify our time, our money, our pleasures, our energy ... for the benefit of the poor and for people who are not as lucky as we are. So by using by what he does instead of by works, the NIV waters down the importance of works and good deeds in Christian life, in my humble opinion. We can see here that every word has its importance and implications in the Scripture. By mistranslating just a few words, a whole different and opposing meaning takes over the original meaning.
I wish to add some precision here. Catholic Christians who know their faith well, know that NONE of their good works and deeds can give them any merit whatsoever for their salvation. ONLY the Blood of Our Lord Jesus Christ can bring salvation to the world. Then why do Catholics insist on good works ? The simple answer is "because the Almighty Jesus said so". Even Paul of Tarsus could not contradict The Almighty God. See the Gospel of St Matthew chapter 25, the letter of James 2:26 and so many other Scripture references in the four Gospels. Works should be performed out of love for God and obdience to His Word in the Holy Scripture and out of love for our neighbors. One rule of thumb can also help: Talk is cheap! said Fr. John Corapi. I am digressing.


5. Lack of elegance in some translations

1 Kings 14:10

[DRB] Therefore behold I will bring evils upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut of from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up, and the last in Israel: and I will sweep away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as dung is swept away till all be clean.

[KJV] Therefore, behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam him that pisseth against the wall, and him that is shut up and left in Israel, and will take away the remnant of the house of Jeroboam, as a man taketh away dung, till it be all gone.

[NAB] Therefore, I am bringing evil upon the house of Jeroboam: I will cut off every male in Jeroboam's line, whether slave or freeman in Israel, and will burn up the house of Jeroboam completely, as though dung were being burned.

[NASB] therefore behold, I am bringing calamity on the house of Jeroboam, and will cut off from Jeroboam every male person, both bond and free in Israel, and I will make a clean sweep of the house of Jeroboam, as one sweeps away dung until it is all gone.

[NIV] " 'Because of this, I am going to bring disaster on the house of Jeroboam. I will cut off from Jeroboam every last male in Israel—slave or free. I will burn up the house of Jeroboam as one burns dung, until it is all gone.

[RSV-2CE] therefore behold, I will bring evil upon the house of Jerobo'am, and will cut off from Jerobo'am every male, both bond and free in Israel, and will utterly consume the house of Jerobo'am, as a man burns up dung until it is all gone.
Again, we could understand that the DRB and KJV here are of old English. And perhaps 400 years ago "him that pisseth against the wall" wouldn't be considered a lack of elegance.

Let's examine some of the modern translations in a few examples below. I personally prefer the translations of the RSV-2CE and the NASB than the NAB's and the NIV's. Which translation would you rather use if you were to stand at the pulpit and read those verses to your fellow Christians ?
Genesis 18:11-12

[DRB] Now they were both old, and far advanced in years, and it had ceased to be with Sara after the manner of women. And she laughed secretly, saying: After I am grown old and my lord is an old man, shall I give myself to pleasure?

[KJV] Now Abraham and Sarah were old and well stricken in age; and it ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. Therefore Sarah laughed within herself, saying, After I am waxed old shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?

[NAB] Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in years, and Sarah had stopped having her womanly periods. So Sarah laughed to herself and said, "Now that I am so withered and my husband is so old, am I still to have sexual pleasure ?"

[NASB] Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; Sarah was past childbearing. Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have become old, shall I have pleasure, my lord being old also?"

[NIV] Abraham and Sarah were already old and well advanced in years, and Sarah was past the age of childbearing. So Sarah laughed to herself as she thought, "After I am worn out and my master is old, will I now have this pleasure?"

[RSV-2CE] Now Abraham and Sarah were old, advanced in age; it had ceased to be with Sarah after the manner of women. So Sarah laughed to herself, saying, "After I have grown old, and my husband is old, shall I have pleasure?"
Genesis 31:35

[DRB] She said: Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise up before thee, because it has now happened to me, according to the custom of women, So his careful search was in vain.

[KJV] And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images.

[NAB] Rachel said to her father, "Let not my lord feel offended that I cannot rise in your presence; a woman's period is upon me." So, despite his search, he did not find his idols.

[NASB] She said to her father, "Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is upon me " So he searched but did not find the household idols.

[NIV] Rachel said to her father, "Don't be angry, my lord, that I cannot stand up in your presence; I'm having my period." So he searched but could not find the household gods.

[RSV-2CE] And she said to her father, "Let not my lord be angry that I cannot rise before you, for the way of women is upon me." So he searched, but did not find the household gods.
Genesis 16:4

[DRB] And he went in to her. But she, perceiving that she was with child, despised her mistress.

[KJV] And he went in unto Hagar, and she conceived: and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her eyes.

[NAB] He had intercourse with her, and she became pregnant. When she became aware of her pregnancy, she looked on her mistress with disdain.

[NASB] He went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, her mistress was despised in her sight.

[NIV] He slept with Hagar, and she conceived. When she knew she was pregnant, she began to despise her mistress.

[RSV-2CE] And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived; and when she saw that she had conceived, she looked with contempt on her mistress.
Genesis 19:5

[DRB] And they called Lot, and said to him: Where are the men that came in to thee at night? bring them out hither that we may know them:

[KJV] And they called unto Lot, and said unto him, Where are the men which came in to thee this night? bring them out unto us, that we may know them.

[NAB] They called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to your house tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have intimacies with them."

[NASB] and they called to Lot and said to him, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us that we may have relations with them."

[NIV] They called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us so that we can have sex with them."

[RSV-2CE] and they called to Lot, "Where are the men who came to you tonight? Bring them out to us, that we may know them."

6. More precisions in Bible translations won't hurt :-)

Let's look at two quotes, one from Exodus 20:13 and one from Matthew 26:27.
Exodus 20:13

[DRB] Thou shalt not kill.

[KJV] Thou shalt not kill.

[NAB] "You shall not kill.

[NASB] "You shall not murder.

[NIV] "You shall not murder.

[RSV-2CE] "You shall not kill.
While "Thou shalt not kill" is not incorrect when read in context, one may, as a last resort, kill an aggressor for self-defense, or may kill as a soldier to defend one's country against aggressors. As modern translations, the NASB and the NIV give us more precision by translating Exodus 20:13 as "You shall not murder." The verb to murder says it all: deliberate killing of a human being for no reason is an offense against this commandment. But, when without any other possibility, killing an aggressor for self-defense reason or to protect other lives is not.

Concerning Matthew 26:27, reading from the DRB or KJV, one may think that one has to drink all of what is contained in the chalice, not leaving one drop. An ex-Protestant friend of mine told me that in his church, people used to have to drink everything in the chalice and not leaving one drop due to this verse. Modern translations give us the precision that the DRB and KJV lack.
Matthew 26:27

[DRB] taking the chalice, he gave thanks, and gave to them, saying: Drink ye all of this.

[KJV] And he took the cup, and gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, Drink ye all of it;

[NAB] Then he took a cup, gave thanks, and gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you,

[NASB] And when He had taken a cup and given thanks, He gave it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you;

[NIV] Then he took the cup, gave thanks and offered it to them, saying, "Drink from it, all of you.

[RSV-2CE] And he took a chalice, and when he had given thanks he gave it to them, saying, "Drink of it, all of you;
Again, we see here that the added precisions in modern translations help us not to fall in misunderstanding of the biblical text.


Summary

The Douay-Rheims Bible (DRB) and the King James Version (KJV) are difficult to read for average readers in my opinion. These are NOT bad translations. The main drawback of the DRB and the KJV is the big change of meaning of words in 400 years. Therefore, unless readers are very familiar with Elizabethan English, they could end up reading very different stories from what the text means to convey. I would strongly recommend a more contemporary English translation if you are unfamiliar with Elizabethan English. Otherwise, I enjoy the DRB and KJV for the beauty and power of its vocabulary that are lacking in some modern translations.

The New American Bible (NAB) is a Catholic Bible that features contemporary English. Readers will less likely run into words that they cannot understand. Like the NIV, it has the merit to make the Bible text more accessible to English reading people around the world. One other advantage of the NAB is most of the biblical texts read at Holy Mass in the United States are taken from the NAB. However, if you carefully compare the Lectionary with the NAB, you'll see that changes have been made to correct some of the translation flaws of the NAB (Luke 1:28 is one example). I personally prefer the RSV-2CE. I find the NAB's footnotes very questionable for a Catholic Bible. Please click here for more about the NAB's footnotes.

The New American Standard Bible (NASB) has the reputation of being very literal (i.e. word-for-word translation that follows as much as possible the order of words of the original language), which is a feature I like to have. Due to its literalness, don't expect from the NASB to offer the fluidity of a dynamic translation. I use the NASB for my personal reading and as reference when I need to compare with alternative translations. Unfortunately, the NASB does not have the Deuterocanonical (i.e. Apocrypha) books, which I, as a Catholic Christian, consider as must-have. Other than that, the NASB is a good addition to my Bible study materials.

The New International Version (NIV), due to its use of weaker words (teaching vs. tradition; leadership vs. office, etc.) I tend not to use it much. That being said, thanks to its contemporary English, the NIV is accessible to many and plays an important role in spreading the Holy Scripture to more people around the world.

The New World Translation (NWT) is eliminated from my study for reasons shown above. There are many more translation errors in the NWT that are not enumerated here. I personally won't spend my time on a "translation" that I can't trust.

The Revised Standard Version - 2nd Catholic Edition (RSV-2CE) is the main translation that I use together with the Navarre Bible. As a Catholic Christian, the presence of the Deuterocanonical books in the Old Testament is a must and not negotiable. Besides its readability and accessibility to more readers, I have compared and checked the RSV-2CE over the years against other translations, and so far I believe it is the best Catholic Bible. This is the translation that I recommend to people who ask for my opinion on Bibles.


Finally, let's remember the words of St Jerome: "Ignorance of Scripture is ignorance of Christ" . Let's enjoy reading the Word of God everyday. Let's get to know Jesus through His Word. The more we know Him, the more we'll be in love with God, and very certainly, we'll be much happier knowing how much God longs to be in our hearts, our minds and our souls :-)

In Christ,
S. Thoi
December 2009

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