But Which One?

I was recently asked my thoughts on The Passion Translation. Caught while putting copious quantities of garlic bread in the oven for our Matariki Weekend Potluck Lunch, I gave a quick answer, but it got me reflecting on a broader question: How do we choose the right Bible for the right purpose?

Generally, translations fit into three categories: word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase.

Word-for-word versions are often cited as the most "faithful." But while they are great for literal accuracy, they can fall short on cultural nuance at times; e.g. we often lose the humour in Jesus’ interactions because the original tone gets, well, lost in translation. This is where paraphrases are great; they make reading scripture easy and enjoyable.

So, which one is best? It depends on your purpose:

• For Study and Doctrine: If you want to understand God’s grand story or study a specific idea, use at least two different versions. Ancient Hebrew and Koine Greek words rarely map perfectly to a single English word. When preparing sermons, I usually look at four different translations to capture the full picture.
• For Devotional Reading: If you want to connect emotionally with God, choose a translation that flows naturally. In my personal quiet time, I stick to a thought-for-thought version like the NIV or dive into a paraphrase like The Message.

Where does The Passion Translation fit? It sits way, way past a standard paraphrase. Because it inserts thoughts not found in the original manuscripts, it shouldn't be treated as an actual Bible. Instead, view it as a poetic devotional companion or personal commentary. I’d encourage you to pair it with a word-for-word or thought-for-thought text to verify which concepts and words are scripture (i.e. God speaking to us), and which are the author’s.

Ultimately, if pressed to name the absolute "best" Bible, my answer is simple: the one you will actually pick up and read. A translation does no good sitting on a shelf gathering dust.

Colleen