This is incredibly valuable. I’m relatively new to my faith and have been confused by all the various versions. I have some of the versions you describe but not the NSRVue. I’m going to order a copy right now. Thank you!
This makes my day! Welcome to the journey. I’m so glad this was helpful. The NRSVue is a great choice, and having multiple translations to compare is never a bad idea either.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions along the way. Thanks for being here and for engaging so thoughtfully!
You might consider looking into the Olive Tree Bible Study app. The app is free and comes with some basic bible translations and resources. You pay varying amounts for each additional version. Then you can view on your phone, tablet, or pc— copy and paste text at will. Very helpful. They also have The Bible Project videos available— very beneficial.
Love this thought provoking article! I have always used multiple versions of the text when studying or just trying to get a better understanding of the text itself; but I don't think I ever thought of it from the theological perspective your article invites us to think about. I've always trusted the Bible to be the inspired word of God - but we must take into consideration the translator and their theology or motives (for lack of a better word). Thanks Beau for this "Tuesday Thinker"!
Thank you so much! I love that you’re already using multiple translations, that’s such a smart practice. And you’re exactly right: the translators’ choices matter more than we often realize. It doesn’t mean we can’t trust scripture, but it does mean we should pay attention to who’s doing the translating and why.
I really appreciate you taking the time to read and engage. Thanks for being here!
I tend to avoid the ESV simply because of the translation committee’s complementarian bias. I use the NIV, NET and The Message in my reading of the Psalms as a devotional practice. I have occasionally referenced the NRSV, but I will incorporate the ue version now. Thanks for sharing your experience, knowledge and wisdom with us fellow sojourners. We need all the guidance a seasoned veteran can offer.
It is wild to know we are the first humans on the planet who can access all of these different translations over the years instantly, simultaneously, and for free.
This is such a good point! We really are living in an unprecedented moment for scripture access. What used to require a seminary library or a small fortune in books, we can now do on our phones in seconds. It’s a gift, and it does fundamentally change how we engage with the text.
This is a great article. I’ll give a plug for what I use: The Olive Tree Bible Study app. It has several free versions, commentaries, and resources available right from the start. Additionally, for (usually) $10/ version you can purchase and download multiple translations of the Bible. I have purchased NRSVue, NIV, The Message, Net Bible with Full Notes, Lutheran Study Bible, First Nations New Testament, NKJV, and the Complete Jewish Study Bible. This has provided so many resources all on my phone, tablet, and laptop. You can also get the entire Bible Project videos for free— a fantastic resource to use.
Thank you for this, Beau. My first Bible was KJV, given to me by my grandfather. But I used KJV verses in my book of devotional poetry for a modern, practical reason: copyright.
What a meaningful gift from your grandfather! And that’s such a practical point about copyright…the KJV being in the public domain makes it incredibly useful for publishing. It’s a good reminder that there are lots of valid reasons for choosing different translations beyond just theology or readability.
Thanks for sharing this, and for being part of the conversation!
I love this article! Thank you, Beau. I read a book years ago, called, I Suffer Not A Woman. In it, the author argues that I Timothy 2:12 and the surrounding context is actually talking about not allowing Gnosticism to infiltrate the church. They looked at authentein, which had a definition of "to murder" and how it was tied back to Gnostic beliefs. Anyways, it was worth a read if you come across it. Thanks again!
Thank you for this recommendation! I haven’t read that book, but the authentein discussion is so fascinating, it really does change everything depending on how you translate that word. The Gnostic context theory is compelling, especially given how much of the Pastoral Epistles seem to be addressing specific local heresies rather than universal church practices.
I’ll definitely add it to my reading list. Thanks for sharing and for engaging with the article!
Beau, if Sandra Glahn’s book Nobody’s Mother isn’t among your 1 Timothy 2: 11 - 12 resources I highly recommend it. Glahn examines the history of the cult of Artemis and its possible influence on Paul’s counsel to Timothy.
That’s such a meaningful goal! There’s something special about reading all the way through, and even more special about a Bible you’re investing in enough to rebind. I hope the journey through it is rich. Thanks for sharing!
Nice analysis here. The NRSV was hot off the press when I went to seminary, and was the standard for our academic work at the time. I only heard about the updated edition recently, and find it to be very well done. As an aside, I also enjoy the Jerusalem Bible if I'm looking for something with a more poetic feel. Thanks for your good work!
You might consider giving a review of study bibles. I prefer hard copy study bibles as it’s easier to look at maps and tables, etc. in my library I have the Oxford Annotated NRSV Study Bible with Apocrypha (replacing the RSV I had throughout college in early 1970s), the Cultural Expressions NRSV, the Master Builders NIV Study Bible for Men (Lutheran Men in Mission version), The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Amy Jill Levine (includes great articles), and The Hebrew Bible (3 volumes), by Robert Alter. (I participate in Torah Study held by our local Jewish community.)
I love reading multiple translations, typically ESV 2016 and NASB 2020 supplemented by NIV and NLT, and sometimes NKJV. Have personal size ESV, NASB (95 and 2020), NIV, and NKJV bibles, and read in them all a little, but often it's the ESV 2016 or NASB 2020 along with Logos text comparison with those and NET as well. Have the NET full notes edition as well, which I find very helpful. May have to think about adding the NRSVue to my collection. As for the gender in the translation, I think some people get too riled up when a translations attempts to reflect the gender or genders that the original text actually meant (e.g. brothers and sisters when original text said brothers but meant both genders), but I'm also fine reading a translation that just says brothers and understanding when it means more than men.
You’ve got a really solid study setup! The combination of formal translations plus Logos for comparison is excellent, and the NET notes edition is such a helpful resource. It sounds like you’re already doing exactly what I’d recommend…reading across translations to see where they differ and why.
I appreciate your balanced take on the gender language question too. You’re right that it shouldn’t be controversial when translations are just trying to accurately reflect what the original meant. And if you ever do add the NRSVue to your collection, I think you’d find it fits well with the approach you’re already taking.
Thanks for sharing your study approach!
Great article! When I was a kid, we used the KJV in my fundamentalist elementary school, so I still have a lot of verses memorized in that version. In high school, though, my parents got me an NIV version, which was my go-to until recently. Nowadays, I like the NRSVUE, although I tend to use Bible Gateway, so I can use lots of versions. It's kind of crazy to think that in my lifetime, I've gone from only able to use one or two bibles at a time be being able to access so many because of the internet. Thank you for helping us understand the differences among all these translations and paraphrases.
Thank you so much! I love hearing about your journey through different translations, it really shows how our relationship with scripture can evolve over time. And you’re so right about the technology piece. Bible Gateway and similar tools have completely changed access in ways previous generations couldn’t have imagined.
I’m really glad the article was helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your story!
Just looked up Romans 16:7, and remembered that I have a tendency to gloss over the footnotes for the sake of expediency. Every jot and tittle has the potential to make a big difference.
Yes! The footnotes are where so much of the good stuff lives. It’s easy to skip them, but you’re right…those little details can completely shift how we understand a passage. I’m glad this prompted you to look more closely!
Thanks for engaging so thoughtfully with the article.
The ESV is the most male-dominated, misogynistic translation available. Zero women translators, zero women on the board, zero women on the review team, and zero women scholars used for the study notes in the study Bible. There is a reason misogynistic pastors like Mark Driscoll use it.
This is incredibly valuable. I’m relatively new to my faith and have been confused by all the various versions. I have some of the versions you describe but not the NSRVue. I’m going to order a copy right now. Thank you!
This makes my day! Welcome to the journey. I’m so glad this was helpful. The NRSVue is a great choice, and having multiple translations to compare is never a bad idea either.
Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have questions along the way. Thanks for being here and for engaging so thoughtfully!
You might consider looking into the Olive Tree Bible Study app. The app is free and comes with some basic bible translations and resources. You pay varying amounts for each additional version. Then you can view on your phone, tablet, or pc— copy and paste text at will. Very helpful. They also have The Bible Project videos available— very beneficial.
I can vouch! Been using Olive Tree for about 20 yrs now….since I had a Palm Pilot LOL
Thank you! I will check this out.
Love this thought provoking article! I have always used multiple versions of the text when studying or just trying to get a better understanding of the text itself; but I don't think I ever thought of it from the theological perspective your article invites us to think about. I've always trusted the Bible to be the inspired word of God - but we must take into consideration the translator and their theology or motives (for lack of a better word). Thanks Beau for this "Tuesday Thinker"!
Thank you so much! I love that you’re already using multiple translations, that’s such a smart practice. And you’re exactly right: the translators’ choices matter more than we often realize. It doesn’t mean we can’t trust scripture, but it does mean we should pay attention to who’s doing the translating and why.
I really appreciate you taking the time to read and engage. Thanks for being here!
I tend to avoid the ESV simply because of the translation committee’s complementarian bias. I use the NIV, NET and The Message in my reading of the Psalms as a devotional practice. I have occasionally referenced the NRSV, but I will incorporate the ue version now. Thanks for sharing your experience, knowledge and wisdom with us fellow sojourners. We need all the guidance a seasoned veteran can offer.
It is wild to know we are the first humans on the planet who can access all of these different translations over the years instantly, simultaneously, and for free.
Truly THAT changes how the Bible is read.
This is such a good point! We really are living in an unprecedented moment for scripture access. What used to require a seminary library or a small fortune in books, we can now do on our phones in seconds. It’s a gift, and it does fundamentally change how we engage with the text.
Thanks for this perspective!
This is a great article. I’ll give a plug for what I use: The Olive Tree Bible Study app. It has several free versions, commentaries, and resources available right from the start. Additionally, for (usually) $10/ version you can purchase and download multiple translations of the Bible. I have purchased NRSVue, NIV, The Message, Net Bible with Full Notes, Lutheran Study Bible, First Nations New Testament, NKJV, and the Complete Jewish Study Bible. This has provided so many resources all on my phone, tablet, and laptop. You can also get the entire Bible Project videos for free— a fantastic resource to use.
Thank you for this, Beau. My first Bible was KJV, given to me by my grandfather. But I used KJV verses in my book of devotional poetry for a modern, practical reason: copyright.
What a meaningful gift from your grandfather! And that’s such a practical point about copyright…the KJV being in the public domain makes it incredibly useful for publishing. It’s a good reminder that there are lots of valid reasons for choosing different translations beyond just theology or readability.
Thanks for sharing this, and for being part of the conversation!
I love this article! Thank you, Beau. I read a book years ago, called, I Suffer Not A Woman. In it, the author argues that I Timothy 2:12 and the surrounding context is actually talking about not allowing Gnosticism to infiltrate the church. They looked at authentein, which had a definition of "to murder" and how it was tied back to Gnostic beliefs. Anyways, it was worth a read if you come across it. Thanks again!
Thank you for this recommendation! I haven’t read that book, but the authentein discussion is so fascinating, it really does change everything depending on how you translate that word. The Gnostic context theory is compelling, especially given how much of the Pastoral Epistles seem to be addressing specific local heresies rather than universal church practices.
I’ll definitely add it to my reading list. Thanks for sharing and for engaging with the article!
Beau, if Sandra Glahn’s book Nobody’s Mother isn’t among your 1 Timothy 2: 11 - 12 resources I highly recommend it. Glahn examines the history of the cult of Artemis and its possible influence on Paul’s counsel to Timothy.
NKJV? (not that I don’t have one of each, and a Greek NT too - and parallels from Hebrew to English too, nerd that I am)
It was difficult deciding which translations to include here! Glad you mentioned the NKJV!
My current goal is to finish reading cover to cover through my 1982 NKJV before I send it to be rebound!
That’s such a meaningful goal! There’s something special about reading all the way through, and even more special about a Bible you’re investing in enough to rebind. I hope the journey through it is rich. Thanks for sharing!
My 1982 NASB is rebound in duct tape, and it’s still falling apart. 😄
This one just happens to be held together by a worn, quilted cover I made at the same time - so in the same shape as yours!
Nice analysis here. The NRSV was hot off the press when I went to seminary, and was the standard for our academic work at the time. I only heard about the updated edition recently, and find it to be very well done. As an aside, I also enjoy the Jerusalem Bible if I'm looking for something with a more poetic feel. Thanks for your good work!
You might consider giving a review of study bibles. I prefer hard copy study bibles as it’s easier to look at maps and tables, etc. in my library I have the Oxford Annotated NRSV Study Bible with Apocrypha (replacing the RSV I had throughout college in early 1970s), the Cultural Expressions NRSV, the Master Builders NIV Study Bible for Men (Lutheran Men in Mission version), The Jewish Annotated New Testament by Amy Jill Levine (includes great articles), and The Hebrew Bible (3 volumes), by Robert Alter. (I participate in Torah Study held by our local Jewish community.)
I love reading multiple translations, typically ESV 2016 and NASB 2020 supplemented by NIV and NLT, and sometimes NKJV. Have personal size ESV, NASB (95 and 2020), NIV, and NKJV bibles, and read in them all a little, but often it's the ESV 2016 or NASB 2020 along with Logos text comparison with those and NET as well. Have the NET full notes edition as well, which I find very helpful. May have to think about adding the NRSVue to my collection. As for the gender in the translation, I think some people get too riled up when a translations attempts to reflect the gender or genders that the original text actually meant (e.g. brothers and sisters when original text said brothers but meant both genders), but I'm also fine reading a translation that just says brothers and understanding when it means more than men.
You’ve got a really solid study setup! The combination of formal translations plus Logos for comparison is excellent, and the NET notes edition is such a helpful resource. It sounds like you’re already doing exactly what I’d recommend…reading across translations to see where they differ and why.
I appreciate your balanced take on the gender language question too. You’re right that it shouldn’t be controversial when translations are just trying to accurately reflect what the original meant. And if you ever do add the NRSVue to your collection, I think you’d find it fits well with the approach you’re already taking.
Thanks for sharing your study approach!
Great article! When I was a kid, we used the KJV in my fundamentalist elementary school, so I still have a lot of verses memorized in that version. In high school, though, my parents got me an NIV version, which was my go-to until recently. Nowadays, I like the NRSVUE, although I tend to use Bible Gateway, so I can use lots of versions. It's kind of crazy to think that in my lifetime, I've gone from only able to use one or two bibles at a time be being able to access so many because of the internet. Thank you for helping us understand the differences among all these translations and paraphrases.
Thank you so much! I love hearing about your journey through different translations, it really shows how our relationship with scripture can evolve over time. And you’re so right about the technology piece. Bible Gateway and similar tools have completely changed access in ways previous generations couldn’t have imagined.
I’m really glad the article was helpful. Thanks for taking the time to share your story!
Just looked up Romans 16:7, and remembered that I have a tendency to gloss over the footnotes for the sake of expediency. Every jot and tittle has the potential to make a big difference.
Yes! The footnotes are where so much of the good stuff lives. It’s easy to skip them, but you’re right…those little details can completely shift how we understand a passage. I’m glad this prompted you to look more closely!
Thanks for engaging so thoughtfully with the article.
NRSV and NASB all the way 🤘🏼
Love it! Both solid choices for study. Miss ya Calico Curt!!! 🤪
The ESV is the most male-dominated, misogynistic translation available. Zero women translators, zero women on the board, zero women on the review team, and zero women scholars used for the study notes in the study Bible. There is a reason misogynistic pastors like Mark Driscoll use it.
I’ve been reading the DBH New Testament and enjoying it but I grew up on the NIV and the NKJV
Well, if I weren’t already subscribed, this would seal the deal. Thanks!