Questions about Bible Versions and Translations
Q. Why are there so many versions of the Bible? Are
some versions better than others?
A. The different versions of the Bible represent different
attempts to translate the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts into
contemporary language. Different translators took different approaches to the
task of translation, and so the Bible versions will often differ somewhat in
precise wording and style. Some versions are
also based on differing primary
texts. Despite these differences, however, the assorted versions of the Bible at
the Bible Gateway are nearly identical in basic content and do not differ on any
major points of doctrine. We don't advertise any one version as being
"better" than the others.
One question often raised in this context is the
issue of the King James Version and whether it is "better" or
"worse" than modern versions. For an insightful article about this
issue, see http://www.gospelcom.net/ibs/niv/mct/14.html.
Q. I found a passage in the Bible that I don't understand. Do you have
resources to help me understand what specific passages mean?
A. A Bible commentary will help explain and clarify
problematic passages and may offer insight into the passage that helps you to
understand it better. Many commentaries are available in print form; some are
also available online, such as the Matthew Henry Commentaries at ttp://www.gospelcom.net/eword/mh/index.html.
