What Is the Best Bible Translation?
The Critical Levitical Podcast | 0016
Let's take a deep dive into Bible translations!
In this episode of Critical Levitical, we cover everything from our morning coffee routines to some of the deepest theological topics—like why Sabbath rest matters, how to choose a Bible translation, and the unexpected ways culture shapes how we read Scripture. Whether you're a new believer or a long-time Bible nerd, there’s something here for you.
What We Talk About:
Why we’re not morning people (until the coffee kicks in)
The spiritual and practical importance of Sabbath
A surprising stat: Sabbath keepers live 11 years longer
How coffee led us into a conversation about awe and wonder
The difference between word-for-word, thought-for-thought, and paraphrase Bible translations
Are red-letter Bibles helpful or misleading?
Kids and the Bible: teaching truth vs. technical detail
The Message Bible: When is it useful—and when is it not?
Bible dramatizations like The Chosen—good supplement or potential distraction?
Each of us mainly use CSB, but we dabble in many other translations. One great thing to remember is that we have an amazing variety of English interpretations of Scripture, and that's a good thing. But at the same time, we should be thoughtful and careful about what translations we use and why.
Resources Mentioned:
1. Which Bible Translation Should I Use?
Have you ever wondered what Bible translation you should be reading? There are nearly limitless options, or so it seems. So how can you make the right choice? Here’s a quick overview of some of the most popular Bible interpretations, what value you can find in each, and some suggestions for the Bible translation you should be reading.
2. SHould You Read the Bible Chronologically?
Most Bibles aren’t compiled in a way that makes it intuitive to understand the broad historical narrative throughout Scripture. It can be hard to understand how each story and circumstance fits into the whole picture. And while the Bible is constructed very intentionally the way it is, it can also be helpful to read through it chronologically as well. When you see the whole story of redemption laid out, in order that way, it can really help you understand how it all fits together.
I love the NLT Life Application Chronological Study Bible (linked above) but the CSB Day-by-Day is also a really good option for reading the whole story in order. Check out a few more reasons to read the Bible chronologically below.
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