0:00 Introduction 0:28 Introducing Mark Ward 2:35 How Concerning are Bad Translations? 4:01 How Can a Translation Go Bad? 6:07 How did You Pick These Top 7? 7:31 (1). The NWT 12:19 (2). Muslim Translations 18:33 (3). The TPT 24:45 (4). The NRSVUE 30:51 (5). The TLV 37:57 (6). The MSG 41:31 The Controversial NRSVUE Verse 45:32 (7). The "KJV" 50:16 Principles of Key Translations 56:04 What About Gender Neutrality? 58:40 What Bible Translation Should I Use? 59:14 Tell Us About Yourself 59:53 Conclusion

I’m Greek living in an English speaking country. I was raised in a home where my parents spoke Greek as their first language. I have an app where I can easily look up the Greek words as I love to see what Greek word was used for the English translation. What struck me the most was how every day language the Greek words of the original are. Whereas in the kjv for example, the words are so formal and almost create this disconnect with God. The original Greek was not formal language but the every day language they used at that time. This made me realise that God really wants to relate to us in our every day language, not a language we can’t understand.

I'm 84 and have known at least since high school, when I had not at that time read the King James Version, that "halt" could mean "limping" or "lame". Perhaps I had heard t he expression, :" the halt and the blind" and automatically made sense of it. "Halting" was used with the meaning "hesitating" or "uncertain" or :"stumbling." And now, my problem isn't with the Elizabethan English it's with KZfaq English.

This was so informative and I'm incredibly thankful for the measured nature of the commentary 👏🏾

I became a Christian at a multi-denominational Bible study group. We'd take it in turns to read a few verses, and we all had different Bible versions. If anyone had something interestingly- different, we'd stop and talk about it.

"Bad Translations" 1. NWT (New World Translation) @7:33 2. Arabic Translations @12:21 3. TPT (The Passion Translation) @ 18:42 4. NRSVue (New Revised Standard Version Update) @24:47 5. TLV (Tree of Life Version) @30:55 6. TMT (The Message Translation) @38:01 7. KJV (King James Version) @45:45 Good Translations @50:48 NASB (Literal / Formal), NIV (Functional) What bible translation should you use? @59:02

I am a NASB guy and am still using the 71 version by lockman. My grandfather was a Christian publisher so I got that full version as early as was possible. My next choice is the ESV. I still use the KJV regularly because it is still a really great translation. Like many I go to Blue Letter Bible and look at many versions.

I really appreciate this video! I learned so much. I struggled to understand which bible I should be using and now realized I was one of those that put up small walls against others that used translations I thought were not good. Thank you for opening my eyes and heart to truth.

Thank you for this! I've wondered a lot about the different translations and why some verses are so misinterpreted and often left completely out.

Very informative. Challenged me to think about things I hadn't put much time into. Sean, you are one of the best interviewers I've seen/heard. You ask great questions - questions that dig into the heart of your topic. And rather than prefacing each one with a long commentary of your own (pet peeve w/ other podcasters who interview) you give plenty of space for the one you are interviewing to cover the bases. Great job!

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 📜 *The video discusses bad Bible translations and how to find a good one, featuring Dr. Mark Ward as a guest.* 03:37 🛑 *Concerns about bad Bible translations are raised, focusing on defending vernacular careful translation over time.* 06:00 🌐 *The discussion delves into ways translations can go bad, categorizing them into sectarian Bibles and crackpot Bibles.* 07:36 📘 *The top seven bad translations are introduced, starting with the New World Translation by Jehovah's Witnesses.* 18:38 📖 *The Passion Translation is highlighted as a bad translation, with concerns about unclear methodology, Aramaic usage, and questionable linguistic concepts.* 22:03 📜 *Some Bible translations, like the Passion Translation, can be criticized for making questionable connections and interpretations, leading to potentially misleading ideas.* 23:53 📚 *Before reading the Passion Translation, it is recommended to have a solid foundation in standard translations like ESV, NIV, Christian Standard Bible, and New King James Version.* 25:16 🤔 *The New Revised Standard Version Updated Edition has a potential issue in First Corinthians 6:9, where the translation may over-specify and over-generalize, possibly influenced by certain cultural pressures.* 26:09 💬 *There is a concern about the NRSV Updated Edition's translation of certain terms in First Corinthians 6:9, potentially obscuring the intended meaning about homosexuality.* 31:01 📖 *The Tree of Life Version, associated with Messianic Judaism, is criticized for its fixation on Jewish traditions, such as substituting "Adonai" for "Yahweh" and using Hebrew transliterations excessively.* 34:43 🌐 *The Tree of Life Version's inclusion of Hebrew transliterations in an English translation is seen as a superstitious practice, deviating from the historical Christian perspective that God can speak in any language.* 38:25 🤷‍♂️ *The Message, while valuable for its fresh perspective and potential as a study aid, can be problematic when misused as a preaching Bible due to its paraphrased nature.* 41:43 📖 *Concerns are raised about Eugene Peterson's clarity on the historic Christian view of marriage, as seen in his translation of 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 in The Message.* 43:20 📖 *Mark Ward discusses the use of paraphrases like Peterson's "The Message" and acknowledges potential concerns but emphasizes their value when treated as paraphrases rather than authoritative translations.* 45:55 📚 *Mark Ward criticizes the misuse of the King James Version, stating that while it was an excellent translation in its time, its use without considering changes in language over time is problematic. He advocates for a thoughtful evaluation of language and vernacular translation.* 50:31 🌐 *Mark Ward explains the spectrum of translation approaches, from formal (like NASB) to dynamic (like NIV), highlighting the value in using both for a richer understanding of the biblical text.* 53:33 🤔 *Ward acknowledges that every translation has some downsides or potential areas of concern. He exemplifies this with a small issue he found in the NIV related to the interpretation of "spiritual body" in 1 Corinthians 15.* 56:17 ⚖️ *Mark Ward, a complementarian, defends the use of "gender-neutral" translations like the NIV, urging consideration of scholarly perspectives, such as those of D.A. Carson and Doug Moo, to understand the linguistic rationale behind such translations.* 58:53 📚 *In response to the common question about Bible translation recommendations, Mark Ward suggests using all the good, modern, evangelical English translations, promoting the idea that having multiple translations is an asset for understanding the Bible better.* 59:20 🎥 *Mark Ward promotes his KZfaq channel, "Mark Ward on Words," where he discusses topics related to Bible translation, King James Onlyism, and aims for a gracious appeal to those who hold different views, with a broader goal of helping the church.* Made with HARPA AI

1928 Prayer Book Anglican here. We use the KJV for all our liturgical readings. I agree new translations were/are needed. That said, the literary value of the KJV is unparalleled. It's a shame that it isn't being read more.

Very measured without falling into so much nuance that there's nothing of value to say. Thank you Dr. Ward for that display of grace and truth in speech.

I appreciate how careful Mark is with his word choices. I read mostly from a few translations (the “good ones” incidentally 😊). Occasionally I have come across passages similar to the gibberish one he mentioned…I head over to the “message” paraphrase and see “what” the passage is trying to say. I am so thankful we have so many places online for different translations available to us.

As an Arabic speaker and former translator, my favorite Arabic Bible by far is the Van Dyck Version. It's absolutely beautiful, albeit challenging in the same way that the KJV and Geneva Bible are for English speakers. It's definitely not catered to Muslims either; it uses many terms and names that are unique to Christianity and/or borrowed from Aramaic. My copy has a glossary of difficult words in the back. I love it.

Thank you for a great discussion. With Bible apps being so prevalent, even my senior's group bounces between literal and dynamic translations to get to the meaning of a passage :)

Fantastic conversation. I just went through a cursory study on translating and some translations. this is right in line with what I was learning. It's always good to know that other Godly men are presenting the same ideas. This helped to fill out my knowledge and ways to view translations a bit more. Loved the view on the Message. I have used it as a secondary source from time to time to get a "fresh" wording of a passage that I am having a hard time digging into, especially if I had seen it a specific way for SO long that I have kind of become numb to it.

Such a thoughtful discussion! Thank you, brothers!

I thoroughly enjoyed watching this and a more scholarly discussion on Bible Translations. In my childhood I was primarily taught from the King James while heavily exposed to The Living Bible paraphrase. Later on, I spend much time studying from the New American Standard and currently primarily study from the NIV. In academic studies, I learned that the KJV, often referred to as the "Authorized Version" was the first "sanctioned" translation of scripture to the language of the common people in England. Truly, it is no longer the language of common English speaking people, though still quite useful. Certainly, I believe better understanding can be gained through studying multiple "good" translations of scriptures.

The drunk KNOWS he's a drunk. The liar KNOWS he's a liar. The deceived person does NOT know he's deceived. Seek ye the old paths

Thank you guys for covering this! I recently encountered a "pastor" on tik tok spouting off a series of beliefs based on poor translations, mainly regarding sexuality. I called him out on it, and after calling me names, he blocked my account. After that exchange Tik Tok proceeded to recommend several other videos along the same lines by various Progressive pastors. Have you guys considered, or do you already have a Tik Tok account to address these types of false teachers?

excellent conversation.... thanks Sean!

This was very interesting and enlightening. Thank you both!

I started watching/listening to this video. I thought I would not go the distance with this one but I am passed the midpoint and finding this good, useful, somewhat refreshing and encouraging. This is good brother. Your guest and brother explains things well.

In my church we are celebrating this month the month of the bible and I want to thank u both sooooo much for this valuable information.♥️♥️♥️♥️

Always gracious and brilliant, Mark. Thank you.

Solid interivew. Thx, Sean. Gracious. Intellegent. Brings further clarity to the concerns and value of most English translations.

NWT: Primary basis given for inclusion here of New World Translation is it's rendering of John 1:1. Encourage folks to do their own research on this. Reference for e.g. Truth In Translation (Jason David Beduhn)....devotes an entire chapter (11) to the translation of the Greek, and a comparison with nine contemporary English translations. The book has a very comprehensive discussion on it, so I'll only quote the summary ..."Grammatically, John 1:1 is not a difficult verse to translate..... Bias has shaped most of these translations (the ones included in his comparison, which includes KJV, KJB, NIV, NRSV) much more than has accurate attention to the wording of the Bible. The NW translation of John 1:1 is superior to that of the other eight translations we are comparing..... All that we can ask is that a translation be an accurate starting point for exposition and interpretation. Only the NW achieves that, as provocative as it sounds to the modern reader." So while it is true Jehovah's Witnesses do not believe in the Trinity, it is driven by their understanding of what the Bible says as to God and Jesus. While that may not be congruent with mainstream churches and their teaching of God, Jesus, the doctrine is driven by bible study and understanding. And they have not taken an approach of translating the scriptures to meet their doctrine. Rather, translation and study to reach an understanding, and forming doctrine based on it. Something the Greek scholar who authored this publication acknowledges in his summary of overall findings in the conclusion of this same publication. As a last comment, it is helpful to simply read the entire first chapter of the Book of John with no preconceptions, and one will see clearly John is speaking of two different entities in terms of God and Jesus, and the two not one and the same. Go further and read the entire book of John, and that becomes even more self-evident. Respectfully - and it isn't just JWs who have come to this understanding - the Trinity is NOT a biblical teaching. And respectfully to Mr. Ward, his positioning the NWT a poor Bible because of his not agreeing with the translation of John 1:1 is pretty shallow. He acknowledges other verses that have been presented to him ARE translated well. He's a trinitarian, and doesn't like the fact John 1:1 isn't rendered in a way that supports trinity. At the very least, encourage readers to do their own digging on this. And remember....truth in these matters isn't dictated by popular opinion. in fact, Jesus indicated (Matthew 7:13 - sermon on the mount) that it would be otherwise.

Very interesting interview. Mark is honest and so gracious as we are told to be.

I love the NIV, because I am dyslexic, and by the grace of God, it’s one of the few Bibles, I can actually read, thank you Jesus for the wealth of knowledge you’ve given us

Thanks Sean and Mark for the informative look on Biblical translations. I am wondering what your thoughts are on the Amplified version? I actually find this translation to be quite interesting in its approach. From what I understand, the intention of the translation is to add more detail to what could be observed in the Greek and Hebrew that cannot be fully translated equivalently to an English word or phrase.

Very interesting conversation!!!

Thank you very much for the discussion on this topic.

I am so thankful for the topics you cover Sean, very helpful in my walk with our amazing God! Blessings.. xo from Toronto, Canada..

I think Mark’s comments on the Messianic Jews is showing a bit of lack of understanding - in that the Jewish people more often than not speak English with a LOT of Hebrew interspersed throughout even in everyday language. I don’t think this was a superstitious use or mystic traditional use - they do speak a “crazy hybrid language”

Very interesting topic and podcast. Thanks.

With my own study and search in mind, this video was quite well presented. (It's funny, but I have a copy of Mr. Ward's "authorized" book on my shelf just a few feet away.) Frankly, my heart breaks on several aspects of this topic, both with certain "only-isms" AND on the other extreme of taking in "all" translations as equal. Being asked both what I read (and why) as well as asked for recommendations myself (even just in sharing the Gospel), I always greatly appreciate just hearing others attempting to rightly sift through the topic. It makes me feel a little less "odd", perhaps, (LOL?) for doing likewise and seeing it as important. So, thank you both, gentlemen.

I didn’t plan to listen to the entire conversation but this was so enthralling that I had to stay to the end…

I used to attend the same church that Mark attended in Greenville, SC, but years before Mark was there, I think, as I was there just a while in 1989. This is a great discussion here and I appreciate you, Sean and MArk addressing these issues. I just subscribed and look forward to listening to more.

This was vary helpful thanks Sean & Dr. Ward.

I love the Elizabethan language of KJV. I grew up as a child on it and as a teen moved into the NKJV which is indeed easier to understand in whole. I just added to my collection last year the NIV- which I love. I was searching for a good study Bible as I started school for leadership and ministry and I prefer the Thompson chain-reference BEFORE digging into any others or supplements. To see what it is that God reveals to me without the input of others first. Then I added ESV global study Bible as it was a requirement for my OT survey class, the Israel Bible, the Septuagint, the NIV life application study Bible, and I am currently awaiting my NIV Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible to arrive. I also have used the inter linear Bible app on my computer, and have the ESV membership to access those and the basic youversion Bible app. I love comparing them all and when I read a passage that I know is not the correct word, I go through them all to see who translated it correctly.

I use the You version - Bible app - mainly because i can easily switch versions and see what is said in different translations to try and dig deep into what the verse is saying. Most of my daily reading is in either NLT or ESV. I had memorized a ton of scripture in KJV as a child, and I think that the older style of language made a lot of the true meaning of the scripture went right over my head. I memorized several books in NIV, and recently, our pastor was preaching on a passage I had memorized, and they had the passage up on the screen and it said it was NIV, but the words were a little off from what I remembered. Which is when I learned that the NIV has been updated... I was hunting through each translation on the app, trying to figure out how I had gotten so mixed up... lol I also really appreciate being able to read a passage in five, six, ten different translations when the pastor or teacher is stressing the importance of the way a verse is specifically worded, since it's usually not worded the same, so is the meaning they are stressing still there if we read a different translation? Some times it is, sometimes, well, I think some teachers or pastors get really stuck on just one translation and it's like they have blinders on to anything else. I do have to give a little shout out for the Message, though. I had grown up immersed in KJV or NIV, and it definitely shocked me out of my rut! 1 Corinthians 13 really came to life for me. And was actually the catalyst for my husband and I reexamining our divorce and we wound up getting remarried and just celebrated 23 years. I sure appreciated the view points expressed!

Interesting discussion. Having started with KJV as an early teen and basically given up on understanding it. Then trying again in my later teens and struggling again. Then taking up a Living Bible and devouring it. Then moving to NASB and devouring it. Then moving back to the KJV and loving it. Then trying NIV and having issues with it. I have a bit of personal history. I have many translations but have only read through the Living, the NASB, and the KJV. I lean toward the KJV at this point in my life. I am not KJV only. Earlier i was NASB only. However, one only has a finite span of life here and there is not end of books and many English translations. In the interest of maximizing the time I lean toward avoiding "warts" and false teachings. If one knows the truth, the lies and deceptions become apparent when one is introduced to them and the Holy Spirit uses that the Truth to expose them. God is faithful even when we are not.

Thank you so much Dr Mark for your clarification. God bless you.

Thank you! Very interesting, informative and helpful!!! 😃

Fantastic discussion. Very helpful. Thank you guys.

This is the same Mark Ward who grew up in my church. I knew he was smart, but WoW, this is great. I’m sure his mom and dad are proud. 😊

This gave me so much new information and deeper levels of understanding that I didn't know I didn't have!

59:09 My local bookstore sells both the message & the passion so I don’t think “just go to your local book store” is a good enough response

I have used different translations over the years. I was giving the living Bible as a baptismal gift for my church. And University I used a new international version. Ended my career days I switched over to the English Standard Version. Well I have used a King James Bible over the years in between I noticed that I have a hard time looking at bible verses on my phone app with the ESV because I seem to remember the verses or segments that I'm trying to find the verses for in a King James version LOL! I find myself Googling the Bible verses more than using the app.

So many great points! I have over 20 Bibles - they are each special, from the KJV I was given at 6 months old, to The Message that breathed new life into the text during college, to the Action Bible, because who doesn’t want to see the Bible as a comic? As well as my go-to NASB for studying and NLT for daily reading, and several study Bibles with great commentary. We do indeed have an embarrassment of riches. I look at my shelf full of God’s Word and appreciate that I am so blessed, but also feel sad that so many people can’t even get their hands on a single translation…and apparently the validity of those translations can also be an issue. Anyway, thanks for all the good info :)

I really enjoyed this video great Job!

I respect Mark's tenacity in responding accurately. I admire his measured and gracious communication. I love my NIV published in 1985. I do not prefer the newly issued NIV.

Absolutely WONDERFUL! I have various translations and have always wondered...the best...the worst...the good/bad. This discussion was so helpful in the explanation of ways to evaluate translations. Have never run into to Mark Word online, but I will put him in my list of trusted experts! Thanks to both of you so very much!

I actually like the KJV as kind of a historical reference in helping modern English speakers understand where their language came from and how it got where it is now. I think it's important to understand why we don't use "thou" any more. It also helps them understand other historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and letters from our Founding Fathers. If our understanding of the English language gets too shallow and recent, we will lose the real meaning of it.

Upon what authority do you base your recommendations of Bible translations to avoid off of?

Great interview. I think Mark is right. We have an embarrassment of riches in English translations. I love rhe ESV, but i have taken to start preaching from the CSB lately for the sake of those in the congregation I serve. The concept of intelligibility that Mark talks about has been really help. There is no one translation at our church. People come with NLT, NIV, GNB and ESV. Our lead pastor usea the NLT. We often joke with each other as which is better. But I just wantes people to understand. I think it is important to take into account the education level of those to whom you are ministering too, and the accuracy of the text. Thats why i have switch to CSB for preaching personally...I definitely prefer my ESV, but for the sake of other i made the change. And i have noticed there are times where the CSB is better than the ESV. But thanks for a great interview. Grace and peace

I'm perplexed that at no time was prayer for understanding, when reading the Bible, mentioned. The KJV was gibberish to me, until I was saved. Then it was a thing of great beauty and opened like a flower, more and more with each time I read it. I never stop learning from the KJV, with the Holy Spirit as my leader/instructor. If a word has changed meaning, or has an additional meaning (as is more often the case), or if I don't understand something this time around, I pray, as always, and sooner or later, God reveals the meaning. This type of study, alone with God, focusing on each word and the purpose for that word, makes it impossible to attend "book focused" Bible studies with other Christians, however. My study, relying on such a different source (prayer), makes it that I can't help but focus on the errors and flaws in the books and workbooks. So I don't do that. But, in defense of the KJV, I even heard Mr. Ward himself, within the interview, recite the KJV. When something is written in such a way, it is easy to memorize and recall. Written in currently spoken English, not so much. Not word for word, anyway. But I have a friend who graduated from Biola in the '70's. She is very liberal. During one of our discussions comparing her liberal and my conservative views, I quoted a scripture, which she was sure wasn't in the Bible. I showed it to her, in my KJV. Then she told me that during her 12 years at Christian school, she had memorized a large portion of the Bible. But when she entered Biola, they discouraged her from using the KJV. When she changed to the paraphrase version that they were using, she lost all of her memorized scripture. Now, decades later, though she still reads daily, she doesn't even know what all is in her Bible. It's hard to memorize a paraphrase. But not hard to memorize the KJV. It reads like a poem. Maybe by design? Anyway I think it's just wrong to lead people to believe that a man can teach them what God cannot. Prayer must always be a huge part of reading, to accurately understand the Bible. And also to know that we build on what we've learned. We don't have a PHD in understanding the Bible, when we are reading it for the first or second or third time. If we expect to fully understand in first grade, what will actually take us many grades, we are already in trouble.

This has been unbelievably helpful. My husband and I were Bible translators for the Kire speaking people in Papua New Guinea. Trying to keep in accurate and having to you phrases for words they did not have made it very complicated. Many other culture differences from Greek and Hebrew really made things complicated too . We had 2 men from every one of our villages join us to study every single verse and then go home to there villages and read it around their camp fires and come back to make sure we were getting the true meaning across on every verse. It was not an easy task. So I truly understood all you were saying and appreciated your attitude of love, and unity , realizing god could use it all. god bless your ministry.

Great comprehensive coverage I have looked st all the above and agree use them all, shape souls by shaping minds with truth about information...especially these translations... Great Video Gentelman... Really drew my to 1st Corinthians 5 , just before six , needs to been read too.

Great comment from Mark at 44:02... "he's not saying what's wrong, he's failing to say what's right."

I had heard of a New Age believer being led to true Christianity from reading The Aquarian Gospel of Jesus the Christ. It was a starting point for this soul. So even a bad translation can be better than no translation at all.

This is awesome. I learned so much here. I’m so fortunate to find this video and channel. I’m hungry to learn. Thank you. Subscribing to channel.

Excellent discussion! Thoughts on the Amplified?

The new kjv is a lot easier to read than the first version. But I like the RSV, NIV, NAS, and NKJV. They also sell bibles with 2 or 3 versions in one Bible

Thank you Dr Sean! Amazing guest 🎉 I'm so happy over the years it's sensible to conclude you should use many legitimate translations together ❤ thank you Mark Ward

I’m so glad I found this video. I have been wondering about this and making sure I understand the Bible and not adding or subtracting or misinterpreting the Bible

Do you discuss the NLT anywhere? I have given people new to the Bible that version because of the reading level.

A very well spent hour or learning! I appreciate BOTH OF YOU BROTHERS for your insights and commitment to GODS WORD. Thank you so much for this discussion. IT IS SORELY NEEDED in today's church culture. There are so many people who are Bible illiterate. Mark, I appreciate you mentioning the CSB. I use that translation as my daily driver. I also like the ESV and NASB translations, as well as the Full Notes NET. Sean, I regularly recommend Evidence That Demands A Verdict, because it is the STANDARD in Apologetics. Thanks again brothers. I love and appreciate both of you!

I enjoyed your guest speaker Mark Ward, PhD, such a godly man with wisdom and humility. This was very helpful in considering all of the common translations and their value in today's world.

I really enjoyed this program My E-Free church uses the ESV for preaching, switching over from the NIV, It took some time, but I'm loving the ESV translation more and more. At the same time, I've recently found myself turning to the NIV more for my personal study. Also I noticed you never mentioned the NLT. I find that a good alternate if the POV of the ESV gets lost on me. Is there a reason you didn't mention this translation?

In Norwegian, «halt» mean «limp». «Å halte» means «to limp».

Thanks to both of you for this video. I went from using the NIV, to NASB, to ESV, now the KJV. I have had to learn and look words up in older dictionaries to gain a better comprehension and I have been surprised at how my reasoning skills have improved by doing this. The main problem I do believe for most KJV users is the scholars selecting verses that are clearly in the Translation before the KJV and also in the KJV, and not including those verse in the current English translations of today. This I do believe is the real issue in why many will choose to stay with the KJV, and until this issue is addressed in a clear and precise substitutive way reconciliations between the two sides will stay as a reason for disunity. I understand the urge to have other Christians to put aside their idiosyncrasy to reestablish a unified body of Christ but is it not also an urge to have a unified front? I would think and do say let God be praised in unity and disunity for God is our redeemer not anyone of us. One more thing we can let Jesus build his church or we can try to build it for him and fall short every time or recognize who our redeemer is which is Jesus Christ the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords who walked out of that tomb on Sunday morning.

The passion translation sort of reminds me of Joseph Smith regarding how he explained how it came about.

I am just a simple frail guy, saved by grace through faith because of Jesus Christ. I cannot help being educated and mightily encouraged when serious and dedicated scholars, such as yourselves, are so careful and humble with your words, yet whilst not flinching from the bold ministry given to us all by Jesus. Thank you .. and I thank God for you.

what can we expect from any bible that has "revised" on it? The word revised, by definition means changed. Thus, any bible with Rivised in its title is obviously changed and altered for some suspiscious reasons.

I keep the NIV 1984 (?), NASB, ESV, NKJV, and KJV at my side at all times because I like to follow along with the pastor/teacher I am studying with. Each of them are equally highlighted and underlined with notations in the margins or attached sticky notes. I also own and occasionally read the CSB because it was recommended by someone I trust, and I am enjoying the Holman CSB Study Bible because of the notes. My Christian walk started with the KJV, then transitioned to the NIV, and then back to the KJV. I took Kay Arthur's Inductive Bible Study classes which used the NASB as the predominant source, so that was how that particular version entered my library. My sister introduced me to the ESV, and I found that I preferred that version over the New American Standard. I have only recently purchased and started occasionally reading the RSV and the NLT because a couple of the Bible Review channels I watch speak highly of them. But, my foundation is the King James Version and it's the one I go to more than any other.

Thank you for addressing The Passion Translation. A church I was in a few years ago started using this in church and I didn’t agree with some of the verses as read in church. When I did more examination of it (I’m a Historian, an ordained pastor with my MDiv and an apologetics nerd so I like to dig into the Greek for the NT), I found multiple errors. When I told the pastor, he basically blew me off. Fine enough, and we left that church, but I’m so glad to hear an expert examine this text.

I love Mark's servant heart. Also very scholarly! Going straight to his channel to hear more! Thank you very interesting interview. God Bless ✝️

"witnesses" came to my door and the first thing I told them was to their translation was in error and pointed to john 1,1 . they refused to read it and read from another random passage and proclaimed it was just modernized and easier to read. Then I mentioned Jesus as God, and the "gentleman" bust out: "I am my sons father and he is not me. I replied "but you are not God", I haven't seen him since : (

As a missionary pilot back in the late eighties, I flew Brian and Candy Simmons. As tribal missionaries they were awesome. Then, Brian had a kind of mysterious breakdown. Then they left our mission organization due to doctrinal issues. I was devastated by their departure. It’s kind of eerie but not terribly surprising to see what they’ve been up to in the years since. What was THAT all about God? So glad God knows hearts and He sorts it all out.

Dear People: Without going into details, please focus on KING JAMES VERSION and New King James Version. You may compare NIV and NLT with those two.

I read the kjv. I started reading when I was 27 and quickly realized that though the language of the kjv is different what makes it a great translation is that you learn the meaningsof the words as you read it. The pastors who miss use it will do so with every other translation. Not all pastors are good pastors.

What about the Scofield Bible? I heard a video recently about the original translation and the newer ones translated by Oxford University?

Thank you for covering important topics in your interviews. I really like the fact that you interview experts in different fields and bring out truths that are usually hard to come by. But I have this one issue regarding most of your videos. Since you interview most of the experts online, their audio equipment and their audio level is not always the best. And there is a lot of difference in audio levels between the two of you. So I always have one hand on the volume control knob to keep raising and lowering the volume throughout the interview. After a while it becomes quite a pain. A lot of beautiful interviews are ruined by this one issue of bad audio. You need to equalize the volume for the whole video clip before uploading it to KZfaq. Please don't let such beautiful interviews be ruined by such a basic error in video production.

Always love Mark Ward! So smart, so clear and so concise, so insightful and so gracious, soft spoken and kind. I want to be more like him.

Thank you for this commentary. I agree 100 percent!

I love the KJV. When I can not understand something in this Bible, I go to the source. I think the more translations, the more of our human is found in these books.

My son was given a Holman Christian Standard Version from a Nazarene church upon graduation. I got one for myself to read since I had never heard of it. I spent about a year reading it daily alongside my NASB and wrote down the differences. I didn't find glaring warts. I enjoy reading it now devotionally. Would you recommend the HCSB for institutional study?

Love this dialogue. I especially appreciate how both Sean and Mark speak about The Message as a complimentary to a good Bible translation. As I contemplate my role as a Jesus-Follower in the reconciliation with the First Nations of Canada a trusted Christian friend shared an Indigenous Translation of the New Testament called the "First Nations Version". He cautioned me to use it as a complimentary source to a good english translation (I use the ESV most often). The introduction and prologue give insight to the methodology they used. It's pretty cool as a resource.

Please help me, what Bible verse(s) say NOT to change the Bible meanings for fear of a curse? What IS the most accurate English translation of the Holy Bible?

I’d love to know what the difference is? Some examples would be nice! My Bible translation tells me everything I NEED TO KNOW. THE NWT….adjusted where? Please explain….

I will stick to the King James with thee,thus and so on, it's the only one I read and have ever read. Thigh when I started reading it 28ish years ago and I would only read 2 or 3 verses a day, I didn't understand it nor try to because I feared The Lord too much to try and make it say what I thought it said, but... I fasted 4 days without food years later just to get closer to The Lord and...on the 4th night I laid my newborn down in his baby bed and picked up my bible at 1:00 am and had to make myself put it down at 7:00 am and go to bed 🙌🙌🙌 The Lord opened up His word that night and it breathed and had a heartbeat, because It and He Is The Word of God and it has never been the same since 🙌🙌🙌 I haven't missed 10 days in 13 years and won't 🙌🙌🙌THANK YOU AGAIN HOLY LORD GOD ALMIGHTY YESHUA YESHUA YESHUA 🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌

Just subscribed to Mark’s channel. Sean, you are a blessing to me and so many. Love your content and your heart for the truth.

Lots of great comments on what versions listeners here are using to read or study. I’m curious what version people are using to memorize Scripture

I understand both "halt" and "coasts" correctly in the KJV, and I have no idea why, other than I've used the context clues to understand, as you explained. I take a little issue with calling KJV "bad" even with quotes. It is more difficult to understand now than it was 400 years ago, but it can be learned. Mark Ward learned it as a child. I learned it as a child. I know grown adults who are mature Christians who misunderstand certain words or phrases, but are quick to grasp the meaning when taught. I think we lose something when we say that is a reason to call the translation "bad." To learn about the changes in language over the centuries is to enrich our minds and lives. I suppose I think we should call it a good translation with a particular weakness instead of a "bad" translation that is really not bad. That seems like a more accurate description to me.

Love Mark Ward. I've learned a lot from him. His book Authorized is fantastic.

Thank you so much for this conversation topic. So insightful. Mark is very clear and eloquent and use simple words with his answers and reasonings.

Positive comments about the New World Translation from respected Bible scholars. In a letter dated December 8, 1950, noted Bible translator and scholar Edgar J. Goodspeed wrote regarding the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures: "I am interested in the mission work of your people, and its world-wide scope, and much pleased with the free, frank and vigorous translation. It exhibits a vast array of sound serious leaming, as I can testify." Edgar J. Goodspeed • Professor Allen Wikgren of the University of Chicago cited the New World Translation as an example of a modern speech version that rather than being derived from other translations, often has "independent readings of merit." -The Interpreter's Bible, Volume I, page 99. • Commenting on the New World Translation of the Christian Greek Scriptures, British Bible critic Alexander Thomson wrote: "The translation is evidently the work of skilled and clever scholars, who have sought to bring out as much of the true sense of the Greek text as the English language is capable of expressing." -The Differentiator, April 1952, page 52. Author Charles Francis Potter said: "The anonymous translators have certainly rendered the best manuscript texts, both Greek and Hebrew, With scholarly ability and acumen." --The Faiths Men Live By, page 300. Although he felt that the New World Translation had both peculiarities and excellences, Robert M. McCoy concluded his review of it by stating: “The translation of the New Testament is evidence of the presence in the movement (Jehovah’s Witnesses) of scholars qualified to deal intelligently with the many problems of Biblical translation. -Andover Newton Quarterly, January 1963, page 31. Professor S. MacLean Gilmour, while not agreeing with some renderings in the New World Translation, still acknowledged that its translators "possessed an unusual competence in Greek." - Andover Newton Quarterly, September 1966, page 26. • In his review of the New World Translation that forms part of the Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures, Associate Professor Thomas N. Winter wrote: The translation by the anonymous committee is thoroughly up-to-date and consistently accurate."- The Classical Journal, April-May 1974. page 376 • Professor Benjamin Kedar-Kopfstein, a Hebrew scholar in Israel, said in 1989: "In my linguistic research in connection with the Hebrew Bible and translations, often refer to the English edition of what is known as the New World Translation. In so doing, I find my feeling repeatedly confirmed that this work reflects an honest endeavor to achieve an understanding of the text that is as accurate as possible. Based on his analysis of nine major English translations, Jason David BeDuhn, associate professor of religious studies, wrote: The NW (New World Translation) emerges as the most accurate of the translations compared." Although the general public and many Bible scholars assume that the differences in the New World Translation are the result of religious bias on the part of its translators, BeDunn stated: “Most of the differences are due to the greater accuracy of-the NW as a literal, conservative translation of the original expressions of the New Testament writers.” -Truth in Translation, pages 163,165.

I'm so very confused as to why and how not many people seem to see the new age terminology that is in the message.