Book 15 Bible Translations HC

Book excerpt: What is the best Bible? Because of the myriad of Bible translations, Christians have wondered. Against much popular opinion, we defend the following: - Dynamic "thought-for-thought" translations (NIV, NLT) are superior to more literal "word-for-word" translations (NASB, ESV). - More "literal" Bible translations often fail in a critical part of accurate translation: producing good contemporary English. - The criticisms of even great men like John Piper, John MacArthur, and J. I. Packer against dynamic Bible translations are either exaggerations, errors, and/or even slanderous against the word of God. - When a Scripture writer is addressing all Christians, it is a good thing to translate the meaning as "brothers and sisters" instead of just "brothers." - The updated NIV is the overall best translation, the NLT a very good one, and the ESV an unnecessary one. We also provide a chapter offering some suggestions and commentary regarding the best tools for studying and interpreting Scripture.