The DVDs include five hours of classroom lectures which covers 10 lessons on archaeological finds and how those finds correlate to events in the Bible, showing the Bible to be accurate and reliable through external corroboration.

The book is a companion to the lectures and includes questions from the lectures, archaeological facts, photos of archaeological artifacts, interviews with archaeologists, a glossary for each chapter, lots of fun cartoons, and more.

The lectures are given by Dr. Stephen Meyer. They are well delivered and filled with fascinating information. Meyer uses visuals and shows what we find in Scripture, and then shows external archaeological evidence that backs up the Bibles’ claims. Meyer delivers strong evidence that the Bible is reliable from an archaeological standpoint.

The companion guide is meant to help guide you through the lectures. It does contain some facts and photos, but there’s not enough in it to use as a carry-with-me defender’s guide. The real strength in this series is the DVD lectures. You’ll want to watch it several times and I recommend taking notes to build your own defender’s guide.

I recommend Is the Bible Reliable? DVD set, as I contains some of the best information out there on Biblical archaeology and puts it in simple enough terms that you don’t have to have a college degree to understand it. These lectures equip you to defend the accuracy of Scripture- and that’s something that is always valuable, both to ourselves and those around us.

Tyndale Publishing provided this review copy for free. I was not required to give a positive review- only an honest review.

Related posts:

1. Local Church Bible Publishers Value Series
2. 1 & 2 Timothy and Titus by Tyndale
3. Incomplete Commentary on Matthew (Opus imperfectum) Volume 1

Psa 1:1-6 KJV Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful. ² But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. ³ And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper. ⁴ The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away. ⁵ Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous. ⁶ For the LORD knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Psa 119:11 KJV Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee.

Hos 4:6 KJV My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge: because thou hast rejected knowledge, I will also reject thee, that thou shalt be no priest to me: seeing thou hast forgotten the law of thy God, I will also forget thy children.

Mat 22:29 KJV Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.

Joh 5:39 KJV Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.

Act 6:4 KJV But we will give ourselves continually to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.

Act 17:11 KJV These were more noble than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness of mind, and searched the scriptures daily, whether those things were so.

Eph 4:14 KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Col 2:6-8 KJV ⁶ As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him: ⁷ Rooted and built up in him, and stablished in the faith, as ye have been taught, abounding therein with thanksgiving. ⁸ Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.

Col 3:16 KJV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2Ti 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:15 KJV And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Heb 4:12 KJV For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

1Pe 2:1-2 KJV Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, ² As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

1Pe 3:15 KJV But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

Related posts:

1. The Bible – The Word of God
2. Word of Promise Audio Bible Free Online

Psa 119:1-176 KJV ALEPH. Blessed are the undefiled in the way, who walk in the law of the LORD. ² Blessed are they that keep his testimonies, and that seek him with the whole heart. ³ They also do no iniquity: they walk in his ways. ⁴ Thou hast commanded us to keep thy precepts diligently. ⁵ O that my ways were directed to keep thy statutes! ⁶ Then shall I not be ashamed, when I have respect unto all thy commandments. ⁷ I will praise thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned thy righteous judgments. ⁸ I will keep thy statutes: O forsake me not utterly.

⁹ BETH. Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word. ¹⁰ With my whole heart have I sought thee: O let me not wander from thy commandments. ¹¹ Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee. ¹² Blessed art thou, O LORD: teach me thy statutes. ¹³ With my lips have I declared all the judgments of thy mouth. ¹⁴ I have rejoiced in the way of thy testimonies, as much as in all riches. ¹⁵ I will meditate in thy precepts, and have respect unto thy ways. ¹⁶ I will delight myself in thy statutes: I will not forget thy word.

¹⁷ GIMEL. Deal bountifully with thy servant, that I may live, and keep thy word. ¹⁸ Open thou mine eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of thy law. ¹⁹ I am a stranger in the earth: hide not thy commandments from me. ²⁰ My soul breaketh for the longing that it hath unto thy judgments at all times. ²¹ Thou hast rebuked the proud that are cursed, which do err from thy commandments. ²² Remove from me reproach and contempt; for I have kept thy testimonies. ²³ Princes also did sit and speak against me: but thy servant did meditate in thy statutes. ²⁴ Thy testimonies also are my delight and my counsellors.

²⁵ DALETH. My soul cleaveth unto the dust: quicken thou me according to thy word. ²⁶ I have declared my ways, and thou heardest me: teach me thy statutes. ²⁷ Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works. ²⁸ My soul melteth for heaviness: strengthen thou me according unto thy word. ²⁹ Remove from me the way of lying: and grant me thy law graciously. ³⁰ I have chosen the way of truth: thy judgments have I laid before me. ³¹ I have stuck unto thy testimonies: O LORD, put me not to shame. ³² I will run the way of thy commandments, when thou shalt enlarge my heart.

³³ HE. Teach me, O LORD, the way of thy statutes; and I shall keep it unto the end. ³⁴ Give me understanding, and I shall keep thy law; yea, I shall observe it with my whole heart. ³⁵ Make me to go in the path of thy commandments; for therein do I delight. ³⁶ Incline my heart unto thy testimonies, and not to covetousness. ³⁷ Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way. ³⁸ Stablish thy word unto thy servant, who is devoted to thy fear. ³⁹ Turn away my reproach which I fear: for thy judgments are good. ⁴⁰ Behold, I have longed after thy precepts: quicken me in thy righteousness.

⁴¹ VAU. Let thy mercies come also unto me, O LORD, even thy salvation, according to thy word. ⁴² So shall I have wherewith to answer him that reproacheth me: for I trust in thy word. ⁴³ And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth; for I have hoped in thy judgments. ⁴⁴ So shall I keep thy law continually for ever and ever. ⁴⁵ And I will walk at liberty: for I seek thy precepts. ⁴⁶ I will speak of thy testimonies also before kings, and will not be ashamed. ⁴⁷ And I will delight myself in thy commandments, which I have loved. ⁴⁸ My hands also will I lift up unto thy commandments, which I have loved; and I will meditate in thy statutes.

⁴⁹ ZAIN. Remember the word unto thy servant, upon which thou hast caused me to hope. ⁵⁰ This is my comfort in my affliction: for thy word hath quickened me. ⁵¹ The proud have had me greatly in derision: yet have I not declined from thy law. ⁵² I remembered thy judgments of old, O LORD; and have comforted myself. ⁵³ Horror hath taken hold upon me because of the wicked that forsake thy law. ⁵⁴ Thy statutes have been my songs in the house of my pilgrimage. ⁵⁵ I have remembered thy name, O LORD, in the night, and have kept thy law. ⁵⁶ This I had, because I kept thy precepts.

⁵⁷ CHETH. Thou art my portion, O LORD: I have said that I would keep thy words. ⁵⁸ I intreated thy favour with my whole heart: be merciful unto me according to thy word. ⁵⁹ I thought on my ways, and turned my feet unto thy testimonies. ⁶⁰ I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments. ⁶¹ The bands of the wicked have robbed me: but I have not forgotten thy law. ⁶² At midnight I will rise to give thanks unto thee because of thy righteous judgments. ⁶³ I am a companion of all them that fear thee, and of them that keep thy precepts. ⁶⁴ The earth, O LORD, is full of thy mercy: teach me thy statutes.

⁶⁵ TETH. Thou hast dealt well with thy servant, O LORD, according unto thy word. ⁶⁶ Teach me good judgment and knowledge: for I have believed thy commandments. ⁶⁷ Before I was afflicted I went astray: but now have I kept thy word. ⁶⁸ Thou art good, and doest good; teach me thy statutes. ⁶⁹ The proud have forged a lie against me: but I will keep thy precepts with my whole heart. ⁷⁰ Their heart is as fat as grease; but I delight in thy law. ⁷¹ It is good for me that I have been afflicted; that I might learn thy statutes. ⁷² The law of thy mouth is better unto me than thousands of gold and silver.

⁷³ JOD. Thy hands have made me and fashioned me: give me understanding, that I may learn thy commandments. ⁷⁴ They that fear thee will be glad when they see me; because I have hoped in thy word. ⁷⁵ I know, O LORD, that thy judgments are right, and that thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me. ⁷⁶ Let, I pray thee, thy merciful kindness be for my comfort, according to thy word unto thy servant. ⁷⁷ Let thy tender mercies come unto me, that I may live: for thy law is my delight. ⁷⁸ Let the proud be ashamed; for they dealt perversely with me without a cause: but I will meditate in thy precepts. ⁷⁹ Let those that fear thee turn unto me, and those that have known thy testimonies. ⁸⁰ Let my heart be sound in thy statutes; that I be not ashamed.

⁸¹ CAPH. My soul fainteth for thy salvation: but I hope in thy word. ⁸² Mine eyes fail for thy word, saying, When wilt thou comfort me? ⁸³ For I am become like a bottle in the smoke; yet do I not forget thy statutes. ⁸⁴ How many are the days of thy servant? when wilt thou execute judgment on them that persecute me? ⁸⁵ The proud have digged pits for me, which are not after thy law. ⁸⁶ All thy commandments are faithful: they persecute me wrongfully; help thou me. ⁸⁷ They had almost consumed me upon earth; but I forsook not thy precepts. ⁸⁸ Quicken me after thy lovingkindness; so shall I keep the testimony of thy mouth.

⁸⁹ LAMED. For ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven. ⁹⁰ Thy faithfulness is unto all generations: thou hast established the earth, and it abideth. ⁹¹ They continue this day according to thine ordinances: for all are thy servants. ⁹² Unless thy law had been my delights, I should then have perished in mine affliction. ⁹³ I will never forget thy precepts: for with them thou hast quickened me. ⁹⁴ I am thine, save me; for I have sought thy precepts. ⁹⁵ The wicked have waited for me to destroy me: but I will consider thy testimonies. ⁹⁶ I have seen an end of all perfection: but thy commandment is exceeding broad.

⁹⁷ MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. ⁹⁸ Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. ⁹⁹ I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. ¹⁰⁰ I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. ¹⁰¹ I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. ¹⁰² I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. ¹⁰³ How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! ¹⁰⁴ Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way.

¹⁰⁵ NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. ¹⁰⁶ I have sworn, and I will perform it, that I will keep thy righteous judgments. ¹⁰⁷ I am afflicted very much: quicken me, O LORD, according unto thy word. ¹⁰⁸ Accept, I beseech thee, the freewill offerings of my mouth, O LORD, and teach me thy judgments. ¹⁰⁹ My soul is continually in my hand: yet do I not forget thy law. ¹¹⁰ The wicked have laid a snare for me: yet I erred not from thy precepts. ¹¹¹ Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. ¹¹² I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes alway, even unto the end.

¹¹³ SAMECH. I hate vain thoughts: but thy law do I love. ¹¹⁴ Thou art my hiding place and my shield: I hope in thy word. ¹¹⁵ Depart from me, ye evildoers: for I will keep the commandments of my God. ¹¹⁶ Uphold me according unto thy word, that I may live: and let me not be ashamed of my hope. ¹¹⁷ Hold thou me up, and I shall be safe: and I will have respect unto thy statutes continually. ¹¹⁸ Thou hast trodden down all them that err from thy statutes: for their deceit is falsehood. ¹¹⁹ Thou puttest away all the wicked of the earth like dross: therefore I love thy testimonies. ¹²⁰ My flesh trembleth for fear of thee; and I am afraid of thy judgments.

¹²¹ AIN. I have done judgment and justice: leave me not to mine oppressors. ¹²² Be surety for thy servant for good: let not the proud oppress me. ¹²³ Mine eyes fail for thy salvation, and for the word of thy righteousness. ¹²⁴ Deal with thy servant according unto thy mercy, and teach me thy statutes. ¹²⁵ I am thy servant; give me understanding, that I may know thy testimonies. ¹²⁶ It is time for thee, LORD, to work: for they have made void thy law. ¹²⁷ Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. ¹²⁸ Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.

¹²⁹ PE. Thy testimonies are wonderful: therefore doth my soul keep them. ¹³⁰ The entrance of thy words giveth light; it giveth understanding unto the simple. ¹³¹ I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments. ¹³² Look thou upon me, and be merciful unto me, as thou usest to do unto those that love thy name. ¹³³ Order my steps in thy word: and let not any iniquity have dominion over me. ¹³⁴ Deliver me from the oppression of man: so will I keep thy precepts. ¹³⁵ Make thy face to shine upon thy servant; and teach me thy statutes. ¹³⁶ Rivers of waters run down mine eyes, because they keep not thy law.

¹³⁷ TZADDI. Righteous art thou, O LORD, and upright are thy judgments. ¹³⁸ Thy testimonies that thou hast commanded are righteous and very faithful. ¹³⁹ My zeal hath consumed me, because mine enemies have forgotten thy words. ¹⁴⁰ Thy word is very pure: therefore thy servant loveth it. ¹⁴¹ I am small and despised: yet do not I forget thy precepts. ¹⁴² Thy righteousness is an everlasting righteousness, and thy law is the truth. ¹⁴³ Trouble and anguish have taken hold on me: yet thy commandments are my delights. ¹⁴⁴ The righteousness of thy testimonies is everlasting: give me understanding, and I shall live.

¹⁴⁵ KOPH. I cried with my whole heart; hear me, O LORD: I will keep thy statutes. ¹⁴⁶ I cried unto thee; save me, and I shall keep thy testimonies. ¹⁴⁷ I prevented the dawning of the morning, and cried: I hoped in thy word. ¹⁴⁸ Mine eyes prevent the night watches, that I might meditate in thy word. ¹⁴⁹ Hear my voice according unto thy lovingkindness: O LORD, quicken me according to thy judgment. ¹⁵⁰ They draw nigh that follow after mischief: they are far from thy law. ¹⁵¹ Thou art near, O LORD; and all thy commandments are truth. ¹⁵² Concerning thy testimonies, I have known of old that thou hast founded them for ever.

¹⁵³ RESH. Consider mine affliction, and deliver me: for I do not forget thy law. ¹⁵⁴ Plead my cause, and deliver me: quicken me according to thy word. ¹⁵⁵ Salvation is far from the wicked: for they seek not thy statutes. ¹⁵⁶ Great are thy tender mercies, O LORD: quicken me according to thy judgments. ¹⁵⁷ Many are my persecutors and mine enemies; yet do I not decline from thy testimonies. ¹⁵⁸ I beheld the transgressors, and was grieved; because they kept not thy word. ¹⁵⁹ Consider how I love thy precepts: quicken me, O LORD, according to thy lovingkindness. ¹⁶⁰ Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.

¹⁶¹ SCHIN. Princes have persecuted me without a cause: but my heart standeth in awe of thy word. ¹⁶² I rejoice at thy word, as one that findeth great spoil. ¹⁶³ I hate and abhor lying: but thy law do I love. ¹⁶⁴ Seven times a day do I praise thee because of thy righteous judgments. ¹⁶⁵ Great peace have they which love thy law: and nothing shall offend them. ¹⁶⁶ LORD, I have hoped for thy salvation, and done thy commandments. ¹⁶⁷ My soul hath kept thy testimonies; and I love them exceedingly. ¹⁶⁸ I have kept thy precepts and thy testimonies: for all my ways are before thee.

¹⁶⁹ TAU. Let my cry come near before thee, O LORD: give me understanding according to thy word. ¹⁷⁰ Let my supplication come before thee: deliver me according to thy word. ¹⁷¹ My lips shall utter praise, when thou hast taught me thy statutes. ¹⁷² My tongue shall speak of thy word: for all thy commandments are righteousness. ¹⁷³ Let thine hand help me; for I have chosen thy precepts. ¹⁷⁴ I have longed for thy salvation, O LORD; and thy law is my delight. ¹⁷⁵ Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. ¹⁷⁶ I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments.

Mar 13:31 KJV Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away.

Eph 4:14 KJV That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;

Col 3:16 KJV Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.

2Ti 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 KJV ¹⁶ All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

Heb 4:12 KJV For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Jam 1:22 KJV But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

1Pe 1:25 KJV But the word of the Lord endureth for ever. And this is the word which by the gospel is preached unto you.

1Pe 2:2 KJV As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:

2Pe 1:20-21 KJV ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

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Applying the Word means to obey it and keep the commandments that are contained in it. We must be doers of the Word.

Jam 1:22-25 KJV ²² But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. ²³ For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: ²⁴ For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was. ²⁵ But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

The Word of God is like a mirror. We must use this mirror to examine ourselves. We should allow the Word of God to affect us. It should affect every aspect of our daily lives. It should affect the way we act, talk, and treat others, and it should affect the decisions we make. It will make a difference in our lives if we apply it.

We must first observe and interpret the passage, and then we can see clearly to apply it. In order to properly apply the Word we must ask questions about the passage. The questions you should ask are the basic ‘who’, ‘what’, ‘when’, ‘where’, ‘why’, and ‘how’. Here are some examples of the types of questions to ask:

• Who are the people in the passage?
• Who was it written to?
• What is the setting?
• What is happening in the passage?
• What is the moral of the story?
• What is the message to the original audience?
• How does this passage apply to us today?
• How does the passage apply to me personally?
• How does the passage apply to my current situation?
• How should I act upon this passage?

Application answers the question “now what?” Now that I’ve read the passage and determined its meaning, what do I do with the knowledge I just gained? How do I apply it to my life?

Applying the Word is to obey the Word, but it’s not always easy to know how to obey what you’ve read. Here are some principles to consider for application:

• Pray and ask God to show you
• Re-examine what the passage is saying by meditating on it
• Recognize that God is speaking to you by way of examples
• Be honest about the meaning of the passage by keeping it in context
• Do not read into the passage something that is not there
• Let the clear teaching of the passage speak for itself
• Recognize that there are different types of passages and not every passage has a direct personal application
• Allow Scripture to interpret Scripture rather than preconceived ideas or tradition

There is a difference in knowing and doing. In order to have a closer walk with God we must do both. We must read and study the Word, and then we must apply the Word to our lives. We must allow the Word to change us. We must live the Word. We are the light to the world and the salt of the earth. We must not hide the light under a bushel, or trample the salt under foot. We must read and study the Word to find what God wants us to do, and then we must evaluate ourselves according to the Word. Doing the Word is applying the Word.

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1. Journaling Through the Word of God

Translating the Scriptures is not a simple task. Often, there is not a single word in English that means exactly what a word means in Greek or Hebrew. Words have a range of meanings, and the range of meanings can be much different from one language to another. This requires a degree of interpretation on the part of the translator. Some translations have more interpretation than others.

There are two basic types of Bible translations: formal equivalent (literal, or word for word) and dynamic equivalent (thought for thought). Some versions attempt to bridge the two.

Formal Equivalence

Formal equivalence, also known as literal, or word-for-word, attempts to keep as close as possible to the original languages. The goal is to make a text that is more accurate to the original and still be readable in the English language. They have a high reading grade-level. A formal equivalent doesn’t work as well for idioms and expressions because sometimes the point gets lost in translation. However, formal equivalence is far better for serious study because of the accuracy of words and grammar.

Some basic literal translations include:

• KJV (King James Version)
• NKJV (New King James Version)
• NASB (New American Standard Bible)
• ESV (English Standard Version)
• NRSV (New Revised Standard Version)

Dynamic Equivalence

Dynamic equivalence, also known as functional equivalence, or thought-for-thought, attempts to translate the thought of the passage rather than the actual words. This allows more room for interpretation by the translators. The goal is to make a readable text, resulting in a lower reading grade-level. They can be better for expressions and idioms, but they’re not as good for word studies because the words and grammar may have been changed to make the text more readable.

Thought for thought translations include:

• NIV (New International Version)
• NLT (New Living Translation)
• NET (New English Translation)
• HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

The NIV, NET, and HCSB attempt to combine elements of both types of translations. The HCSB attempts to remain as literal as possible by only using thought-for-though translation where necessary for clarification. Holman calls it an optimal equivalent.

Paraphrase

Another type of Bible, though not actually a translation, is the paraphrase. This includes The Message and the Living Bible. Paraphrases are not translations and are not based on manuscripts. An example of making a paraphrase might be taking the NIV and rephrasing it in your own words. There’s nothing wrong with reading a paraphrase, but I personally avoid them. I would not use them in place of an actual translation. They might be useful as commentaries.

Choosing a Bible Translation

No translation is perfect. The fact that it’s a translation requires there to be a degree of interpretation, and no one’s interpretation is perfect. Every translation ever published has gone through revisions to make them better and correct mistakes. I won’t say that every translation is good. Some are better than others.

A Bible translation should be chosen according to its purpose. Is the Bible for general reading or serious study?

Study

For Bible study I recommend a literal translation because of their accuracy. The KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV are all good choices. I use the KJV (just my personal preference). My next favorites are the NKJV and ESV because they retain accuracy and readability.

Reading

Many feel that the dynamic equivalence, such as NIV and NLT, are better suited for general reading. I also use a formal equivalence for reading. I even recommend reading the KJV for its literary style. I realize that not everyone enjoys the Shakespearean-style language, but I do believe it is worthy of study and reading considering its popularity and effect on the English language.

Translation Overview

This is a short summary of some of the major translations in use today, with a sample from 2 Timothy.

KJV

The KJV is celebrating its 400^th anniversary this year. There’s a good reason it’s been popular for that long. It’s had a major impact on the English language, and is very elegant in its style. It has gone through several revisions. Probably the most popular edition is the 1769. It is a literal translation and is the translation I use most for reading, memorization, and study.

2Ti 2:15 KJV Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 KJV All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: ¹⁷ That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.

NKJV

The NKJV from Nelson publishers is an update to the KJV. It contains manuscript notes that show textual variations. While updating the text, other manuscripts were taken into consideration. It is also a literal translation and is the 2^nd translation I use for reading, memorization, and study.

2Ti 2:15 NKJ Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who does not need to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 NKJ All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

NRSV

The NRSV is an update of the RSV, which itself is an update to the KJV. The NRSV uses newer manuscript discoveries, but also uses exegetical insights and linguistic theories, which tend to make it less accurate because of theological bias. It is also a literal translation.

2Ti 2:15 NRSV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved by him, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly explaining the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 NRSV All scripture is inspired by God and is^* useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.

NASB

The NASB is an update to the ASV, which is also a revision of the KJV. The NASB is less archaic and more theologically conservative, but is so literal that it feels wooden. It is perhaps the most literal modern translation. It’s more literal than the KJV, which makes it good for study, but perhaps not as good for reading and memorization.

2Ti 2:15 NAS Be diligent to present yourself approved to God as a workman who does not need to be ashamed, handling accurately the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 NAS All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness; ¹⁷ that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.

ESV

The ESV is essentially a revision of the RSV, which retains its KJV heritage. It attempts to be a new translation, but still uses theological terms in the same way that the KJV does (such as justification, sanctification, etc.). It is more literal than the KJV and still maintains its literary excellence, making it a great choice for reading, memorization, and study. I use it along with my KJV and NKJV.

2Ti 2:15 ESV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 ESV All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work.

NIV

The NIV contains elements of word-for-word and thought-for-thought translation. It is probably the most popular translation today. Although translators have taken some liberties, it is conservative in its translation. It can sometimes be too simple, causing it to not be as accurate as it could have been. It is a good translation for reading and study, although I prefer a more literal translation for study.

2Ti 2:15 NIV Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 NIV All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

NLT

The NLT is a functional equivalent translation. The translators have gone to great lengths to convey the thoughts of the writers, and it is therefore highly interpretive by the translators. It is a useful translation for reading, but I would prefer a literal translation for study.

2Ti 2:15 NLT Work hard so you can present yourself to God and receive his approval. Be a good worker, one who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly explains the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 NLT All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. ¹⁷ God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work.

HCSB

The HCSB by Homan Publishers uses a translation theory they call ‘optimal equivalence’. They use a literal translation where possible, and use thought-for-thought where it is needed to clarify the text. It uses new manuscript discoveries and is a good choice for study and reading.

2Ti 2:15 HCSB Be diligent to present yourself approved to God, a worker who doesn’t need to be ashamed, correctly teaching the word of truth.

2Ti 3:16-17 HCSB All Scripture is inspired by God and is profitable for teaching, for rebuking, for correcting, for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

NET

The NET is a cross between formal and dynamic equivalence. It attempts to be the most accurate, the most readable, and elegant at the same time. It is a good choice for reading and study.

2Ti 2:15 NET Make every effort to present yourself before God as a proven worker who does not need to be ashamed, teaching the message of truth accurately.

2Ti 3:16-17 NET Every scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, ¹⁷ that the person dedicated to God may be capable and equipped for every good work.

Conclusion

There are many other translations in use today, but this is just a simple overview. I recommend owning (and using) more than one translation. I try to stay close to the literal side of translations. I use several translations including KJV, NKJV, ESV, NIV, and NLT, but the translations I use the most are the KJV, NKJV, and ESV. I recommend using a single translation for your main study and memorization and use other translations for reference. During study it is best to focus on one translation and refer to other translations as needed for clarification.

Avoid translations that were written by certain groups in order to prove their own doctrines. These translations are skewed toward theological biases even at the expense of accurate translation.

Choosing a Bible translation is an important part of your growth and devotion to God. I don’t recommend using what everybody else uses just because they use it. Read as many translations as you can and make educated choices. And once you’ve chosen- read, study, and hide the Word in your heart.

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A mirror shows us the outward appearance. The Word of God shows us the outward appearance, and then goes much deeper, showing us what is within our hearts and minds. The Bible gets into our lives both inward and outward.

God doesn’t want us to just hear His Word- He wants us to obey His Word. God also wants us to examine ourselves by His Word. The Bible is our mirror. Using the Bible as our mirror, we are to dig into the Word and check ourselves to see how we compare. We should correct our actions, our speech, and our lives, both inward and outward.

We must look into God’s mirror and see our own reflection. It is futile to look into the Word of God and not compare it to our own lives. We cannot be God’s children and not be obedient to Him. To obey God is to use His Word as our mirror. We should allow the Bible to change us. It should change our attitudes, our actions, our dress, our speech. We should allow the Bible to correct us- to be our guide for living a life that is Christ-like.

Not obeying God’s Word and allowing it to change us is like looking into a mirror and doing nothing about what we see. Looking into a mirror serves a specific purpose- to have a realistic idea about ourselves so that we can make corrections if needed. In order to make corrections we have to have a standard to compare to. The Bible is that standard. Don’t be just a hearer of the Word- be a doer of the Word. Dig deep into God’s Word and let it change you.

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The Bible is the word of God. It is not man’s writings about God. God led men in writing His word. God told them what to write and He guided the writing process.

2 Timothy 3:16  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness

The Bible is God’s written word to man. The scriptures themselves claim to be the Word of God. There are many evidences we can look at to determine that the Bible is truly the word of God (Bernard, p. 10):

1. Its unique claims.
2. Self vindicating authority
3. Testimony of prophets and apostles
4. Endorsement of Old Testament and commission of New Testament writers by Jesus
5. Nature and quality of its content
6. Moral superiority
7. Unity of more than forty writers and 1600 year span
8. Lack of alternative
9. Accuracy of history, archaeology, and science
10. Indestructibility
11. Universality
12. Influence on society
13. Witness of the Spirit
14. Life-changing power
15. Fulfilled promises and miracles
16. Fulfilled prophecies
17. Lack of alternative explanation for its origin

The Bible is the inspired word of God. God told writers what He wanted them to write. He led their writing process. He guided their writing (2 Pet. 1:21).

2 Peter 1:21  For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

God allowed the writers to choose the language that reflected their culture, personality, and style, but God guided the process, making the Bible the infallible, inerrant word of God. The Bible is the sole authority for doctrine.

The Bible consists of 66 books- 39 in the Old Testament and 27 in the New Testament. The Old Testament was written primarily in Hebrew and the New Testament was written in Greek. These old languages are similar to their modern counterparts, but they are considered ‘dead’ languages, meaning that they do not change over time the way ‘living’ languages do. This helps to safeguard against words changing meanings. Many words in the English language have changed meanings during my lifetime.

Many claim that there are errors in the Bible. One argument they use is that scribes made errors during the copying process. However, the discovery of the Dead Sea Scrolls has shown the accuracy of the Old Testament. The accuracy of the New Testament has been shown through the fact that there are over 5000 manuscripts in existence that safeguard against copyist errors.

There are many modern translations of the Bible in use today. Some of the more popular are the King James Version, the New King James Version, and the New International Version, among others. The King James is more of a literal, or word-for-word, translation- making it a good choice for Bible study. The NIV is a thought-for-thought translation- meaning that the translation is based on the thought, or main idea, of the passage, which can be left up to interpretation. The NIV is a very good translation. Although I am not ‘King James only’, I do prefer the King James to other modern translations.

We should use the literal method of interpreting when studying the Bible. This means looking for the natural, or apparent, meaning of a verse rather than try to find a hidden meaning. It is possible for a verse to have several applications, but it will have only one meaning. The context will determine when a passage is meant to be symbolic or allegorical. This is seen when Jesus is speaking in parables.

During Bible study we must logically analyze the words, grammar, context, background, literary style, history, culture, symbolism, figures of speech, and typology that are being used.

There are several points to keep in mind:

1. We must ask God to illuminate the scriptures to us
2. The Bible is meant to be understood
3. Scripture will interpret scripture
4. Truth is revealed from the Old Testament to the New Testament- not the other way around
5. The Bible present a unified theology
6. No doctrine stands on one verse alone
7. The Bible is understandable
8. Each passage has one primary meaning, but can have many applications

God has revealed, preserved, and transmitted to us His word as the Bible. The Bible must be rightly divided in order to correctly be understood.

Here is a basic Bible outline:

     1. Old Testament

               a. The Law

                           i.    Genesis – Deuteronomy

               b. History

                           i.    Joshua – Esther

               c. Poetry

                           i.    Job – Song of Solomon

               d. Major Prophets

                           i.    Isaiah – Daniel

               e. Minor Prophets

                           i.    Hosea – Malachi

     2. New Testament

               a. The Gospels

                           i.    Matthew, Mark, Luke, John

               b. History of the Church

                           i.    Acts

               c. Letters to the Churches

                           i.    Pauline Epistles

                                           1. Romans – Hebrews

                           ii.    General epistles

                                           2. James – Jude

                           iii.    Prophetic

                                           3. Revelation

One major mistake is taking verses out of context. If we go to the Old Testament we cannot find how to be saved today. The Old Testament talks about the salvation that will be provided, but it does not explain how to be saved in the New Covenant. Also, most books of the New Testament were written to people who were already saved. The epistles are letters written to the churches. These books tell us about our salvation. They do not tell us how to be saved. The only book in the Bible that tells us how people were saved in the New Testament is the book of Acts. The gospels tell us of the ministry of Jesus and his death, burial, and resurrection. The epistles, from Romans to Revelation, are written to the churches- people who are already saved. The book of Acts shows the birth of the Church and shows how the Jews, the Samaritans, and the Gentiles got into the Church.

We must learn to rightly divide the Word of God. We must place each scripture in its proper context. We must not take the pieces of the verses we want in order to build our doctrines. Doctrine is built line upon line, precept upon precept, each verse in its proper context, taking the complete passage into account.

Scripture interprets scripture.

2 Peter 1:20-21   ²⁰ Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation.  ²¹ For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.

We must compare scripture to scripture, context to context, passage to passage. Only then will we see God’s Word rightly divided and its teachings opened up to us.

References

Bernard, David K. (1992). God’s infallible word.

            Hazelwood: Word Aflame Press

God’s Infallible Word by David K. Bernard

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