Modern Bible Translations Are Good, I Sayeth

QUESTION RECEIVED:

Why are they still translating more Bible versions? why don't they just leave it alone?


MY ANSWER:

Why have new Bible translations? You do not need one if you can fluently read ancient Hebrew that is not spoken today, or speak biblical Greek not spoken today, or if you can speak an ancient dialect of Aramaic not spoken today.

You wrote your question in English so I assume you want a Bible in English.
The King James Bible has been edited many times and had word changes.
The King James Version's goal was to put the Scripture in a voice the English speakers could hear and understand in their day.
The King James is a VERSION. It was not the first English version or the last.
Did we really not have the Word of God until 1611?
Of course we did.

As an example of language changed, old English folks really understood this following verse to be talking about money.
Matthew 25:28
King James Version (KJV)
"28Take therefore the ***talent*** from him, and give it unto him which hath ten ***talents***."
I had a well meaning Sunday School teacher in my youth go on about we should use our talents. If we used our talents, like singing, painting and others, we would be given more skills or talents. This lesson was for naught since this passage has to do with wisely using and investing your money. Talent was a unit of money.

Would you, as a modern English speaker, really understand that talent was a measure of money in the King James Version?

The LORD has blessed us with greatly skilled people who can continue to take the ancient manuscripts and translate them into today's English, just like when it was needed in1611.
Are their more literal or "word for word" translations and also those that give the "dynamic equivalence"? Yes. Use these translations. Only the "original autographs can be said to be inerrant and infallible "The WORD of God."

Use these translations and know that from the beginning of time God sent Jesus Christ to live a perfect life, die for those who repent and believe in Him. Through this work of Christ he paid the price of God's law we broke. He was Resurrected as a King and Judge. We receive forgiveness of sins and are declared righteous before God. We receive eternal life. Through the judgement we receive the record of Christ's righteousness -not punishment for our many sins. The Holy Spirit draws us to Christ. The written account validates God's purpose for the book. That purpose is to save humanity. Use translations to know, trust and love Christ better. I personally like the ESV, NASB, and NKJV translations.


2 Timothy 3:15-17
English Standard Version (ESV)
"15and how from childhood you have been acquainted with the sacred writings, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work."