Articles
The Best-Selling Book
The latest data shows there were over 14 million Bibles sold in the US in 2023, an increase of about 22% over the previous year. While those numbers may sound only positive, I hesitate to celebrate too much because of what I see in the latest catalog listings for Bibles that are available today. With all the various translations and versions, one can choose from over 100 different options for Bibles — and then you can choose the material for its binding! One looking for a Bible for the first time would simply be overwhelmed at the number of choices, and unsure of what version is best to help them understand God’s word, and likely ignorant of the dangers of some of the ‘Bibles’ available from which to choose.
Dangers? Yes.
First, among the more popular Bibles are the various translations, including the KJV, NKJV, ASV, NASB, NIV, ESV, NLT, CSB, HCSB, and ‘The Message.’ [For sake of space, most are abbreviated.] Not all of those are actual word-for-word translations, by the editors’ and publishers’ admission, and some are intended only to get a vague idea of what God actually inspired the writers to write. That is dangerous if only for the fact these human editors have presumed to know what God meant, instead of simply accepting what He actually inspired the writers to write. [Hint: He meant exactly what they wrote.]
Second, once a translation is decided, then one must sort through the various versions of that translation, and the latest catalog I received recently has about 20 different Bibles that have been designed to attract buyers in specialized segments of society [each with various translations of that version]. Some of those Bibles are aimed at teens; some target either women or men; some are designed for couples; some are aimed at certain ethnic groups; others are for particular religious denominations and religious beliefs. There are more, but that gives one a good idea of the numerous specialized Bibles one may find. I saw a short video of a preacher warning against a certain Bible recently published and promoted by a politician, and his complaint was that it contained the Declaration of Independence and the US Constitution within its cover. His complaint was valid.
Add to these various versions and translations the numerous ‘study Bibles’ with some preacher’s name attached to it, and we might begin to see the dangers and problems. You see, it is these ‘specialized’ Bibles that can have hidden dangers within to the unsuspecting or ignorant who pick them up and/or purchase them and use them. How so, you ask? Consider a few dangers before you buy one.
Uninspired Writings. Having not looked through the over-100 different options, I am just going to give the benefit of the doubt to the acceptable translations that they have been accurately printed and do contain God’s inspired words. But, these specialized ‘Bibles’ are not limited to containing God’s word only; no, every one of these specialized ‘Bibles’ also have the uninspired words of men and women, many times right next to, above, or beneath the words of God. The problems lies in those unfamiliar with an actual Bible [i.e., containing only God’s inspired words] picking up one of these specialized ‘Bibles’ and assuming those uninspired words are actually inspired, or at least equal in authority to God’s words.
That preacher that denounced the recent ‘Bible’ being promoted by a certain politician that had the Constitution and Declaration of Independence within its cover did so, pointing out that those were not the word of God. He chastised his audience for thinking that having those things within their ‘Bibles’ was a good thing. He also rightly noted that the Bible is not an ‘American’ document; it is the word of God.
Emphasized Doctrines and Beliefs. Many of these specialized ‘Bibles’ have a target audience [teens, women, men, etc.] and highlight and note things that may be of particular interest to these segments of society. While that may sound beneficial and maybe even helpful, who is it that determined that these particular Bible passages should be emphasized, while others — possibly even more important — are not? You guessed it: Uninspired men and women, who sometimes have an agenda or doctrine to uphold and promote, to the exclusion, or simply deemphasis, of other passages that might show such beliefs to be in error. These ‘Bibles’ are designed to steer the reader to certain passages, and you can rest assured they won’t be steering them all to the same passages, and will even minimize or explain away Bible passages that don’t fit with their specialized topic or audience.
False Doctrines. As odd as that may sound, it is probably one of the most common dangers of these specialized ‘Bibles.’ [And, by the way, I will continue to put quotation marks around the word because they are not truly Bibles. Adding to God’s word makes it something other than God’s word. (Gal. 1:6-9)] There are specialized ‘Bibles’ that promote denominational doctrines and practices, false doctrines regarding Christ’s coming, false doctrines regarding God’s plan of salvation; false doctrines regarding how the local church is organized; I am sure there are specialized ‘Bibles’ I haven’t yet encountered that promote many other false doctrines.
So, what can we do to make sure we get the right Bible — and an actual Bible, rather than some compilation of human writings whose main intent is more toward making the publishers and editors money, rather than saving souls or leading people to the truth of God’s word? Consider the following advice, for what it’s worth:
Choose an Actual Word-for-Word Translation. According to some, the most accurate translation is the 1901 ASV, while others argue for the old KJV and nothing else. Just know that each translation has it positives and negatives, so find one that is at a reading level and style you are comfortable with. I personally have been using the NKJV for over 35 years, mainly because I grew up on the KJV and the NKJV follows the same sentence structure, but with updated language. Avoid transliterations and those versions that are intended only to get the ‘thought’ of the writer. Trust God that He was and is able to say exactly what He meant.
Use a Different Translation for Reference. Because not every translation uses the exact same word, it is helpful when studying to see other translations to get a better picture of what is being said. That doesn’t mean they differ in meaning, but only that the level of reading may be different, or the word used [though synonymous] is different, and can make the passage clearer to you, the reader.
Read for Understanding. God has provided the written word for our every spiritual need (2 Tim. 3:16, 17), so I would be wary of those who belittle it or demote it to nothing more than a book of myths, legends, and fairy tales. It is the inspired word of God, and we would do well to receive it and read it as such (1 Thess. 2:13). Read to understand it, then make personal application. In other words, USE IT! Even if you find the ‘perfect’ translation, it will do you no good if you never open it, never study it, and/or never apply its teachings.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psa. 119:105). — Steven Harper
