About Bible Translations

What is the difference between a Translation and a Transliteration?

Know which one you should be reading and for what purpose.

Translations are an attempt to do a “word-for-word” from the original language into the receptor language.

Transliterations are an attempt to do a “thought-for-thought” from the original language into the receptor language.

Click on the below link to discover a useful chart representing most Bible translations/transliterations. 

Translations are good to read for the purpose of Bible study. These works are designed to deliver the most accurate word-for-word as possible, but because the original language may not easily migrate to the receptor language, the message may not flow as smoothly. But a good translation can be the most rewarding Bible to study if you are really trying to get to the accurate truth of God’s word.

Transliterations are good to read for personal fulfillment and nestling in on some “one-on-one” time with the Lord. These works are designed to be easy to read and comprehend.
 

Some publishers have struck a balance right down the middle and created a translation/transliteration that is not only useful for teaching, but also easy reading.

Timeline of Bible Translation History

This document covers most of the well known Bible translations throughout our human history.

From…
 

1,400 BC: The first written Word of God:
The Ten Commandments delivered to Moses.
 

all the way to…
 

2002 AD: The English Standard Version (ESV)