Digging deeper

Gordon Myers

My favorite translations of the Bible (in order) are the King James Version, The Message, and the New Living Translation. The King James has a sacred feel to it that will always have a special place in my heart. Major historical figures, such as Martin Luther King, Jr., have used its language in powerful ways.

However, for me, the King James Version’s translation of the Greek word agape as “charity” instead of “love,” does not make as much sense today. It doesn’t flow well with modern language. In First Corinthians 13—which is read at many weddings—“charity,” which “never faileth,” just doesn’t sound nearly as uplifting, inspiring, or relevant as the word love.

When I think of charity, I think of nonprofit organizations saving the rain forests and funding micro-loan projects in Africa. And while those human institutions do a lot of good, frankly they do sometimes “fail.” Whereas love based on divine Principle is something more profound to me, something people can relate to, and something that really can fit the bill of never failing.

Eugene Peterson’s The Message is remarkable for its keen focus on the real “message” of the words, in a way that engages just about any reader. And the contextual notes and subheadings help elucidate what’s really going on in the verses. (Song of Solomon is a particularly good example!) Yet, I have noticed a few places where Peterson’s updated wording regrettably clouds some of the original meaning, too. So, as with any version, it’s important to be reading with a discerning eye.

For me, that’s where the New Living Translation comes in handy. I love it for its simplicity, while it remains true to the original text. Admittedly, I haven’t studied that version as much as the King James or The Message, but I’ve been pleased with it every time I’ve turned
to it.

The little mistakes that one can find in any translation show a need on the part of readers to really dig deeper into the Scriptures for themselves. And for that, I like to go deeper than just a single translation!

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