A common claim is that the Bible has been translated so many times that its original message has been lost.
But is that really how Bible translation works?
Were modern English Bibles translated from previous English Bibles over and over again? Or do translators go back to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts?
Understanding how Bible translation actually works helps answer many of the questions people have about the reliability of Scripture. It also explains why faithful translations sometimes differ in wording while still communicating the same truth.
The accompanying Apples of Gold article explores how modern Bible translations are produced, why differences between translations exist, and why Christians believe God’s Word has not been lost in translation.
Questions for Discussion
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Before studying this topic, what did you believe about how modern Bible translations were produced?
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Why do you think so many people believe the Bible has been translated from one language into another over and over again?
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Do differences in wording between faithful Bible translations concern you? Why or why not?
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Why is it important that modern translations are made directly from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek rather than from previous English translations?
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How should Christians respond when someone says, “The Bible has changed because it’s been translated too many times”?
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Has learning more about the translation process increased your confidence in reading modern Bible translations? Why or why not?
I look forward to hearing your thoughts.
Related Apples of Gold article: