CSC: WELS Topical Q&A: Bible: Interpretation/Meaning: Bible translations
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Q:My minister has been using his own translation of passages of the Bible for some time and has stopped using the NIV because he says it is a bad translation. He was using the KJV but I told him I thought it was difficult for the young people to understand so now he is using the New KJV. I am uncomfortable with the use of his own translations because they have not been peer reviewed. Should he be allowed to make his own decisions regarding which Bible translations he uses? I can understand using other translations to compare meanings, but I am uncomfortable with this situation.

A:The NIV is not an absolutely perfect translation. Neither was the KJV. Any single person, even if he knows Hebrew and Greek very well, won't be able to make a perfect translation either. It probably would be better if your pastor used the NIV and offered his own translation where he sees the NIV can be improved. If he tells people not to read any other translation than the one he makes, you may want to contact the pastor who serves as your circuit pastor. The circuit pastor is chosen to offer advice and suggestions to improve the ministry of all the pastors in his circuit. If, however, your pastor doesn't forbid the reading of the NIV, you should continue to read your Bible daily. And when your pastor offers his own translation in Bible class or sermons, compare it with the NIV and you may find that having both translations will help you understand Bible texts even better.


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