A friend
asked me this the other day. Stop here
if you are a King James only because you probably won’t like what is below, but
it is my opinion and I am entitled to it as are you yours. First off, I very much differentiate that
answer based on what you are doing with the Bible. There are three things we should be doing
with the physical Bible: reading, studying and memorizing. We should also be meditating
on the Word, but that can be done in any version at any time.
Bible translation information: the original writings were written in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. People who know how to translate these
languages put them into other understandable languages for us, English being my
choice. There are three ways to
translate the original languages: word for word, thought for thought, and
paraphrased*.
Bible reading is also called devotions by
some. I usually sit where it is quiet,
with no distractions, pray the Lord would open my eyes, and ask the Holy Spirit
to help me understand what I am reading.
My preferred Bible version this decade is TLB or the Living Bible, a
paraphrase. It is very easy to read and
it helps me understand the true meanings
behind what was spoken/ written. Often I
will sit with my laptop open to a Bible program which can give me original translation
if there is anything I question, but that isn’t always necessary.
For basic reading you should find the Bible you
most easily understand.
Also, for
reading I use a Bible chart where I can cross off what I’ve read so that I
don’t miss any sections (these can be found online- there are many types) as all the Word is good for me and I don’t
want to miss any of it. Prayer and
thanksgiving often precede and follow reading and meditating (see below) is often
done here.
All Scripture is
God-breathed, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for
instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfected, thoroughly
furnished to every good work. 2Tm. 3:16 ,17
desire the sincere milk of the Word, as newborn
babes, so that you may grow by it; 1Pt. 2:2
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| My usual study space... |
Bible study is more intense than reading and
should also be done when able. I
sometimes pick a topic and look up all the Scriptures in a concordance about
it, and write out all the ones that apply.
Then I try to put them all together and decide what the Bible really
wants me to know and do about it. Far
easier is using a Bible study book available in many topics (make sure they use
lots of Scriptures) or using an online study which often lists verses to look
up. Sometimes these can miss important
verses so you should still look up other possible verses.
Then there
are deeper studies that make you look up tons of relating Scriptures and ask
you questions about them. Those are my
favourites. For studying I use a word for
word but also refer to other versions for comparison or better
understanding. I also refer to the
original languages using a Bible software program.
Try to keep as close to the original as you can for
studying, but which you can usually understand.
Also try to have a concordance and/ or Bible software available.
Study
earnestly to present yourself approved to God, a workman that does not need to
be ashamed, rightly dividing the Word of Truth. 2Tm. 2:15
For the Word of God is
living and powerful and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the
joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
Hb. 4:12
Bible memorizing should
be done once a week or month or whenever we can. Getting these words deep in our minds allows
us to be able to use them when needed in situations that arise. Any version will work for this.
Use the one you’ve used for years or change them up to
whichever you like best. God’s not going
to chastise us for using ‘the wrong version’.
I have hidden Your Word in my heart, so that I might
not sin against You. Ps. 119:11
Your Words were found, and I ate them; and Your Word
was to me the joy and gladness of my heart... Jr. 15:16
Meditating on the Word
is when we do any of the above and go into deeper thinking (at any time) about
what we read, studied, or memorized.
Think about: the words, what they mean about God, about us, about
mankind, what should be done about them, how this should change us, where our
hearts are… all in context of the words read.
It is not repeating one or more words over and over, emptying our minds
or other such nonsense. We should fill our minds with the Word!
…in His Law he meditates day and night. Ps. 1:2
This book of the Law shall not depart out of your
mouth, but you shall meditate on it by day and by night, so that you may be
careful to do according to all that is written in it... Js. 1:8
*
word for word- tries to keep the exact words
of original text. KJV NASB
ESV Amp
harder to read but more precise.
thought for thought- complete meaning
of the phrases of original text.
NIV NLT NJB
easier to read with updated writing and
style yet still precise.
(two versions that try to mix word and
thought: HCSV RSV)
paraphrased- translates ideas without
constraints of original text. TLB TM
easiest to read/ understand but least
precise.