Popularity, modern language, or ease of reading does not determine the quality of a translation. The decisive factor is faithfulness to the original inspired text — including preserving God’s sacred name.
1. God Inspired Words, Not Interpretations
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God…” — 2 Timothy 3:16 (KJV)
“Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth.” — 1 Corinthians 2:13 (KJV)
🔎 Biblical observation
If God inspired words, a translation should reproduce those words as accurately as possible, not merely approximate ideas.
📌 Conclusion:
The less a translation alters the wording, the better it is.
2. The Oldest Manuscripts Are Closest to the Original
In any historical document the principle is simple:
the closer the copy is to the original, the safer the reading.
“Ye shall not add unto the word which I command you, neither shall ye diminish ought from it.” — Deuteronomy 4:2 (KJV)
“If any man shall add unto these things… If any man shall take away…” — Revelation 22:18-19 (KJV)
🔎 Observation
Translations based on later traditions or paraphrasing more easily introduce interpretation.
📌 Conclusion:
A translation based on the earliest available manuscripts is generally more reliable.
3. God Revealed a Personal Name
God did not introduce Himself merely by a title such as “Lord.”
He revealed a personal name.
“This is my name for ever…” — Exodus 3:15 (KJV)
“That men may know that thou, whose name alone is JEHOVAH, art the most high over all the earth.” — Psalm 83:18 (KJV)
“I am the LORD: that is my name…” — Isaiah 42:8 (KJV)
🔎 Issue
Many translations replace the divine name (YHWH) with “LORD.”
But Scripture distinguishes:
- God — personal identity
- Lord — a title also used for humans
📌 Conclusion:
A translation that removes the divine name obscures part of the message.
4. First-Century Christians Made God’s Name Known
“I have manifested thy name unto the men…” — John 17:6 (KJV)
“Whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.” — Romans 10:13 (KJV, quoting the Old Testament where the divine name appears)
🔎 Observation
The apostles did not hide God’s name — they proclaimed it.
📌 Conclusion:
A faithful translation should allow readers to recognize God’s personal name, not only titles.
5. Modern Translations Often Paraphrase
Some translations:
- simplify theology
- interpret instead of translate
- remove difficult expressions
- replace the divine name
“Every word of God is pure… Add thou not unto his words.” — Proverbs 30:5-6 (KJV)
📌 Principle:
Easy reading does not necessarily mean accurate translation.
6. Characteristics of a Reliable Translation
A trustworthy Bible translation should:
- Be based on ancient manuscripts
- Be literal rather than paraphrased
- Preserve God’s name
- Avoid doctrinal insertions
- Maintain the distinction between “God” and “Lord”
7. Conclusion
The best translation is not the most popular nor the most modern.
It is the one that:
- respects the original text
- does not modify the message
- preserves the divine name
God considered His name important enough to appear thousands of times in Scripture.
A translation that removes it does not fully reflect the revelation.
Final Thought
We should not adapt the Bible to the times —
the translation should remain as close as possible to the words God inspired.