Why the many different bibles? And does it matter?

Absolutely it matters! The devil's attacks come in many ways and shapes. And make no mistake about it, many translations have come out to undermine doctrine that lead believer astray. First and foremost, you have to affirm the inerrancy of the word of God.

"All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17 KJV

I can tell you first hand because I speak 2 languages that translating a word here and there can be tricky from time to time. I can watch a movie and read subtitles and think to myself;

"Hey that's a bad translation or I would have used this word instead of that word". However, the spirit of the translation remains true. And we can see a bible translation to see if the spirit of the translation is true.

Lets look at 2 Timothy 3:16-17 from the New American Bible - Catholic bible),

"All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for refutation, for correction, and for training in righteousness. So that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work" 2 Timothy 3:16-17 NAB

We can see the spirit of the translation is true, I personally don't see a problem with this update

Why are there many translations or revisions of the bible? Good question, let start by looking at the history first. And there is nothing better to begin with than the beginning itself.

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth.

Genesis 1:1 KJV

“The Holy Scriptures are a revelation from God of His plan and purpose in the ages as to the earth and the human race. Holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Spirit during a period of 1600 years. Extending from BC 1492 to AD 100" Clarence Larkin

"God who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers and by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by His Son, whom He hath appointed heir of all things by whom also He made the worlds;” Hebrews 1:1-2 KJV

The 39 books that make the Old Testament are known as the Tanach also known as the Hebrew Bible. According to ancient Jewish tradition the TaNak is an acronym of the Torah

(which means teaching), Nevi'im (which means prophets) and Ketuvim (which means writings).

These books were written in Hebrew, which means that a true translation of these books must come from the existing Hebrew text. Not from Greek or another language but Hebrew itself.

The New Testament comes mainly from Greek and the Christian church as it came to be known in Antioch, Syria. The writings of Paul (apostle to the gentiles) were written mostly in the common language of the time.

I'm not going to pit points and counter points because I am biased to the Truth. As a believer in the inerrancy of Holy Scripture. I anchor myself firmly in the Truth of the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. And what the bible says, is God's word. And God is absolutely not a liar.

I'm amazed at the arrogance of man when he says that God could err and be wrong about this or that. Man tends to think very highly of himself being the creature made by a thrice Holy Creator. I know my place as a piece of clay and I'm very thankful for the blessing afforded me, a mere creature. All glory and praise be to the almighty.

"Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool, that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness." 1 Corinthians 3:18-19 KJV

The afformentioned verse rings ever more louder today with the fools in Government, Science and Education. But that's another story for another time.

Translation Matters.

Textus Receptus or Crtical Texts? Again, that's a no brainer. The more I looked into this, the more I see (supposed) "scholarly" men with obvious agendas lean towards the critical texts. Men who I would question whether they are believers, much less saved!

And then I see men who stick to the inerrancy of scripture, men who hold steadfast to doctrine, men who are unquestionable believers stay with the Textus Receptus. Men who I believe would die at the stake today for the sake of not renouncing our God. Count me among those men. You may take my life but not my spirit!

Doctrine is unquestionably affected by a misplaced or removed word. And this misinformation is a tool used by the devil to deceive. We see misinformation today in secular society with the redefining of words. Meanings are twisted in order to force an agenda through legislation today. It a very dishonest, yet effective tool used to misinform or misguide people by sowing confusion. The people behind the many translations are either aware of this or don't care for they see only profits by reprinting and selling "revised" versions of the bible every decade or so. Whereas the best English translation is the KJV which is in the public domain.

King James Version only. I love it and trust it.

“What about teachers that use other versions?”

I've given this plenty of thought as I listen to teachers like John MacArthur and own an ESV Version of his study bible. Although the ESV comes from the critical texts, the bible includes Mark 16:9-20 which is exclude from the "earliest manuscripts".

I can say with certainty that John MacArthur is a trusted believer and expositor on God's word. And I can take it to the bank that this man of God takes his responsibility for teaching God's word very seriously.

This is were I feel comfortable owning different bibles and comparing verses amongst one another. However, at the end of the day I must hold one English bible as the standard upon all others are judged. And that bible is the King James Version. I don't know Hebrew nor Greek but I do know English and to a lesser extent, Spanish. So I enjoy reading a verse and cross checking it with other bibles to see if my understanding is correct.

God's Word and Authority

To sum this up, I know. I don't "believe" but without a shadow of a doubt, I know that every knee will bow and every tongue confess one day. And every one that's ever existed will be on their knees. Some will praise and some will curse but all will proclaim that Jesus is King of Kings and Lord of Lords.

"Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths." Proverbs 3:5-6

Always in prayer be thankful and acknowledge His Holiness. Ask the Lord for guidance and His protection. Trust in our Lord and know that if a prayer isn't answered, it may not be the season. He knows what you and I need. We need not know every answer as to why things happen or why they don't but Trust Him. The Creator of the universe knows what's best for us. And even when things happen that we don't like or understand, surrender yourself of self and double down on your trust and Faith in our Lord and Savior.

All Glory goes to Him. Amen!