As I am sitting here about to start my morning Bible in a year reading, I started to think of all the different Bible translations. In addition to all the translations that are available, there are the types too- study Bibles, with or without commentary, with or without illustrations, and let’s not forget red letters. Then we move on to all the designs, colors, and whether or not there is room to write. Phew! I can see how choosing a Bible, especially, for a new reader can be daunting.
My first bit of advice is pick one. Seems simple enough and not so thought out. Yet, the main point is to dive into God’s word. The word is where we find Him and begin to connect and build our relationship with Him. Whether you pick up a King James, ESV, NIV, NASB, or any other translation you will at least be starting some where.
My second tidbit for you- research. It isn’t all that hard nowadays to check out various translations before purchasing. You can utilize apps such as YouVersion to read text in multiple translations. There are also sites such as Biblegateway.com and blueletterbible.org. Read a few texts from various translations and pray over which speaks to your heart.
One last bit of advice, don’t stress! The Bible is actually 66 separate texts and not, entirely, meant to be read cover to cover like a modern day novel. Books overlap in timeline and some are more daunting than others; Don’t jump right into Revelation or Leviticus. Start with something like The Gospels- Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John. And don’t try to “eat the whole elephant at once”. Five minutes of reading, of being in God’s word, each day is better than no minutes. You may even find you naturally start to read longer over time. Remember, too, God is not judging you on how long you read. You don’t get in trouble if you miss a day. You may, however, start to feel disconnected if you miss several days in a row. Take heart in that God hasn’t moved and will be there when you jump back into His word.
Consider reading the books of the New Testament before jumping into the Old Testament. You can always read a Psalm or two or three (though heads up Psalm 1119 is long, but wonderful).
Final thoughts and some helpful resources
The Bible was originally in languages such as Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Dr. Mark Ward and Wes Huff have a video that discusses English Bible Translations.
Wes Huff, Apologetics Canada, has a great series called “Can I trust the Bible?”
Dan Kimball has great book called “How (not) to read the Bible” In it he helps both explain text and covers how the Bible is, quite often, taken out of context. And how people over the centuries have misused text for their own benefit.
Personally, I have many Bibles and translations. I’m a bit of a collector and someone who just loves to devour the word. For this year I am doing a chronological Bible in a year plan and using spiral bound ESV texts (I like to journal)
I pray that you begin dive into God’s word. Even if you don’t dive head first, dip your toes in and start moving out deeper over time. With a joy filled heart, I can say that being in His word is the best part of my day. May it be that way for you too. He can transform your life, if only you let Him.
Faith Grows Faith 