r/TrueChristian • u/OctaveReborn • 7d ago
Does the Bible version matters?
Hello everyone!
I live in a small village in France and I do not have a church near me ; I read and listen to the ESV Bible as it's the one I prefer.
I try to find a Church online that uploads their sermons so I can listen to them regularly to learn more, but I find it very hard to find churches who uses the ESV. Most of those I come across use the KJV or the modernized KJV.
Will it cause a difficulty if I don't have the same Bible as the pastor I listen to?
Thank you very much.
2
u/consultantVlad 7d ago
Translations don't really matter; they all have issues because the translators were humans. What I do recommend is to read the Bible according to the narrative of The Bible Project or similar to understand the general narrative. I use Read Scripture app for that. Also study Bible with Interlinear. This way you can understand the nuances. I use BlueLetterBible app for that. Just those two apps will make you more equipped to understand the Scripture (even without knowing Hebrew or Greek) than any theologian who lived 30 years ago. Septuagint (used by Jesus) also helps, as maseratic texts missing certain things.
1
2
u/moderatelymiddling 7d ago
Yes it matters. I suggest you start with ESV or NIV but the more you read the better. You will question the differences, and that will help you grow.
1
u/OctaveReborn 7d ago
Thank you for your answer. I already read the ESV and I find it great. Should I search for ESV-based sermons or can an ESV reader do just fine with a sermon that uses the KJV?
2
2
1
u/2DBandit Christian 7d ago
Why not read it in French?
Ultimately, no, Bible translation does not matter, as long as it is an accurate translation.
1
u/OctaveReborn 7d ago
I chose to read the Bible in English as I eventually want to write in English. Thanks for your answer.
1
u/2DBandit Christian 7d ago
And a writer...
It might be interesting to make a comparison between an English and French translation of the Bible. It would help you understand the Bible more clearly, give a perspective on how translations are done across language borders, and help you master English(or French. Whichever is your second language). Consider it.
1
u/OctaveReborn 7d ago
I agree with you! Sometimes, when the text isn't too clear in my head, I compare with my Nouvelle Bible Segond. But I do it less and less as my understanding of English improves.
1
u/SmoothOperator1811 Foursquare Church 7d ago
Well overall it doesn't really matter, but you could download the Bible app in your phone which has mostly every translation and compare them if you are in doubt
1
2
u/PerfectlyCalmDude Christian 7d ago
Different Bible translations just make it a little harder to follow along, that's all. If English is not your first language, that might be a bit harder still.
The ESV doesn't seem rare in the US. Are you looking for a specific denomination?