Publisher's Tip: Bible Versions Vary -- One Translation Does Not Fit All
by Allie Martin
May 12, 2004
(AgapePress) - A spokesman for the world's largest publisher of Bibles says many people do not do enough research before they purchase a Bible.The Bible is the best-selling book in the world. However, Paul Caminiti, associate publisher and vice president of Bibles at Zondervan, says many find this most sought after book difficult to read. He suggests that this is because most people are not familiar enough with the available translations and do not take time to look into which version of the Bible they should select.
Ten years ago there were eight English translations of the Bible. Today there are eighteen. Caminiti says purchasing a Bible can be compared to finding an age-appropriate textbook for a student. "There's no such thing as a textbook that fits everybody, or a one-size-fits-all," he says.
The Zondervan executive says realizing this is the key to finding a Good Book that is a good fit. Just as there are different textbooks for elementary school kids, for junior high, high school and graduate level readers, he notes that there are different Bibles for people at different levels in their faith and scripture-reading experience.
"If a person would think of it in that regard -- that there are Bibles for beginners, there are Bibles for more advanced students, and there are Bibles for the very advanced students -- I think it will help them to go in and purchase a good Bible that will be just right for them," he says.
A recent survey of pastors in America revealed that the Bible most likely to be used and recommended by ministers is the New International Version (NIV). Caminiti says that is no accident.
Simply put, he explains, Bible translations fall into two categories: "word for word" and "thought for thought." Caminiti says the most popular translation, the NIV, is a cross between those two categories.
The vice president of Zondervan's Bibles division says the NIV is a balanced translation "that plays close attention to the literal words and yet at the same time understands that when a certain author spoke something, you have to look at the thought and then you have to make a determination as to what that author was trying to say, and then put it in a language that really is understandable for everyday people."
A recently released study by Ellison Research reveals that 31 percent of pastors favor the NIV Bible translation. The next most popular versions, in order are the King James, the New Revised Standard, the New King James, and the New American Standard Version.
