We like to think that the words we use (written or verbal) are neutral. That is, we like to think that each word has a single meaning and that our listeners/readers understand that meaning.

This is why we say things like,

• “He/she/it says what they means and means what they said.”
• “The text is black and white.”
• “Anyone with a lick of common sense knows what that word means.”

Words, however, are not neutral. Rather they have different meanings depending on their context. Take, for example, the fairly simple English word “head.” A quick look at the dictionary shows there are 21 definitions of the word. Depending on the context, the word “head” could mean the upper part of a human or animal where the brain is located, the front of something, the leader of a company or group, the beginning of a river, a toilet, or the foam on top of a pint of beer.

In addition to the context, words can take on different meanings when used as a symbol. For example, the words “bald eagle” cease to mean a bird and take on new meaning when used in reference to the United States of America. Emotions are also connected to our words.  To continuing with our “bald eagle” example, those words for some invoke a sense of nationalistic pride. For others, those words may bring up negative emotions of having either been attacked by a literal bald eagle or one who is a citizen of a country at war with the USA. Still others may not show any emotions to the words.

The bottom line in all this is that the words we use are not neutral words. They are intensely emotional, political, spiritual and anything but neutral and simple.

Which brings me to my main point: We need to be careful what bible translation we use.

We don’t often think about it, but the bible translation we use has a HUGE impact on how we view the Christian faith and the world around us. It even affects our relationships and how we view ourselves. At this point, you may be tempted to dismiss this point with a careless “just pick a translation that readable” comment. And why there is a certain wisdom to this, we also need to be honest about the theological and political factors behind each English language Bible translation.

Allow me to explain. When translating the Scriptures from ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, bible translators are faced with the decision of what English word to use. Some of the time there is a one-to-one translation which the translators can use (as in, the Hebrew word for a donkey can easily be translated as a donkey). Other times, the translators have to make a decision on what English word to use based upon the context, symbol and historical emotions of the word.

While this is a hard task in and of itself, the job is further complicated by the theological worldview of the translators. For example if a translators believes that women are secondary to men, the English words they use when translating certain verses will reflex this theological bent. The same is true for bible translators who believe that women can be pastors and church leaders. Pick a theological bent, and you can find a bible translation with specific English words chosen to support the theological leaning of the publisher. (Note that I’m not talking about word-for-word or thought-for-thought choices…that’s another translating issue).

Caution should also be used when choosing a study bible. These bibles (which are HUGELY popular!) include notes about the Scriptures, while helpful, can also be used to influence the reader towards a certain viewpoint – regardless of what the actual text says or doesn’t say. The Scofield Reference Bible is a prime example of how a single study bible can influence the direction of history.

So if all the English translations of the bible are subject to theological and political biases, what is an average Jesus follower  to do?

Good question. I would suggest five things.

1. Be aware of the fact that each bible translation carries with it a specific theological viewpoint.
2. Research the various types of bible translations and choose the one that is both readable and fits within the theological stream you are currently in (What translation is your pastor using? Why?).
3. Read other translations as much as possible to avoid groupthink. Online bible sites such as BibleGateway.com has made this incredible easy for folks.
4. Be very, very careful about creating and/or holding onto a theological position because of a single English translation of a bible verse. If you are concerned about an issue, read a few other translations to see how other translators translated those verses. It is even better if you look at translations outside of your own theological family.
5. Have grace for those who use a different translation then you do. Rather than beating someone up for reading the “wrong” translation, give thanks to the Lord that they are reading the Scriptures at all!

I know all this can be overwhelming. Yet we, as followers of Jesus, need to be faithful stewards of the resources give to us (i.e. multiple translations, a brain, free study tools, etc.). Think about it – if you own a bible and can read, you are among the very, very, very few people in history to have that privilege. The vast majority of people throughout history either did not have access to the Scriptures (i.e. it wasn’t written yet, no printing press, government banned it, etc.) or they could not read.

Let us be honest with ourselves and acknowledge the power of words and the theological bent of our bible translations. Then having been informed, let us study the Scriptures with all our minds, heart and emotions.

Blessings.