The Best Bible Translation for Preaching

Jun 19, 2025

Bible translations spark passionate debates among pastors and congregations. The hosts dissect formal, dynamic, and optimal equivalence—emphasizing that word-for-word isn't always best. Preferences shine through, with one advocating for the New Living Translation for its readability, while another champions the Christian Standard Bible. The conversation also highlights the importance of using consistent translations within church settings and critiques the marketing driven by publishers. Listeners are invited to weigh in on their own translation experiences!

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INSIGHT

Bible Translation Philosophies Are Marketing

Formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and optimal equivalence are mostly marketing terms for translation philosophies.
None is inherently more accurate, as all translations require interpretive choices and scholarship.

ANECDOTE

Josh King's King James Experience

Josh King grew up in a King James Only environment and defended that viewpoint.
Although he no longer endorses that stance strongly, he would use the KJV out of respect if invited to preach at such a church.

ADVICE

Match Pew Bibles to Preaching

Match pew Bibles to the pastor's preached translation for consistency during services.
Prefer translations that are readily available in pew Bibles and understandable aloud for congregational engagement.

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Many people are passionate about Bible translations and have strong opinions about which one is the best. Pastors are no exception. Josh and Sam discuss what translations they believe are best suited for preaching.

- Formal equivalence, dynamic equivalence, and optimal equivalence are helpful terms but ultimately just marketing language.
- Word-for-word translations are not necessarily more accurate than other translation philosophies.
- Some churches require certain translations like the KJV.
- The HCSB was excellent (capitalized pronouns!) and missed.
- Sam prefers the NLT because it’s highly readable and highly accurate. Scripture should be read in church, and the NLT is easily understood when read aloud.
- Josh prefers the CSB because…

Resources:

The Southern Baptist Theological Seminary

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