What is the best Bible? Because of the myriad of Bible translations, Christians have wondered. Against much popular opinion, we defend the following:
¥ Dynamic Òthought-for-thoughtÓ translations (NIV, NLT) are superior to more literal Òword-for-wordÓ translations (NASB, ESV).
¥ More ÒliteralÓ Bible translations often fail in a critical part of accurate translation: producing good contemporary English.
¥ The criticisms of even great men like John Piper, John MacArthur, and J. I. Packer against dynamic Bible translations are either exaggerations, errors, and/or even slanderous against the word of God.
¥ When a Scripture writer is addressing all Christians, it is a good thing to translate the meaning as Òbrothers and sistersÓ instead of just Òbrothers.Ó
¥ The updated NIV is the overall best translation, the NLT a very good one, and the ESV an unnecessary one.
We also provide a chapter offering some suggestions and commentary regarding the best tools for studying and interpreting Scripture.