Address the Biblical Text ~ Part 1

Address the biblical text to comprehend the message God has for you. Many times, I have handed non-native English-speaking people their first Bible. Repeatedly, they asked, “How should I read it?” As I explored their questions, I discovered they sought to know how to read it with understanding. To use Paul’s word to Timothy, they wanted to “rightly handle the word of truth” (2 Timothy 2:15).

Looking Back

As a child, I carried Bibles to church, searched for promise verses to claim, and read a few Bible stories. But I was in college before I became serious about reading the Bible. The first translation I read was the Revised Standard Version. 

Five decades of reading through various English translations of the Bible have opened my heart to connect with God as I read his Word. The Bible speaks with words of wisdom and warning, clarification and comfort, as well as grace and guidance in life’s seasons. Yet to tap the treasures it holds, a person must open his/her heart to God and enjoy meaningful relationships with people.

Bible Options to Address the Text

The English world has a plethora of choices for choosing a Bible. The selection of the best translation to address the reading needs of an individual is crucial. One’s reading level makes a difference. Translators created most English versions for reading levels between 7^th and 12^th grades, although some are for lower grade levels. Bible Gateway provides a list of translations and their approximate reading levels. Both Bible Gateway and Blue Letter Bible offer inquirers the opportunity to preview some of these translations. Some ESL readers prefer paraphrases because these Bibles reword thoughts, making reading more explicit. The Message is a paraphrase created to help people better understand what we read in the Bible. If English is not the reader’s mother tongue, he would be wise to explore a bi-lingual Bible. 

Trying to find the right Bible can be challenging. One soon encounters study Bibles and reference Bibles. 

Study Bibles

Study Bibles usually contain notes on verses to address word meanings, the circumstances of the text, and related ideas. Some study Bibles carry the name of the editor of the Bible. But a larger committee put others together. Study Bibles have distinct emphases in their notes. For example:

• The Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible helps readers understand the text in the writer’s context and culture.
• The Abide Bible assists readers in picturing events, contemplating truths, and engaging Scripture with art. This study Bible also instructs users in journaling and creating Scripture prayers. 

Reference Bibles connect texts to similar passages. The classic in this category has been the Thompson Chain Reference Bible. 

When exploring various study or reference Bibles on the internet, note who prepared the lists of the Top Ten. It is often the publishers who have a vested interest in selling certain Bibles.

Digital Bibles

Many Bible options are available on apps and websites such as Bible.com. The NET Bible is an extensive online study Bible with over 60,000 translators’ notes. Although over 90 percent of Bible readers prefer print over digital, over 90 percent admit to using digital. I often read my Bible on my iPad, but I study with my open print Bible and computer. 

Asking for Advice

To read the Bible intending to encounter God by addressing each part of the sacred text takes time. Therefore, invest in selecting a Bible to be your companion in this journey of discovery. Consider using the same translation your pastor uses. Or select one that is easier or more challenging to understand. The links in this blog will assist you in uncovering options available to you. As you explore your options, do not be afraid to seek the opinions of spiritual mentors or people who have read several versions. Besides asking for their suggestions, ask why they like one translation over another. 

I have read many of these versions and worked with a variety of study Bibles. From each, I have gleaned insights. Your decision to read God’s Word will reward you not only in the knowledge you gain but in the way God reveals himself to you. We will talk about the reading journey in my next blog.