All Scripture is given by inspiration of God—is God-breathed (II Timothy 3:16,17). The more we read God’s Word, the more it opens to us and we grow in it. It becomes not just a book, but the breath of God stirring in our hearts.
In our personal study and in our reading of the Word, there can be a benefit to having different translations and different types of Bibles available to us. We might gain additional insight and other ways of expressing a truth. The main thing to keep in mind is to simply read the Word. That is the great key. When we read the Bible, we can enjoy getting to know God’s heart by knowing His Word.
As we read and study the Word, we also want to be attentive to how versions and translations handle the original text. Our aim is to give God’s Word the highest place by relying on versions that clearly distinguish between what God inspired and what translators may have supplied. For this reason, we often begin reading with a version that stays close to the original wording and then consult other versions and translations as supplemental helps. This approach helps us grow in understanding while keeping our confidence rooted in what God says. The primary version of the Bible used in The Way International’s research, classes, and home Bible fellowships is the King James Version. The reason it is preferred is because, in the printed King James text, words supplied by the translators are shown in italics within the text itself, helping readers see what has been added. It is also the version of the Bible that many Biblical reference materials are keyed to.
Let’s take a look at the theme verse for Walk Powerfully! in different Bible versions and translations to enhance our understanding and to see other ways of expressing the truth. We’ll start with the King James Version of the Bible.
Ephesians 6:10:
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.
Right in the King James Version, we see God’s heart for our lives to “be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.” Now let’s read some other Bible versions and translations.
Ephesians 6:10 [The Amplified Bible (1987)]:
In conclusion, be strong in the Lord [be empowered through your union with Him]; draw your strength from Him [that strength which His boundless might provides].
Ephesians 6:10 [New International Version]:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power.
From the New American Standard Bible, we see Ephesians 6:10 simply stated this way:
Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.
The translation by J.B. Phillips, below, offers another way of expressing this verse.
Ephesians 6:10 [The New Testament in Modern English]:
In conclusion be strong—not in yourselves but in the Lord, in the power of his boundless resource.
God’s heart for us, His children, is to be strong in His mighty power. We can draw our strength from Him, knowing that we are not to be strong in ourselves, but in the Lord.
Reading different translations and versions of the Bible enhances our understanding and shows us other ways of expressing the truth—truth we can share with others. As we get to know our God better, we can help our friends, family, and coworkers know Him too. We can continue to be strong in the Lord as we walk powerfully for Him!