Lesson #1

Lesson #1 – Which Bible Version Should I Use?      

There are scores of different Bible versions to choose from in bookstores. They fall into two categories:
• Translations. Great attention is paid to translating the exact meaning of each Greek or Hebrew word or phrase.
• Paraphrases. These may add or omit words in order to communicate the original meaning in the most helpful and arresting way.
J.B. Phillips’ version of Romans 12:2 is a good example of an excellent paraphrase:

“Don’t let the world around you squeeze you into its own mould, but let God re-make you so that your whole attitude of mind is changed.”

Inclusive Language
Some Bibles published in the 1990s now have “‘inclusive” language editions. Direct translations of the Bible may appear sexist to modern readers, with references to “man” or to “brothers.” Inclusive language editions use the words “human beings” and “brothers and sisters.”

Bible Reference: Matthew 4:19 and 1 Thessalonians 5:25-26

Traditional translation

“I will make you fishers of men

NRSV inclusive language

“I will make you fishers of ”men and women.”

    “Brothers, pray for us. Greet all the brothers with a holy kiss.” “Brothers and sisters, pray for us. Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.”            

Six Versions of John 3:16 Compared

    Mastering Bible References
Breaking down what is meant by the code 1 John 3:16 is easy.
• 1 means John’s first letter (John wrote three letters).
• John is the name of the Bible book.
• The first figure after the name of the Bible book, in this case 3, is the chapter number.
• The figure after the colon, in this case 16, is the verse number.
So 1 John 3:16 is John’s first letter, chapter 3, verse 16.    

Finding Bible Books
But where exactly does John’s first letter come in the Bible?
The easiest way to find any Bible book is to go to the front of the Bible. Here books are listed, often both in Bible order and in alphabetical order, with the page number next to the Bible book.
To get the most out of Bible study, look up all the Bible references in this book. Think of it as an exciting way to explore your Bible for yourself.

Give It a Try
Try looking up John 3:16 and 1 John 3:16. This is not a catch! John 3:16 is not one of John’s letters, but his gospel, known to us as John’s Gospel. But 1 John 3:16, as we’ve just seen, is from John’s first letter. Look up both verses, and you’ll see that amazingly, they have a common theme.

Boredom
Many people give up reading and studying the Bible through sheer boredom. This is because they are reading the Bible as an abstract exercise. Look at your Bible reading as an adventure – an opportunity to know God, and his Son Jesus Christ. Each time you read your Bible, ask God to show you how to take action on what you have read – then do it. Help to counteract boredom by giving yourself plenty of variety, in reading different parts of the Bible.

Source: Water, M. (1998). Bible Study made easy. The Made Easy Series (4–5). Alresford, Hampshire: John Hunt Publishers Ltd.