Answer: It depends on the type of Christian you ask.

Theological Traditions Included: Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Non-Calvinist Protestant, Calvinist Protestant, Progressive

Calvinist and Non-Calvinist Protestants generally prioritize translations based on the original languages, with Calvinists emphasizing literal accuracy and Non-Calvinists seeking a balance between accuracy and readability.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition places great importance on the Septuagint and the Byzantine textual tradition, which includes the deuterocanonical books.
Catholics recognize the importance of the original languages but also value translations that are in harmony with Catholic doctrine and tradition, such as the Vulgate and approved Catholic editions.
Progressive Christians may prioritize translations that focus on social justice, inclusive language, and contemporary relevance, while still valuing the wisdom of tradition.
The role of tradition varies among the perspectives, with Protestants generally emphasizing the authority of Scripture over tradition, while Eastern Orthodox and Catholic traditions recognize the importance of both Scripture and tradition in informing the understanding of the Bible.
Ultimately, the question of the most accurate Bible translation is complex and depends on various factors, such as textual basis, translation philosophy, and the role of tradition. Each perspective offers valuable insights and emphasizes different aspects of the translation process, contributing to the rich diversity of Christian engagement with Scripture.

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Quick Comparison

Tradition	Textual Basis	Translation Philosophy	Role of Tradition
Calvinist Protestant	Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek	Literal, formal equivalence	Scripture over tradition
Catholic	Original languages, Vulgate	Faithful to texts, in harmony with doctrine	Scripture and tradition
Non-Calvinist Protestant	Hebrew, Aramaic, Greek	Balance of accuracy and readability	Scripture over tradition
Eastern Orthodox	Septuagint, Byzantine text	Based on Byzantine tradition, includes deuterocanonical books	Scripture and tradition
Progressive	Original languages, cultural context	Accessible, relevant, inclusive	Open to new interpretations

Hear from Each Perspective

Ordered by number of adherents

John / Catholic

For Catholics, the most accurate Bible translation is one that is approved by the Church and faithful to the original texts while also taking into account the living tradition of interpretation. The New American Bible (NAB) and the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (RSV-CE) are two translations that are widely used in Catholic liturgy and study. These translations benefit from the input of Catholic scholars and are designed to be in harmony with Catholic doctrine and tradition. Additionally, the Vulgate, which is the Latin translation of the Bible used by the Catholic Church for centuries, holds a place of great importance in Catholic tradition and continues to inform Catholic understanding of Scripture.

Anthony / Eastern Orthodox

In the Eastern Orthodox tradition, the most accurate Bible translation is the Septuagint, which is the ancient Greek translation of the Old Testament, along with the original Greek New Testament. The Septuagint holds a place of great importance in Orthodox liturgy and theology, as it was the version used by the apostles and the early Church. For English-speaking Orthodox Christians, translations such as the Orthodox Study Bible and the New King James Version (NKJV) are highly regarded, as they are based on the Byzantine textual tradition and include the deuterocanonical books accepted by the Orthodox Church.

Caleb / Non-Calvinist Protestant

The most accurate Bible translation is one that faithfully conveys the meaning of the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts while being accessible to modern readers. Translations such as the New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) strike a good balance between literal accuracy and readability. These translations are the result of thorough scholarship and a commitment to preserving the integrity of the original texts. While no translation is perfect, these versions provide a reliable foundation for understanding and applying the truths of Scripture in our daily lives.

Nathan / Calvinist Protestant

The most accurate Bible translation is one that prioritizes faithfulness to the original texts and the principles of literal translation. The English Standard Version (ESV) and the New American Standard Bible (NASB) are highly regarded among Calvinist Protestants for their commitment to preserving the formal equivalence of the original languages. These translations seek to capture the precise wording and structure of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, even if it means sacrificing some readability or contemporary relevance. The goal is to provide a translation that is as close as possible to the inspired words of Scripture, allowing readers to encounter the text in its purest form.

Hannah / Progressive

From a progressive perspective, the most accurate Bible translation is one that takes into account the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts of the original texts while also being mindful of the biases and limitations of the translators. Translations such as the Common English Bible (CEB) and the Inclusive Bible seek to present the message of Scripture in a way that is accessible and relevant to contemporary readers, with a focus on social justice and inclusive language. However, it is important to recognize that no single translation can perfectly capture the depth and nuance of the original texts, and that multiple translations should be consulted to gain a more comprehensive understanding of Scripture.

The Key Differences

1. Textual Basis

Calvinist and Non-Calvinist Protestants generally prioritize translations based on the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, with an emphasis on the principles of formal equivalence and literal accuracy.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition places great importance on the Septuagint and the Byzantine textual tradition, which includes the deuterocanonical books accepted by the Orthodox Church.
Catholics recognize the importance of the original languages but also value translations that are in harmony with Catholic doctrine and tradition, such as the Vulgate and approved Catholic editions.
Progressive Christians may be more open to translations that take into account the cultural, historical, and linguistic contexts of the original texts and seek to present the message of Scripture in a way that is accessible and relevant to contemporary readers.

2. Translation Philosophy

Calvinist Protestants often prioritize literal translations that seek to capture the precise wording and structure of the original languages, even if it means sacrificing some readability or contemporary relevance.
Non-Calvinist Protestants may be more open to translations that strike a balance between literal accuracy and readability, such as the NIV and the NRSV.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition values translations that are based on the Byzantine textual tradition and include the deuterocanonical books, such as the Orthodox Study Bible and the NKJV.
Catholics recognize the importance of translations that are faithful to the original texts while also being in harmony with Catholic doctrine and tradition, such as the NAB and the RSV-CE.
Progressive Christians may prioritize translations that focus on social justice and inclusive language, such as the CEB and the Inclusive Bible.

3. Role of Tradition

Calvinist and Non-Calvinist Protestants generally emphasize the authority of Scripture over tradition, and may be more open to new translations that are based on the latest scholarship and textual evidence.
The Eastern Orthodox tradition places great importance on the living tradition of the Church, which includes the Septuagint, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the liturgical texts.
Catholics recognize the importance of Scripture but also value the living tradition of interpretation, which includes the Magisterium, the writings of the Church Fathers, and the liturgical texts.
Progressive Christians may be more open to new translations and interpretations that take into account contemporary scholarship and social contexts, while still valuing the wisdom of tradition.

What is the most accurate Bible translation?