Different translations of the Bible
Biblical translations vary according to language and points of view, and also in their usefulness in different circumstances.
Language and points of view
When we read the Bible in English or any modern language, we are reading a translation primarily from ancient Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. No such translation can be completely literal and still make sense to contemporary readers. Hence, every translation is an interpretation shaped by time, translator(s), and often cultural nuance. ELCA Lutherans also read the Bible as a cross‑cultural experience, taking into account that it was written in times and places far removed from our own.
If you have one or more Bibles in your home, look at the cover or in the front pages to see what translation or version it is. Some, such as the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) of the 1952 Revised Standard Version (RSV) and the New International Version (NIV), seek to provide to the greatest extent possible a literal word‑for‑word translation from original‑language ancient manuscripts. Some, such as Today's English Version (TEV) (sometimes called The Good News Bible), have a meaning‑for‑meaning translation (i.e. "In today's language, this is what the ancient manuscript is saying to us"). Others, such as the Living Bible Paraphrased (LBP) are paraphrases — using words that place a higher priority on conveying the story’s meaning, than attending to linguistic accuracy. The less literal the translation, the more likely it will reflect the translator's perspective. The LBP is the work of one person, and his personal point of view as a practicing Baptist is evident.
Even translations by committees can carry points of view. The NRSV committee included both male and female scholars from all major Protestant denominations (as well as Roman Catholic and Jewish representatives). It is not surprising that the NRSV tends to use inclusive language when it is obvious that the original texts refer to women and well as men (e.g., translating as "brothers and sisters" a word previously translated "brethren").
The King James Version (KJV) is renowned for its beautiful, poetic use of the English language, but it is a translation that preceded 500 years of linguistic and archeological study available to modern translators. We simply know more about Biblical times and languages than did 17th Century English translators. Of course language meaning also has changed, and uncovering older, more complete ancient manuscripts helps to fill in gaps or correct errors in translation (e.g., a word translated several times as "unicorn" in the KJV is now known to translate as "wild ox").
The value of comparing translations
When reading a particular translation, it is always helpful to read through the preface provided by the editor or translator to see what it is they claim to have produced and how they went about it. ELCA Lutherans find value in reading a number of current translations, and often compare curious or troubling texts with the aid of commentaries that seek to clarify meanings. We seek to understand the depth of what is being said, and value scholarship and textual study. We try to discover the text's meaning for those first addressed by the authors, as well as for today. We try to keep in mind their context as we ask "what does this mean for our own time and place?"
Helpful reading: "About the Bible," Terence E. Fretheim, Augsburg Fortress, 1999.