The Bible Was Not Written in Indonesian
Many Christians forget that the Bible did not come down directly from heaven in the form of Indonesian or English. The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and a small portion in Aramaic, while the New Testament was written in Koine Greek. Therefore, to be read by people in various parts of the world, the Bible must be translated into their local languages. This translation process is not merely moving word for word, but also conveying the full meaning according to the original context.
Translations Can Differ But Do Not Contradict
Translations can vary because of the translator’s approach. Some use a literal (word-for-word) approach like the New American Standard Bible (NASB), while others use a more dynamic (thought-for-thought) approach like the New Living Translation (NLT). Both aim to convey the same message but with different language styles. For example, John 3:16 in the LAI TB version reads: “For God so loved the world…” whereas in the NLT (English translation) it might read more simply: “For this is how God loved the world…” The message remains the same; only the way it is delivered is adjusted to the reader’s language style.
Language Continues to Evolve, So Do Translations
Human language continuously changes over time. A translation that felt relevant in the 1970s might sound outdated to today’s generation. That is why Bible organizations revise or even publish new versions so that God’s word remains easy to understand, especially for the younger generation. Just as we no longer write letters using the style “With respect, we present…”, so too the Bible needs language that touches the hearts of today’s readers.
Translations Do Not Diminish the Authority of the Word
Some may worry, does the many versions of the Bible mean we don’t know which one is correct? The answer: no. In fact, with many translations, we can gain a richer understanding of the meaning of God’s word. Just as we look at an object from several angles to see its whole form. 2 Timothy 3:16 affirms, “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness.”
The Importance of the Holy Spirit in Understanding the Word
Ultimately, it is not about which version is the most correct, but about the condition of our hearts when reading. It is the Holy Spirit who opens our hearts’ eyes to personally understand God’s word. In John 16:13 Jesus said, “But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” So regardless of which translation version we use, let us read the Bible with a thirsty and open heart, because God wants to speak through every word written there.
