From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Introduction to the Bible // January 04, 2026
Faith · Faith Arvada
Audio is streamed directly from the publisher (media.transistor.fm) as published in their RSS feed. Play Podcasts does not host this file. Rights-holders can request removal through the copyright & takedown page.
Show Notes
From “In the Beginning” to Amen // Introduction to the Bible
Translation Philosophies of Different Bibles
Formal
Functional
Dynamic
Paraphrase
Formal Translation - The motto for this is “as literal as possible, as free as necessary.”
· There is usually some indication of the form/structure of the underlying Hebrew and Greek.
· Keeps Hebrew/Greek metaphors and idioms intact, which means even if the saying is dead or non-relevant, it will stay as is.
Examples: KJV, NKJV, ESV
Functional - The motto here is “translate the meaning.”
· The focus is to get to the meaning of the text, which means it will naturally step closer to interpretation of unclear passages.
· It’s usually easier to read and follow.
· It captures thoughts and phrases in a more concise way.
Examples: NIV, CSB (Christian Standard Bible)
Dynamic - The motto is “translate for readability and accessibility.”
· It is highly readable.
· Modernizes dead metaphors and idioms so we can try to understand what they actually mean.
· It is more theologically accessible.
· A step further into interpretation.
Examples: NLT, Amplified
Paraphrase
· A Retelling: It's a retelling of the biblical message from a modern perspective, not a literal rendering
· Easy to Read: Designed for accessibility, it reads at a much lower grade level, making it popular for first-time Bible readers.
· Interpretive: It offers an interpretation of the text, which can differ from other versions.
· Good for Overview: Useful for getting a feel for familiar passages in a fresh way.
Examples: Message, Passion
The Layout of the Bible - Old Testament
· The Bible is the historical account of God’s creation, pursuit of, and engagement with mankind through a specific lineage.
· The traditional layout has books of the Bible in groupings by type of literature.
· Historical, Law, Wisdom/Poetic, Prophetic
· The Chronological version puts it in the order of events and God’s interaction and man’s response throughout the historical narrative.