Bible Translations for Everyone - by Tim Wildsmith (Paperback)

About the Book

In Bible Translations for Everyone, Tim Wildsmith, host of the Bible Review Blog, demystifies the complex world of the most popular Bible translations in a fun and engaging way.

Book Synopsis

Bible Translations for Everyone is a fun and engaging guide in which pastor, professor, and popular YouTuber Tim Wildsmith will help you navigate the complex world of Bible translations.

Have you ever wondered why there are so many translations of the Bible? It can be overwhelming and challenging to make sense of the differences, similarities, strengths, and weakness of each. With over 400 English translations to choose from, how do you know one is right for you? This book is here to help. Chapter by chapter, it tells the story of many different versions of the Bible, including information about their historical context, the people who translated them, and what makes them unique.

Bible Translations for Everyone contains:

• An introduction to how Bible translations work.
• The fascinating history of early English Bibles like Tyndale and Wycliffe.
• The textual basis, translation philosophy, strengths, and weaknesses of each popular English translation, including The New King James Version, The New International Version, The English Standard Version, and more.
• Translation comparisons.
• Timelines and charts.

After reading this book, you will understand the essentials of each translation and be able to make an informed decision about which ones are right for you.

"A friendly guide and gifted storyteller, Tim tells us everything we didn't know we wanted to know about how the Bibles on our shelves came to be, mapping out the history of English Bible translation and distilling years of research into one fascinating, delightful volume." --Amanda Bible Williams, co-founder of She Reads Truth

Review Quotes

'Bible Translations for Everyone is a fun and engaging book that will be a great resource for pastors and ministry leaders for years to come.'--Doug Fields, cofounder and president of Download Youth Ministry, author of Purpose Driven Youth Ministry

'Fascinating and conversational, Tim Wildsmith's take on the various Bible translations is a must-read for everyone who loves the Word of God!'--Karen Kingsbury, #1 New York Times bestselling author

'I am asked about Bible translations constantly, and this book is a fantastic resource for answering those questions. All Bible readers will enjoy Tim's clear descriptions and benefit from his wise counsel, and pastors and ministry leaders will gain a crucial resource for guiding others as they study Scripture.'--Kaitlyn Schiess, author of The Bible and the Ballot: How Scripture Has Been Used and Abused and Where We Go from Here

'I own more Bibles than I can count, from the ones my parents gave me as a child to the latest, nicest goatskin-covered and newest translation. My ownership is partly due to my inability to find one that was right for me. How I wish I'd had Tim Wildsmith's guide to Bibles, including his knowledge of translations and the translation process, and his pastoral concern for both unbelievers and Christians to discover God's Word. Bible Translations for Everyone is the precise tool I wish I'd had as a young Christian and throughout my twenty-five-plus years in congregational ministry. Here is a trusted guide pointing us all to the story of a trustworthy God.'--Sean Palmer, teaching pastor of Ecclesia Houston, author of Speaking by the Numbers, columnist at Preaching Today

'In a world where Bible translations are villainized, Tim does a wonderful job of showing how each of these Bible translations has a role in our biblical studies. All Christians should read this book!'--Faith Womack, content creator at HowtoFaithaLife.com

'The authority of the Bible will be more important (and challenged) to Generation Alpha and beyond. Tim is a friend and youth worker who understands this all too well and gives us insight and accessibility to God's Word, allowing us to trust it even more.'--Josh Griffin, cofounder of Download Youth Ministry, junior high pastor of Mariners Church

'This is a tremendous resource. Bible translations can be confusing to people, but Wildsmith is a trusted guide to their strengths and weaknesses. He writes with a winsome style and an invitation to grow in your faith. Take and read, and discover new riches of Bible study and deeper relationship with God!'--L. Gregory Jones, president, Belmont University

'Tim Wildsmith has already guided thousands of people to their ideal Bible, and now he takes things to the next level by tackling one of the thorniest issues: how to choose a good translation. With kindness and clarity, Tim breaks down the options and gives plenty of examples to illustrate key differences. If you're navigating the choice yourself, or simply want to learn more about the nuances, Bible Translations for Everyone is truly a gift.'--J. Mark Bertrand, author, pastor, and advocate for good Bible design

'Tim Wildsmith's sincere, straightforward, gentle, and cheery YouTube videos give a good picture of the kind of helpful advice you'll get in this introductory book. I can hear Tim's YouTube voice saying, 'Hello, friends!' as I read his chapters. Not everyone can keep it short like Tim does so admirably in Bible Translations for Everyone! Tim successfully initiates the uninitiated. If you are confused by the many options among English Bibles, this book will get you started finding the one that's right for you.'--Mark Ward, YouTuber, @markwardonwords

'For the Bible nerds to the Bible curious, this is the resource you need and want. Graphics, charts, deep research, and important comparisons fill this book and make it accessible and possible to find the right Bible translation for you.'--Annie F. Downs, New York Times bestselling author of That Sounds Fun