What translation of the Bible to choose?

Imagine a large library. You've heard of it that it contains treasures that can change lives. But where to start? You stretch out your hand, try to open the first book on which your eyes have just fallen, you fill in the first page... And unintelligible zigzags are revealed in front of you. Please? 🤯

The Bible is an ancient library that once upon a time was gradually written down by various people in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. In order to be able to read it today, we have no choice but to find a suitable translation. The Czech language offers plenty of them. Check out the overview of the most used ones. How to choose the best Bible translation?

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TIP ⚠️ You don't have to spend a penny on the Bible, and you can have plenty of Czech and foreign translations in one place. In the browser or in the mobile app, YouVersion is available for free hereunder.

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Czech Ecumenical Translation (abbreviation ČEP) ⭐⭐⭐⭐

ČEP was created by the efforts of representatives of several churches several decades ago and has become the most widely used translation. At church services, you will most often hear this translation. The great advantage is the introduction to each Bible book. However, time passes, and since the 1970s, when this translation was created, it has become less understandable.

➡️ Read PIN online.

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Royal Bible (abbreviation BK) ⭐⭐⭐

ČEP was created to replace the already almost unintelligible Old Bohemian Kralica Bible. In its time in the 17th century, it became a real jewel of the Czech language. They try to adhere faithfully to their original languages, but the current translations work with older manuscripts than those on which the Kralic languages were based. If you want to immerse yourself in this translation, have an Old Czech dictionary ready to hand.

➡️ Read BK 1613 online.

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Bible 21 (abbreviation B21) ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

In 2009, the Bible was published in a 21st century translation. It strives to be a readable and smooth translation, for which it uses more recent translation theories. In a new, fresh language, you can hear old, deep truths. I grew up spiritually on this translation and after years I am very happy to return to it.

➡️ Read B21 online.

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TOP TIP! 💚 Compare individual (and even foreign) translations with each other. Especially if you come across a more difficult place, the insight of other translators can help.

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Czech Study Translation (abbreviation ČSP) ⭐⭐⭐

In the same year as B21, a translation of Study was also published. It is strongly influenced by the ecclesiastical environment from which the translators come. As a translation, it is most faithful to the original text and therefore not very readable. Footnote, however, offers many biblical references. This translation is usually appreciated by people who are already familiar with the biblical texts and know the regularities of the ancient biblical languages.

➡️ Read CSP online.

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Jerusalem Bible (abbreviation JB) ⭐⭐⭐

Alongside B21 and CSP, the Jerusalem Bible also appeared in 2009. It is a translation coming from a Catholic background that strives for readability and intelligibility. This is not a translation from biblical languages, but a translation from French, although the resulting text has been compared to the original languages. JB offers a large note-taking apparatus.

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Word for the Road (SNC abbreviation) ⭐⭐

The word for the journey is not so much a translation as rather a loose paraphrase. It tries to be as understandable as possible so that it is accessible even to people who have never come into contact with the Bible. Therefore, he freely adds additional sentences to the text and interprets entire sections according to the will of the translators. Although this ties the reader's hands in further study of the Bible, it may be appropriate for the first acquaintance with the Bible.

➡️ Read SNC online.

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We have many other translations in Czech, such as the new very literal translation of Miloš Pavlík or the New World Translation, which comes from the circle of Jehovah's Witnesses, the translation of Sýkora and Hejčla, the New Testament of Cola, Žilka or Škrabal... 😎

If you reach for any translation, you will find that a space of mystery opens up before you that will not be answered by one or two translations. Every translation is always an interpretation, and not every interpretation is exhaustive. 🤷 Therefore, it is not enough to read the Bible alone at home. It's best if you have people around you that you can talk to about what the Bible says. We'd love to see you with each other at SafePoint!