The GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) is a modern English translation of the Bible produced by God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society. It was published in 1995 and aims to translate the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts into clear and natural English for the average reader.
Some key features of the GW translation include:
- It uses a meaning-for-meaning (dynamic equivalence) translation philosophy rather than a word-for-word approach. The goal is to capture the original meaning of the text in natural, idiomatic English.
- It uses simpler vocabulary and sentence structure compared to other translations like the NASB or ESV. The reading level is targeted at middle school and up.
- It often restructures sentences to follow standard English order and breaks up long sentences for better readability.
- It replaces some theological terms with common words or paraphrasing for clarity (e.g. justification becomes “God’s approval”).
- It aims for gender-neutral language when possible while remaining faithful to the original texts.
- It translates the Tetragrammaton (YHWH) as “LORD” in small caps.
- It includes section headings and subheadings to help guide readers.
- Footnotes are included to explain translation decisions, cultural references, wordplay, etc.
The translation was undertaken by a team of over 100 scholars from various denominations over a 10-year period. Some of the main translators were Dr. Paul Ellingworth, Dr. Lloyd John Ogilvie, and Dr. William D. Reyburn. The New Testament portion was completed first in 1993, followed by the full Bible in 1995.
The GW translation is currently published by Baker Publishing Group, although God’s Word to the Nations Society still owns the copyright. It’s available in various print, digital, and audio formats.
Translation Philosophy
The GOD’S WORD Translation takes a meaning-based approach to Bible translation rather than formal equivalence (word-for-word). The translators strived to communicate the meaning of the original text in a way that’s natural in English, while remaining faithful to the original wording. Their main aims were clarity, accessibility, and accuracy.
Some of the translation principles guiding the GW version include:
- Use common, everyday English – The translators wanted the language to be easily readable by most people, not just biblical scholars.
- Maintain faithfulness to the original text – The meaning was to be transmitted accurately despite using simplified language.
- Reorder words/phrases to fit English structure – Sentences were restructured to follow standard English order rather than Greek or Hebrew syntax.
- Break up long, complex sentences – Long biblical sentences were broken up to aid readability in English.
- Replace theological terms – Some traditional theological terms were replaced with common words or paraphrasing if the translators determined it would improve clarity.
- Use gender-inclusive language where appropriate – Generic “he” was avoided for gender-neutral terms when it did not contradict the original sense.
- Format for oral reading – Short sentences, logical breaks, and emphasis on sense units improve readability and oral comprehension.
Overall, the aim of the GW translators was to make the Bible more transparent and accessible to all readers. Their emphasis was on conveying the original text meaning using natural, easy to understand language. This required some restructuring and simplifying while aiming to preserve accuracy.
Reception and Criticism
The GOD’S WORD Translation has received mixed reviews since its full publication in 1995. Some of its main criticisms include:
- Inaccuracy – Some reviewers claim that simplifying complex Greek and Hebrew sentences results in distortions or omissions of the original meaning.
- Over-simplification – Others argue that replacing theological terms goes too far in dumbing down the text.
- Paraphrase – Some critics view the GW as more of a paraphrase than a translation, taking too much translator liberty.
- Style – Some find the language dull or awkward in its attempt to sound modern and casual.
- Gender language – Use of gender-inclusive language is seen by some as unacceptable.
On the other hand, supporters of the GW praise its communication effectiveness:
- Clarity – The simplified language makes the Bible more accessible to all readers, especially younger ones and new believers.
- Understandability – Rearranging sentences to match normal English improves comprehension.
- Engaging style – The conversational style is seen as inviting for readers unfamiliar with the Bible.
- Accurate meaning – Despite simplifying language, the essential meanings are transmitted faithfully.
- Useful for outreach – The clarity and accessibility makes GW effective for evangelism and discipleship.
On the whole, response has been mixed depending on each reader’s priorities. Those wanting an accessible Bible approve of the GW philosophy, while those desiring word-for-word fidelity find it lacking. Overall it continues to have a niche readership among English Bible translations.
Sample Passages
Here are a few sample passages from the GOD’S WORD Translation to illustrate its readability and style:
John 3:16
God loved the world this way: He gave his only Son so that everyone who believes in him will not die but will have eternal life.
Ephesians 2:8-9
You have been saved by God’s grace through faith. This did not come from you; it is God’s gift. It did not come from anything you did, so no one can brag.
Psalm 23
The LORD is my shepherd. I am never in need. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside peaceful waters. He renews my soul. He guides me along the paths of righteousness for the sake of his name.
Even though I walk through the dark valley of death, because you are with me, I fear no harm. Your rod and your staff give me courage.
You prepare a banquet for me while my enemies watch. You anoint my head with oil. My cup overflows.
Certainly, goodness and mercy will stay close to me all the days of my life, and I will remain in the LORD’s house for days without end.
Usage by Denominations
The GOD’S WORD Translation has gained acceptance among several Christian denominations and organizations:
- Assemblies of God – Approved for use in church ministry.
- Southern Baptist Convention – Allowed for use in SBC affiliated churches.
- The Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod – Used in some congregations and Lutheran schools.
- Back to God Ministries International – Used in broadcasting, audio Bibles, mobile apps.
- Youth for Christ – Approved for teaching and outreach initiatives.
- Bible League International – Used extensively in Bible distribution around the world.
The GW is popular for outreach purposes because of its easy to understand language. It’s seen as beneficial for children, new believers, and those unfamiliar with the Bible. Some preachers and teachers also appreciate its clarity when teaching. However, many churches and groups still prefer more literal translations like the ESV for in-depth study.
Relation to Other Translations
The GOD’S WORD Translation aims for a middle ground between formal word-for-word translations and freer meaning-based paraphrases. Some comparisons can be made:
- More literal than: The Message, New Living Translation, Good News Bible, New Century Version
- Similar to: New International Version, Christian Standard Bible, New American Bible Revised Edition
- Less literal than: New Revised Standard Version, New American Standard Bible, King James Version, English Standard Version
The GW is more dynamic and simplified than literal counterparts like the NASB or ESV. But it sticks closer to formal equivalence than highly paraphrastic versions like The Message. The NIV or CSB provide a similar balance between readability and faithfulness.
Study Resources
Here are some helpful study resources for the GOD’S WORD Translation:
- GW Translation Notes – Provides background on key translation decisions and passages.
- GW Concordance – Lists where various words and phrases occur throughout the Bible.
- GW Dictionary/Encyclopedia – Defines names, places, and concepts for better understanding.
- GW Topical Index – Groups verses by common themes for topical study.
- Study Bibles (Nelson, Zondervan) – Editions with explanatory notes and articles to aid study.
- Commentaries – Exposition on Bible passages to highlight meaning and application.
- Bible Software – Digital platforms like Logos, Accordance, or BibleWorks for extensive study capabilities.
- Bible Gateway – Compare GW text side-by-side with other translations online.
The simplified English of the GW makes it easier to conduct word and topical studies without knowledge of Hebrew or Greek. Study Bibles, commentary sets, and digital tools provide valuable insight into passages needing clarification or background.
Advantages of the GW Translation
There are some notable advantages to using the GOD’S WORD Translation of the Bible:
- Understandable language – The simplified English makes the Bible accessible to anyone, especially children, new believers, and English learners.
- Engaging style – The conversational style is inviting and easy to follow for casual reading.
- Clear meaning – Even with simplified language, the essential meaning comes through in a clear way.
- Good for teaching – The clarity of the GW text helps when teaching the Bible to various audiences.
- Translation notes – Useful footnotes explain key decisions and passage meanings.
- Audio versions – Hearing the Bible aids comprehension and engagement for some learners.
- Digital tools – Software allows for easy look up, search, and comparison to other versions.
For those desiring an English Bible that’s straightforward to read and understand, the GW provides a helpful option. Parents, teachers, and outreach workers can especially benefit from using the translation.
Disadvantages of the GW Translation
However, the GOD’S WORD Translation also has some potential drawbacks to consider:
- Less literal – The simplified language veers farther from formal equivalence than some literal translations.
- Meaning distortions – At times simplification alters nuances or misses repetition/connections in the original languages.
- Oversimplified style – The very casual wording may seem too dumbed down for some readers.
- Theological bias – Certain translation choices reflect theological leanings some find unacceptable.
- Limited adoption – Many churches and individuals still prefer more established literal versions like the ESV or NASB.
- Fewer resources – Study tools like commentaries focus mainly on more widely-used translations.
For Bible study at an advanced level or for deep doctrinal work, a more literal translation is often preferred. The freer translating approach of the GW may limit its adoption among some expert Bible students.
Conclusion
The GOD’S WORD Translation aims to make the Bible readable and accessible to everyday English speakers. Its simplified vocabulary, shorter sentences, and conversational style make the Biblical text less intimidating. This can aid comprehension for personal reading, teaching, and outreach.
However, the GW is not without controversy. Some criticize it for distorting nuances, paraphrasing too freely, and using dumbed down language. Supporters see these choices as a reasonable trade-off for increased clarity. The GW can serve effectively alongside more literal versions for a comprehensive study of God’s Word.