8:18 Apologetics statement on the new guidance of Bible translations

On December 16th, 2026, the Latter-day Saints newsroom released an article entitled “New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints.” A link to the original newsroom article is provided at the end of this piece.

The announcement explains that the latest edition of the General Handbook includes an adjustment regarding editions and translations of the Holy Bible. The update was communicated by Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, chairman of the LDS Scripture Committee.

The article states:

For many in the wider Christian world, this development has been received positively. Historically, the Latter-day Saint tradition has shown a strong preference for the King James Version, often with caution toward other translations. Because of this history, the decision to broaden guidance regarding modern translations is noteworthy.

At 8:18 Apologetics, we welcome any step that encourages clearer access to the biblical text. The Word of God is not diminished by clarity; it is strengthened when it is understood.

The Utah Christian Research Center discussed this development on their weekday podcast Viewpoint on Mormonism, offering historical insight into the LDS approach to Bible translations. Their discussion highlighted how significant this shift appears in light of previous practice.

The newsroom article also clarifies that “using multiple translations of the Bible is not new for the Church.” Alongside this statement stands the well-known line from the Articles of Faith:

That statement reflects a desire for accuracy and fidelity to the original text — something Christians across traditions can appreciate. All believers benefit from careful translation work that seeks to communicate faithfully what was originally written.

This brings us to an important question: what makes one translation different from another?

Translation Philosophy: Why It Matters

As broader engagement with Bible translations is encouraged, it is helpful to understand how translations are generally approached.

There are several recognised translation philosophies.

1. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)

Formal equivalence translations aim to reproduce the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek as precisely as possible in English. Grammatical structures, verb tenses, and key theological terms are preserved wherever feasible. This allows readers to trace themes and follow repeated words with greater clarity.

Examples include:

• English Standard Version (ESV)

• New American Standard Bible (NASB)

• Legacy Standard Bible (LSB)

• New King James Version (NKJV)

These translations are particularly helpful for detailed study.

2. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)

Dynamic translations prioritise communicating the meaning of the original text in natural, contemporary English. Sentence structure may be adjusted, and ancient idioms clarified for modern readers.

Examples include:

• New International Version (NIV)

• New Living Translation (NLT)

These can be very helpful for reading larger portions of Scripture smoothly and clearly.

3. Paraphrases

Paraphrases restate the biblical message in freer, more conversational language. They are often useful devotionally but are not designed for detailed doctrinal study. Because they involve a greater degree of interpretation within the wording itself, they are best used alongside more formal translations.

4. Sectarian Renderings

Some versions are shaped more directly by the theological commitments of a particular movement. Such renderings may not always reflect the broader consensus of historical biblical scholarship. For careful study, most Christians prefer translations that are produced through collaborative scholarship across traditions.

Why This Moment Matters

The newsroom guidance suggests age-appropriate translations such as:

Ages 14 and above:

• ESV

• NRSV

Ages 11–13:

• NIV

• NLT

• NKJV

Ages 8 and above:

• NIrV

  
  

This encouragement toward clarity is significant. The Bible was never intended to be inaccessible. It was written in real human languages — Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek — so that it could be understood.

The New Testament, apart from Hebrews, was written in Koine Greek — the common language of everyday people. It was not composed as an abstract philosophical text for specialists. It was written so ordinary men and women could hear and understand the message of Christ.

Throughout history, believers have laboured carefully to preserve and transmit the Scriptures. The New Testament alone rests upon thousands of Greek manuscripts, some dating back to the earliest centuries of the Church. These manuscripts were copied and preserved with remarkable care by communities that regarded them as sacred.

Far from being fragile or uncertain, the biblical text stands on a strong historical foundation. Modern translations are not attempts to change Scripture, but to render faithfully what has been preserved.

8:18 Apologetics Advice

For serious study, translations that follow a formal equivalence approach — such as the LSB, NASB, or NKJV — are especially helpful for tracing structure and key terms.

For broader reading, a dynamic translation like the NLT can provide clarity and flow. Many readers benefit from using two translations side by side, allowing one to illuminate the other.

Above all, Scripture should be approached with reverence. The Bible is not merely an ancient text. Christians believe it is God-breathed, holy, and trustworthy.

A Personal Encouragement

To my Latter-day Saint friends, this development presents a genuine opportunity.

The Bible is not something to approach with anxiety. It is not something to be cautious of as though it were unstable or incomplete. It is the Word of God — preserved, studied, and cherished across centuries.

If you have primarily read the King James Version, consider placing the NKJV beside it and reading them together. Notice how the language has been clarified while the structure remains familiar. Often, what seemed distant becomes accessible.

Read it slowly. Read it thoughtfully.

Jesus said:

Approaching Scripture as a child does not mean approaching it carelessly. It means approaching it humbly — open to learning, willing to listen.

The Bible does not need to be feared. It is not hiding truths from those who seek them. It has endured persecution, empire, reform, and modern scrutiny — and it remains.

It is Holy. It is enduring. It is meant to be read.

My prayer is simple: take this moment as an invitation. Open the Scriptures in a language you understand. Ask God for wisdom. Read with reverence.

The Word of God is not something to avoid.

It is something to treasure.

Here is a prayer that is printed at the start of one of my Bibles, that I pray before a study - Pray it with me:

Almighty God,

Father of our Lord Jesus Christ

grant, we pray

that we might eb grounded and settled

in your truth

by the coming of your Holy Spirit in our hearts

What we do not know,

reveal to us;

what is lacking within,

make complete;

that which we do know,

confirm in us;

and keep us blameless in your service,

through Jesus Christ our Lord.

Amen.

Link to the article:https://newsroom.churchofjesuschrist.org/article/holy-bible-translations-editions-church-of-jesus-christ

Bible Gateway:www.biblegateway.com

Utah Christian Research Center:http://mrm.org/

Modernised Book of Mormon:www.bookofmormon.com