The two basic approaches, formal correspondance or dynamic
equivalence leads to four types of translations: 1. highly literal 2.
modified literal (KJV, NKJV, NASB etc) 3. idiomatic (NEB, NIV, TEV,
NLT etc. 4. unduly free (LB and other paraphrases).
Acceptable types are 2 and 3 for me. If I'm reading historical
narrative, I like the idiomatic type. If I'm studying logical
discourse, I like modified literal type.
The important thing is to read the Bible. Whichever type translation works for
you, use it.
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Fred Haltom
CBC