How many versions of the bible are there?

Therefore, at least some parts of the Bible have been translated into 3,415 languages. One of the reasons we see different versions of the Bible is because of the number of manuscripts available and, over time, the English language has changed dramatically. But what about people who speak one of the other 7,360 living and well-known languages? One of the reasons we see different versions of the Bible is because of the number of manuscripts available. To date, more than 5,800 Greek New Testament manuscripts are known, along with more than 10,000 Hebrew Old Testament manuscripts and more than 19,000 copies in Syriac, Coptic, Latin and Aramaic.

The Bible has been translated into many languages from the biblical languages of Aramaic, Greek and Hebrew. The translation of the Latin Vulgate was dominant in Western Christianity throughout the Middle Ages. Since then, the Bible has been translated into many more languages. English translations of the Bible also have a rich and varied history spanning more than a millennium.

Bible Translations Help Christians to Read God's Word 

The Bible is central to Christianity, but many believers struggle to explain why they trust it. Usually, the introductory pages of a Bible explain which of these approaches was used in its preparation. Paraphrased versions can be consulted to better understand the flow of history, but they should not be relied solely on to establish doctrine. However, as there are a limited number of people who understand Greek and Hebrew languages, the Bible had to be translated into other languages.

This short book, perfect for small groups or outreach, examines the historical and theological arguments that demonstrate the Bible's reliability. The modern NIV says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as someone approved in modern versions of The Bible. The King James version (or authorized version) and its modern counterpart, the new King James version, are word-for-word translations. As a result, translations must be updated according to changes so that people can read the Bible in the current language.

The most widely used version of any modern version of the Bible, the New International Version combines principles of meaning by meaning with word-for-word representations.

Johnathan Revere
Johnathan Revere

Find my other writing at Ministry Answers. I'm a lifelong scripture enthusiast. Wannabe internet ninja. Amateur coffee fan. Freelance explorer. Read my Daily Bible Verse Commentary