Dear Friend,
You're Already a Translator—You Just Don't Know It Yet
Let me start with something that might surprise you: You've already been translating the Bible.
Every time you read a verse and think, "What does this mean for my life?"—you're translating. Every time you paraphrase a passage to explain it to a friend—you're translating. Every time you choose between reading the NIV, ESV, or The Message—you're choosing a translation, which means you're making interpretive decisions about God's Word.
The question isn't whether you translate Scripture. The question is whether you do it thoughtfully, prayerfully, and with understanding.
But before we go further, let's address the elephant in the room.
"Don't Add or Remove from God's Word!"
If you've spent any time in church, you've probably heard Revelation 22:18-19 quoted as a warning against tampering with Scripture:
"I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life."
This is a serious warning. And it's absolutely right to take it seriously.
But here's what that passage is actually saying:
It's specifically about the book of Revelation (notice "this scroll")—not about comparing Bible translations or seeking deeper understanding.
It's ancient covenant talk or 'legalize' for contracts to make sure no one changes the core tenets of this marriage contract. The Marriage of the Lamb and reunification of Heaven and earth.
It's specifically a warning against altering the original manuscripts meaning—adding false teachings or removing inconvenient truths for example.
So in other words it's about malicious tampering, not sincere study.
Think about it: If this verse meant we couldn't engage deeply with Scripture, then:
Every Bible translation would be forbidden (since translation requires interpretation)
Every sermon would be heresy (since explaining Scripture requires paraphrase)
Every Bible study would be blasphemy (since discussion involves restating truths in our own words)
The warning is against distorting God's message, God's contract for a new heaven (not Heaven by the way) and a new earth. It's absolutely not against seeking to understand the book more deeply.
In fact, the opposite is true: God invites us to wrestle with His Word, to dig into it, to make it our own. The Bereans were commended specifically because they "examined the Scriptures every day" (Acts 17:11). Study, comparison, and deep engagement aren't just permitted—they're praised.
What Translation Actually Means
Here's the truth a lot of people don't realize: Every English Bible you've ever read is already an interpretation.
When ancient scribes wrote Scripture, they didn't use punctuation, verse numbers, or chapter divisions. They didn't have quotation marks. Sometimes they didn't even use spaces between words.
Every Bible translator has had to make thousands of decisions:
Should John 3:16 say "only begotten" (KJV) or "one and only" (NIV)?
Is it "wife" or "woman" in certain passages?
Should Romans 8:28 say "all things work together" or "God works all things together"?
Each of these choices changes meaning. Each is an act of translation. Each requires wisdom, prayer, and knowledge of the original languages.
Professional translators don't take this lightly. They study Greek and Hebrew for years. They compare manuscripts. They pray for wisdom. They consult commentaries written over centuries.
And you know what? You can do a simplified version of the same process.
Your Translation Journey: Five Practical Steps
Step 1: Compare Multiple Translations
Open your Bible app and look at your favorite verse in 4-5 translations. You can also use this website to read a total of six unique versions including three brand new F.O.G Bibles. Whichever version you use, don't just skim—really read them.
Take Philippians 4:13 as an example:
NIV: "I can do all this through him who gives me strength."
ESV: "I can do all things through him who strengthens me."
The Message: "Whatever I have, wherever I am, I can make it through anything in the One who makes me who I am."
Notice the differences? The NIV says "all this" (referring to context). The ESV says "all things" (broader). The Message completely reworks it for clarity.
Which is "right"? They all are—they're just emphasizing different aspects of the original Greek.
Step 2: Notice What Resonates
As you read different translations, notice which phrasings speak to your heart.
Maybe "makes me who I am" (MSG) hits differently than "gives me strength" (NIV). That's not rebellion—that's the Holy Spirit highlighting what you need to hear right now.
The original Greek word is endynamoō—"to be made strong, empowered from within." Both translations are faithful. Both capture truth. One might be exactly what your soul needs today.
Step 3: Craft Your Personal Version
Here's where it gets real: Write your own version of the verse.
Not to replace Scripture. Not to publish your own Bible. But to crystallize your understanding.
Take parts that resonate from different translations. Use your own words where appropriate. Write it in your journal and share it in the comments of this website once you're happy with it.
For example, your Philippians 4:13 might become: "I can handle whatever comes through King Jesus, who infuses me with His divine strength."
Is this "adding to Scripture"? No. It's engaging with it. It's doing what the psalmist did when he wrote, "I have hidden your word in my heart" (Psalm 119:11). You're making it yours.
Step 4: Dig Into Original Words
This is where it gets exciting. Most Bible apps let you click on words to see the original Greek or Hebrew.
This is a planned feature for this website in the future but for now find one key word or phrase in your verse. Look it up using Logos Bible software to get the Strong's number and enter it into the search bar of this website. You will get a better understanding for how it's used in the Bible.
For example Philippians 4:13, look up endynamoō (G1743:). You'll discover it's used when Paul talks about being "strengthened with power through his Spirit" (Ephesians 3:16). It's the same root as dynamite—explosive power.
Suddenly the verse isn't about getting through your to-do list. It's about divine power infused into your very being.
You just did biblical scholarship. You just engaged with the original language. You just translated.
Step 5: Test Your Understanding
Share your insights with mature believers on this website and at church. Read commentaries. Make sure your interpretation aligns with the broader witness of Scripture.
Translation isn't about creative writing—it's about faithful understanding. Community keeps us accountable.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
When you engage with Scripture this way, several things happen:
1. The Bible Becomes Yours
Not in an ownership sense, but in a deeply personal sense. It's no longer just words on a page—it's a conversation with the living God.
2. You Develop Discernment
You become less susceptible to false teaching because you've wrestled with the text yourself. You know what it actually says.
3. You Discover Layers of Meaning
The Bible is rich, deep, multi-dimensional. Surface reading misses treasures that only reveal themselves to those who dig.
4. You Join an Ancient Tradition
For 2,000 years, believers have been doing exactly what you're doing—comparing manuscripts, discussing meaning, seeking understanding. You're joining the great conversation.
Common Objections (And Honest Answers)
"But I don't know Greek or Hebrew!"
Neither did most Christians throughout history. That's why we have translations—and why comparing them is so valuable. Professional translators have done the hard work. You're simply choosing which faithful rendering speaks to you.
"What if I get it wrong?"
You might and that's fine. That's why we have community, commentaries, and the Holy Spirit. But getting it slightly wrong in pursuit of understanding is better than not engaging at all. God honors sincere seekers.
"Isn't this just picking and choosing what I like?"
It can be, if you're not careful. That's why Step 5 (testing) is crucial. But choosing between "love" and "charity" (both valid translations of agape) isn't picking and choosing—it's thoughtful engagement.
"Won't this lead to everyone having their own Bible?"
We already do. Every translation is different. Every reader understands differently. The question is whether we engage thoughtfully or passively.
The Scholar's Secret
Here's what seminary professors know but rarely tell their students: Every translator struggles with the exact same process you're learning.
When the ESV committee debated how to translate a passage, they did exactly what you're doing:
They compared how other translations handled it
They looked at the original language
They discussed what captured the meaning best
They made a choice
The only difference is they had years of training and were producing a Bible for millions. You're doing it for your personal study.
But the process is the same. You're not playing Bible scholar—you're thinking like one.
An Invitation to Translate
So here's my invitation: Stop being a passive consumer of Scripture. Start being an active translator.
Not because you're better than professional scholars. Not because you want to "improve" the Bible. But because God's Word is living and active, and it speaks differently to different hearts in different seasons.
The next time you read a favorite verse:
Look at it in 3-4 translations
Notice what captures your attention
Write your own version in your journal
Look up one key word in the original language
Share what you learned with a trusted friend
You'll be shocked at what you discover.
And you'll realize: You're not tampering with God's Word. You're treasuring it. You're hiding it in your heart. You're making it your own.
You're translating.
And that's exactly what God wants you to do.
Try It Yourself
Ready to start? Here are five verses perfect for this exercise:
Jeremiah 29:11 - Compare how different translations handle "plans" and "future"
Psalm 46:1 - Notice the different ways "refuge" is expressed
John 3:16 - See how "only begotten" vs "one and only or unique" changes the feel
Romans 8:28 - Watch for who's doing the "working together"
Proverbs 3:5-6 - Compare "acknowledge" vs "submit" vs "seek his will"
Pick one. Open your Bible app. Look at four translations. Write your own version.
Then come back and tell me what you discovered in the comments for each of the verses.
Because I guarantee you'll find something you never saw before.
That's the power of engaging with God's Word like a translator.
That's the power of making Scripture truly yours.
Want to dive even deeper? Explore original Greek and Hebrew words with the F.O.G Lexicon and try our interactive translation experience where you can craft your own personalized verses and discover the ancient words behind them.
