Which is the Best English Bible Translation? (Ep 18)

Welcome back to Read, Do, & Tell podcast! We're glad you're joining us again! *This episode was originally published on 4/2/26 as "This Reading Mama's Podcast." The podcast name changed in July, 2026 to "Read, Do, & Tell." With so many English translations of the Bible out there, which one is the best? On the one hand, so many English translations can be a blessing. On the other hand, it can feel overwhelming! In today's episode, we walk you through the Bible translation continuum using alliteration with the letter F. 1. Formal translations (word-for-word) 2. Fusion translations (a mix of formal and functional) 3. Functional translations (thought-for-thought) 4. Free paraphrases, which aren't actual Bible translations We also will talk through a few red flags as you approach translations and some helpful tips for picking what works best for you. This visual from this video can be accessed as a Podcast+ Member. Join: https://library.thisreadingmama.com/r... Login: https://library.thisreadingmama.com/p... --- Timecodes: (00:00) Introduction (00:15) Podcast+ Membership Perks (01:01) Which Bible Translation is Best? Intro (02:49) English Bible Translation Continuum (02:56) Word-for-Word Translations (Formal) (04:14) Thought-for-Thought Translations (Functional) (04:57) “Fusion” Translations (05:32) Translation Names on the Continuum (06:19) Paraphrase Bibles ("Free") (07:53) Translation Comparisons with Philippians 4:10-13 (12:11) Who Translated It? (13:06) Red Flags with Translations & Paraphrases (16:28) More Translation Tips (18:47) Free Bible Chart (19:44) Closing --- Download the transcripts, guided notes, and study tools from our episodes! Join our Podcast+ Membership https://library.thisreadingmama.com/r... or Login to your membership https://library.thisreadingmama.com/p... --- Resources Related to this Episode: FREE Bible Text Features Chart https://raisingrooteddisciples.com/bi... Mike Winger’s Videos on The Passion Translation (He has several!) https://www.youtube.com/results?searc... Alisa Childers on The Passion Translation:    • 3 Things Christians Should Know About The ...   Melissa Dougherty on The Passion Translation:    • The Passion Translation? No thank you! | w...   Minor Prophets & Mike Winger’s LONG Video on The Passion Translation    • The Passion Translation is Worse Than We T...   --- Let's Connect! Find our Episodes: https://raisingrooteddisciples.com/ca... My Website: https://raisingrooteddisciples.com/ Instagram:   / raisingrooteddisciples   Email: [email protected]