Luke 2:10-11 (NIV)

There is a game called the ‘Chinese whisper’ where one person whispers into the ear of another person.

This process continues until the end of the line, and when you an ascertain what was initially said it would be entirely different.

Like this game, many have determined that the Bible has lost its original meaning through various translations.

However, this assumption would only apply if the scriptures we have today were translations of older translations (i.e., the interpretation of the NIV version based on the KJV version and so forth).  But this is not the case.

How are the Bible versions translated?

Biblical scholars transcribe each Bible version by using the original manuscripts written in Greek Hebrew and Aramaic as a base/source and not previously translated versions. All the major Bible translations available today have been translated this way.

But why have so many translations?

We have so many translations because language changes over time, and words take on a different meaning as society changes. Therefore, someone translating something generations ago would have worded something differently than they would have if they produced it today. 

Since language is continuously developing/evolving, we have different Bible versions to update and clarify these changes. 

God wants everyone to understand His Word, and a good translation can help us do that. God told His prophet to “write down the revelation and make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:2).

Another reason why there are many translations is because the Bible was written in three ancient languages, but when it comes to interpretation, scholars have found certain textual distinctions that exist in the Hebrew and Greek languages.

To resolve these issues, Committees use different translation principles when translating to English or any other language. 

Some translations are a word for word translation that takes the original word in Greek and Hebrew and translates the literal word. Although this process gives clarity of words, it can sometimes read as a little vague. 

Other translation principles involve adopting a thought for thought approach using the ideas/views so that the text would read more smoothly in context.  

Bible scholars usually recommend using at least two translations. The reasoning is not only to make sure you are getting the right meaning but also, to attain the fullness of all contributing factors that come into understanding God’s word.

In conclusion, having multiple translations does not imply that the original meaning of the verses was lost or changed; rather, we have them because language changes over time.

Committees are working around different principles to bring the distinctions of an ancient language to the present age. 

In short, the Bible versions were created to allow for easy reading and to suit a more modern language style.

It is also worth noting that none of the core fundamentals of the faith are altered/disrupted in the process of translation, such as salvation through grace, the virgin birth, the resurrection, the crucifixion of Jesus, etc.