Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles, Relief Society General President Camille N. Johnson, and others talk about using different Bible translations to ‘come to understanding’ God’s word
"An update released Dec. 16 to the Church’s General Handbook allows for more flexibility in using different editions and translations of the Holy Bible at home and at church. 'Generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible [KJV] in Church classes and meetings,' section 38.8.40.1 reads. 'This helps maintain clarity in discussions and consistent understanding of doctrine. Other Bible translations may also be used. Some individuals may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand'."
"By reading level, these translations are:
"'As Latter-day Saints, we can confidently gain insights from multiple translations, in part because ‘we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God' (Articles of Faith 1:8), Elder Renlund said. 'Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations'."
"An update released Dec. 16 to the Church’s General Handbook allows for more flexibility in using different editions and translations of the Holy Bible at home and at church. 'Generally, members should use a preferred or Church-published edition of the Bible [KJV] in Church classes and meetings,' section 38.8.40.1 reads. 'This helps maintain clarity in discussions and consistent understanding of doctrine. Other Bible translations may also be used. Some individuals may benefit from translations that are doctrinally clear and also easier to understand'."
"By reading level, these translations are:
- Ninth through 11th grades
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
- Sixth through eighth grades
- New International Version (NIV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
- Third grade
- New International Reader’s Version (NIrV)
"'As Latter-day Saints, we can confidently gain insights from multiple translations, in part because ‘we also believe the Book of Mormon to be the word of God' (Articles of Faith 1:8), Elder Renlund said. 'Latter-day scripture, including the teachings of living prophets, is a good standard for evaluating any doctrinal discrepancies that might come up in different Bible translations'."