What a difference a translation can make! Different translations of the Bible, even in the same language, can convey very different meanings.
For example, a Spanish-speaking friend recommended I reflect on Psalm 1. The Spanish NVI translation starts with:
“Dichoso el hombre
que no sigue el consejo de los malvados,
ni se detiene en la senda de los pecadores
ni cultiva la amistad de los blasfemos…”
The last phrase I read as “nor cultivates friendship with blasphemers”, which could be taken to mean “doesn’t befriend or associate with non-believers”, since non-believers essentially blaspheme God. This is a good way to alienate them, to cause them to stumble, and is quite at odds with how Jesus lived and taught. In his ministry he made a point of befriending those called sinners (whom in fact we all are).
In contrast, the English NIV translation reads:
“Blessed is the one
who does not walk in step with the wicked
or stand in the way that sinners take
or sit in the company of mockers…”
While we should try to be a friend of everyone, regardless of whether or not they share our beliefs, it makes sense to not spend much time around those who show disrespect or mock us because of our beliefs, since they may weaken our confidence even in what we have good reason to believe.
Another example is the use of the word “justicia” (justice) in Spanish translations, where “righteousness” (rectitud) is used in English ones.
From the Sermon on the Mount in the English NIV:
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness,
for they will be filled…”
Now from the Spanish NVI:
“Dichosos los que tienen hambre y sed de justicia,
porque serán saciados…”
That is, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for justice…” Justice implies a much more active role in society vs. the focus on personal virtue implied by righteousness.
Finally, there can be a significant difference in meaning between two translations into the same language.
For example, the NIV translation of Proverbs 13:12 reads:
“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life.”
This seems obvious, so what is the point? In contrast, the KJV translation reads:
“Hope deferred maketh the heart sick: but when the desire cometh, it is a tree of life.”
The point seems to be that we lack and need to cultivate desire itself, not just wait for the fulfillment of desire. Disappointments can sicken our heart and dampen our desire, but we need to awaken and strengthen our desire in order to produce good fruit.
While I can’t read the original texts in Hebrew or Greek, and have to acknowledge that I could be biased even while sincerely seeking the truth, to me the latter translation in these 3 examples “rings true” much more than the former.
I believe we will always need to pray for him to speak to us through his Word, and for us to understand it correctly.