How can one justify having four Bible versions as a minimum?

Answer 1

Language changes over time as word meanings change or become archaic, making it difficult for the present day reader to understand. Thankfully, today there are more than 60 English-language versions available. These then can be divide them into three broad types: word-for-word, meaning-to-meaning (also called thought-for-thought) and paraphrased. Usually a particular Bible version will explain, on its introductory pages, which approach was used in preparing it.

Word-for word: these versions are generally considered the most accurate following the Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts. Generally speaking, the King James Version and its modern counterpart, the New King James Version, are word-for-word translations.

Meaning for meaning: Can be valuable in putting the Scriptures into more understandable wording. For most readers today these versions explain scriptural points, archaic figure of speech - idioms of the times - more clearly. So, when the text is not clear, many times a modern meaning-to-meaning translation can help. The Revised English Bible, Good News Bible and New Living Translation are other popular meaning-to-meaning translations.

Paraphrased: translators here take considerable 'poetic license' and the reader should be careful when solely relying upon it for scriptural meaning. However, paraphrased versions may be consulted to help a reader better grasp the story flow but again should not be relied on exclusively to establish doctrine. They should be considered inadequate sources for accurately determining the meaning of any text. The Living Bible or The Message, are examples of Paraphrased Bibles.