Lutheranism places a strong emphasis on Scripture as the foundation of faith. Since the time of Martin Luther, the commitment to making the Bible clear, accessible, and doctrinally sound has shaped which translations are used in worship, study, and personal devotion. Unlike some Christian traditions that use a single official translation, Lutheran churches adopt multiple translations based on their theological perspectives and practical needs.
The choice of a Bible translation reflects how Lutherans interpret Scripture, how they approach historical accuracy, and how they balance readability with faithfulness to the original text. Some translations follow a literal, word-for-word approach, while others emphasize thought-for-thought clarity. Both styles have their advantages, and different Lutheran denominations favor certain translations for specific reasons.
Why Do Different Lutheran Denominations Use Different Bible Translations?
The Role of Theology in Translation Choices
Each Lutheran synod (church body) has its own stance on biblical interpretation. This affects which translation is used in preaching, study materials, and official church publications. The three largest Lutheran groups in the United States have clear preferences.
ELCA (Evangelical Lutheran Church in America) prefers the New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) because of its balance between accuracy, readability, and gender-inclusive language. Many ELCA pastors also reference other translations, but the NRSV is the most widely accepted within this synod.
LCMS (Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod) uses the English Standard Version (ESV) because of its formal translation style, which adheres closely to the original Greek and Hebrew texts. The ESV is also preferred for conservative theological reasons, avoiding modern adaptations in language that some other translations use.
WELS (Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod) also favors the ESV, as it provides a balance between accuracy and readability while maintaining traditional theological wording.
Beyond these three major synods, individual Lutheran churches and believers often turn to additional translations for different purposes. Some appreciate the King James Version (KJV) for its poetic beauty and historical significance, while others rely on the New International Version (NIV) for easier reading in Bible study groups.
Formal vs. Dynamic Translations: Which Do Lutherans Prefer?
Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word Translations)
Some Lutheran churches prefer word-for-word translations, which are more literal and closely aligned with the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts. These translations prioritize accuracy over readability.
Examples of word-for-word translations used in Lutheran churches:
- ESV (English Standard Version) – LCMS and WELS prefer this version because it retains traditional theological language and is seen as a direct and reliable translation of Scripture.
- KJV (King James Version) – While not widely used in Lutheran worship today, some conservative Lutheran groups still value it for its poetic structure and historical influence.
Strengths of Formal Equivalence Translations:
- Maintain precise theological wording without modern rewording.
- Closely reflect original Greek and Hebrew structures.
- Preferred for doctrinal teaching and seminary use.
Weaknesses:
- Less readable for modern audiences.
- Some words and phrases may be difficult to understand due to older language structures.
Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought Translations)
Other Lutherans prefer thought-for-thought translations, which prioritize readability and clarity over strict word-for-word accuracy. These translations make the text easier to understand while keeping the original meaning intact.
Examples of thought-for-thought translations used in Lutheran churches:
- NRSV (New Revised Standard Version) – The ELCA prefers this version because it balances accuracy with inclusive language, making it a widely accepted translation in academic and mainline Protestant circles.
- NIV (New International Version) – Used in personal study and group settings because of its modern readability.
Strengths of Dynamic Equivalence Translations:
- Easier to read and understand.
- More accessible for new believers and younger readers.
- Still faithful to original meaning while improving clarity.
Weaknesses:
- Some rewording may lose theological precision.
- Certain translations modernize the language, which some traditionalists dislike.
Bible Translations Used in Lutheran Worship and Study
Comparison of Popular Lutheran Bible Translations
| Translation | Style | Used By | Strengths |
|---|---|---|---|
| NRSV | Thought-for-thought | ELCA | Gender-inclusive, scholarly trusted, widely used in seminaries |
| ESV | Word-for-word | LCMS, WELS | Closely follows original text, preferred for doctrinal accuracy |
| KJV | Word-for-word | Some traditional Lutherans | Poetic, historical influence, still used in some circles |
| NIV | Thought-for-thought | Individual use | Readable, modern, good for study groups |
Many Lutheran theologians and pastors cross-reference multiple translations. While formal translations like the ESV work well for sermons and theological study, easier translations like the NIV make personal devotionals and group discussions more accessible.
The Influence of Martin Luther on Bible Translation
Lutherans take Bible translation seriously because of Martin Luther’s historic role in making Scripture accessible. In 1522, Luther translated the New Testament into German, followed by the entire Bible in 1534. His goal was clear: God’s Word should be available to all people in their own language.
Luther’s translation was groundbreaking because:
- It was based directly on the original Greek and Hebrew texts, rather than Latin translations.
- It used everyday German so that common people could understand it.
- It shaped how Lutherans approach translation today, prioritizing both accuracy and clarity.
That same translation philosophy continues today in how Lutheran churches select their Bible versions. Some prefer the exact wording of the original text, while others emphasize accessibility for modern readers.
Personal Experience with Lutheran Bible Translations
Having attended different Lutheran churches, I have seen how translation choices vary based on the congregation. At an ELCA church, the NRSV was the primary reading in worship and study groups. At an LCMS church, the ESV was used for both sermons and Bible study materials. In small groups, I’ve seen people bring NIV or KJV Bibles based on personal preference.
When reading at home, I compare different translations. The ESV helps me focus on theological accuracy, while the NRSV makes some passages clearer. The NIV is great for quick reading, and the KJV provides a beautiful literary experience.
The variety of translations used by Lutherans makes sense. Some value precise doctrine, while others focus on engaging with Scripture in a way that’s easy to understand. Regardless of which version is used, the foundation remains the same: God’s Word is central to Lutheran faith and life.