I try to read broadly on issues of English translations, though I know I miss a lot. Over the past several years I have wanted to settle in on a translation that is useful for me in personal study and in public reading.

As I have settled on one main translation (and still using a LOT of others as I just read for study and devotion), I keep on learning that whatever translation anyone settles on for one “main” Bible will have issues. For me, I have found that the one I’ve settled on is good for general reading, especially in our church services. Where I have disagreements or where I wish the translation had gone better, I simply make notes. Probably anyone who tries to stick with one main translation would do the same.

This past week in my silent retreat I also found, again, why it is so helpful to stick to one Bible, meaning “hard copy.” I understand there are so many electronic versions now, but for me, I still like holding the book in my hands. The past several years I have used mainly one Bible, though it stays in my home office because it’s a bit too large to haul around all the time. I have a slimline version for that now.

But I have come to rely more on more on that one copy because it’s where I make small notes. I also like to mark certain things, like miracles or healings, in certain ways. Using one hard copy helps me see the page in my mind better as well. Earlier in my ministry that wasn’t a problem. I had one main Bible and used it up. I finally wore it out and then I wanted to search for a more useful translation in ministry and public reading.

As I was in my prayer retreat last week I came on a passage that I prayed through one afternoon. Then, I glanced at the notes I made long before in the margins. The text then took on more meaning. My own notes had spurred on more thinking and prayer for me. If I had used yet another copy of another Bible I would have missed something that day the Lord wanted to do in my heart. I was thankful I had settled in on that one hard copy for most of the past few years.

Whatever translation you choose, you’ll learn to deal with the “quirks.” But, for me, also having one main hard copy deepens my own study as I make small notes along the way.