BIBLE TRANSLATIONS COME IN VARIOUS FORMS BUT THE YOUNG'S LITERAL TRANSLATION IS STILTED ENGLISH. The Problem With Literal Translations Is They Are Not Like Reading The Latest Novel. Instead, when it comes to a literal translation, one has to be a dedicated reader seeking to understand the truth, rather than a casual reader wanting to say, "I have read the Bible," irrespective of whether its contents are understood.

Is Young's Literal Translation of the Bible popular among Christians?

Happy Riches, Answer requested by Andras M. Nagy

Young’s Literal Translation (YLT) is not a Bible that is used by the average person. It is stilted prose and difficult for the modern reader to enjoy. The YLT is an extremely literal translation that attempts to preserve the tense and word usage as found in the original Greek and Hebrew writings. Nevertheless, persons like myself will refer to the YLT because of its literalness, for the very reason being that we seek to understand the breadth of meaning a word or a verse might process, by contemplating its various nuances.

Robert Young, a Scottish publisher, was self-taught and proficient in various languages. He who was well known for his analytical concordance of the Holy Bible (Young’s Analytical Concordance of the Holy Bible.)

In the main, there is really little difference between most Bibles, but Young’s is useful for keeping translations honest. The following verses are from the YLT and, as is clear, the message of salvation, as expounded from within the Old Testament, is recorded by the Apostles to form the New Testament teaching, even though the writing style is stilted:

• Happy the man to whom the Lord may not reckon sin (Romans 4:8)

• Ye search the Writings, because ye think in them to have life age-during, and these are they that are testifying concerning me; and ye do not will to come unto me, that ye may have life. (John 5:39–40)

• And because from a babe the Holy Writings thou hast known, which are able to make thee wise—to salvation, through faith that [is] in Christ Jesus; every Writing [is] God-breathed, and profitable for teaching, for conviction, for setting aright, for instruction that [is] in righteousness, that the man of God may be fitted—for every good work having been completed. (2 Timothy 3:15–17)

One Scripture that refers to how Abraham grew in faith is found in the book of Romans. When we read the King James Version (KJV), it is not really clear whether Abraham gave God the glory because he was strong in faith (making this an issue of pride), or because He gave God the glory, he actually grew in faith (based on his humility in trusting God to keep His word).

• He staggered not at the promise of God through unbelief; but was strong in faith, giving glory to God (Romans 4:20—KJV)

• And at the promise of God did not stagger in unbelief, but was strengthened in faith, having given glory to God. (Romans 4:20—YLT)

• No distrust made him waver concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong in his faith as he gave glory to God, (Romans 4:20—RSV)

• No unbelief or distrust made him waver (doubtingly question) concerning the promise of God, but he grew strong and was empowered by faith as he gave praise and glory to God. (Romans 4:20—AMPC)

When we read Young’s Literal Translation, we can see that Abraham grew in faith because he had given God the glory. This idea we see illuminated in the RSV and expounded upon in the Amplified Bible (Classic Edition). In which case, we can say that Young’s Literal Translation points to the more correct translation, even though the King James Version is often claimed to be not only a literal translation but written by God Himself—an outright misapprehension based upon a false perception that leads to an egregious misconception, which distorts the truth that only faith in Lord Jesus Christ, the Son of God, ensures salvation (John 5:39–40).

Knowing Truth Is What Sets People Free Not Dogmatic Ill-informed Propaganda