Bible Translation Policy
How we handle Scripture across translations
Scripture is the foundation of everything we publish at Lumina Daily. This policy explains which Bible translations we use, how we select them for different contexts, and how we ensure every reference is cited accurately and in context.
Translations We Use
Lumina Daily works with multiple English Bible translations. We do not exclusively endorse any single translation — each has strengths for different contexts:
King James Version (KJV) (KJV)
The historic English translation (1611). Valued for its literary beauty and public-domain status. Uses older English (thee, thou).
New International Version (NIV) (NIV)
The most widely read modern English translation. Balances accuracy with readability using dynamic equivalence.
New Living Translation (NLT) (NLT)
A thought-for-thought translation prioritizing clarity and accessibility. Excellent for new believers and devotional reading.
English Standard Version (ESV) (ESV)
An essentially literal translation that combines word-for-word accuracy with literary excellence.
Selection Criteria
When citing Scripture in our articles, we select translations based on:
- Context: For devotional content, we may use the NLT for clarity. For theological precision, we may use the ESV or KJV.
- Reader accessibility: We prioritize translations that are understandable to modern readers while remaining faithful to the original text.
- Translation philosophy: We are transparent about whether a translation uses formal equivalence (word-for-word, e.g., ESV, KJV) or dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought, e.g., NLT, NIV).
- Scholarly acceptance: We use translations that are widely accepted within the broader Christian scholarly community.
Citation Standards
Every Scripture reference on Lumina Daily follows these standards:
- References include the book name, chapter, and verse (e.g., John 3:16, Romans 8:28–30).
- The translation used is identified either in the article header, inline with the quotation, or in a general note.
- Direct quotations match the cited translation exactly — we do not paraphrase and present it as a direct quote.
- When comparing translations, each is labeled with its abbreviation.
- Context is preserved — we do not cite verses in ways that distort their original meaning.
Context and Integrity
We are committed to citing Scripture in context. Every verse is interpreted in light of its surrounding passage, the book it belongs to, and the overall narrative of Scripture. We do not proof-text — using isolated verses to support claims the surrounding text does not support. When a passage is subject to different interpretations, we acknowledge the range of views rather than presenting one as definitive.
This commitment is enforced through our Fact-Checking Process and our Content Standards.
Copyright and Attribution
Most modern Bible translations are copyrighted and used under licensing agreements or fair use. We respect these copyrights and cite the translation publisher where required. The King James Version is in the public domain. For quotations exceeding fair use thresholds, we obtain appropriate permissions.
Original Languages
For word studies and theological analysis, we reference the original Hebrew (Old Testament) and Greek (New Testament) texts using tools such as Strong's Concordance and established lexicons. We are transparent when discussing original-language nuances that may not be visible in English translations.