Teaching with Different Bible Translations | An Interview with John Hilton III
Leading Saints Podcast
Leading Saints
4.8 • 1.2K Ratings
🗓️ 31 December 2025
⏱️ 57 minutes
🧾️ Download transcript
Summary
John Hilton III was born in San Francisco and grew up in Seattle. He served a mission in Denver, and got a Bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University. While there he met his wife Lani and they have six children. They have lived in Boise, Boston, Miami, Mexico, Jerusalem and China. John has a Master’s degree from Harvard and a Ph.D from BYU, both in Education. John is a professor of Religious Education at BYU.
John has published several books with Deseret Book, including Considering the Cross: How Calvary Connects Us with Christ. He’s the author of the new course “Finding Christ in the Old Testament.”
Watch the video and share your thoughts in the Zion Lab community
Links
ScriptureCentral.org
Scripture Central on YouTube
Finding Christ in the Old Testament
Newsroom: New Guidance on Bible Translations for Latter-day Saints
Handbook: 38.8.40.1 Editions and translations of the Holy Bible
YouVersion Bible App page (Apple app here)
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Transcript available with the video in the Zion Lab community
Highlights
In this episode, John discusses the recent changes in the Church’s approach to Bible translations and how these changes can enhance understanding of the scriptures, particularly the Old Testament. The conversation emphasizes the importance of accessibility and comprehension in scripture study.
Key Insights
The Church’s handbook now states that while members should generally use a preferred or church-published edition of the Bible, other translations may also be used, reflecting a shift towards inclusivity and understanding.
Many individuals struggle with the King James Version due to its higher reading level, which can hinder their engagement with the scriptures. Simpler translations can provide clarity and accessibility.
Various Bible translations, such as the English Standard Version (ESV) and New International Version (NIV), can help bridge the gap for those who find the King James Version challenging, making the scriptures more relatable and understandable.
The discussion highlights the importance of using different translations in teaching settings to enhance comprehension and engagement, particularly for youth and those unfamiliar with the King James Version.
Leaders are encouraged to create an inclusive environment in classes where all translations are respected, fostering a space for discussion and learning.
Leadership Applications
Leaders can promote the use of various Bible translations in their classes to help members better understand scriptural principles, especially for those who may struggle with traditional texts.
By being aware of the reading levels of different translations, leaders can guide individuals to resources that suit their comprehension needs, ensuring that everyone can access the teachings of the scriptures.
Encouraging open discussions about different translations can help create a welcoming atmosphere in church settings, allowing members to feel comfortable sharing their insights and questions without fear of judgment.
00:02:44 – Guest Introduction: John Hilton III
00:03:26 – Classroom Applications of Bible Translations
00:04:08 – John Hilton’s Projects with Scripture Central
00:04:50 – Changes in Church Handbook Regarding Bible Translations
00:08:34 – Discussion on Handbook Changes
00:14:33 – Historical Context of Bible Translations
00:19:07 – Addressing Concerns About Modern Translations
00:21:18 – Recommendations for Bible Translations
00:24:31 – Using Different Translations for Comprehension
00:26:04 – Importance of Accessible Translations for Youth
00:28:01 – Anticipating Classroom Dynamics with Various Translations
00:30:21 – Creating a Respectful Classroom Environment
00:32:51 – Teaching Strategies for Engaging with Scriptures
00:41:18 – The Role of Listening to Scripture
00:44:10 – Speculation on Future Translations of Church Scriptures
00:47:44 – Encouraging Leaders to Support Comprehension in Others
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Transcript
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| 2:18.5 | Hey, everyone. You know it's the fad these days to jump into new Bible translations, different versions of the Bible as the churches definitely encouraged us to do now. And going into the Old Testament year, you may be asking, well, what does this look like in the classroom, in Sunday school, in primary, with the youth, how can I more effectively use these |
| 2:23.9 | different versions of the Bible, these different translations, in order to effectively comprehend |
| 2:29.0 | the Old Testament and connect individuals, even yourself, to the Old Testament, to our Savior Jesus Christ through his scriptures. |
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