smellycat

why are there so many versions?because the bad guys change it.

Boanerges

Can You Give Legitimate Documentation On That Statement?

Rev_Rick

I prefer the KJV, NKJV and the HCSB (Holman Christian Standard Bible) The HCSB seems to be a great translation as far I have studied, I am not sure hope popular the translation is nor do I know you alls feelings about the HCSB but I would like to hear your thoughts.
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Templedweller

That (Amplified Bible being for Hard of hearing or hearing impaired) made me chuckle too I use the Revised Standard Version, NASB, NKJV, The New Living Translation. I saw the Homlman's Version and haven't really looked much at it but John 3.

Pastor Gary

Just a reminder - Most Bible versions are available on tape, CD and DVD; for not only those with vision issues, but for those who wish to hear God's Word as spoken professionally and with voice inflection.

Jasher

Bible translations are extremely difficult at best. It's a monumental task in my view. Consider this...

1. The NT writers thought in Aramaic and also Hebrew. But the Bible was written in Greek. So it was already translated once even before it was retranslated into our English. Translating it into Greek kind of stripped off a lot of the “Jewishness� of the Bible. But a few have tried to restore this “Jewishness� back again to the text. (See Davis Stern's translation Jewish New Testament.

2. Words change meaning over the years. Example in our culture. Consider the Gay 90's of the 1800's. What did gay 90's mean in the 1900's. Big difference. This problem is usually solved by looking at the use of the same Greek words used in other passages and also works outside of the Bible that were written in the same time frame as the Bible books that are being translated. Book: Kittles Theological Dictionary. Some Greek words are only used once in the Bible so they are hard to translate with full certainly. Example: The word Authentein" (To dominate or rule over.) This is a key word in understanding Paul's controversial passages on women. It is found in the NT only once and has changed meaning over time.

3. Greek words change in meaning as stated above, but so do the English words that the Greek is translated into. The classic King James for example - its language is out of vogue today, so translations become obsolete in their ability to convey the message of the Bible into the common language of the day. My wife got a Phillips translation years ago and she said it was like a completely different Bible to her after the King James.

4. The source of the translation is important. Example: Jay Green's interlinear OT is based on the Masoretic Text. When you read Genesis it says that Potipher was a eunuch and the chief executioner – much different than most translations. This seemingly little tidbit sure explains why his wife was after Joseph so intently - doesn't it? I'd like to know why so many translations have left this out?

5. Chapters and verses were added late to the scriptures and they are not always placed correctly. Neither are the chapter labels added by the publisher or translator always accurate. Also, the vowels were added to the OT at a late date, so a lot of Hebrew words are but guesswork as different words that could be used. There are a lot of translation decisions to be made in the Hebrew, Example: the word Almah, which means unmarried maiden. In those times in Ancient Israel a maiden was a virgin in their culture, but not in ours today. Almah is typically translated as virgin, maiden, young woman, damsel or girl.But relative to Isaiah 7:14 it only makes sense to translate it virgin - in our culture.

6. Hebrew began as a picture language - in other words a letter of the alphabet was a symbol of an object or idea. For example: Shalom means peace – right? In the Hebrew picture language it actually means “destroy the authority that causes chaos.� Another: The Hebrew word for humble is shach – it means to “destroy the wall� (of self protection) Repent - shoov - means to “destroy the house� (leave nothing to go back for) Last: Mother is the Hebrew "em" which means "the strong water" (water that never fails - life giver - around her grows an oasis of life) The Hebrew to me is difficult to translate and has the most variables in it. That is why it is often good to look at different translations to try to get a feel for what is being said. But, I'm back into my terrible old habit of preaching to the choir again. Book: Hebrew Word Pictures by Frank Seekins

Different translations serve different purposes. For study the NASB is considered more accurate technically, but doesn't read very well. The newer versions are better reading translations. Translators are supposed to just translate and leave the interpretation to others, but I don't see how this is possible as I think they have to translate certain words based on an interpretation of the context.


I guess the worst translation is better than nothing, therefore the best version is of course the one we pick up and read. Its nice to have a choice these days because in my day there was only one that was recommended and that of course was the King James – you guys are so fortunate to be flooded with translations. I wrote all of this, which is very incomplete to show how complicated translating is and why there is so much variation in different translations.


Lauren

smellycat

yes i can,when i read the nlt and it mentions soldiers and carry there bags 2 miles.i laugh my socks of at the usa.who writes the bibles over there the politicians.

Jasher

I saw a Dr. Seuss version the other day. They have Bibles with annotations for everyone today - kids, women, men, teenagers. What next?

Lauren

Boanerges

You guys are a riot

Jasher

I did realize my error before I saw your post, but thanks anyway.