freedom07

Why are there so many versions of the Holy Bible?

Never before have there been so many versions of the Holy Bible. It can become confusing when one goes to purchase a Bible. Is one better than another? Matters of accuracy and readability must be considered. But how does one get this information?

The first attempt to translate the complete 66 books of the Holy Bible into English occurred in 1382 by John Wycliffe. Until then the Holy Bible remained in Latin and was mainly available only to the clergy for nearly a thousand years. Though books at this time were still written by scribes, the English printing of the Bible came later, the Guttenberg Bible being in German.

In the early 40's, the two main English versions of the Holy Bible were the King James Version, published in 1611, and the Douay or Douay-Rheims Bible translated from the Latin Vulgate in 1582 and 1609, used by the Catholic in English-speaking countries. The Douay-Rheims contains additional books known as the Apocryphal books, intertestament books that are not considered part of the official Canon.

Why do we now have so many versions of the Holy Bible? If languages were fixed and unchanged then there would be no need for revisions and new translations. However languages are constantly evolving. Words go out of style, words come into style and words change their meanings and words are borrowed from other languages. The different translations take into account the words that are no longer socially recognizable to modern English speakers. The principle is the same as how native speakers will automatically replace the word trolley with streetcar or train.

The King James Version of the Bible was written in a style easily understood in Shakespeare's day. But the same phrases that make Shakespeare hard to understand for many present a problem in the King James Version. A couple of examples are:

• SORE: The French word "very" replaced the English word "sore" since the publishing of the King James Version. One example are found in Numbers 22:3 "Moab was sore afraid of the people." In a more modern version, the New International Version (NIV) makes an accurate translation as "Moab was terrified because there were so many people."
• PECULIAR: This word in the 1600's meant "unique, special" but now it means "odd." In the KJV we read in Exodus 19:5 ". . . ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me. . ." whereas in the NIV it reads more accurately, ". . . you will be my treasured possession. . . ."
• Since many changes have occurred over the years, new translations have developed. And since the language will continue to change, new translations or revised translations will continue to be forth coming. Some controversy has arisen over the numerous translations. It would be wise to read the information in the introduction of each Bible as to its source material. Is it a translation of the oldest manuscripts or a translation of another English translation? The farther back the source documents are, the more likely the translation will be the closest to the original intent of the Biblical writers.
  
  Yes, there are many versions of the Holy Bible. But as long as our language changes so will we need revised translations. The Bible doesn't change its meaning, rather, it is our language that changes and the translators are working to keep the Bible as accurate as possible.
  http://www.allabouttruth.org/versions-of-the-holy-bible-faq.htm

__________________
Romans 6:4
4 Therefore we were buried with Him through baptism into death, that just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life.

Theophilus

The very best translation of the Bible is the one that is opened with the intent to know Christ. The worst??? is the one that is either not opened or opened for reasons other than sincerely wanting to accept Jesus as Lord and Savour.

Any translation opened for the purpose of knowing our creator will produce fruit in the readers life.
The greatest and best know translation/version of the bible unopened or openened with out Holy Spirit guidence is at best useless and at worst the path to damnation.
What ever translation or how many one has the greatest danger in bibles is that one becomes so bound up in concern over them that they forget that they are a tool ,a means(and not the only one) by which GOD has chosen to communicate with us and contain only the basics of Christian understanding and belief.
The bible is as much a test as a learning tool.
The easiest way to discern the spirit and nature of another person is to see how they handle the bible and the presepts found within.

I appreciate the perspectivs given by various bible translations and while i don't recommend any one over another neither do I discount the value of any on to express the will of God clearly for the individual who desires to know it.
An omnipresent, omnipotent God is not by any means restricted by mans attepts to nulify or enhance His word.
In short ;
If you have Jesus no bible is dangerous. Without Jesus no bible is safe.
But truth be known that can be said of every thing and every one we come in contact with.

Sincerely
His
Cliff

Boanerges

Preach it brother!

smellycat

depends who re writes it,if its an ex corporal from the us marines,then im sure he would be glad for you to carry his kit 2 miles.all about motives.

smellycat

if you look through the bible you see things written for selfish needs.take the good word then manipulate it into a advantage for themselves.thats why the jews were lost.

Theophilus

What is your point?

InHisLove

Over the years I have read many versions, but I am currently considering going back the the King James Version. It seems that any time I quote scripture or look it up it is the King James Version that comes to mind first.

The one thing we all have to remember is that no matter what version we read we must always listen to the Holy Spirit's guidance as to what is right for our own lives.

Philippians 2:12, ". . . work out your own salvation with fear and trembling."

__________________
Look Forward And Progress!

Look Backward And Run Into Things!

Boanerges

Smelly Cat I would gladly carry you bags for 2 miles for I know my Master has carried me all my life

smellycat

depends what,s in the bags lol,if there full of grenades or not .lol

Boanerges

If you were a soldier I would expect no less than granades-LOL! Plus I would be proud to help anyone who serves this gret nation in preserving freedom cause freedom isn't free!