Faithwoman

Ok, I have a question..

There are so many versions of the Bible out there..and I know many read and grow from the Word

I have heard that some versions take the word out of the true context..

Bondman,
In your opinion, what version is really the true one to learn from?

I had been reading the NIV and then a friend of mine talked about the King James version which I read out of this morning. The Psalms were lovely and man they spoke to me so much more than in the NIV.

Any thoughts from others are welcome as well.

Faithwoman

Kyle_ROLWC

Hello Faithwoman,

After several questions to many pastors and biblical scholars, they all agree that there is no 100% perfect translation. There is basically two categories. Literal and Dynamic. Your King James is a more literal translation but some of the context of the grammar is lost. Your NIV is a more dynamic translation meaning that the translator attempts to fill the time gap to make it easier to read. Both versions are fine. I recommend that you pray about it and let GOD show you what he has for you in this specific time in your life regardless of the version you choose. I found some very good computer software called E-Sword. There are many free bible softwares and E-Sword allows you to download several versions of the bible and put them side by side to do a comparison while you read. I use that extensively in my bible study. I am currently using the NLT (New Living Translation) for two reasons, 1 my pastor at church teaches from this version and 2, it is easy to read. I keep a King James and a New King James handy for reference though Bottom line is find one that suits your study needs and one that speaks to you spiritually. Trust that GOD will lead you where he needs you to go.

Faithwoman

Thanks Kyle..

Appreciate your input!

Welcome to the Inner Room

Faithwoman

Bondman

Message #74

ABOUT BIBLE TRANSLATIONS - Part 1

What Kyle has said is all correct, hon. You may remember that my clear choice is the Amplified Bible which I've read for probably over 30 years. I sometimes do quotes from it here in the IR.

THE NEW KING JAMES - A GOOD LITERAL TRANSLATION

But most of the quotes I do are from the New King James Version. Why? Well I grew up with the King James Version of 1611. This Version stood the test of time for over 350 years!!! That telling a story I reckon! I have little doubt this was because it WAS a literal translation, i.e., from the Greek words to the English words - meaning that few ideas and thoughts of MAN could come between your mind and the revealed mind of God in the Scriptures! Important, yes?!!

The 1611 version, however, now has words and phrases that are out of date, and so I've gone to the New King James for most quotes here, because it's STILL a literal translation which basically has just FIXED the above problems! Good, yes?!!

MODERN TRANSLATIONS

I have two thoughts about many/most modern translations. I am very, very wary of man trying to 'interpret' the Greek in translations like the NIV and MANY others. I accept they may be easier to read, but how many times have we said here that not one soul in the world can understand the Bible message UNLESS THE HOLY SPIRIT REVEALS IT TO HIM!! That is, I want to know what God is saying when I read His Word - not man's thoughts and ideas!

BAD PRIORITIES

Secondly I feel the sheer NUMBER of modern translations we have to be a very sad comment on Western materialistic and money-oriented Christianity, being an appalling WASTE of time, energy, money - and TREES! It's like every few months another group of scholars somewhere in the world suddenly says, "Oh dear, we're SO bored!" and so they decide that they'll do just one more Bible translation! Okay that's a bit tongue in cheek, but truly, we have miles too many already.

And here's why I'm speaking so strongly about this: Do you know how many thousands of languages are out there in the world that may still not even have the Gospel of John translated for people to read yet, let alone the whole New Testament, or all of the Bible!! - while WE have translations coming out of our nose-hairs! To me, this is crazy.

THE PLUSSES OF THE AMPLIFIED TRANSLATION

Okay then, why the Amplified? Because IT'S ALSO aimed at being a literal translation, BUT with added words so as to give the FULLEST POSSIBLE MEANING OF THE ORIGINAL GREEK TEXT TO THE READER! To me it's the next best thing to being able to read the original Greek text itself (which is a pretty tall order for most of us!!) So that's what I study from. If I still have a query about what the Amp says, then I go to look at the Greek word (or words) itself, to see it's (their) meaning.

CHECKING FROM THE NET IS EASY

You may go here (and other places) to read from the Amplified, and many other translations. And go here to check Strong's meanings of all the Greek words (and Hebrew for the Old Testament). For example, try going to Matthew Ch 7:13 and click on the word "broad". You'll be taken to a page to see the basic Greek word forms at the top, then English MEANINGS below as being "spacious" and "broad". And if you read Matt 7:13 in the Amplified as above - well, look at dat - it is saying the same thing!!! You'll find that many other words in the New Testament can come alive from the Amplified, such as "believe" in John Ch 3:16 (and also from checking out Strong's meanings as needed!)

Want to know exactly what the Lord is saying? I sure DO! Then above are some things that I trust may be of some help to you.

Continued in Part 2...

- BM and his Mrs

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Faithwoman

forgivenWretch

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forgivenWretch

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Does HOPE still exist? Yes, most definitely! As long as we are capable of believing, having desires, and dreaming, we will always have HOPE. God is my source of HOPE...what is yours?


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Faithwoman

Fluffy

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Faithwoman

Quote:

What I am trying to do, (but keep forgetting about!!!) is read a bible thru, making notes and stuff in it, and then give it to one of my children. I heard about someone doing that once, and I thought it was a great idea! Oops! Getting off subject. Sorry!

No need to be sorry for sharing how you would like to share his word.. my great aunt had done that.. it is Living Bible she has, so it is like reading a simple story.. very easy to read reading.. It is great to see what she highlighted and to read her notes.
She had passed away and left me one of her bibles. what a priceless gift for her to give me.

Faithwoman