Bibles

The best Bible is the one you feel comfortable with (provided its not some cult spinoff).

Too many choices can lead to "analysis paralisys". The best Bible is the one you want to read... the one that 'speaks' to you.

It may be different for those doing theological studies, or preparing a sermon/teaching.

Any Bible is better than the one on a shelf covered in dust because you don't want to read it or don't understand it.

Just keep reading and trust the Word (jn 1:1) to speak to you through the Holy Spirit.
 
The King James version is called that because a group of scholars during the reign of King James in England under his authority( as he was then the head of the Church of England ) translated the bible from the Latin version.

The Catholic bible translation differs in that they have additional books which Protestants removed and consider not inspired by the Holy Spirit. e.g. The Book of Wisdom and others.

Many modern translations are now done directly from the original Greek or Hebrew texts. And, yes, we can't go back to the original books if we don't read Greek or Hebrew but we can use concordances to help us find the meaning of words, etc.

I like the NIV because it reads so easily although I have many friends who think the NKJV is best. And others like the RSV.
 
This string is a little old but I wanted to weigh in just a little bit.

I like to have multiple translations so that I can do some comparison if I don't understand something. Some times a slightly different verbiage can make all the difference when trying to understand something you aren't quite getting.

I am going to try to find the study I went through a while back because it gave a lot of information explaining what is different about each of the more popular versions out there. There was a time when KJV was definitely the most accurate and faithful English version out there. Personally I am not sure that is the case any more but that doesn't make it a bad translation.

In order to understand if a translation is right for you, you have to understand the parameters of the translation process. Most scholars believe the most accurate sources for translation are the earliest texts available (less likely to have been changed or altered in anyway).

When translating (as mentioned earlier) are you translating in a literal sense or a thought for thought sense. If you have ever read a Greek parallel translation it is almost impossible to follow (in my opinion). That's because it is very much a literal translation and not adjusting for current English speech patterns.

Someone mentioned earlier that NIV had removed things from what appears in the KJV. You have to understand that NIV was translated from an earlier text than KJV. The question is why were the texts different.

I am digging now and if I can find the study information I went through on this it will be an explanation of some of the above and not just my random comments.

I will say that everybody parses information differently. Any translation that has helped someone come to Christ, then I say Amen and Halleluiah. For me it's NIV primarily, I think this is a faithful translation and it is easier for me to read than most translations. I have switched over to ESV but the only reason is that I am using the Reformation study Bible and my choices were KJV or ESV. I don't have a problem with KJV as a translation but ESV reads much easier for me personally.

HeIsOnFirst
 
This string is a little old but I wanted to weigh in just a little bit.

I like to have multiple translations so that I can do some comparison if I don't understand something. Some times a slightly different verbiage can make all the difference when trying to understand something you aren't quite getting.

I am going to try to find the study I went through a while back because it gave a lot of information explaining what is different about each of the more popular versions out there. There was a time when KJV was definitely the most accurate and faithful English version out there. Personally I am not sure that is the case any more but that doesn't make it a bad translation.

In order to understand if a translation is right for you, you have to understand the parameters of the translation process. Most scholars believe the most accurate sources for translation are the earliest texts available (less likely to have been changed or altered in anyway).

When translating (as mentioned earlier) are you translating in a literal sense or a thought for thought sense. If you have ever read a Greek parallel translation it is almost impossible to follow (in my opinion). That's because it is very much a literal translation and not adjusting for current English speech patterns.

Someone mentioned earlier that NIV had removed things from what appears in the KJV. You have to understand that NIV was translated from an earlier text than KJV. The question is why were the texts different.

I am digging now and if I can find the study information I went through on this it will be an explanation of some of the above and not just my random comments.

I will say that everybody parses information differently. Any translation that has helped someone come to Christ, then I say Amen and Halleluiah. For me it's NIV primarily, I think this is a faithful translation and it is easier for me to read than most translations. I have switched over to ESV but the only reason is that I am using the Reformation study Bible and my choices were KJV or ESV. I don't have a problem with KJV as a translation but ESV reads much easier for me personally.

HeIsOnFirst

It's the newer versions which do the most damage. You will find things added and removed.

Example Sovereign or SOVEREIGNTY of God.
It's in the modern day translations and not the older because it is a man made label for God that excuses things to be His will that is not.

Blessings
FCJ
 
I don't think I have ever heard of the New World Translation, but the name itself is creeeepy............:eek:
If I am not mistaken, NWT is a Jehovah Witness version.

I conducted a search to find if this type thread was here. I'm so glad it is. I was looking for the most accurate closest to original translations Bible version just today. I happened on this chart which I'm currently studying to find what version is suitable for my needs. I hope this helps other seekers here.
Link removed due to products being sold rule 1.2 and 7.1... link not approved
 
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If I am not mistaken, NWT is a Jehovah Witness version.

I conducted a search to find if this type thread was here. I'm so glad it is. I was looking for the most accurate closest to original translations Bible version just today. I happened on this chart which I'm currently studying to find what version is suitable for my needs. I hope this helps other seekers here.
Apologies. I did not realize it was a retail site. I liked the table of translations for consideration of the best pick of Bible version.

Thank you for the assistance to be in compliance with the rules.
 
I basically read from the KJV, but have downloaded a program called E-sword from the net which has dozens of different translations and languages. I admit, being an Afrikaans speaking person that the King's English sometimes eludes me, I find this program helpful because I can select a text and then compare that text against all of the translations that I have downloaded to get a better understanding of what it means. I know throughout the years there have been many arguments and debates about "which" Bible is the correct one to use, and there are those who read only the KJV and others who live only by the NIV. I agree that there are some versions out there that pervert the Word of God, but I believe that God is powerful enough to speak Creation into existence, therefor He is probably powerful enough to make sure that there are ample versions out there to convey His Word to His people. I think it is silly of us to think that we worship an Almighty God, but He seemingly cannot make sure that we have the right Word to follow, but also naive of us to think that Satan has not throughout the ages tried to pervert His Word. All I can suggest is, that when in doubt; pray. God will let you know if whatever you are reading is not according to His Word.
 
How do you know what the right bible is to read? There are so many to choose from. I have heard that the King James bible is the only one you should read. Yet, everyone has a different opinion. How do you know you are reading the right bible when I do not know Latin, Greek or Hebrew to read any type of original text?

Is the Jewish bible a good bible? Why do Catholics have to have their own bible, which does not line up with the Word of God, in my opinion..... etc.

Not trying to cause any issues. I am simply wanting to understand this. I was reading online a few moments ago and i realized that the online bible I was reading has a ton of bibles / translations to choose from. It just made me stop and ask this question.

If you have developed the awareness to ask the question - which Bible is right - then you are most likely capable of answering it yourself.

My advice is to keep asking the question.

I've been a Christian for over 40 years and I'm still using various Bibles. I'm still searching. I have a New American Standard as well as a Complete Jewish Bible that I read daily. I also have a KJV and a Holman Christian Standard Bible that I use for studies and references. I've got a couple of digital versions on my phone and iPad and MAC and I also have several lengthy works of interpretation on my bookshelf.

Did you ever meet a lawyer or a physician that only had one book on the shelf in their office?

My only caution is that you ought not stop searching, for in this way do we study to show ourselves approved before God and mankind.

Hope this helps.
 
KJV is my go to Holy Bible

I have read other versions though. CEV for children, and familiar with NIV, NLT, Good News, NLT as other people have them. Have tried the Jewish bible too.

Someone posted on here that KJV is translated from latin actually thats not correct it was translated out of the original tongues, Hebrew and Greek.

Am still looking for a good bilingual english/chinese version and audio in cantonese.

I asked God which Bible and he led me to KJV. Yes different translations can be confusing sometimes. Its easier for me to stick to one. But I do look up others online because everyone uses different ones, eg some people read from NASB because they are american, but american english is not the same as plain english. I have found KJV to never let me down. If I dont understand I just read further and God shows me something. I can trust that it doesnt omit anything because Ive found some other Bibles have bits missing, or extra bits that arent scriptures, or footnotes, and thats annoying for me.

Do your research but also ask God.
The jewish bible will be in a different order and may omit the new testament. Catholic bibles are in latin and have exxtra books. The translation of KJV was quite a tremendous undertaking and the history of how it came about is nothing short of miraculous. There were other translations before KJV in english but none were as widespread or popular as KJV. In england they call it the AV as in Authorised version. Many translations into other languages bases their translations on the KJV its like the gold standard of bible translations. And its lasted right up to present day 400 somethng years later.

When I was researching different bible versions I found out that there were two sort of original manuscripts (origninal meaning, copies in the original tongues, greek, hebrew) that scholars would bases their translations on, one was the alexandrian mansucripts and the other was Byzantian. They are slightly different from each other which is why, the bible versions from them can vary. And then when it as translated into latin called the vulgate, it was translated again into english for modern versions (these in contrast to kjv, which was from original tongues) You kind if have to go back to the original stream to find out where exactly the translation came from.

Anyway know this may be an old thread but love sharing and talking about the Bible so thought why not post to encourage others. When you first start reading the Bible it can be overwhelming, because there are so many different translations to choose from, not to mention its a huge book, or rather library of 66 books, but its the most important set of books you will ever read.
 
Many translations into other languages bases their translations on the KJV its like the gold standard of bible translations. And its lasted right up to present day 400 somethng years later.
False! Many Bible translations are done from something call transcripts.

You do realize that King James had a bunch of scribes and such to rewrite the Bible in an easier to understand old english.....

It's not the sacred Holy Grail.


The jewish bible will be in a different order and may omit the new testament.
Where do you get this from?
I have two different types and I can honestly say that they are not as you have said.

If you like the KJV best then that is great for you.
Blessings
 
How do you know what the right bible is to read?
Many years ago, there was this big controversy about, "Which Bible?"
I got involved, but after a week or so, the Lord said something like:
"Get out of all this ... they all have the basic message."
(Except for Bibles written by the cults.)

NASB is the most literal, perhaps followed by the KJV.
My current favorite is the NLT.

All Bibles have some errors in them.
Here's a fun example ... Matthew 24:25.
KJV "I have told you before." ... People take this as meaning previously!
NKJV "I have told you beforehand." ... Obviously, this means in advance!
Total opposite!
Hey, Praise the Lord!
 
Many years ago, there was this big controversy about, "Which Bible?"
I got involved, but after a week or so, the Lord said something like:
"Get out of all this ... they all have the basic message."
(Except for Bibles written by the cults.)

NASB is the most literal, perhaps followed by the KJV.
My current favorite is the NLT.

All Bibles have some errors in them.
Here's a fun example ... Matthew 24:25.
KJV "I have told you before." ... People take this as meaning previously!
NKJV "I have told you beforehand." ... Obviously, this means in advance!
Total opposite!
Hey, Praise the Lord!
Lol the Holy Bible thats the one I read.
 
Here is an interesting example of the literalness of the KJV compared to others. 1 Samuel 25:22
NLT
May God strike me and kill me if even one man of his household is still alive tomorrow morning!”
NKJV
May God do so, and more also, to the enemies of David, if I leave one male of all who belong to him by morning light.”
NIV
May God deal with David, be it ever so severely, if by morning I leave alive one male of all who belong to him!”
KJV
So and more also do God unto the enemies of David, if I leave of all that pertain to him by the morning light any that pisseth against the wall.

This is in the KJV something like 5 times. I found it quite humorous the first time I found it many years ago.
 
Lol. Yes.
Hey David was in the army. He would just call a spade a spade. David used a lot of colourful language. He wasnt politically correct as you might have to be these days. David composed a lot of psalms too. I dont know how they are translated in other versions if they capture directly the beauty of his poetry and the word pictures he evoked.

People who knock the KJV are always seem to be angry about it for some reason or another. Its silly.maybe because they just dont understand it. But the Bible is an ancient book! If they angry about it being so old, well how about the orignial Hebrew well thats old!

The tanakh, which is the hebrew bible, has the books in different order to what is commonly found in other translations.
Many of the Bibles found in christian bookstores that are translations actually say they are updated versions of the KJV. For example the NKJV! And ones that are paraphrases, are paraphrases of the KJV.
 
Coffedrinker you might have to go visit Israel and dig up the dead sea scrolls if people keep arguing here. Find yourself a Hebrew speaker who can translate it for you into American english.
 
i have a hard time watching TV as well. i have cable and literally watch the cooking channels and true crime channels. i will watch hallmark channel here and there, but i hardly watch that channel anymore either.
i really find myself not liking TV much anymore, its just not worth my time and everything seems not worth watching. i find i am liking my alone time and thinking / talking to God. When i was married i read books and watched tv all the time to distract myself from my exhusband. now i am so happy to be alone and think and pray in quiet without yelling and fighting. so much peace surrounds me now. i love it.

We're much alike. I'm coming out of a 25 year backslide and have really had a strong hunger and thirst for Bible study. Like you, I'm finding that my old tastes in entertainment are waning, to the point where they often disgust me, e.g. gory crime dramas, shows that treat sin as acceptable and even glorify it. At the very least, they're nothing more than a distraction, time that can be better spent in Bible study. Fortunately I have a wife who fully supports my personal revival and also likes our quiet times together (she's a voracious reader).
 
How do you know what the right bible is to read? There are so many to choose from. I have heard that the King James bible is the only one you should read. Yet, everyone has a different opinion. How do you know you are reading the right bible when I do not know Latin, Greek or Hebrew to read any type of original text?

Is the Jewish bible a good bible? Why do Catholics have to have their own bible, which does not line up with the Word of God, in my opinion..... etc.

Not trying to cause any issues. I am simply wanting to understand this. I was reading online a few moments ago and i realized that the online bible I was reading has a ton of bibles / translations to choose from. It just made me stop and ask this question.
ask yourself why was the new testament in Greek and not hebrew...from my research i discovered that the greek language was the world language back then,kinda like what english is today..God had a plan for his word..He knew that in greek the gospel would spread much easier than any other language..God can tell the begginning from the end..He knew that one day english would be the world language as it is today..He also knew that one day there would be hundreds of english versions of his word as it is today..God is King of kings and when you have a king ordering a translation to be done of God's word ,you got to figure out it IS the hand of God over it..my humble advice to you is get yourself a king james version...the thees and thous will grow on you..pray for the teaching of the spirit and He will reveal the hidden treasures of God through his word,which is the KJV...to say that all english translations are good for reading is a recipe for confusing..God is not the author of confusion.
 
NlT and classic amp and Young's literal translation are very good as well.

Many translations are very good but the trick is to NOT get hung up on simply one version but use them together.

KJV was created because KJ wanted an easier worded bible for their current old English language and had it translated into what we call old English.

The problem arises when people take certain words and translate them into a modern definition that is used today. This changes the meaning drastically.
That's why so many people come up with so many strange doctrinal beliefs by only reading the KJV.

For me I have well over 20 versions and use them all at one time or another.

No matter what version one uses it is best to always Compare them to such translations such as Young's literal and KJV and nlt.

Know your Covenant
Understand Gods Word
Enjoy your Salvation
Blessings in Christ
 
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