How many different and contradictory versions of the bible are there?

Question

Is each one touted as the true version? How can that be??

Thank you for some heartfelt answers.

Answer 1

King James Version is the closest to the origional Hebrew & Greek. Unless you can read Hebrew & Greek, that's going to be your best bet.

There are many different versions, but they are all one of the same. NIV is a little easier to read, for example.

Answer 2

Are you asking because you really want to know, or do you want to prove something else? I can't count the many times I've answered this question, but I will give it another shot. The Bible doesn't contradict itself...it's peoples' lack of understanding the Scripture that's contradictory. Only with the indwelling power of the Holy Spirit can one fully understand the Scripture. If someone's just reading it like any other book, it won't make any sense. The reason there's so many different versions is man's attempt at making God's Word easier to read. Every time a new version comes out, more of the power of the Word is lost in modern language. Even though the King James Version isn't the purest form of the Word (since I don't speak Hebrew or Greek), that's the version that I understand and read. And every time I read a verse I've already read, I see something a little differently. That's because I'm at a different place in my life than the last time I read that same verse. And sometimes, I'll finally understand that verse that I was once confused about. It's all about timing. God gives us what we need to know when we need it, and not before. Otherwise, we wouldn't be able to handle the information properly. Sort of like your dad giving you the car keys when you were 5. I've heard from many other Christians that they use some of those different versions. If any of those versions brings you closer to God, and helps you understand His plan for your life, then that's the version to read. I've known whole churches that split over which version to use. It's not worth the hassle arguing over which version is purest, best or most valuable. The bottom line is this...if it brings you into a living relationship with God and helps you see God's plan for your life, then that's the version you stick with. God will show you if that's the one you'll stay with. Trust Him, not man. <*)))><

Answer 3

There are many different versions of the Bible in English because it wasn't originally written in that language! The Old Testament was written in Hebrew and The New Testament in Greek and Aramaic (which is a language no one even speaks anymore.)

All the different versions not in Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic are translations done over the centuries, so of course they're going to reflect the way language was used at the time they were translated.

For example, The King James Bible sounds like Shakespeare because it was translated in the same era. The New International Version was done in the 1970s, so it's a lot more modern.

However, if you compare verses - the MEANING hasn't changed between versions - only the words. The different translations don't contradict , they complement each other.

Answer 4

Dorie,

The Bible was written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. These are the original languages the Bible was dictated (by God) in. Therefore, translation had to be done in order to have our present day English version (as well as other languages). There are now a host of bibles in the english language and you may ask, which is the most accurate or best? The King James (1611) is the best English version. Now you may have problems with some of the words of the KJV but the wonderful thing is you can get a Concordance. This book contains every word in the English Bible and it's location in the Bible. When you want to understand a particular verse or phrase in the verse, you look up each word and it will direct you to the word in the Hebrew lexicon or Greek lexicon from which it is derived. It is meticulous work some times but very worthwhile. Let me also direct you to this website: www.familyradio.com. It will help you with some of your questions.

Answer 5

There are many different Bible translations. The KJV was translated from the Textus Receptus and the others (NIV, NASB, etc) were translated from other texts. If you really want to do some research on the matter, try reading the book New Age Bible Versions or Touch Not the Unclean Thing. They'll explain the differences in the manuscripts used to translate the different Bible versions.

Good luck!

Answer 6

There are too many different versions. Most all say the same thing, with different words. Some do a better job of translating than others.The original Scriptures were not written in English and so many forget. Only one that I am aware of is contradictory to the rest-the NWT - Jehovah's witness's perverted bible.

Answer 7

I have read about 4 versions & I have not seen anything contradictory. At least not in what counts. Sometimes names of places may be different & the paraphrasing of a verse may be different, but the meaning remains the same.I guess that there will always be a translation problem between different books but generally the message & meanings remain the same.

Answer 8

Any version of the bible within itself has contradictory elements. You would be surprised how much of the contents of the bible today are not in the original manuscripts. I think everyone here should get this book "Misquoting Jesus : The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why".

Answer 9

I'm aware of over 50 but I'm certain there could be more. Each religion holds that one or two versions is the "true version" but honestly the true version was most likely lost due to translation issues years and years ago.

Answer 10

Bible versions are made by translation by scholars. Which of these statements is better:

I went to the store yesterday.
To the store I went yesterday.

Depending on what language you translate those statements into will determine the better way to say the statement.

From Hebrew to Greek to old English to more contemporary English to more "reads like you and I would write English" doesn't mean the story is changing.

Answer 11

There are 2 actual versions. The Catholic and the Protestant. The Catholic has 7 more books in the Old testament. The other bibles that you see merely have translation differences but the word of God remains constant and perfect.