Is one version of the Bible inherently "better" than another?

Question

Today there are numerous versions of the Bible: King James Version, New Internataional Version, Revised Standard Edition, etc. I have heard many state that certain omissions/ additions made in different versions alter the Word in deplorable ways. Others state that they all capture the overall message and are, therefore, all worthy editions. Is one version, versus another, a more accurate representation of the original Hebrew manuscripts that originally documented the teachings of Christ?

Answer 1

That's good question, but it is hard to answer. There are strengths and weaknesses to every translation.

The problem is that translating from one language to another is difficult. The Young's literal translation. Is a pretty accurate word for word translation, but it is hard to read.

The New Revised Standard and the American Standard Versions are a little more readable, but still follow the original word order a little more.

The New International is also more readable.

The New Living translation is thought for thought translation and can communicate the bigger idea that scripture was trying to communicate, but can lose some of the actual word play.

I prefer to read several translations and compare them. I then can get a better idea of what the bible was really saying. the ones I mentioned above are my favorite ones to read.

Answer 2

To clarify, if the documents were originally in Hebrew that teach of Christ (which is a growing MINORITY opinion, but growing, so we'll see what comes of it), we don't have any. To be thorough. The Hebrew scriptures do not teach about the life of Jesus, just prophecies concerning Him.

The problem with any translation is that they are imperfect. Some are better than others, and we could argue about what those are, but that's not really your question.
In my opinion, the best thing to do is to keep in mind you're reading a translation, and get a good commentary or six to discuss possible limitations of the English translation of the Bible you're reading.

While I've found comments about limitations in translations quite enlightening, I am yet to find any that show the Bible is not what it purports to be.

But studying the Bible more intently is a great thing for ANYBODY. And if you find something that you think could radically change your mind about pretty much any topic, check it out for a few months before you settle on it. Chances are pretty low that you've got an idea no one thought of before-you probably are just missing an important detail. Or maybe that's just me...happens all the time!


I"m personally partial to the English Standard Version-on the more word-for-word side of the translation scale, but seems to me still pretty easy to read. To each his own, but this is the one I like.


Also, to clarify some things I saw other saying, the King James was translated directly from the original languages with the best manuscripts available at the time. There is a common misconception that it was translated from the Latin Vulgate (making the KJV a translation of a translation), but this is not true.

Someone suggested a Hebrew/Greek interlinear Bible. I would suggest this to anyone willing to delve into the language a bit, but it is not the wonder-cure that it appears to be, unless you're willing to become a gk. and/or hebrew scholar. Even an interlinear is a translation to a degree, since you have to cram one word into one english word, which often doesn't really work so well. It's certainly better than other translation philosophies, but is not the 'wonder-cure.'


Also: The doctrine of infallibility states that the original documents were without error. This leaves plenty of room for error/lack of optimal translations, etc. There being multiple translations has no relation to infallibility.

Also 3: Over time, we've found better and better (generally meaning older and older) documents, not the least of which are the Dead Sea Scrolls. They've almost totally simply confirmed the accuracy of what we had before. For that reason, I disregard most persons who disregard the KJV based on being translated from less than ideal mss. I've posted a good synopsis on what we learned from the Dead Sea Scrolls somewhere...search for it if you really care, I suppose. This post is long enough already...
-Stephen

Answer 3

I am no Biblical scholar, but this much I know, sort of. Some Bibles, such as The King James Version are translations of translations. Others have used the most original, or ancient manuscrpts available to translate from.

Some are meant to be easily readable by the average person, while other translations are more scholarly.

Also, in your question, you asked about the original Hebrew manuscripts documenting the teachings of Christ. Most of the new testament was written in Greek.

Answer 4

I believe that all scripture is GOD given. When a bible is translated, that GOD will make the message known.

I have read parts of the bible translated for readers at a grade 6 level and lower, and I have to admit that it is not for me, but it very well could be the beginner bible that someone else needs, so that they are not turned off by not knowing what a sentence says.

I hope that as they grow in faith, that they will want to read a more detailed version and switch to one.

KJV is very accurate in its own right, although we get mislead by our current words not meaning the same thing now as they did then, so that we must go back to original text and get the meaning that the words had then and not now. It means I need a concordance with me quite a bit, but I have actually begun to enjoy finding out original text and meanings.

Answer 5

I was raised on the King James version which I am told is the closest to the original. My daughter gave me the New International which I love because it reads like a book and therefore is understandable. I have read it cover to cover and love this version. Many ministers also quote from this version. It is a personal preference thing. But I have this version and on tape also which I enjoy listening to when I am on a trip. Study bibles are nice to. Good luck

Answer 6

The newer translations are the better ones. The New American Standard and the English Standard Bible are the best ones going with the New International Version a close third.

Answer 7

The King James Version is translated word for word and that can be difficult to read. It is the most accurate though. I like to read the NIV because it is easy to understand in context. My bible study teacher and pastor used a bible that had all translations in one book so you could see all of them at once. This is helpful while studying but for just reading I say the NIV is easiest to understand, especially for a beginner.

Answer 8

Not Hebrew hon, Greek. The Old Testament was in Hebrew.

Anyway, there is one version I just can't stand to read, but for the life of me I can't remember the name right now! lol sorry about that. Is there a Paraphrased version? Ugh, it's on the tip of my tongue. It's the one that adds in certain words in order to help give a better more modern meaning to the reader.

Somehow that just gets into my craw lol. I hate someone else telling me this is exactly what He "meant" ... I don't care about what someone else thinks, I just want to know what He said!

Answer 9

The King James Version is directly from the TESTUS RECEPTUS that is considered the most correct and pure.

Newer Versions are all from texts found in the Vatican (need I say more) and worked over by Horte and Westcott ((both got big promotions from the RC Church when they finished.

Answer 10

I prefer either the NIV of the living bible just cause for me it's easier to understand but I don't think one is better than any other. I check out some verses by heart if they coincide with what I already know then that's what I get
I pray this helps u
God bless u