What is the difference between a Bible translation and a Bible version? And which do you read?

Answer 1

Good question! All translations are versions, but not all versions are translations.
A "translation" means that a group of scholars has translated the Scriptures from their original Greek and Aramaic languages into some modern language.
Some "versions" are new translations, but others are updates of previous translations, e.g., the New King James Version is really just a King James Version with modernized English. (The original KJV was published in 1611, and the English language has changed a bit since then.)
Still other versions are called "paraphrases," which present the message thought-for-thought, rather than word-for-word or phrase-for-phrase. I personally consider paraphrases dangerously unreliable, but they are more readable, especially for younger readers.
Besides the "translations" and "versions," you can pick from a wide variety of "editions," such as study Bibles, life-application Bibles, and so forth.
I favor the King James, New King James, and New American Standard Bible.
Blessings to you!

Answer 2

Those terms are used a synonyms. When you read the Bible you are reading in translation, unless you're reading it in Greek and Hebrew.

There are two basic methods of translation literal and dynamic equivalence. Literal translation looks for the best word to match the Greek (or Hebrew) and dynamic equivalence tries provide English readers with the same understanding that a Greek reader would have. Both have their merits, dynamic equivalence can be easier to reader, but literal will be more authoritative. The translators preface should explain which method was used.

Some Bibles will also have fewer books than others. These books are known as the Deuterocanonical books. The are all in the Old Testament. At the time of Christ a set of scriptures known as the Septuagint was in use. Sometime after the fall of the Temple Jewish Rabbis faced with messianic profacy that pointed to there time period (and to Jesus) removed any book which did not have a Hebrew orginal.

Christians continued to use the Septuagint until Martin Luther raised questions about using Old Testament books not found in Hebrew. Catholic and Othrodox Bibles continue to include the Deuterocanonical books.

If you are looking for a Catholic edition of the Bible be sure it has a Nihil Obstat (meaning nothing obstructs) and an Imprimatur (let it be printed). These can be found in the front of the book on same page as the copyright.

Answer 3

J said above...

> Frankly, it does not matter what translation or version
> as long as you are able to use techniques that will
> clarify what you are reading.

> For me, I used NIV, and when I confused, I use
> interlinear transaction from the Hebrew or Greek.

> But the key to understanding rest with your effort.
> The more you read, the more you will understand.

I just wanted to say that this was an excellent post. I personally recommend having a variety of translations. I have over 50 english translations, and while I primarily use the New World Translation these days, they truthfully all say about the same thing. Interlinears are extremely helpful if you don't read hebrew or greek.

My personal advise is to find a translation that refers to itself as a "literal" translation, and make a goal of reading it from cover to cover.

Answer 4

part 2 of ? NIV is my favorite because it is accurate and it is what I am familiar with(sentimental value also modern but close to the King James if you like the poetry of the King James)

There is a TNIV which is virtually the same except for occasional human generic gender references(Mankind vs. people)

I also use the biblegateway from the International Bible Society they have 3 full english translations there and a great search engine to look up themes or passages.

In the online NIV translation there you can use the Audio option and listen to the Bible while you Surf! I use it everyday for the psalm of the day and listen to it 2-4 times to really let it soak into my spirit!

Answer 5

My personal belief is that the Christian bible is God's words as spoken by the prophets. These words are presented in an Easter style that interprets itself.

Let me start by telling you what online tools I use: www.biblegateway.com and www.scripture4all.org.

Frankly, it does not matter what translation or version as long as you are able to use techniques that will clarify what you are reading.

For me, I used NIV, and when I confused, I use interlinear transaction from the Hebrew or Greek.

But the key to understanding rest with your effort. The more you read, the more you will understand.

Answer 6

When I'm in a hurry the NRSV.

If I have time or I'm really interested in something in the New Testament I dig through the Greek. But it's a lot of work and my Greek is a tad rusty.

If I'm reading OT poetic books the King James often comes closest to translating the poetic elements. I knew Hebrew at one point in my life but it was too too much work.

Answer 7

Ibeleive that a translation refers to the Launuage and the version referrs to who published, or whom commisioned; sich as the Greek translation of the King James (version) of the Bible.

Answer 8

I read the King James version and I also have a universal Bible.The difference is one speaks in thes and thous and sometime can be hard to understand but the other one transposes the words for a person to under stand.

Answer 9

Translation means it was taken from one language to another.
Version intimates changes in ther story

Answer 10

translation ..deals with the language..the language has changed but not the message.

version.. means who translated it?