Why does the bible have several different versions? Why is the wording different?

Answer 1

The translations vary on level of paraphasing. A paraphrase is "A restatement of a text or passage in another form or other words, often to clarify meaning." So, Bibles like "The Message" or the "New Living Translation" are VERY paraphrased Bibles. The "New International Version" (or NIV) bible is about halfway between paraphrase and literal translation. It is a very good Bible for first-time Bible readers. The two Bibles that are closest to the most literal translations of the original Bible texts are the "New American Standard Bible" (NASB, the one I use) and the "King James Version" (KJV).

Also, there are books that are translated to fit certain sects, like say, the Jehovah's Witnesses. Their translation, the "New World Translation" basically gets rid of every reference that says that Jesus is God. These translations are not true to the original text at all.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

Because people just aren't satisfied with the other versions and always want to have their own translation. The King James is the original English translation. The ones I use most often are King James, New International, and The Living Bible. When I come upon a verse that could mean something very important, I look into as many versions as I can find.

Using a free Bible program called eSword, I can look at many versions of the same verse at once. I've found, though, that there really isn't much difference between the translations on most verses. They use different wording but the words mean the same things. Some people get really offended about Bible versions, but maybe it's just because they interpret the words differently? Because I've never found a verse that meant something entirely different in different translations.......and I've been very careful about that.

Answer 3

There are two main types of translations. The first type is a "word for word" translation. The translators did their best to pick equivalent words in English that would still carry the meaning of the original Greek or Hebrew words. Sometimes an original word is translated into different English words because of the context in which it is used and because the translators are using synonyms in the English language and they have several choices to pick from.

The second type of translation is an "equivalent" translation where the people who were doing the work did their best to convey the meaning of the passage without restricting themselves to using every actual word that was placed in the original text. For instance they might have changed the names of units of measure into feet and inches or distance into miles or things like that so that a modern reader could understand better what information the original author was trying to convey.

You can download the free e-Sword software from the Free Stuff page @ http://web.express56.com/~bromar/ if you want to learn more. It comes standard with the KJV Bible with Strong's numbers. Stong's numbers are numbers that are assigned to the original words so that when you read a passage, even though the English word used might be different in different parts of the Bible you have a reference to see what the original word was. Just run your mouse pointer over the number and a pop up box with show you the original word and definition. You can also download many other helpful additions for free from the e-Sword site.

Answer 4

The earliest biblical manuscripts basically have but one version. This version coincides with other later written manuscripts. It is then accepted as the actual version. Thy can be translated into multiple languages different ways.

Then, our understanding of the history and language of ancient times makes some translations better than other. It makes the bible more and more easy to understand (in English say) in historical context and lessens the need for a commentary.

Other translations have been made either purposefully to deceive (since around The 4th century), or out of ignorance.

The new "scientific bible" by the Catholic Church is available on line here:

http://www.usccb.org/nab/bible/

Unfortunately, you can't get the Oxford bible on line (it's the college English course textbook kind).

In case you were wondering, some Christians (many Catholic) believe that the NAB goes too far, however. Whatever, its more historically accurate, even if its not more beautiful (KJV), and it doesn't "pull its punches" (Douay-Rheims).

Answer 5

The origional bible was written in Hebrew and Greek and copied by scribes who would count each word for accuracy....The 1st English Version is KJV from the 16th Century that many people today prefer to stick with even though it is written in Old Shakespear type English. They say it is more poetic. There are many versions in English for every reading level. There are only a small handful of conservative versions that most people use in English to quote from and study. They all point to Jesus as the Savior. There are way too many and some are so similar I have no idea why they make them. here is a website so you can see different versions of the bible. www.biblegateway.com including different languages.

Answer 6

King James version is the version that has withstood time, and assumed the most accuracy. From what I understand, most other translations have come about so that different types of people, different age groups and such. The vocabulary and language of the KJV can be hard to understand some times, so other versions, New Message, New King James, New International, have come about so that normal folks like me could understand without having steam come out our ears.

Answer 7

Because the Bible was not written in English, It was mainly written in Hebrew and Aramaic, so it needs to be translated.
Each time a different person translates it you get a new version.
Some people translate word for word. This means they keep it very close to the original.
Some people translate thought for thought. This means they decide what the original meant then they put this thought into English.

Answer 8

The Bible was translated several different times by different people.

Answer 9

the Bible was originally written in Greek/Hebrew. different corporations have translated it into English. the wording may be a little different, but it SHOULD all mean the same thing. if two versions contradict (which they normally don't), then one has to go back to the original Greek to get the truth. but basically, same meaning, a little different wording.

Answer 10

because some translations are easier to read than others. many Bible scholars have several. The King James version while beautifly poetic tends to confuse readers with verb tenses and pronouns and a few verbs that aren't in general use anymore, other versions use more current verb tenses, pronouns and less obscure words.