Okay, let's say I would like to read the Bible...?

Question

I want to do it on my own because I don't agree with going to church to find Christ. (Besides, I never wake it time for Sunday school) The problem is I can't understand the version I have because of the "lo, thou, thee" confusing old english in it. (If it was written in stanzas, it might be Shakespeare.)

Anyone know any good versions written in plain English that's understandable and trustworthy? I know some cool stuff get lost in the translation from the original Latin (like Dante's Italian Divine Commedia) but I'm not studying the course anytime soon.

How much does it generally cost? Where do you buy them from? A bookstore?

Answer 1

You don't have to buy one. There are plenty on the web.

http://www.biblegateway.com/

http://www.onlinebible.org

Answer 2

Many versions are out there but if you want the King James that has the main theme but in modern language, go with the New King James. Some of the other newer versions get a bit off the track but are very readable. Not real good for understanding what God really wants in some places so the best I would recommend would be the NKJ. Any good bookstore would have them as would Wal Mart, K Mart, anywhere that sells books and the cost will vary depending on what you want in it, as leather covers, etc. You can get a good inexpensive one for around $10 to $20. Check out the link below to get some guides on how to study and you can do actual studies there too if you want. Also has several versions of the bible you can check out as well as concordences and guide on how to read the bible in a year.

Answer 3

Look at a NLT or a NIV or maybe a HCSB. The NLT will be the easiest to read by far. Don't get too hung up on each specific word, as so many do. Concentrate on the thought in the sentence. If you become a serious Bible student, there will be plenty of time later to worry about which translation is closer to the original Greek/Hebrew word for word.
You should be able to find a paperback Bible for less that $10, and a hardback for less that $20. Once you find a translation you want to study-then you can find a good leather bound study Bible in that translation for about $50 or less. The best place to look is in a Christian book store, like-LifeWay, Crossway, or Family Christian Stores. If none available then Barns& Nobel, or Books-A-million. The most popular or common English Bibles in the USA are, from easy to read to mor difficult ::NLT, NIV, ESV, HCSB, NKJV, NASB, KJV. All these are excellent, there are others, but these are by far the best.

Answer 4

we use a few different versions in order to help bring understanding.
The amplified version does a good job of explaining the meanings of words but it is torturous to try to read though. The New King James version leaves out the thee's and thou's that make reading the KJV a little rough. The NIV leaves out some key scriptures but can be useful alongside another version to help with comprehension. The best thing I have done , though is to use the KJV or NKJV with a Strong's concordance to get the original Hebrew meanings of the words you are reading. You can get almost all of these versions as well as commentary, dictionary and concordance online for free at e-sword.net

Answer 5

well, you said TRUSTWORTHY??

NIV, RSV, Good News for Modern Man, and many, many, other translations are based off the inaccurate dead sea scrolls, Alexandrian texts, or Vulgate. ALL OF WHICH are incorrect renderings of the original Greek and Hebrew.

Like you said a lot gets lost in the translation and one day try looking up the real stuff in it's original language, BUT for today....

I would encourage you to put up with the "Thou Shalt"s and just try to get through it. The KJV is the closest English translation to the original Textus Receptus that you will find. And come on... is "thou shalt not kill" really so difficult to understand? If you get hung up on a word or phrase, just ask someone! There's no other way to learn.

I would avoid the corrupted versions just out of principle.
Think of it this way. You could survive on the food you find in a garbage can, but if you have a steaming hot, five course meal on the table in front of you.... why dig through the garbage?

Stick it out, man. It'll be worth it.

Answer 6

Not waking up in time is not a very good reason for not going to church.

However, if that is truly a problem, there are generally Sunday evening services and once during the week at most churches.

If you truly accept Christ as your Savior, the Holy Spirit will work in you to help you understand the Bible in a way that is not possible otherwise. Keep in mind, though, that the Bible does tell us to be active in our local church.

Answer 7

Instead of just getting a version of the scriptures in a more modern sort of translation, why not invest money in a good Bible commentary set instead? I like W. Cleon Skousen's set. I am sort of alternating between his "The Fourth Thousand Years" and "The Third Thousand Years" off and on in addition to reading some other books as well. You can check out Deseret Book or Seagull Book and Tape on line for that.

Answer 8

Find a good Christian bookstore in your area. You need a study bible in either an NIV or Living Bible translation. (Easiest translatios to understand.) You can also buy them on amazon.
If you are looking for a text that stays pretty close to the original but without the Thees and Thous, try the NKJV.

Answer 9

Well, there is not one stopping you reading the bible but I would suggest reading only the new testaments.

The old testaments being the first of the two is not a good introduction, too violent and contradicts the preachings of your good brethrens.

Then again, I wish the new testaments could be writtne short, sharp and straight to the point, too many repetitions and too much round the mulberry bush, you may get bored and out of focus soon.

dosne't cost much to get a bible, there are big ones and small pockets ones and most time you get a free one from someone recuriting you to join another church.

Answer 10

first of all i really think you should go to churhc sometimes, God would be please, it's not enough to just read the bible, but u gotta, get some teaching, and praise and worship god too, it's actually what we were put on this earth for, to praise and worship him. But um their's a bible called the today bible, there's the New king james versions, there's all sorts of lamen term bibles, you could go to a bookstore called Lifeway, they might even be able to help you find a bible that's good, i dont know about the cost, though, well anyways hope i somewhat helped and i hope u think about what i said.

Answer 11

The NIV, the New LIfe Translation, the Amplified, the Message (that is super plain English)
You can buy them anywhere from $10 and up.