I was at Border's Bookstore the other week and I was looking at the bibles. There are so many! I don't have one and would like one so that I can try to understand it better, but which one? There was literally 3 shelves full of different versions. Which one is the best one in your opinion?
2006-08-30 17:17:34 · 25 answers · asked by Spookshow Baby 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
x_ducati: Well, leave me a comment then! ; )
2006-08-30 17:25:18 · update #1
It looks like NIV is almost unanimous including myself.
I think New International Version, The King James, The New King James,The Amplified Bible, The Living Bible, are all acceptable.
I have different Bibles. There are lots of factors in choosing Bibles. The King James version is probably the most popular translation, but it has "thees" and "thous", making it difficult to read. But sometimes I prefer that version, because it makes me read slower and try to really digest what I'm reading.
On the opposite end of the spectrum are paraphrase Bibles, that re-phrase the sentences entirely to make it easier to read, and understand, and more eloquent.
The Living Bible is one of them.
Those versions also are valid, because straight Hebrew to English or Greek to English leaves out important meaning. Another really good translation is the Amplified Bible, which is a direct translation, but puts more meaning in parenthesis.
More recently a New Testament was released that resembles a book, and is written from a totally modern perspective.
It's called The Message.
I think the writing style distracts from the true meaning, but it might be a good way to get started reading the Bible without getting frustrated. So training wheels - The Message. Serious study, The Amplified. More inspirational The King James Version.
Happy medium would be the New International Version, which is the version that I read the most. It's a direct translation in modern English.
If you want to take the Bible for a test drive try this link. I'm not sure what the World Bible is, but it seems like a good modern English translation. Some people insist that the King James version is the only version you should read. I'm not that skeptical of other translations but there are some really faulty translations that i haven't listed - avoid them.. Whatever works. The original Greek/Hebrew is the only way to really tell the true meaning.
2006-08-30 17:29:29 · answer #1 · answered by The Bible (gives Hope) 6 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I AM a translator and have been using Greek New Testament almost 25 years now. There are many considerations...
Your age? - That tells me what English you studied in school. It has changed quite a bit over the last 20 odd years. Recently, you would have been taught "gender neutral" language and might be more comfortable with a Bible translated in a more "inclusive" style.
What do you want the Bible to do? - If it is only going to sit on a shelf, buy something that looks good. If you will use it every day, find a more durable binding...
When I was in college at a Christian school, I worked for a Bible dealer when he would come to campus to set up displays for various events. Contact me via my mail link and I'll try and give you some direction.
Oh, there are MUCH cheaper places to get "nicer" bibles than the average bookstore. http://www.christianbook.com/ should be a good source. They have been around since I was in seminary and have good pricing.
2006-08-31 03:42:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
The NASB New American Standard Bible or NIV New International Version are the easiest to understand. Though The King James or the New King James are also good translations we don't speak that way today here in America. Please Stay away from a Paraphrase or one with the Apocrypha. Just the Bible with the sixty six books in it. When you get it start off by reading Johns Gospel in the New Testament. This is a great place to start.
2006-08-31 00:27:27 · answer #3 · answered by tan t 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The only Bible I use is the King James version...It was translated directly from the Greek and Hebrew into English...It is written in Old English, but I am so used to that that I don't even notice.
I don't like the other translations because they translate the Bible into words that the translator believes to be more appropriate than some of the original words.
2006-08-31 05:14:37 · answer #4 · answered by Denise W 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Most modern Bibles are translated one of two ways: word for word translation (New King James Version) and phrase for phrase translation (New International Version)... There are many others that do a little bit of both, but in my opinion New King James Version and New International Version are good places to start...
Given that you've stated that you don't have one yet, I'd start with the New International Version first... I personally started with it at 10 and have used it without problems at that age...
2006-08-31 00:27:46 · answer #5 · answered by Shepherd 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I'd like to say King James Version, but it's a bit hard on the eyes if you don't get Shakespearean English.
New King James is closer than anything else, & easier to comprehend. New International Version's a good place to start.
Steer clear of the New World Translation (Jehovah's Witnesses), as it's rewritten to make their sect look more appealing.
The Catholic Bible includes several books that are of questionable source, & are not included in Protestant Bibles.
You could go all out & learn Hebrew, Greek, & Aramaic.
Pray before purchase.
2006-08-31 00:26:15 · answer #6 · answered by azar_and_bath 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The Jerusalem Study Bible and the African Study Bibles are very good. No offense meant, but you would need to understand many of the Hebrew customs--that would help. For example: there was a very small gate called "Needle's eye." "Eating the Forbidden Fruit" is a euphemistic term for having unlawful sex.
Since after 70 C.E. most of the original Hebrew survivors fled to Ethiopia, Asia Minor and other parts of Africa--those versions are the most comprehensive. That said--the modern American versions try to see things based on their understanding. No-one can explain God better than how He instructed His prophets. It is written: To the Jews were committed the Oracles of God. Also get a concordance or Bible dictionary.
Boaz.
2006-08-31 00:31:17 · answer #7 · answered by Boaz 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
NIV is the best as far as easiest language, avoid the King James Version unless you like the thees and the thous. The best Bibles are the study bibles, Bible a day, women's bible or men's bible and ones along those lines because lessons are included in the text and it's really good for personal reading.
2006-08-31 00:22:24 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
The one I like best is the New World Translation published by Jehovah's Witnesses. You can get one for free (or by making a modest donation) from your local Kingdom Hall or any Jehovah's Witness. If you insist on buying one, I like the American Standard. I do not like the New American Standard as it has been changed considerably. The New International is ok but really any translation (not version) will lead you to God and to the truth if your heart condition is right and you really search and pray for understanding.
2006-08-31 02:59:36 · answer #9 · answered by Sparkle1 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My favorite is the Quest Study Bible in NIV. It has questions and answers about the text you are reading in the margins, it's almost like the translators knew what questions were going to pop up in your head...they answer them plainly and very well. It's also in more modern English than the King James, which I find a little difficult to understand. At the beginning of each book in the bible, it says who wrote it, why, to whom it was written, when, and the main theme of the book.
2006-08-31 00:23:29 · answer #10 · answered by christian_lady_2001 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋