KJV or NIV?

Question

I posted a question earlier about where I could get a free NIV bible. What are the biggest differences in the two? I just thought the NIV would be easier for a beginner to read. What are your thoughts?

Answer 1

NIV is much easier to understand but if you are looking for a true word for word translation you have to go with KJV, did u know shakespeare (however you spell his name) helped translate proverbs and psalms, anyway KJV is a word for word translatoin and they took into account the some hebrew words have multiple meanings (like @$$ donkey or butt) and it is a true translation that was for the people of the time, NIV skipts verses and leaves out some parts that the people of the time thought to be blasmephous because they didnt understand the proper translation as a whole the NIV is only about 5% corupted so for a new christian it probably wont hurt their growth as a christian but if you are seeking truthe and trying to study the text indepth definatly go with the KJV

Answer 2

The KJV is based on manuscrpits which agree with 98% of the writings found. The NIV agrees with the Alexandrian manuscriopts. There are a few verses missing in the NIV version and some other differences which could be of concern to some.

The best Bible I ever found was the Nelson KJV Study Bible. It has commentary, maps, dictionary...everything a $200 would have for 1/10 the price (you can get it at Wal-mart).

If you want the modern language of the NIV and all the words of the KJV, buy a Third Mellinium Bible.

Answer 3

They're both good, the NIV is better if you have a hard time with Old English. Some people for God knows what reason, think the KJV is the "Inspired Word" as if it was the first copy. It isnt. it has some errors in it as well but anything you need to know can be found in either. Just read the one you find easier to understand and dont let the KJV ONLY pushers make us sound like the Muslims

Answer 4

If your are making the choice between KJV or NIV , NIV is much easier and far closer to the original texts. If you are ok with reading the bible online then I recommend two web sites.

www.biblegateway.com
www.blueletterbible.com

Both give you the option on multiple translations.

Translations of the bible tend to be a personal choice. It is which ever is easier for you to understand the character and nature of God.

The KJV was compiled during the reign of King James hence the title King James Version. The New International Version generally update's their texts every ten or so years giving you the benifit of study guide and historical and traditional information. The KJV has a far older perspective and gives little insite into the cuture of the writers or the effect on todays culture.

Answer 5

I am a translator with almost 25 years experience reading the Greek New Testament. The kjv is terrible. It has MANY DELIBERATE MISTRANSLATIONS. All the main modern translations are about the same. Search for one you can easily read and go with it.

Lies debunked:
The "removed" verses are verses that WERE NOT IN THE ORIGINAL! You don't want a Bible that contains them.

The kjv is not an original anything. There were a hand full of English translations before it. It is DEFINITELY NOT INSPIRED! WITH ALL THE VERSES ADDED TO THE ORIGINAL AND BIASED TRANSLATIONS.

The kjv is NOT a second grade reading level. It is beyond the reading capability of many current high school grads. Most realistic studies put it 11th to 13th grade level. Try the NIrV - New International Readers' Version, at 2.9 grade level if you want easy to read.

Literal: NO Bible available is a truly literal translation. Even most theologians would have great difficulty understanding a LITERAL translation. Only those of us fluent in the original languages would stand much of a chance... Example: What does the Bible mean when it speaks of "God's nose getting hot?" Anyone know without searching it?

It is not valid to claim accuracy or inaccuracy of any translation based on its similarity or lack thereof to another translation. The only meaningful comparison is to the original language. on that one the kjv fails and NIV wins hands down.

Answer 6

The NIV is easier to read and understand. But I prefer the KJV because of the beautiful language and images!!
I think it's worth the extra time to read and understand!!

Answer 7

The KJV is the truest translation of the earliest manuscript copies. The NIV, along with other "modern" translations, have removed and changed verses. For example, here is the KJV version of Is. 14:!2 -15:

Isa 14:12 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!
Isa 14:13 For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north:
Isa 14:14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
Isa 14:15 Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit.

Now look at your NIV, does it say "Lucifer" or Morning star? Does it say "Hell" or the grave? Big difference. That is just one of many verses changed or dropped by the NIV. I would never read nor study an NIV version.

Answer 8

The KJV is a formal equivalence translation, and the NIV is a dynamic equivalence translation. The difference between formal and dynamic equivalence is that formal equivalence is more word-for-word translation of the original languages into English; whereas, dynamic equivalence is more thought-for-thought translation of the original languages into English (not quite a paraphrase, but not as literal). If you are looking for a formal equivalence translation, but without the thees and thous, try the NASB (New American Standard Bible).

Answer 9

I believe that the KJV is the best translation to read, because it is closest to the actual translation of the Word. However--if you think you will actually read the NIV version--go for it! Get in to the Word, and then you can study out of the KJV.

I'll be praying for you!
Kas

Answer 10

NIV is easier (some say)

KJV is BY FAR the most accurate.
BUT-- you have to learn 30 words now out of use.