Any suggestions on what version of the Bible is best to read and why?

Answer 1

I would recommend two actually. One would be a very modern translation or paraphrase like "The Message", the second would be a more traditional translation like New International Version or New American Standard Version.

The idea is that you read the paraphrase to get the gist of what's going on, then you study the translation, really breaking down each word, phrase, and participle.

The most important thing is to read it on a consistent basis. Don't get caught up in things like "Read the Bible in a Year". Maybe its as simple as a chapter a day, or maybe in just a verse or two you will find something that really speaks to your situation. If you are focused on 'must read passage xx to yy' to make your "read in a year" program you might be going so fast as to miss the small still voice you are looking to hear.

Answer 2

Depending on if you have read the bible before or not. If you have not read the bible before I would suggest The New International Version. If you have read the bible before or after you read that version I would go to the King James Version. The NIV bible is easier to understand when you are first starting.

Answer 3

Wasn't this question asked last week ? Oh well.

I prefer the New King James Version because of it's readability, while remaining faithful to the Authorized King James Version's Textual Content. I have also found the New American Standard Version a good Translation, as well as being easy to read.

Answer 4

I like the King James Version, especially for chapters and verses in Psalms, Proverbs, Romans, etc., because the meaning of the verses just seems deeper and richer somehow. For the parts of the Bible I feel are difficult to understand, I like to read the amplified versions of the Bible - it just seems to explain the text better.

Answer 5

(Terry F) you have it backwards.

"Versions" are translations of a translation.
KJV, means it was mainly translated for the Latin Vulgate. The oldest manuscript that the translators had was from the 8th century.

NIV is another version.

A "Translation" is a bible that goes back to the original languages and starts fresh.

According to
Jason BeDuhn
Associate Professor of Religious Studies, and Chair
Department of Humanities, Arts, and Religion
Northern Arizona University

The New World Translation is one of the most accurate translations of the Greek scriptures available today.

Answer 6

The King James is the best. I realize it is a translation, but the other versions are translations of translations and it's like the rumor game. You tell the first person something and at the end of the line it turns out to be something totally different. Other translations tend to take away the deity of Christ. Check out www.chick.com.

Answer 7

Yes, try this link. It not only has a full copy of the Bible, but it is heavily cross linked to other parts of the Bible. It also points out various things that most religious people don't want you to notice. There are many books that highlight only the good points about the Bible, but this gives the other side, too.

Answer 8

New King Jame's Version, it is the KJV without all the thees and thous, and the KJV was translated by 16 independent individuals (including William Shakespeare).

Answer 9

I like The New Oxford Annotated Bible

It explains many of the verses, very helpful for study

Answer 10

I own most translations, but I prefer the KJV, because despite the archaic language, it is the most accurate translation. My second and third choices are the NKJV and the NIV. Grace and Peace.