Which versions of bible is more recommended?

Question

I'm a new christians and i had 2 versions of bibles. King James and new international. Which is more recommended?

Answer 1

It depends on what you are wanting. The KJV has far prettier language, but it can be a lot more difficult to understand. The NIV is, in my opinion, a superior translation for study and reference--it is written in plain, modern English. Keep both, and look things up in both--you shouldn't be afraid to compare them.

Answer 2

The question should be which is more accurate?

the New World Translation “is one of the most accurate English translations of the New Testament currently available” and “the most accurate of the translations compared

Please read:

Old Testament:
In fact, the New World Translation is a scholarly work. In 1989, Professor Benjamin Kedar of Israel said:
"In my linguistic research in connection with the Hebrew Bible and translation, I often refer to the English edition as what is known as the New World Translation. In doing so, I find my feeling repeatedly confirmed that this kind of work reflects an honest endeavor to achieve an understanding of the text that is as accurate as possible. Giving evidence of a broad command of the original language, it renders the original words into a second language understandably without deviating unnecessarily from the specific structure of the Hebrew....Every statement of language allows for a certain latitude in interpreting or translating. So the linguistic solution in any given case may be open to debate. But I have never discovered in the New World Translation any biased intent to read something into the text that it does not contain."

New Testament:

While critical of some of its translation choices, BeDuhn called the New World Translation a “remarkably good” translation, “better by far” and “consistently better” than some of the others considered. Overall, concluded BeDuhn, the New World Translation “is one of the most accurate English translations of the New Testament currently available” and “the most accurate of the translations compared.”—Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament.

“Here at last is a comprehensive comparison of nine major translations of the Bible:

King James Version,
New American Standard Bible,
New International Version,
New Revised Standard Version,
New American Bible,
Amplified Bible,
Today's English Version (Good News Bible),
Living Bible,
and the New World Translation.

The book provides a general introduction to the history and methods of Bible translation, and gives background on each of these versions. Then it compares them on key passages of the New Testament to determine their accuracy and identify their bias. Passages looked at include:

John 1:1; John 8:58; Philippians 2:5-11; Colossians 1:15-20; Titus 2:13; Hebrews 1:8; 2 Peter 1:1


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

Answer 3

The NIV will be much easier to read. The KJV, as wonderful as it may be, is just too outdated for today's language. I would also recommend a NLT (2004) to help with more difficult passages. I use these two far more than any other versions. Two other good versions are the HCSB, and NASB (updated) if you want to get closer to "word-for-word". However the NIV and the NLT will do you real good.


EDIT: p.s. don't believe all that garbage about the KJV being the only version God wanted us to have. I studied that problem in a Baptist University-its all baloney. The NIV is a great version.

Answer 4

The New International Version is easy to read an a translation. King James is more poetic. Neither one is more accurate than the other, just language changes. Choose the one you understand most. Or read both, seeing it said two or more different ways can be very enlightening.

Answer 5

I have both, but I must say that the New International version is easier for me to read because it has modern day explanations at the bottom of each page.

(I also would like to recommend you get a daily devotional Bible....which can be very helpful)

Answer 6

It's personal prefrence. Whichever you find more helpful, use. It may be better to find a study Bible or Woman's Bible, or one that can relate Biblical principles to your life. Check out a Christian bookstore (or go to Borders or B&N, whatever is available), and look through all the Bibles until you find one that fits you. The message is the same, it's just the topics they pull out that are different.

Answer 7

I use the KJV and the Interlinear translation by Green. I will not use any other, not because I am prejudiced but because they have been translated upon themes which change the out come of ones study.

Answer 8

That one is simple.
The KJ BIBLE.
"IF" you want to be deceived all the other bible do this sadly.
Your NIV prob does not even have the word of God or the trinity in it........that is: it took out LUKE 4:4 (BUT BY EVERY WORD OF GOD )
AND 1 JOHN 5:7 TRINITY. 3-FATHER,WORD,HOLY GHOST.

I GARAUNTEE THIS WAS NOT AN "ACCIDENT"
CHECK OUT:http://bookshop.biblebelievers.com/category_s/36.htm

Answer 9

Ask your self this ravynmin.

How can their be versions of the truth.

Love and blessings
don

Answer 10

I read both...