Why are there so many different bibles? If it´s re-written all the time, how can it be credible still?

Answer 1

there are much better sources of GODS word,the bible is the history of the jewish linage. seek and you will find,knock and it will be opened unto you. see on web, "Swami Muktananda Paramahamsa" , and www.stephen-knapps.com/articles_to_read.htm.

Answer 2

The basic text and meaning of the Bible has been successfully preserved throughout the ages, and many ancient editions of the Bible still exist throughout the world.

Anyone who wants to check a new translation against the old can easily do so.

My favorite Bible was originally translated from many of the ancient scrolls and papyrus fragments available back in the 4th century, and was updated to English in the 16th century.

It still holds up pretty well today, don't you think?

John 1:1-5 In the beginning was the Word: and the Word was with God: and the Word was God.
The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. In him was life: and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness: and the darkness did not comprehend it.

Credibility is not an issue for those who take the time to develop solid biblical resources and study tools.

Answer 3

The Bible is translated from manuscripts, in the case of the New Testament, greek manuscripts, dating back to the first, second and third centuries. A lot of serious scientific investigaiton has gone into the examination of those manuscripts, so we have every reason to believe they are trustworthy.
What we have today are different translations of the Bible. They all agree with eachother in essence. They are translated in different languages, but also to different forms of English. The English spoken four centuries ago has changed a lot today, thus the need for modern translations.
Some people have their preferred translations, and some go as far as thinking their translaiton is the only faithful one - like the answerer who told you to read the King James version only. - I'm afraid you would find that translation hard to read, as it dates back to the 1600's. What I suggest is you take a more modern translation, and since paperback Bibles can now be bought cheaply, you might wish to buy two or three different translations. As you compare them, you fwill find they say basically the same thing. Perhaps one translation has a better handle on the meaning of a certain expression than another translation has. That is another advantage of comparing translations, for a serious Bible student. However if you only have one translation, you cannot go wrong either.
Certain sects have their own particular translation (I am thinking of one at least) that they produced themselves without reference to scholars across denominational lines. The purpose of such translations is to push the doctrines of that sect, and often in such cases the translation is far from honest. So if you find a translation produced by a sect, don't trust it.
In general, modern Protestant and Catholic translations of the Bible have had input from, and been carefully examined by, scholars from a number of different belief systems, which makes them pretty solid.

Answer 4

There are so many Bibles today because one person figures he can do a different and better job at translating. It is credible still because most of the Bibles go back and look at the original languages and do a translation of the original.
If you want something to read on this topic, get "An Understandable History of the Bible" by Sam Gipp.

Answer 5

Christians will insist that it was not rewritten but merely translated. Then you begin to wonder why certain chapters are missing altogether in certain versions while included in others.

trans·la·tion
Pronunciation: tran(t)s-'lA-sh&n, tranz-
Function: noun
1 : an act, process, or instance of translating : as a : a rendering from one language into another; also : the product of such a rendering b : a change to a different substance, form, or appearance

In the case of the bible, Its clear by definition that we are NOT looking at a translation at work. It becomes in laymans term a work authored by men where those that are useful to the cause are included while those that may state contradiction to the religion is removed.

If Jesus himself compiled a book and then present it to his people and said, read this and stick by its teachings, I am inclined to be more of a believer. But the bible we have today are works by John, Luke, Mark and the likes. NOT Jesus.

Its for this reason that I regard all quotes and stories in the bible with a pinch of salt. Not to be taken too seriously.

Answer 6

I've wondered the same thing. It seems that since the Bible was written each ruler at the time changed it to suit his/her beliefs. My question then is, is the Bible the word of God or the word of man? It reminds me of that game Telephone where you get in a line of people and someone says a word or phrase and then it's passed down the line to the end. By the time it gets to the last person it is often nothing like what the word or phrase started out. It seems after 2000 years the word of God has been changed so much it doesn't even come close to what He said.

Answer 7

The King James is the most accurate english translation. if you studt theology you will need a understanding of greek and hebrew to fully pickup degrees of word meanings. There are several translations today that are not true translations but simply parapharsing the word of God which is warned about in

Revelation 22:19
And if any man shall take away from the words of the book of this prophecy, God shall take away his part out of the book of life, and out of the holy city, and from the things which are written in this book.

Answer 8

It's not re-written. It's re-translated from the same source texts.

That said, the source texts had definitely gone through some crazy layers of translation before they hit English...

Answer 9

Different translations from different sources.

Some bibles also contains letters between religious leaders, etc.

At the end of the day it's just a story book.

Answer 10

I dont believe the bible was ever credible, the original bibles were copies of other stories from other religions, edited to say God and Jesus where it originally had the names of Isis, DIonysius, Odin, Ea, etc. the different bibles are because people like to nit pick semantics, like one bible says thou shall not murder and another says thou shall not kill. People think there is a difference, theyre just different words with the same meaning.

Answer 11

So bibles especially the NIV , the translation are pretty bad. Get the James King version instead.