2006-10-11 12:39:03 · 11 answers · asked by jiggliemon 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
There is no sound basis for any Christian to believe that the King James Version or any other translation is the exclusive version of the Bible’s Author. Since the Bible was written originally in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek, translation into today’s languages is necessary. Thus we have seen in the past few years many modern translations of the Bible.
But what of the King James translation, the Bible most English-speaking people use? This version was published in 1611. That was over three hundred years ago. For the people of that time that version’s language was modern and up to date. But language changes. As a result readers of the Authorized Version today often fail to understand what they read; all too frequently they misunderstand God’s thoughts. Do you know how serious this is?
LANGUAGE CHANGES BECLOUD UNDERSTANDING:
Since King James’ day hundreds of English words have changed in meaning or have taken on new meanings. These words, when read in the Authorized Version, usually becloud the modern reader’s understanding, though the reader of three hundred years ago readily understood them the right way. How befogging are language changes to understanding? A few examples will prove enlightening.
For exmple:Today, the word “conversation” means an exchange of thoughts by talking. So modern readers may think they understand the apostle Paul’s counsel to Christian wives as the King James Version renders it: “Ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; while they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear.” Now what does this mean? Does it mean that conversation, as we understand it, is the principal means by which a Christian wife can win over an unbelieving husband? And must a Christian wife fear her husband?
Now where can we go for enlightenment? We think we know what the word “conversation” and the word “fear” mean so we may accept a wrong understanding. How so? Because the word “conversation” meant something different three hundred years ago. But now if we go to a modern translation of the Bible, such as the New World Translation, we get the right understanding: “You wives, be in subjection to your own husbands, in order that, if any are not obedient to the word, they may be won without a word through the conduct of their wives, because of having been eyewitnesses of your chaste conduct together with deep respect.”—1 Pet. 3:1, 2.
What a difference! It is principally a wife’s right conduct that may win over an unbelieving husband, and it is not fear but deep respect that a Christian wife should show toward her husband. A modern translation has dispelled the fog created by language change, and the sun of understanding has beamed on our mind.
Understanding God’s Word is the thing of supreme importance. Long usage, familiarity with certain passages, sentimentality and musical language—these ought not, in the judgment of any thinking Christian, overshadow clearness of meaning. Truth or error, clarity or obscurity, understanding or misunderstanding—these are the considerations. Which will it be for you? God commands: “Get understanding.”—Prov. 4:7.
So if you have been using only the King James Version of the Bible, take steps to obtain a translation that will bring God’s thoughts to you in the most understandable form. Investigate the New World Translation. Allow Jehovah’s witnesses to show it to you, which they will be glad to do. Above all, make progress toward a goal all Christians must reach: Read the Bible to understand it!
2006-10-11 12:52:25 · answer #1 · answered by jvitne 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Neither. The Jerusalem Bible as translated by Tolkein.
really good stuff there. One of the few existing bibles today that left all the Hebrew names for God as they were rather than white washing them all to either a) God or b) Lord.
They were the first to update from the findings at the Dead Sea. The oldest known Isaiah scroll and the like.
2006-10-11 19:48:50 · answer #2 · answered by Max Marie, OFS 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The KJV was a compromised agreement on what the bible should contain. Who does King James think he is.
2006-10-11 19:45:36 · answer #3 · answered by jedi1josh 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
King James Bible
without a doubt
2006-10-11 19:43:24 · answer #4 · answered by Rabbit 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
The New World Translation was a translation for it to fit the beliefs of Jehovah Witness's. For example, in John 1:1 where it says the Word was God, that had been changed to read, the Word was a god.
That had to be changed since JW's teach that Jesus was the Archangel Michael and was not God.
2006-10-11 19:52:39 · answer #5 · answered by parepidemos_00 3 · 1⤊ 2⤋
KJV definately
2006-10-11 19:41:38 · answer #6 · answered by Erin 1 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Which was first?
Why would the truth need to be changed?
This world is not new, so why do we need a "new world" translation?
We are an intelligent enough being to understand that thee and thou is you. We don't force the poet to change the poetry...we learn what the poet intended.
*sigh*
"If the things that are simple that are made difficult instead remained simple, there would be no difficulty." --Concerned Mom
Peace.
2006-10-11 19:45:02 · answer #7 · answered by ConcernedMom 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Seeing that I am not a JW and am a Christian I would choose the King James Version of the Bible!
2006-10-11 19:42:51 · answer #8 · answered by zoril 7 · 1⤊ 3⤋
most definatly KJV!!
2006-10-11 19:44:13 · answer #9 · answered by Bonchita 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
well, what for? just for personal enjoyment? for accuracy? for imagery or something like that?
2006-10-11 19:42:42 · answer #10 · answered by ceol3531 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋