Is The Living Bible a reliable version/translation?

Answer 1

The Living Bible is not a translation, but rather a paraphrase, and is therefore only as accurate as the understanding of those who paraphrased it. However, it is very easy to read and understand, and if something seems not quite right, just grab an actual translation and compare.

Answer 2

The New Living Translation is great. I used it as a Bible to read through as I was majoring in Biblical Studies. If you are doing word studies or detailed examinations of verses, it isn't the best for that purpose. It is a translation that focuses on thoughts of the original author, not the word for word (like the KJV). I enjoy reading it and have it on my nightstand, still. But an NIV or NKJV would be good for other uses as well.

This is a link to the scholars who translated the NLT. It is most reliable.

Answer 3

It is OK. Actually, I hear that the old translations like the King James version are more inaccurate than the newer translations due to documents like the dead sea scrolls and other findings during the 1900s that made it easier to decipher the old languages. I suggest the New International Version for the most accurate and readable translation possible. It simply was not possible to provide the accuracy you see in today's bible in King James' day.

So stay away from KJV and consider the NIV rather than the Living Bible.

Answer 4

Yes, it is paraphrased Bible that is based on the NIV (New International Version) which is pretty popular among the churches. Actually the NEW Living is available now and is a better version. The New Living is great for new believers or unbelievers that speaks a very simple vernacular that people can relate to and understand.

Answer 5

no.

besides learning the original language of the Bible you should use the King james version which is the closest in translation.

I know the newer versions are tempting but it is a sin to change the Bible. "God said to never add or take away from his word"
and the newer version goes beyond translation and simplify to the point of completely changing the message.

Answer 6

No. It is a paraphrase of the King James Version. The author didn't even speak Greek or Hebrew, the original languages of the Bible, so you're basically getting someone else's retelling of bible stories without even looking at the original texts.

There are more readable translations of the bible (Revised standard version, New English BIble, etc.), but the Living Bible doesn't stand up under close scrutiny.

Answer 7

reliable for what,

it like all of them have the problem that too many people today do not have any idea about what the things in the bible is talking about, mill stones, planting and harvesting, they don't take time and study

It is a good reading bible, but for study you need several versions, a hewbrew greek dictionary and translation and alot of time to do real research

Answer 8

I'm not familiar with any of the hundreds of different bibles around! The way to know if it's reliable is if a TV preacher says so (yeah right) But there are people who swear that theirs is the ONLY reliably translation! (yeah right)

http://www.willyblues.com/

Answer 9

to get as close to the original language and tranlation from Greek, Hebrew and Arimaic, the best translation as many scholars would direct you to is the New Revised Standard Version. Many lay people think that it is the KJV, but dont accept that it is a poorly done translation and remeber that it was originally done in the 1790.

Answer 10

No. The Living Bible is a perversion not a version. The KJV HOLY BIBLE is the promise of PSALM 12:6-7.