How many versions of the bible is there - and which is best?

Answer 1

there are over a hundred different versions of the bible, all claiming to be the "word of God" -- that alone should tell you how ridiculous it is.

people need to get an education!

go ahead, xians! give me all your thumbs down, like a bunch of whiney little kids!!!

Answer 2

There are hundreds, maybe even thousands of different translations, but most aren't commercially successful.
I prefer the latest translation of the Good News Bible (the second edition - it's one of the few English translations available in China, but it is very good). Basically any translation (except the New World Translation listed above) will do. I'd try and get a modern language version to start with because it is easier to understand.
Another good modern translation is the latest version of the New Living Bible. Some people like the King James Bible because it has a grace and finess which none of the others do, and sometimes you can pick up points which are blurred in the modern translations, but the opposite is also true, you'd probably find more points you understand with a modern translation than with the King James.
Don't use the New Word Translation or the Readers Digest Condensed Version. The Holy Spirit is the author of the Bible, not man.
Some versions have maps and stuff like that in them, but I don't know if they are really any help though.

Answer 3

Assuming you mean english versions, seven or maybe more.

The best without a doubt is the Authorized Version of the King James Bible. Because it has a tool called the Strong's Exhaustive Concordance of the Bible. This helps the student check out words in the Hebrew and Greek definitions for in depth meanings.

This Bible and Concordance are not perfect but have stood the test of time and are invaluable to the student of God's Word.

Answer 4

It's impossible to answer that question correctly. There are many versions of the Bible that we no longer have any record of. Furthermore in the time before the printing press each copy of the Bible was hand-written. Depending on how you define "version" one could make a claim that any one copied by a certain individual is a version unto itself. Of course, in it's many transcriptions some of the language has been changed over the years which in my book would warrant the term "version" for each one.

Answer 5

There are many translations of the Bible. They are there to help you better understand the Word of God. The best translation is the one that fits your understanding. Whatever language you speak find the best one that helps you get a better understanding of the Word. I use the New International Version (Student Study Bible). It's clear to me.

Answer 6

There is only one version of Bible (or two if you count the Apocrypha). The original is Greek and Hebrew. There are many translation. The best is the one you can understand most easily. Do you need a Zulu, Turkish, or Dutch translation? Just try any modern English translation at your local book store.

Answer 7

There are many versions and new versions comes out every year. The best bible and the only one that I trust is "The Reina-Valera"

Answer 8

Too many to count.

The best version is likely the original which you may be very hard pressed to find.

Answer 9

There are lots. People rate them based on different criteria. Personally, I believe that accuracy and consistency in translation is most important, which makes me lean toward the ESV. Some say the KJV since it is the original english language translation.

Answer 10

Don't know how many.

I like the NIV for daily reading, but for studying verses like to read in as many versions as possible.

I like these sites:
http://bible.crosswalk.com/
http://www.biblegateway.com/keyword/
http://www.hti.umich.edu/r/rsv/browse.html
http://www.hti.umich.edu/k/kjv/browse.html

Answer 11

Usually the oldest is best.