For casual reading I use the NIV, but for any studying I use the Greek New Testament. I used the NIV before I learned Greek, but now whenever I translate I try to "forget" everything the English Bible says so I can at least try to literally translate it without knowing before-hand what the outcome will be. For instance I love the letter to the Galatians, so I did not read it for several weeks before I translated it, the first five verses came out great, then I butchered the sixth or seventh verse and needed a full day to get one verse to make sense (Paul is like PhD level Greek) . I've found that the NIV does translate really well, except for some minor word differences that I personally wouldn't have chosen but the meaning is still the same.
How about you? Non-Christians this thread isn't for you but if you want your two points, I understand. We all love our points.
2007-01-06 19:21:31 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Oooo...so jealous. I would love to be able to translate and study from the original Greek. However, since I can't, I use several versions for studying, primarily the NIV, but I supplement it with others like the NKJV. For casual reading, The Message is great.
2007-01-06 19:45:23 · answer #1 · answered by Ellie G 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I use a number of translations. I have Bible software that gives me numerous translations and I can copy and paste any passage onto a word processor document.
If you are a believer, I would say that the best translation is the one that you can understand and will actually read.
2007-01-07 14:04:27 · answer #2 · answered by Weird Darryl 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally use the KJV of the bible, and a Study Bible and the NIV version too for reference. I also use the bible concordance and bible dictionary for reference too. The greek version is also great if you speak greek or hebrew. But be very careful when reading the greek version because some words have the same meaning.
The NIV version have many defects in translation and added some words in it. EX: The word "wrestle" is changed to "Fighting" which is incorrect.
Eph 6:12 KJV "For we WRESTLE not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
Eph 6:12 NIV "For we are not FIGHTING against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."
In seeking the truth of the Bible, praying is the most important element of Bible studying, ask God to give you the right directions in this way, he will guide you in seeking him.
2007-01-07 03:45:01 · answer #3 · answered by NIGHT_WATCH 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
New King James. The most accurate. If I need to study a word or passage deeper then it's off to Strongs concordance.
2007-01-07 03:29:47 · answer #4 · answered by Pilgrim 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Actually as a non-Christian this thread IS for all, nothing can stop people from answering a post on yahoo answers, we really don;t need "permission" for out "two points"
I use the Torah!
2007-01-07 03:40:31 · answer #5 · answered by Noi 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
it would be best to go with older versions of the bible, cuz the older ones havent been corrpted by socity and changed to fit the worlds views
2007-01-07 03:27:24 · answer #6 · answered by BYAHH! 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
take a look at this site please
http://www.55a.net/firas/english/?page=show_det&id=145
2007-01-07 03:26:31 · answer #7 · answered by Uthman A 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋