bible versions- question 2?

Question

my bible is the parallel bible with NIV and The Message from left to right. i have a mini on the go bible it is the New Living translation. Then I have been told the King James Version is for english speaking individuals, therefore im confused, so many different versions. which is best for me??? are they all the same or whaat's the deal?

also id like a study bible to help me as i read through the bible, anyone know any good books for that area of need?

thank u

Answer 1

The King James version is the only true english version of the Bible. It comes from a completely different set of texts than all of the other versions.

The King James version is also known as the Authorized Version.

http://www.handlethetruth.net

Answer 2

The arguments in favour of the King James version are almost all due to the need of some people to have their particular pet doctrines supported by certain proof texts translated with the exact wording found in the KJV. This is putting the horse before the cart. Instead of using doctrines to decide what the Bible should say, we should start by asking what the Bible says, and then develop doctrines from that. Doctrines that depend on the particular wording of one particular version cannot be considered to have a sound Biblical basis.

For those who are educated in English and appreciate English literature and things like Shakespeare, the KJV is fine, but its 17th century English is rather hard to understand for modern readers, and Biblical scholarship and discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls that have been made since the KJV was translated have increased our understanding of various obscure passages and more modern translations benefit from this too. Take for example Isaiah 21:8 which in the KJV says
"And he cried, A lion: My lord, I stand continually upon the watchtower in the daytime, and I am set in my ward whole nights"

More modern translations, which benefit from the dead sea scrolls, have a lookout instead of a lion standing on the watchtower and doing the shouting, which makes more sense.

I think the NIV is pretty good. The English Standard Version (ESV) is a more literal translation which i personally prefer. The Good News Bible is a dynamic translation (seeking to translate the meaning rather than word for word) and is not bad at what it does.

I would not consider The Message to be a bible at all. It is more like a commentary or a Midrash, one person's very subjective interpretation of the Bible. It may be useful for getting that person's point of view, but it is not that useful for serious bible study.

Which ever translation you read, the most important thing, if you want to know what God is trying to tell you through the Bible, is to read it prayerfully and let the Holy Spirit, who after all inspired the prophets to write the Bible, help you understand its meaning for you.

As for study bibles, the NIV study bible is not bad. But bear in mind that all bible studies are written from a particular point of view and from a particular theology that may in some places be mistaken or misinterpret the Bible, so like The Message, you can use it to help you, but don't follow it blindly.

Answer 3

Most translations of the Bible are good for study. Because of the language used to write the original text there aren't exact words that translate from Greek, Latin, or Aramaic into English. The trouble falls where the translators try to find English words or concepts that correspond with the meaning from the original. Some think that one example will fit better than another. For one example look at John 10:7 Therefore Jesus said again, “I tell you the truth, I am the gate for the sheep."
In the ESV (English Standard Version) This is translated: Therefore Jesus told them again, "I am the door for the sheep."
Shepperd's would lie down at the opening of the sheep pen to keep the sheep comfortably inside. The prone Sheppard was called a "Door." Which is one of the origins of the word "dormant".

Try looking at "Parable Book Store" they should be available on-line, for study Bibles.

Answer 4

I use the King James 1611 translation (original King James Version). It was the first to be translated from original manuscripts written in Hebrew and Greek and represents our best (unmuddled by mens hands and twisted minds) study reference. There are a lot of reference materials out there (I would suggest anything by Jack Van Impe or Jack Hyles). The Thompson Chain reference Bible (King James 1611) has a lot of readily available references in it that make things easier to understand. A bit of caution - a reference is just that - it was placed there after the original translation was made, so study carefully! Good luck and God Bless.

Answer 5

Which 'Bible' fits your needs may depend on your abilities presently. We have a 'Comparative study Bible' (Protestant) that has, KJV, NIV, Amplied, and New American Stardard translations side by side. Catholic version; I also have 2 St. Joseph Edition Bibles here presently.

Answer 6

The New World Translation. It is a very good book. It also contains subject matters listed in the back alphabetically and refers to numerous scriptures pertaining to the subject.

Answer 7

any bible translation or version is just okey as long as you understand what you are reading.most important is application.put them into practice.
if you want to study the bible i recommend the Serendipity bible.this is very good.it will help you understand more.it explain every verses in each chapter.God bless!

Answer 8

'What does the Bible Really Teach' will help you with whatever bible version but I recommend NWT.

Answer 9

EMAIL ME and the KJV is the Authentic Authorized version.

Not all translations are Authorized and therefore are not true to the original manuscripts like the KJV.

SEE my profile please