I would like to buy a Christian bible?

Question

I attend a non-denominational church & would like to read the bible.

I know there are so many out there, but going based on what I just wrote to give you an idea of my beliefs, can you suggest a bible for me?

Thanks

Answer 1

I would recommend the New King James Version...which can even be found at your local Wal-Mart. Thomas Nelson publications seem to have the best foot notes on historic evidence. If you have a hard time understanding English...the New International Version is pretty good, but it leaves you feeling like something is missing in some places. If you are willing to spend some money, get one of those cross reference Bibles with about four different versions. I had one once...but gave it to someone who had none at all (I had several Bibles then, and even more now). I don't recommend the Living Bible because it is not really a Bible, and the author will even warn you in his forward statements. You don't want a Douay, as that is Catholic...go to Barns and Nobles if you want to see variety, and you can see in the front few pages if it's neutral or from Watchtower or Catholic, etc. May God bless you on your search for the Word.

Answer 2

Are there better translations than others? Yes. Is any translation perfect? No. Can anyone really define what they mean by accurate or literal translation? There are several different theories of translation. The end result is that every translation is in some way an interpretation by those who translated/paraphrased/edited that particular version.

That said, I don't think you need to know Greek and Hebrew to get the point, either. Start with what is readable. Despite some problems, I would recommend either the New Living translation or The Message. While both are technically paraphrases and not translations, they are far more readable than most other versions and sometimes give insight that is valuable. I would encourage you to use several translations during serious study in order to see how different scholars treat a passage. Couple one of the above with the KJV, ASV (or NASV if you can't find the 1901 version), NIV (or TNIV which handles some things better than the NIV, but messes up others), or even the NRSV to name a few of the more common translations.

If you want free bibles, they are readily available, and even online. Some decent free software is available. I like e-Sword (http://www.e-sword.net/index.html ) as much or more than some of the commercially available software. http://www.biblegateway.com/ is a website with several searchable translations. http://bible.crosswalk.com/ allows you to bring up the passages paralleled with different translations. All have valuable resources, but there is also some junk, so be discerning.

Answer 3

If you are a new Christian, then I would recommend The New American Standard Bible (NASB).

Otherwise, why not just use the same translation that your pastor uses? It will be easier to follow along during Bible reading in church if your version is worded the same as his. Doesn't your church have spare Bibles in the pews for visitors? What version are those?

--------------------------
The King James Version (KJV) — Translated in 1611 by 47 scholars using the Byzantine family of manuscripts, Textus Receptus. This remains as a good version of the Bible. It has been the most reliable translation for over three centuries, but its Elizabethan style Old English is difficult for modern readers, especially youth. This is still a good translation for those who can deal with the language.


The New American Standard Bible (NASB) — Translated in 1971 by 58 scholars of the Lockman Foundation, from Kittle’s Biblia Hebraica and Nestle’s Greek New Testament 23rd ed., which include the Alexandrian Family codices. Though academic in tone, it is said to be the most exact English translation available. A very good version.


The Living Bible (TLB) — A paraphrased rendition of the King James Version by Kenneth Taylor in 1971. This is not a genuine translation, but is a type of phrase-by-phrase commentary that was originally intended to help the author’s own children understand the scriptures. It is useful for inspiration and commentary, but for serious Bible study it should only be used in conjunction with a legitimate translation.


The New International Version (NIV) — Over 100 translators completed this work in 1978 which was composed from Kittle’s, Nestle’s and United Bible Society’s texts, which include the Alexandrian Family codices. This is considered an “open” style translation. It is a good, easy to read version.


The New King James Version (NKJV) — 130 translators, commissioned by Thomas Nelson Publishers, produced this version from the Byzantine family (Textus Receptus) in 1982. This is a revision of the King James version, updated to modern English with minor translation corrections and retention of traditional phraseology. This is a very good version.

Answer 4

As a Roman Catholic of almost 60 years, I hate to admit that once-upon-a-time I was shocked at the reality that ANYONE could abridge God's Word as much as the Protestants have in their famed "KJV" ("King Jimmy's Book" in my words) and others of their pocket-novel versions of the real thing. Once I realized that people could be so brazen as to change what God Himself said, I discovered that only the Roman Catholics had the real Bible, and the Douay-Rheims Version, translated from the Latin Vulgate, was the most accurate translation around, and the Revised Standard Version: Catholic Edition was very good as well. Be sure not to confuse the Revised Standard Version (RSV) with the later New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) which took some liberties in how they translated God's Word. As I've heard said here on Answers: All Catholics are Christians, but not all Christians are Catholic. The same is true with the Bible and all it's translations. If you're Roman Catholic, the Douay-Rheims Version (DRV) and the Revised Standard Version (RSV): Catholic Edition are the best. God Bless you.

Answer 5

The King James version and NIV are excellent versions of the bible. Both are common in a lot of churches. Find a local Christian book store in your area. You will find a good quality bible there. Thompson chain makes a good leather bound bible in many versions.

Answer 6

Hi! Thank you for this question!! I can see the Lord is working in you!! Like you said, there are many different bibles out there, and some are easier to read than others, but they all have the same reason for being read. I have two different types of bibles. One is a New King James Version (NKJV). I find it harder to read, just because it is kind of in bigger words, but it is a great bible all the same. I LOVE my New International Version (NIV) bible. It is easier to read because it is written in simpler english, and being able to read it really helps to understand His word! I thank the Lord for what He is doing in your life, and I hope this helped you out!!

Answer 7

The American Standard Edition. Stay away from the King James...only because the translation isn't a good one. It was translated from Greek which was translated from the original.

The American Standard was translated directly from the original writings and is considered more reliable.

Answer 8

Gideon Bible

Answer 9

King James Bible is the most accepted.

Answer 10

If you are going to go to that trouble then I suggest you purchase a DAKES ANNOTATE BIBLE - KJV Bible.

Any Christian Book store can get one for you.

The KJV is by far the MOST ACCURATE and the DAKES explains EVERYTHING!

Most others are only Paraphrase-- with opinions thrown in.