Which version of BIBLE do you think is the best?

Answer 1

Well it depends let me explain.

There are two major types of translations:

1. Word for Word: That is the best equivalent ENGLISH WORD for the Original GREEK or HEBREW Word.

2. Dynamic Equivalent: That is the best equivalent ENGLISH PHRASE for the Original GREEK or HEBREW phrase.

Both methodologies of translation are very good and can be very accurate. The reality is most translations will involve a litte bit of both of these methods.

Also its important to have a modern committee translation. That is a translation that has been published in the last 50 years and was created by a committee of various scholars from different religious backgrounds.

The importance of a recent translation is because in the past recent years we have found some more reliable greek and hebrew manuscripts that modern translations reflect in their works. The most famous example is the Dead Sea Scrolls. I believe they are the oldest collection of Old Testament Manuscripts to date. Not sure about that last statement though.

So the BEST translation for a WORD for WORD methodology is
NASB: The New American Standard Bible (1995 update) (really no debate about that)

The BEST translation that uses a DYNAMIC EQUIVALENT is
NIV: The New International Version

There is probably a little bit of debate about the NIV being the best of dynamic equivalents, but manys scholars will use the NIV for their study. The New Living Translation is also a very good translation, but I personally think it takes a few too many liberties with the text.

I personally use the NIV and the NASB primarily.

Also, a easy to read version is THE MESSAGE, however this is NOT a translation!!! It is a paraphrase.

Answer 2

There are a variety of good translations. It just depends upon what you are looking for, either in readability or reliability. I prefer reliability and use the English Standard Version and the New American Standard. If you are an ancient Greek and Hebrew scholar, you could just go to the original languages as well, but that's not the case with most people. You can check out different versions online at biblegateway

If you are looking for a study bible, I recommend the MacArthur study bible, which can be found in the New King James version and the New American Standard version.

Answer 3

I have to say King James version. why?

well consider this Matthew 13:23
But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

the King James version has been used all around the world since 1611. That's just over 400 years.

the NIV has come about since the 60's and since that time in america we have seen the rapid decline of society. definitely not good fruit?

Are there major discrepancies in meanings between the two? the answer is yes. words when respelled for no apparent reason can change the meaning of a word.

example. (Saviour) king James version (savior) New international version. This is talking about The Son of God! why change it?

Answer 4

The King James Version.

Answer 5

The original scriptures were written in Hebrew. Only a couple of translations are done with that understanding. The name of the Almighty is YHVH, and the Saviors name is YAHOSHUA. Ex. 23:13 is very clear that we should not be using pagan names. The Sacred Scriptures Bethel edition is available through the assemblies of Yahweh of Bethel Pa. It is the American standard translation which is quite good, and the sacred names have been inserted into the text. I mostly use THE SCRIPTURES translated by the Institute for Scripture Research, in South Africa. Each translation has some flaws. The Holy Spirit can guide you around them.

Answer 6

King James is a good version but can be hard to understand. I enjoy the NIV. Also there is an NIV teaching/study bible that has note at the bottom of the pages. These notes pertain to different verses of the page you are on and further explains it. Happy reading

Answer 7

Probably the Greek or Hebrew ones...but since I don't understand Greek or Hebrew, I go with the King James Version, which is the earliest English version that I'm aware of.

The way I see it, the less translations, the better.

Answer 8

The Greek New Testament.

But for the English versions, the NIV does really well at getting the Greek meaning across in understandable and modern English. Believe me, that is no easy feat, especially when considering the writings of Paul.

Answer 9

I think the King Jame Version.

Answer 10

the NIV (New International Version) is the easiest to understand. Another excellent Bible is called the Dake's Bible. It is the King James with the addition of Dr. Dakes excellent commentary on each verse.