If you believe in the Bible does it matter what translation you use?

Question

Is the King James Version the only good one? What do you think about the NIV, NASB, NLT, and the Message? If it's just preference, which one do you prefer?

Answer 1

I actually read seventeen different translations of the Bible at 'the same time' ... I read each 'chapter, verse, and line' in all of the translations, and that helps me to understand what the Bible is 'saying' ... each translation is a bit 'different' and none of them say exactly what the 'original Bible' said ... but I love the King James Bible for its POETRY, and the New Jerusalem Bible because that is the 'closest' to the original in an English translation, but my church (I am Catholic) uses the New American Bible ... but I also like the Standard Bible, and ... but if you really want to 'learn what the Bible is saying' I'd say get as many different translations as you can, and read all of them 'together' when you are reading the Bible ... because that's probably the best (and easiest, after you get used to all of the different books) way to 'learn' it.

Answer 2

Some are just preference, but some are bad copies, like the New American (sub)Standard (per)version, NIV, and others that contain copyist errors. I choose to use the King James Version because it is the closest to the Textus Receptus of all the currently available bibles. If you don't like the Shakespearian English, I would suggest the NKJV, where they only take out all the "Thee's" and "Thou's" and replace them with modern equivalents - however, it does not detract from the meaning of the text. There is a difference between "translations" and "paraphrases". A "paraphrased" version will completely rephrase a verse in a way that a modern reader of English might say it. The danger here is that something might be lost in this "reshuffling".

Answer 3

I like the King James but with a Strong's Exhaustive. When I first recommitted to God, Mormons and JWs confused me with bible verses. So, I wanted the oldest bible words of Hebrew (Old Testament) Greek (New Testament). And I asked God in prayer many Questions. So, ended up in the bible a lot, with the Strong's Exhaustive. One can look up on word and do a word search. Also, understanding of the Word happens. What the Bible writes really happened and what God really means. You need the Holy Spirit, the anointing given to you when you were saved. The Spirit of Truth that leads into all truth.

Now, I am perfectly fine with any translation. Because they all basically have the same Good News, just written a little differently for different peoples way of understanding. One translation may emphasize one part of a verse than another because of the wording. But, actually it would be good to read all the translations.

But I was told the King James was the best, because it is the oldest. But the OT Torah and Hebrew books are the oldest. Isaiah was found almost complete among the dead sea scrolls. It writes about the same message as the Isaiah we read today. And the oldest new testament is in the Greek.

Answer 4

It is absolutly ridiculous to even argue over such a thing. They all have the message of God that was sent to earth with His Son Jesus Christ. The few things that are a bit different do not matter. The four gospels are very different from eachother, so it should definately not matter if the translations are all a bit differen.
P.S. Most scholars believe the KJV has the most translational errors. This was not the fault of the translators, It is just that we know have more of the most ancient translations, and can better understand the grammar, to make the translations more similar to the way the first/second century Christians understood them.

Answer 5

Good question. I have a shelf full of different translations that I use for different purposes. If I'm just reading for enjoyment, I love the KJV and the NKJV. I grew up reading the RSV, but the language isn't as beautiful, IMHO.

For studying, I have a copy of Dakes, a Young's Literal Translation, and an Amplified Study Bible. I have a copy of the Message, which is a fun modern translation, but I don't take it very seriously for anything else than reading for pleasure.

I also have an English version of the Tanack and a complete Hewbrew-English side by side Bible. I've never really gotten along with my copy of Strong's Study Bible, but I will use it on occasion. And I've got e-Sword, the electronic Bible with all the translations, languages, study guides, etc.

How's that for a long answer to a short question? ;-)

Answer 6

Maybe this guide (and article at the link below) will help you make you your mind:

----------------------------------------
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 7

The King James is good so is the NIV if you like the wording i always compare what i read to the King James, now A version is one that takes either the Greek or Hebrew and takes that and puts it into English but a translation or paraphrase is something man made up so be carefull the new king javes is okay i like for wording The Amplified bible which is good for wording but compare it with the king james and read the verses around the verse your reading to be sure your not taking it out of context, free bible lessons www.itiswritten.com God bless talk to me also [e-mail]

Answer 8

It depends. If you want a very literal translation, then the KJV or NAS are good choices. If you want more up to date language that conveys the same thought, the NLT or NIV are good choices and the ones I would recommend for children or new believers. I tend to shy away from paraphrase versions like the Message, as it can get too confusing especially when you are quoting from it to a new or non-believer.

Answer 9

I don't think this should be a debate- I think most translations are accurate, but I would say a few of them I would not get, like The message or NLT because they seem to have really different translations. But I prefer the ESV which is a lot like the KJV, but less poetic. I also like the NKJV- my husband prefers the NIV.

Answer 10

I do not believe that it matters which version of the Bible you read, as long as you are reading the Truth. Personally, I like to quote the KJV when recalling scripture, but I feel I can relate better to the NIV, especially when I don't fully understand something in King James.