Which Bible version do you suggest using?

Question

I am looking for a Bible version that is easy to understand and is the closest to the Greek and Hebrew used in the origional writings.
Any suggestions and why would you suggest it?

Answer 1

NIV......(New International Version 1962)

Lamens terms

It was put together by hundreds of different people from all over the world....and it is extreemely close to the original.

Answer 2

I use the New King James version most often, because I was raised on the KJ and like that it keeps as much of the earlier style as possible.

The New International is a good Bible for ease of reading. It keeps the language simple and crisp. But has had some criticism because it includes a lot of cross notes to the Wescott-Holt Greek text, which has been rejected by most scholars.

If you are looking for "most accurate", that is probably the New American Standard. However because it is "word for word", it can sometimes be difficult to understand. Often the Greek (and Hebrew) word order varies greatly from the English so you have to stop and "untwist" some of the wording.

A good alternative is to invest in a "paralel" Bible. This will have three or four translations printed in columns next to each other. Usually a King James, an "easy reading" version, a "very literal" versions, and a "paragraph" (which is a retelling in the authors own word rather then a translation - closes to a commentary). This allows you to best of all the different types of translations at once.

Answer 3

There is a bible parallel that has both the NIV and the Message.

I suggest this one.

The NIV is very close to the original greek, hebrew, and chaldean, almost as close as you're going to find without going to a literal translation (literal translations are VERY difficult to read because of the grammer and structure differences between English, Greek, Hebrew, and Chaldean.)
The NIV still has some difficult passages though, which is where the message comes in.

As you're reading through the NIV - a translation - if you run into any parts that you have a hard time understanding, you can flip over to the message - a paraphrase - and it will help you through the passage.

I don't recommend any paraphrases on their own (the message, the amplified bible, the new living translation) because they are not going to have the same straight translation or syntax usage that a translation will have.

The King James is also a pretty close translation from the original, but it can be woefully hard to understand in places.

I usually have three bibles, my original language bible, an NIV, and a message.

But unless you read greek and hebrew - its the NIV and Message for you!

Answer 4

I use the Masoretic Text published by Sinai Publishing in Tel Aviv. It's a Hebrew/English parallel. The Hebrew text is identical to that compiled by the Masorites, who relied on the Babylonian version of the Old Testament, considered the oldest authority, preserved by the Jews living in exile from the 6th century BC.

(When you have access to the oldest possible authority, you're immune to the edits, rewordings and adjustments over time after that point.)

The English translation that comes closest to this version is the RSV, at times word-for-word the same.

I don't care about any Greek translation, since Judaism is a Hebrew and oriental religion. Greek is not an authority on scripture, it's a filter. It's easy to misunderstand NT verses when relying on their Greek translation.

Answer 5

I would suggest though often maligned by ignoranance the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures offered by Jehovah's Witnesses. 1.it is a transliteration(literal translation) from original hebrew and greek 2. It returns God's name back to the near 8000 verses it was removed and replaced with LORD 3. It is a honest translation not biased by religious preferences. 4. It is translated with clear modern english which still preserves the sense of the original language thought as closely as possible 5. Its is offered at no cost to you but only a small contribution to cover the cost of manufacture(whatever you wish to contribute .50cnts-1000$) The money is just used to publish more bibles 6. I pledge to you sincerely that this translation will only enhance your bible reading and understanding 7. With the replacing of the divine name( in the old and new testament where it is placed where supported by the scriptures EX:Isaiah 61:1-3/ Luke 4:16-21) you will finally see the power of the most high GOD (psalm 83:18,97:9) I hope you give it a try it cant hurt to have for comparision I have owned many bible translations from american standard to new international and even new king james I also have access to original hebrew,greek languages and vines expository dictionary and matthew thayers and strongs lexicons by way of pc study bible( check out the website) It is a powerful tool in research and getting to deeper understanding. The New Wold translation of the holy scriptures will stand by its own merits being a unadulterated translation governed by JEHOVAH'S holy spirit Aloha from Hawaii; Aloha Is Akua(GOD Is Love)

Answer 6

The New American Standard is good. Probably the best I've come across with a word by word translation. A little hard to read because the language doesn't flow as well.

The New International Version is equally as good. It uses a phrase by phrase translation so is easier to read.

I myself use a New King James version. Language is updated from the King James version. It was what the people I worked with were most familure.

If you want word translations from the Hebrew and Greek, try Strong's Concordance. It translates every word from the original languages using the King James as a reference.

Answer 7

While no translation can ever bring over the full meaning of the original text (that goes for the Bible or any writing) your best choice for the Hebrew Bible is the:

Artscroll Stone Edition Chumash / Tanach.

You can get it at most large bookstores or online.
Has a good English rendering side-by-side with the Hebrew, plus commentaries.

Answer 8

You will probably have to use two different texts. For the Old Testament it is probably best to use a Hebrew-English text. for the New Testament seek out a text that is Greek-English text. Regardless of what you decide to settle on there is no magic in understanding the Bible. It takes study and meditation and cross referencing with competent commentary. Bible study is a life long pursuit.

Answer 9

The King James Holy Bible with a Strongs Exhaustive of bible words of oldest Hebrew for Old Testament and oldest Greek for New Testament.

That is where the Lord directed me when I needed the oldest words. I believe the Old Testament was first written mostly in Hebrew and the New Testament was first written mostly in Greek and possible Hebrew also, but we don't have old Hebrew New Testament.

Answer 10

Revised Standard Edition...

It was put together by 32 bible scholars using the oldest known documents from Greek/Hebrew.

So naturally it's quite a bit different. Things that were added later (such as the trinity) are gone and the whole thing is a bit more cohesive and "accurate" compared to any of the other books.

So your best bet for the stories and myths of the bible is the Revised Standard...

Answer 11

New King James
Much easier to understand than King James

Also depending on how old you are
The Extreme teen Bible is full of historical info. and notes alone with an easy to read version