I have a King James Version but it makes my head spin. Is there something a new Christian like me can read and understand better? I really want to be able to grasp the Scriptures, but the KJV is a bit over my head.
Thanks
2007-03-16 15:31:47 · 19 answers · asked by Sabine É 6 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
the New Living Translation.... Life Application version... is the bible I started reading when I was seeking God.. it is still the bible I use most.... it is clear and easy to understand, but is a direct translation from the Greek and Hebrew by many scholars so that it isnt 'biased' at all like some paraphrased versions (where 1 person does the translating in their own opinions)
My kids have used the NIV but prefer their new NLT versions better because it is just clearer in our own 'language' which is spoken today!
Best wishes and prayers that you find one that God can open up to you... and that you find all that He has to show you!
2007-03-16 15:53:33 · answer #1 · answered by livinintheword † 6 · 7⤊ 1⤋
Click on the Bible icon @ http://web.express56.com/~bromar/ on the bottom of the page and you can examine a bunch of different Bibles on line. The default is the NIV which is a good Bible for beginners or you might try the NLT New Living Translation which is another good beginners Bible.
If you go to the Free Stuff page on that site you can download the NIV in MP3 format for Free and listen to the Bible. It's about 3/4 of the way down the page where it says the KJV and also the NIV in MP3 format.
2007-03-16 16:04:15 · answer #2 · answered by Martin S 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
My husband and I have been saved for about 3 years now. We started off with the NLT Life Application Bible (New Living Translation). It is very easy to understand, and also tells you things about scriptures to help you understand it better. Here is an example:
John 3:16 - "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life."
(At the bottom of the page it has notes on the verses which are as follows)
3:16 - "The message of the Good news comes to a focus in this verse. God's love is not static or self-centered; it reaches out and draws others in. Here God sets the pattern of true love, the basis for all love relationships - when you love someone dearly, you are willing to give freely to the point of self-sacrifice. God paid dearly with the life of his Son, the highest price he could pay. Jesus accepted our punishment, paid the price for our sins, and then offered us the new life that he had bought for us. When we share the Good News with others, our love must be like Jesus'- willingly giving up our own comfort and security so that others might join us in receiving God's love."
As you see, this Bible helps to greatly explain anything that you may have a question about. This is why I prefer it to other Bibles. Hope that this helps!
2007-03-16 15:45:33 · answer #3 · answered by Miranda 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Most Protestant churches use the NIV or the NASB.
I would also recommend buying "Eerdman's Handbook to the Bible" - good background information from archeology, and it gives suggested interpretations for difficult passages.
---------------
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.
2007-03-16 15:38:06 · answer #4 · answered by Randy G 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I have the Comparative Study Bible (Zondervan) which is 4 in one and includes the New International Version, Amplified Version, King James Version and Updated New American Standard Bible. This is a great Bible as you can compare the 4 translations in a side by side format. It has really helped! The only drawback is that it is a little large and bulky, but to me, being able to reference all 4 versions at one time without having to flip through 4 separate books to do so is well worth the added thickness. Good luck and God Bless!!!
2007-03-16 15:59:12 · answer #5 · answered by your_futurexwife 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋
I like the "Life Application Study Bible" in the New King James Version. New King James, basically takes out the thees and thous, but leaves everything else pretty much the same. Life Application has notes explaining the text in easy to understand language. My 17 year old really likes hers.
2007-03-16 15:37:09 · answer #6 · answered by darth_momm 4 · 2⤊ 2⤋
KJV is the best for me and you'll soon get used to it. Or you can try having Devotional Study Bible or popularly known as the New International Version. this one is very light in English usage and easy to understand. But I must warn you - KJV has less corruption than many of the bible versions today. I only use NIV for cross reference...
May the LIGHT of God shines upon you, Sabine E.
2007-03-16 16:28:30 · answer #7 · answered by GH 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
The "New International version" (NIV) is the best contemporary english in the common english language without use of slang. I have learned more in 3 months than I have in several years with the King James version.
No english translation is perfect, but the NIV is as close as it gets. You might also try the "New American Standard Bible" (NASB)
2007-03-16 15:50:15 · answer #8 · answered by Victor ious 6 · 1⤊ 3⤋
The NIV (New International Version) is good and so is the ESV (English Standard Version). The NIV is translated thought by thought while the ESV is translated sentence by sentence. With the ESV you have to think a little harder then with the NIV but not as hard as with the KJV.
2007-03-16 15:46:24 · answer #9 · answered by Liz M 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Wow King James Version is HARD, I've taken bible classes in college and it is even hard for me. There is the Study Bible, and even one for Teens. There is also the Message Bible which is one that I take to church with me that I love. You can find these in Barnes and Noble or Lifeway Christian Stores. God Bless!!
2007-03-16 15:35:16 · answer #10 · answered by atlantagal 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋