What is the best modern American english version of the bible?

Question

I've read the KJV for about 20 years and am familiar with the outdated communication style, but frankly, I want to read it in a simple, literal, clear language. I want to free the powers of my mind from the work of deciphering the archaic manner of speech and expression, and from contextual and cultural re-construction, so that I can focus completely on the task of ideological evaluation.

I want to read something which follows modern modes of expression, but simultanseously maintains complete integrity with the literal meanings of the ancient texts. I am NOT interested in any undocumented interpretation or simplification of the ideas within the text (lest meaning be lost or changed). I am interested in a word-by-word or phrase-by-phrase translation with the inline inclusion of alternate translations. I want to easily read, understand, and consider the ideas within the correct context.

Bonus question: Suggestions for best english translations of the apocrypha, or of the Koran?

I'm not interested in the use of poetic license, rhyming, metric devices, etc. as is found in Shakespeare's KJV. The old english render the KJV far best the most accurate because of the inherent misunderstandings by non-old english speakers (that makes most of us, at least).

In modern english, I just want to see all of the possible literal translations with their sources expressed in the most natural and clearly understood ways. Perhaps keeping only the first choice(s) in the main body, and annotating the rest in the footnotes.

I meant to say, The old english style renders the KJV far from best or most accurate ..

How does the ESV compare with the NASB?

Answer 1

Given your own explanation of what you think makes a translation "best", I think you have two sorts of options

1) something in the"standard" tradition (which includes the KJV, ASV, RSV and NASB) . The most recent of these, the ESV - English Standard Version -- is fairly strong. It has also avoided some of the quirks (such as very unnatural, non-English verb tenses) and woodenness of the NASB (New American Standard Version).

2) Your other option is a bit more "phrase by phrase" (not as much "word for word"). In that category I believe the NIV is your best bet. You will certainly find it more readable -- more ENGLISH sounding-- than the "literal" translations. Even if you use something like the ESV, I'd recommend keeping the NIV on hand.

As for *The Message* -- Sorry, folks, it is NOT accurate. Much of it is not a translation, not even a paraphrase. It's more like the old "Cottonpatch Bible" -- which uses images and ideas familiar to the people reading it, but NOT found in the original to try to get a similar feeling across. This may be useful for getting us to think, but I regard it as more like a sermon illustration, NOT Scripture translation.

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As for the apocrypha -- this is more difficult, since ESV, NIV, etc. do not include it. Actually the old RSV translation isn't bad here. (I also have the New American Bible and New Jerusalem Bible. . . but I think you'd find them not literal enough for your purposes.)

The Koran? Sorry, I don't profess to know the best. (And since I don't regard it as sacred writ, I think I'd be less concerned about "literal" precision... and look for one that is as readable as possible.)

Answer 2

Modern Language Bible

Answer 3

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RE:
What is the best modern American english version of the bible?
I've read the KJV for about 20 years and am familiar with the outdated communication style, but frankly, I want to read it in a simple, literal, clear language. I want to free the powers of my mind from the work of deciphering the archaic manner of speech and expression, and from contextual...

Answer 4

The most accessible to modern-day people in the NIV, but I believe Biblical scholars like the Hebrew/Greek Bible first and foremost and the King James Version as its best English languange counterpart.

Answer 5

If you really want to learn, get several different translations and compare them.

While the KJV is called "the most accurate translation"...
THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE HAS CHANGED since 1611!

My favorite for study is:
"The Oxford Annotated Bible with Apocrypha"
that I got in 1972 (RSV.)

I use a side by side (English/Arabic) translation of:

"The Holy Qur'an"
Translation & Commentary by: A. Yusuf Ali
ISBN: 0892590181

It was published in 1977 by:
American Trust Publications
for
The Muslim Students' Association of the USA and Canada.

As a general rule, I would say that if you want a good translation of the Qur'an, get one published/translated:
BY Muslims
FOR Muslims.
.

Answer 6

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Answer 7

NIV, It is called the Holy Quran with the English translation. NIV much better book though. Good Luck and God bless

Answer 8

There are many different translations, each with their own strengths. If you are looking for a literal more word for word translation I recommend New American Standard (NASB), New King James (NKJV) or Holman Christian Standard (HCSB).
If you are really studying scripture I recommend reading two translations next to eachother, preferably one literal and one more though for thought like an NIV

Answer 9

I would suggest getting a copy of the Message translation. It is a paraphrase however but it is a much easier read using today's style of language. I however, prefer the New American Standard Bible because it is a "real" translation that uses much easier language than the KJV and is hailed as being the closest translation to the original Greek and Hebrew texts.

Answer 10

NIV or New International Version