which bible should i read?

Question

i have never read the bible but i want to start. which bible should i read and what are the differences? like the old test, kjv, and all the other ones out there. i also want one that i can acutually understand? im catholic does that matter on which one i choose to read?

Answer 1

There are various versions on the market.

What you need to do is answer the question, "Do I want a translation that is easy to read, but may have the translator's bias, or do I want a more difficult translation, but that is truer to the original language's meanings?"

Once you answer that question, ask here again, and you'll get a better answer for your need, not just what others want to you get.

Answer 2

First of all i recommend a modern english translation.
For two reasons.
One because it is easy to read. Perhaps you should choose the NASB, NIV, or the NLT.

Two because they are very accurate and are up-to-date.

Second, the main differences between different translations of the Bible are usually minimal. If you want to know why there are differences, see my BEST ANSWER on Bible Translations/Versions.

Third, you should be able to understand the New American Standard Bible (NASB), or the New International Version (NIV), or the more recent New Living Translation (NLT).

Fourth, you say that you are Catholic and does it matter. Well Catholics tend to use certain versions of the Bible, yet if you have not read the Bible, I think that it doesn't really matter which version/translation as long as you start reading.

Fifth, I would begin with either reading the Gospel of Mark, and ask the question, "Who is Jesus?" Your answer will probably be a little different then your typical Sunday School answer. And/or Read Romans.

Answer 3

I agree with others, New International Version, New Living Translation, New King James Version are written in todays language so they are the easiest to understand. A Life Application Study Bible is good because it comes with notes, maps, biographies, time lines that help. Another to keep in mind as you go forward is that it's good to have multiple versions to compare. Reading the same text in multiple versions can help you get a more comprehensive view. There is a study bible that includes 4 different versions, I don't remember the name.

Answer 4

I would read the King James Version or the New King James version and the New International Version at the same time. Read the KJV first, then the NIV to get a clearer understanding.

Answer 5

The original NIV is a good one for leaving the original idioms in place. The Living or New Living tries to translate the thought into modern language. The Message is very simple to read but NT only. I think the original NIV would be a good one, or the New KJV.

Answer 6

I suggest an NIV or King James Study Bible for young people. The Bible was translated from ancient text so sometimes words and phrases have different meanings than you would expect.

A Teen Study Bible will help to explain the text meaning.

Answer 7

I'd suggest the Living Bible to start with. It's written in contempoary English. Another translation that's easy to understand is the Message. As you grow you may want to get others but those are probably the best when you are starting out.

Answer 8

Catholics will tell you that their versions are better than protestant ones. Theres a list of approved translations.

In English the King James Version is translated the most correctly but you can refer to more modern versions for better understanding of some passages. The Reina Valera in Spanish is more correct and I understand that the oldest version in German is the most correctly translated. If you're really feeling like you want to dive into it, you can learn Hebrew to read the OT and greek to read the NT.

Answer 9

Yes, you should get one you can understand,and He will lead you to other translations as you grow in Christ and are able to receive the message.
I'd start with a Living Bible, or New King James version.

Answer 10

I personally like the new world translation of the Holy Scriptures. You could call a kingdom hall of Jehovah's Witnesses and they will be more then happy to give you one. My grandmother gave me one the Good news Bible this one is very easy to read. So is the NWT.
have fun