Which version/translation should I be reading?

Question

I grew up Episcopalian with the King James Version. My mother-in-law (an evangelical) reads the NIV.

I don't like the NIV, but would like something easier to follow the KJV.

I can't find a clear comparison of all the versions online anywhere.

Answer 1

This can be an entire topic all by itself, but the New American Standard Bible (NASB) is a direct word for word translation, and it is much easier to read than the KJV and it is a more direct translation than the NIV.

However, if you are really interested in the meaning of a particular passage it always helps to read the various translations of a passage to help get deeper insight into how most scholars view it. If you can't afford buying all the different versions of the bible you can read the various versions for free on the web. There used to be only a few good online bible websites, but there are much more available now.

Biblegateway.com is one of the good websites to go to.

Please let me know if this has helped you.

Sincerely,

Mark :o)

Answer 2

The NLT (2004) is the easiest to read.
The NIV is excellent, both in ease of reading and accuracy.
The NASB is by far the most accurate, but harder to read.
The NKJV is also good and not as tough to read as the KJV.
The HCSB is also an excellent one and fairly easy to read.

These would be probably the best 5 out there.


EDIT: The NIV and the NLT (2004) are not paraphrase as someone has said, they are both stand alone translations. However, the NASB is most definitely more true to the Greek. Some versions use a simpler language level for younger or less educated people.

Answer 3

The New American Standard is what I mostly use. My friend likes the New King James version.

The New American Standard is a literal translation.

The NIV and NLT and the Message are paraphrased.

I suggest that you get a Bible that has two translations running concurrently, so you can cross reference.

I use three: New American Standard, King James, and NLT. I also have MacArthur's Commentaries to study with. They are very informative.

Answer 4

I like the New King James version. It is like the King James version, but in modern English. It's much easier to read.

I, too, am disappointed with the NIV, although I have one for study--but it tends to "water down" some of the verses.

For sheer "comic relief" the Message paraphrase is sometimes refreshing.....(no offence to anyone; I also have a Message version!)

Answer 5

The New Living Translation is an easy read like NIV, but there are some differences... you might like that a little better!
.

Answer 6

Both the NIV and the King James are great.

Answer 7

You can use the New King James Version.

Answer 8

I used to use the NIV.
I refer to the KJV now and then.
I prefer the NASB. Have used it for 27 years.
A very strait forward translation. Very accurate.
The preacher use Greek translations and the NASB is exactly what is the word translated from Greek.

Answer 9

Try the New Living Translation to start. As with all scritpure, I find it nearly imperative to cross it with the original Hebrew or Greek to ensure that I understand what was exactly meant.

Answer 10

The KJV is a good version. As a matter of FACT, I have one. But what you need to do to get a better understanding is get "Haley's Bible Handbook." (It seems to fit the KJV and even makes it more understandable by giving some historical background and, archaeological evidence.)