Version of the Bible???

Question

So, which version (s) of the Bible do you read and why do you prefer that version (KJV & NCV are my favorites. KJV is "meaty" and NCV is simple to understand).

I'm right there with you, Adam R. KJV for studying (those big words like "concupisence" just beg to be studied, ya' know?)

sstubbs30, isn't it amazing that it's easier to memorize KJV? I think it's because it's so poetic.

hbob120, I love the NET Bible. I have a leather bound one with all the study notes (thanks for sharing the website!) I love how you say the KJV is the most "warn". I bet you've got highlighting and notes everywhere, and maybe even a page or two that's falling out ???

Augustine, that's great that you're reading the Bible through so much!!! Way to set an example for all of us to follow. My old pastor reads 40 chapters a day!!! I think he's read every version several times a year for like the past 20 years or so.

blackdiamondroof, good idea, get the meat and the ease all in one version :)

4HIM, it's always good to cross reference from time to time. maybe you should get an NIV parallel Bible?

STONE ROLLED CLEAN AWAY (very clever name by the way) I do think it's important to read a literal translation if we're going to interpret the Bible literally (which is why I really like the KJV), but it's nice to compare other versions once in a while to give a fresh perspective. it will challenge you to study the original language more to see what it really says, ya' know?

serialcoyote, way to be exhaustive man! You need to invest in Quickverse!!!

SirLok, thanks for the websites!!! I also come back to the KJV a lot, but I think it's because I grew up on it and Im the most comfortable with it.

beano, what do you mean by "trust" them? I'm glad you have a study Bible. it sure makes reading more enjoyable doesn't it?

tuberoot, way to "study to show thyself approved!" I admire your scholarly side and your "change of pace" side too.

James V, I guess ideally we should be reading right from the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic, but since many of us aren't fluent in them we should stick to some good, literal translations. I do want to ask you, though, with the versions that leave some things out, would this make a major difference in doctrine being taught or interpreted from that version? If so, would you completely disregard or reject that version or could you still use it as a cross-reference Bible from time to time for a different perspective on a passage?

cas1025, I've not read from this version before. i'll have to check it out. Glad you found a version that challenges you to think and grow!

Rella, that's great!!! I'm really proud of you for setting such an awesome goal. You've challenged me to read more versions. My old pastor challenged us to start reading one chapter a day, then work our way to 5, then 10, and so on. I used to read 10 a day faithfully but have slacked off a little. I must say, there's nothing more awesome then being in His Word every day!!! It's such a blessing and a constant challenge to grow and be more like Christ (and to really dig in and study His Word).

carson123, I LOVE that ("cut my teeth on it")!!! Makes it really sound like you grew up with that versions and you stuck with it as you grew in Christ. the Parallel Bible is great for studying.

free2befearless, this is a great perspective on wanting a "pure" or literal transaltion. Of course the more resources we have to study the Bible (more transcripts, history, artifacts, etc) perhaps the better a translation might be for studying, like the NET Bible? Have you checked it out?

Answer 1

the one most worn is my KJV, which I've read in the past nine years. recently, I bought an NIV for studying purposes. and I've been introduced to the NET Bible, which is very accurately translated from the original languages.

Answer 2

My main reference Bible is The NRSV Life Application Study Bible. This is the one I carry to church. I like it because of its extensive study notes which, as you may have guessed, are aimed at helping the reader apply the Bible to real life situations. The Life Application Bible comes in many translations, but I like the NRSV because it uses gender inclusive language.

I am making it my goal to read every translation of the Bible because I think that reading different translations helps provide more opportunities to see things in a fresh way. I have read the NRSV and The Message and am now working on the J.B. Phillips version of the New Testament (he didn't translate the Old Testament).

I have found it helpful to have an understanding of the different types of translation: word-for-word, phrase-for-phrase, and thought-for-thought. This helps me better understand the translation I am reading.

I haven't read the New Century Version yet, but hope to eventually! I have read parts of the KJV, NKJV, NLT, Good News Bible, Amplified, and of course a lot of the NIV, which is the translation my church uses.

I like the KJV for the poetic parts, but mostly those "Thees" and "Thous" drive me crazy. I still plan to read it in its entirety though, one of these days. Maybe I'll save that one for last. With any "luck," Jesus will come back soon, and I can read the perfect version instead.

Answer 3

KJB - King James Bible - I use it simply because the way it was translated - in short it is a Word for Word translation from the right Hebrew and Greek text - which time and effort to transpose wont go. Like someone said earlier, the other versions take out verses and change very important words concerning Jesus Christ - Thanks for asking -

To follow up your question bro - I stick with the KJB - Treasure of Scripture Knowledge, Noah Websters 1828 English dictionary and the occasional Strong's concordance/Spiros Zodhiates Complete Word Study Dictionary. I then define the Words and let the definitions establish the interpretation (the whole God meant what He said and said what He meant) - once the Words give the Truth - trust me you get all the perspective you need - I then work on personally applying the Truth to my life (conforming if need be, well trying anyway) Thanks for asking -

Answer 4

These are the versions that I use:-
Amplified Bible
Catholic Edition Revised Standard Version
Contemporary English Version
Darby's Bible
Good News Bible
Inspired Version (Joseph Smith Translation)
Jerusalem Bible
King James Version (Authorized Version)
Knox Version
Living Bible
New American Bible (The Catholic Bible)
New American Standard Bible
New Catholic Edition
New English Bible
New International Version
New King James Version
New Living Translation
New Revised Standard Version
New World Translation
Revised English Bible
Revised Standard Version
Webster's Bible
Young's Bible

My favourite is the KJV.

Answer 5

I use the King James Version ( for serious study), The Oxford Bible with Apocrypha ( It has great brief notes on the Apocrypha), The New International Version ( For both general and serious study), The new Living Translation ( for a change of pace), and I have several other versions that I use to check the preferred translation of that particular version. Since it's sometimes difficult for me to determine why a version used a certain translated word over another ( the Hebrew and Greek do tend to allow other words in certain cases of importance).

Along with a concordance ( Strong's) and various Biblical sources, I can ferret out important issues through my studies. They all come together to help me do that.

Answer 6

the king james version is written in language that was outdated in 1611 when it was first produced, although its a beautiful translation and the language flows, thats a disadvantage when it comes to revelation, because john was writing down his visions as he saw them so it was written in the "cockney" greek, as opposed to classical greek, also when trying to get young people saved the kjv is the worst possible translation to give them because they wont understand it. why should the english speakimg nations be the only ones not to have a translation in an up to date version of their own language? the nasb is the most accurate word for word translation, but it doesn't flow like the kjv..the message and living bibles are best for reaching young people. the niv isnt the best word for word translation and dosent flow like the kjv but it strikes the best balance between the two.. the amplified is good for serious study of verses of scripture,

Answer 7

...The New American Standard Bible (this was my first Bible, and I read it a lot; I cut my spiritual teeth on it.
...Within the last 2-3 years I have come to appreciate and use the Amplified Bible.
...I also like my 4-translation parallel Bible - it has KJV, the Amplified Bible, the New American Standard Bible, and the NIV (my least favorite of the four).

Answer 8

For studying, I typically use the KJV. It's one of the first English translated Bibles and, in my opinion, one of the best ones out there. I do like NKJV for reading casually. NCV is good too though.

Answer 9

KJV

I have tried to read other versions but I keep coming back to old King James.
Also I have looked into the whole "modern translation vs. kjv debate" and after viewing all the evidence and looking into the lives of Westcott and Hort. I have come to lean on the KJV.

Answer 10

The Hebrew-English Bible from Jerusalem and
The Stone Edition Tanach-always good