What would be the best translation of the Bible for me?

Question

I'm 15 and want to begin to study the Bible. Do you have suggestions? Also, if you have links talking about each that would be helpful

I would rather not use NIV...

Answer 1

The New Living Translation or the New American Standard Translation.

There are two major types of translations:

1. Word for Word: That is the best equivalent ENGLISH WORD for the Original GREEK or HEBREW Word.

2. Dynamic Equivalent: That is the best equivalent ENGLISH PHRASE for the Original GREEK or HEBREW phrase.

Both methodologies of translation are very good and can be very accurate. The reality is most translations will involve a litte bit of both of these methods.

Also its important to have a modern committee translation. That is a translation that has been published in the last 50 years and was created by a committee of various scholars from different religious backgrounds.

The importance of a recent translation is because in the past recent years we have found some more reliable greek and hebrew manuscripts that modern translations reflect in their works. The most famous example is the Dead Sea Scrolls. I believe they are the oldest collection of Old Testament Manuscripts to date. Not sure about that last statement though.

So the BEST translation for a WORD for WORD methodology is
NASB: The New American Standard Bible (1995 update) (really no debate about that)

The BEST translation that uses a DYNAMIC EQUIVALENT is
NIV: The New International Version

There is probably a little bit of debate about the NIV being the best of dynamic equivalents, but manys scholars will use the NIV for their study. The New Living Translation is also a very good translation, but I personally think it takes a few too many liberties with the text.

I personally use the NIV and the NASB primarily.

Also, a easy to read version is THE MESSAGE, however this is NOT a translation!!! It is a paraphrase.

Answer 2

For starters, I would recommend either the NIV (New International Version) or the NASB (New American Standard Bible). They say both are the closest translations. I think you should also check out the KING JAMES and the NEW KING JAMES. Try also the AMPLIFIED version. It explains the meaning of the verse without you going through the Greek and Latin words.

Some words of advice.

Don't just pull out a verse. There are some people who do this and makes something out of it. There is what we call a context of the word or verse. The verse is just a piece of a big puzzle. So I suggest you read the entire chapter/story before you interpret the verse you chose.

Also, do some background checking. Remember that these books were written in the culture of the old Jewish or Greek. There are some there that might sound weird to you. Check the culture, the traditional practices etc.

But there is one thing you need to remember when you read the Bible: that the Bible does not contradict itself. Each and every verse compliments itself.

And finally, guard your heart. You are about to go into a wonderful journey of self-discovery and getting to know how God moves in your life. Sometimes, doubts will come in and your faith will be tested. Guard your heart. Pray. Listen to God.

Keep the faith, my friend!

Answer 3

There are several that are good. I use the New World Translation most of the time, but I also have a Living Insights study Bible, and I have a Living Bible that I read from sometimes. I have several KJV, and it helps me to get the entire idea of something if I use several different translations. My applause for wanting to start learning about God! Hang in there...you will find the right translation for you!

Answer 4

Well, you might want to begin with a study bible - it can be really helpful in understanding scripture (as long as you keep in mind that the study notes are not always true). I've heard the MacArthur study bible is excellent. I've used Zondervan Study Bibles since high school and I've enjoyed them. Additionally, life application bibles can be helpful, too.

There are also a number of bibles directly aimed toward teens - but I don't know much about them. Sorry!

As for translation, if you want accuracy, I suggest NASB - accuracy and very readable. NKJV and ESV are both supposed to be very accurate as well.

If you want to compare verses across several versions to get a feel for them, go to the link below.

God bless!

Answer 5

Good News Bible is the one that got me started really studying. Easy to read and flows well.
I had tried with the KJV, but found it more of a painful duty than a joy.
I now use NIV, Greek, and New Living Translation.

Answer 6

Actually, the NIV is an excellent translation for a common reader. Probably the most accurate common translation is the New American Standard Bible. It is more true to the Greek than most versions.
May I recommend the following website, and you can check out several versions for yourself:

http://www.biblegateway.com/

Answer 7

Revised Standard Edition:

Compiled by 32 bible scholars based on the oldest greek and hebrew texts available. It is by far the most accurate to the original.

Other versions, such as the King James Version, have many things that we know were added (often at sword point) later, and a great number of things were changed or modified over time. There was a lot of controversy over some passages where the translators were forced to include things that weren't in any of the older texts. King James is often cited as accurate, but no historian considers it such - we know many instances were it was based on lies.

Answer 8

I am partial to the King James myself, but if you want to study the Bible instead of just reading it, look into the book, "The Book of God: The Bible as a Novel"

It presents the Bible in much more humanistic terms.

Answer 9

The King James Bible is the closest you can get to the best translation from Greek and Hebrew . It was translated when English was English ( Grammar )

Answer 10

They the original King James Version or the New World Translation. The King James is harder to understand with todays terminologies and all, so I suggest reading the New World Translation.

But really, any should do.