If you wanted to read the most accurate version of the Bible, which one would you use?

Question

I know that different people choose different versions/translations of the Bible. Which one do you study, and why did you choose that particular version?

Answer 1

Well, ideally, we would all be able to read the Hebrew and Greek texts. :) However, those languages are pretty hard (I am a beginning student of Biblical Greek and it is a very difficult language).

I have usually used the NIV, but recently I have really been enjoying the NASB. Both are fairly literal translations (the NASB more so), but they are very understandable (a strictly literal translation would lead to some very confusing english and really bad english grammar). One thing that I really like about the NASB is that it italicizes words that are implied but not actually found in the original language. There are also footnotes that give alternate readings. (I'm something of a nerd, so that kind of stuff makes me happy)

So, if you want literal translation, go with the NASB,
if you want something that focuses more on meaning while still translating well, the NIV would be a good choice.

Overall, most major translations are good (NIV, NASB, ESV, KJ, NKJ) and what someone chooses to read might depend on what they prefer. If you wanted to compare different translations, you should check out biblegateway.com and look up a passage in a number of different versions.

God Bless!!

Answer 2

The simplest version is the Good News Bible translation with the easiest English language (aka Todays English version - published by Zondervan) But the most accurate would be the New International Version (aka NIV) The King James version was published in 1611 - so if you love reading Shakespeare language, you'll love reading this version. Not surprisingly, most modern people do NOT like the KJV.

Answer 3

I go to the Greek in the New Testament, specifically the Nestle's Greek text.
I think Wuest's Expanded Translation of the New Testament is closest to an exact translation from the Greek.
The NASB is probably the closet English translation, although it certainly has its weaknesses.
As for the Old Testament, the NASB is I think OK.
I like the Modern Language Bible (Berkeley) in the Old Testament.
If I need to compare I have a Jewish Bible Society's Tanakh, a translation from the Masoretic text, a translation from the Septuagint, a Rotherham's Emphasized Bible, Young's Literal Translation and a few other versions to compare.

Answer 4

Yes,there are many Bible translations.Even though the wording is different in most.The theme throughout them all is still the same.
Many use the King James Version.It is a older translation,so has been around for a while and many have it.
However,many cling to the earlier printed copies and they are not easily understood as they still contain the earlier way of speaking and words that are not in use today.This makes it difficult to understand.
I have also found the King James not to be consistent in its translation of certain words.Thereby changing the meaning of the verses concerned.
I used to be a catholic and did not really use a Bible at all.My mum had the Catholic Douay Version Bible.But it contains non canonical 'books'.
The most accurate and most easily understood translation I have found is the New World Translation published by Jehovahs Witnesses.It is a wonderful version.The whole book is in harmony and most accurately translated.Most importantly it has put back God's name where it belongs.So instead of having verses like:"my Lord said to my lord......"You have:"Jehovah said to my lord......."It just makes such better sense!

Answer 5

If I was able to get my hands on it.. It would be King James made in 1969. It is suppose to be the most accurate. But since I have not been that lucky. I use King James study bible. The reason why I choice it is cause, it's alittle easier to read than the regular King James and full of notes.

Answer 6

By virtue of this divinely-appointed authority, the Catholic Church determined the canon of Scripture (what books belong in the Bible) at the end of the fourth century. We therefore believe in the Scriptures on the authority of the Catholic Church. After all, nothing in Scripture tells us what Scriptures are inspired, what books belong in the Bible, or that Scripture is the final authority on questions concerning the Christian faith. Instead, the Bible says that the Church, not the Scriptures, is the pinnacle and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15) and the final arbiter on questions of the Christian faith (Matt. 18:17). It is through the teaching authority and Apostolic Tradition (2 Thess. 2:15; 3:6; 1 Cor. 11:2) of this Church, who is guided by the Holy Spirit (John 14:16,26; 16:13), that we know of the divine inspiration of the Scriptures, and the manifold wisdom of God. (cf. Ephesians 3:10).

Answer 7

Literal Translation Of The Holy Bible(LITV)
http://www.awmach.org/BYN/dochome.htm

Or if you want the Old Testament and Prophets(Tanakh)
http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Bible/jpstoc.html

Answer 8

For an analysis of the various translations of the bible see:
http://faith.propadeutic.com/questions.html

For accurate translations of the bible at the literal level I recommend you use the NASB or ESV translations.

Answer 9

KING JAMES VERSION!!!!
All other versions remove material.
NIV removes blood atonement.
For a list of what was done to the different version, go to Jack Chick Ministries and get the Answer Book, very help full.
And use nothing Catholic, they don't even believe in Jesus.

Answer 10

King James Version, because it is the most accurate translation.

I have several other versions as well including the NKJV, NIV, NASB, TEV, and the Amplified, but I recommend the KJV.