Why does the bible sound like a shakespeare play ?

Question

"But thou, when thou prayest, enter into thy closet" who talks like that ? you know , im an athiest but even when i tried to read the bible for fun i couldnt understand half of it . i think it must be a good book but are there any versons that actually are in modern english .

the truth is mabie i would have stayed a christian if i had a version of the bible i could have understood . theres no way i will be now but mabie i would have .

Answer 1

Lectio Divina


Method
Lectio is typically practiced daily for one continuous hour. A selection from the Holy Scriptures is chosen ahead of time, often as a daily progression through a particular book of the Bible.


Time
Selecting a time for lectio divina is important. Typical methods are to pray for one hour in the morning, or to divide it into two half-hour periods, one in the morning and one in the evening. The key is to pre-select the time that will be devoted to the prayer, and to keep it. Using the same time every day leads to a daily habit of prayer that becomes highly effective.


Place
The place for prayer is to be free from distractions. This means it should be isolated from other people, telephones, visual distractions, etc. Some find a religious icon to be helpful. The same place should be used for lectio if possible, especially as one first begins to practice it. Familiarity with a location reduces the possibility of distraction away from the prayer. Some practitioners conduct other devotions, such as praying before the Catholic Eucharist, as a preparation for Lectio Divina.


Preparation
Prior to reading, it is important to engage in a transitional activity that takes one from the normal state of mind to a more contemplative and prayerful state. A few moments of deep, regular breathing and a short prayer inviting the Holy Spirit to guide the prayer time helps to set the tone and improve the effectiveness of the lectio.

Once the stage is set it is time to begin the prayer. There are four phases of the prayer, which do not necessarily progress in an ordered fashion. One may move between different phases of the prayer very freely as the Spirit guides.


The Four Moments

Lectio
Read the passage slowly several times.


Meditatio
Reflect on the text of the passage, thinking about how to apply to one's own life. Gravitate to any particular phrase or word that seems to be of particular import. This should not be confused with exegesis, but is a very personal reading of the Scripture and application to one's own life.


Oratio
Respond to the passage by opening the heart to God. This is not primarily an intellectual exercise, but more of the beginning of a conversation with God.


Contemplatio
Listen to God. This is a freeing oneself from one's own thoughts, both mundane and holy. It is about hearing God talk to us. Opening our mind, heart and soul to the influence of God. Any conversation must allow for both sides to communicate, and this most unfamiliar act is allowing oneself to be open to hearing God speak.

Answer 2

The bible was written many years ago and then translated into English at the time that everyone thou'd and art'ed.
But it has been translated into simple English since then mostly by religions. So you can either go to any religion and ask for a copy of their bible. I believe all but one or two will charge you even though Religion shouldn't be a money making thing.
But I recall us having a Living Bible at home when i was younger. I don't think it was attached to any religion and was quite straight forward in its text.
Just as an example I have picked out a well known verse for you to see the difference in King James and Living versions.

John 3:16 (New Living Translation)

16 “For God loved the world so much that he gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.

John 3:16 (King James Version)

16For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

It happens that this one isn't that dissimilar just with a few th's removed but I hope it shows you what I mean.

I would imagine places like Amazon or good bookshops would sell it.

You can get more info on it from the link below.

Answer 3

The King James version was written in Shakespearean times. And it's rightly considered to be a masterpiece of English. I'm an atheist, but I can appreciate the resonance and majesty of that style. There are modernized translations, but they're horrible, because you have nothing to focus on except the ridiculous stories badly told.

Answer 4

The most known version of the Bible was commissioned by King James. This is the way people talked in this day and age.

Answer 5

They are both fiction and the King James version was written at about the same time as Shakespeare.

Answer 6

The king James bible was written in 1611, Shakespeare was still alive at that time. It was written in the language that all people spoke back then.

Answer 7

there's a fairly modern movie version of Romeo and Juliet. West area tale, the movie, is in line with Romeo and Juliet. Romeo and Juliet is quoted in all places. The word "it is all Greek to me!" got here from Julius Caesar. There are plenty greater, purely can not extremely think of of them top off the staggering of my head.

Answer 8

There are plenty of modern translations of the Bible. Aryeh Kaplan's "Living Torah" translation is very good.

Answer 9

Go to http://www.biblegateway.com there are many verisons available. I think the "New Living Translation" is a good easy to read version.

Answer 10

Because people wrote more in poetry back then.