Which version of the bible is closest to the original?

Question

I think its the King James version, but im not sure. And if it is, what version is the King James version except instead of ye, and thou, its you and the's? If that makes sense. So its easier to read.

Answer 1

New world translation according to PH. D in religious affair

He subsequently wrote Truth in Translation: Accuracy and Bias in English Translations of the New Testament (ISBN 0-7618-2556-8), which generated controversy when he found the New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (published by Jehovah's Witnesses) and the New American Bible (published by the American Catholic Church) to be more accurate than other respected translations linked to Protestant constituencies. He had criticisms for every translation he reviewed, finding a consistent pattern of anachronistically imposing modern Christian views onto the biblical text. He has also been active on the www in discussions (two of which can be read online still) notably with evangelicals/trinitarians where he has argued against certain translations (not interpretations) often used by such in support of their belief that Jesus Christ is "God," maintaining that a wide variety of views about the nature and status of Christ were held by early Christians and are discernible in the Bible.

Answer 2

No, the King James version is not the closest to the original, because since it was published, there has been a lot of research into the older versions in Greek and even some of the original manuscripts, and the translation has been steadily improved. I asked a friend who is quite religious to give me the best Bible in terms of its faithfulness to the original writings (at this time), and he gave me a copy of "Holy Bible - New Living Translation", published by Tyndale House Publishers, 1996. My copy has an ISBN of 0-8423-4050-5. It's hardcover, using alkaline paper. I find it very easy to read, and it has an excellent index at the front, based on a number of topics.

Answer 3

Most of these answers are good. The New American Standard Bible is generally considered the most literal English translation - which is not quite the same thing as saying that it is the most accurate translation. One answer suggested the New World Translation - this is a very good bible, but shows Jehovah's Witness bias in many passages. The basis for the biased interpretation of these passages is mostly noted in the NWT, so read with care it *is* a very good translation. My vote is for the New Jerusalem Bible because of the way it transliterates the various words used for God rather than giving them an incorrect translation as is done in nearly all other bibles (including NWT).

If easy-to-read is what you are looking for, my advice is http://www.allbibles.com/itemdesc.asp?ic=1585160210&eq=&Tp=&Bc=CE - also available on CD-ROM. If you can't find this, get the New American Bible - almost as easy to read and generally receives approval, but has possible Roman Catholic bias.

You can read more about technical bibles differences here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/chart.htm . Especially look at the footnotes and the associated articles.

I hope this helps.

Jim

Answer 4

The Bible is still available in the original Hebrew (and Greek, if you want to include the NT)

The King James Version is generally considered to be the worst translation still in circulation.

Answer 5

King James Version is not closest to the original.

The Peshita is. It comes from the Aramaic.

http://www.peshitta.org/

Do not buy the Dr. Lamsa version. He did not translate from the ground up. He basically piggy backed off the KJV.

Answer 6

there are slight variations in the "original" manuscripts we have now, but these are minor and do not change any meanings. The english translation that best reflects the the tense of the originals is the revised standard version, hands down. the kjv is littered with mistakes and interpolations.

Answer 7

There is no `original`. The Bible has been compiled to support a belief system, the `original`versions of which can only be found with historical research. Reading a Bible to find the real Bible is madness.

Answer 8

The Oxford Annotated Bible is closest.
King James is the most beautifully written, but often inaccurate.

Answer 9

Well, the people who translated the King James Bible were translating it with no hidden motives in mind, they just wanted the Bible in the English language. Most newer versions now are changed just a little so they can copyright them and make lots of money or twist the truth. God's word should not be altered with, especially to make more money or to twist the truth.

Answer 10

The original is in Latin and Greek (and edited by the roman government.) And the older part in Hebrew.

Everything in English is subject to interpretation.