I am thinking KJV, but other than that? Any bibles out there not "translated" by people who don't speak Hebrew or Greek, or who have moulded their translation to fit their doctrine?
2007-08-21 08:33:24 · 26 answers · asked by PediC 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Nea, you so funny
:-P
2007-08-21 09:00:20 · update #1
The NWT is a bible that is translated by people that are not reputable greek scholars. The Gideon Bible is a reletively good translation as is the KJV.
If you have never read the scripture and are searching for the truth, I can assure you the folooowing translations have been painstakenly translated (word for word) or thransliterated (thought for thought) and are most excellent for "studying to show yourself approved before God a good workman"
KJV NIV NASB NKJV NLT LB The Message
Please note the Living Bible and The message are paraphrases from the oldest trext copies of the bible we have available and are paraphrased into todays common language. They are not exactly word for word, but are great bedtime readers of the word of God, and really can amplify the experience of say The King James, New King James or New American Standard.
The New International Version is todate the most accepted Bible of many of the greatest teachers of God today. In it's study bible form it has an excellent comentary, and is available in low cost paperbacks, or mid cost leather covered versions, high cost versions and on a CD rom for PC use. The NIV study notes as published by Zondervan have be also adapted to the KJV and NASB versions of the scripture. The KJV, NASB, and NKJV would be examples of word for word translations, The NIV and NLT and NCV (New Century Version) are thought for thought translations (the NCV is not my fav choice as is the Amplified Bible)
I prefer NKJV and NIV, I have enjoyed The Ryery Study Bible The NIV Study Bible, and the Mc Arthur Study Bible. I have a Life Aplication Study Bible in the NLT Version and I recommend it for any beginner, but for staying power, and A bible that will a meet all your needs over time You will never go wrong with a NIV Study Bible. (The NIV also comes in a Student version and is also a good biginner, but I still highly recommend the NIV Study Bible, available at any Christian Book store).
I hope I have not confused you too much, and I also caution yu to stay away from the NWT and and LDS publications you come accross. To be honest I began my walk in Christ 28 years ago with a Catholic version of the Living Bible and I would recommend any Catholic Bible, over and Jehova's Witness or Mormon publication. Long story you will learn as you go. Get one of the Bibles I recommend and get into a good evangellical church (non-denominational if possible Baptist or Methodist is fine also) one that spend a good amount of time worshiping and praising God before the preaching. (A Calvery Chappel, or Cross Roads named church is good too).
al 4 now and God Bless Bob
Prayers to God the Father in Christ for you, to seal you in His Love by the Holy Spirit....Amen
2007-08-21 09:00:36 · answer #1 · answered by ImJstBob 4 · 3⤊ 1⤋
King James. If the archaic English is a problem, then the New King James or Modern King James. The American Standard or New American Standard is also very good. It is the next closest to the KJV. The "Good News" or Gideon Bibles are not at all bad translations if you want the simplest language available.
DO stay away from anything that was derived from the Greek text by those spiritists and heretics Westcott & Hort, however. If you want to learn about that pair of bad news, I've done extensive research and written about my findings at my site.
2007-08-21 09:16:14 · answer #2 · answered by Simon Peter 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I was always told that if i get a translated bible, I should also have a kjv to compare it to. The KJV is the most accurate bible these days (that isn't in another language). I have an NIV Student Bible & when I was in high school I had a teen study bible. Study bibles are great as well, my mom has a life application bible that is falling apart but she refuses to buy another one. Just use a kjv and then also get one that is a little easier to understand and read.
good luck!
2007-08-21 08:48:23 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
The most accurate Bible translations are the The New American Standard the New Revised Standard and the English Standard. If you want to see the original Hebrew and Greek with English translation word for word, then it's an Interlinear Bible.
2007-08-21 08:42:16 · answer #4 · answered by cheir 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
There are many many bible translations, as you know.
I have used the KJV for years. I really enjoy using the NLT, and the ESV.
Don't be afraid of reading different ones. Stay away from "translations" that are one man's work.
The Gideons is a great organization and any Bible they distribute can be used without fear.
Some bibles are certainly better than others - some are more "word for word" accurate. Others are more "phrase by phrase" or "thought for thought" accurate.
But read the Word! Read! you will be blessed!
god bless
2007-08-21 08:42:52 · answer #5 · answered by happy pilgrim 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dear Pedi,
That is a great question and I am happy to tell you that there are many wonderful Bibles available nowadays.
There are many translations and even more formats. There are Bibles that are prepared for helping the reader finish the whole Bible in one year. There are chronological Bibles.
There are Bibles for moms, for women, for black women, for teen girls, for teen boys, for men, for dads etc., etc.
I think the best thing to do is to go to a large bookstore like Barnes and Noble or Borders or else go to a Christian bookstore. Look at formats and translations, even the color and size of the print (that is important to me since I'm in my 50s!).
There is a wonderful book called How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth by Gordon D. Fee and Douglas Stuart and I suggest you read what these authors have to say about various translations. I loaned my copy to someone from church so I can't give you a specific quote at this time.
I presently have at least 50 Bibles and I treasure each and every one of them. I also have a copy of the NWT which was given to me by a cousin when she was a jw. (I'm happy to say she is no longer a jw!!! I gave a copy of The Daily Walk Bible to my cousin after I learned she left the jws.)
I look forward to finding out which treasure you choose!
For His glory,
JOYfilled
2007-08-21 09:56:10 · answer #6 · answered by JOYfilled - Romans 8:28 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
The King James, New King James, KJV2 are all from the majority texts (over 5288 were used to base the translation on). The NWT, NIV, NASB are based on the "minority texts" (about 3 manuscripts).
If you want to know more about this topic, have a look at the publications of the following organization:
http://www.trinitarianbiblesociety.org/
2007-08-22 01:23:25 · answer #7 · answered by Buzz s 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
First..... to have confidence that the translation of any version is accurate... invest in an interlenear....greek on one page, english on the other.
Second...KJV is good if you don't mind reading Shakespeare on the plane..but if you like Mark Twain...use of higher language might be a distraction.
NIV is a good middle ground...and then there is "The Message", in which the chapters and verses are no longer marked. Just one long letter the way it was written.
Have fun and let us know how it goes!
2007-08-21 08:41:05 · answer #8 · answered by Last Stand 2010 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋
KJV is a good bible, but unless you are very familiar with Middle English, you'll spend a lot of time interpreting to Modern English. This is what pastors spend much of their time in the pulpit doing.
If you want a modern translation, the Holman Bible or the NIV are good.
2007-08-21 08:44:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It is probably wise to have access to at least 2 or 3 of the major translations (KJV (King James Version), NIV (New International Version), NAS (New American Standard), NKJV (New King James Version), NLT (New Living Translation), for comparison's sake. If a verse or passage in one translation is a little confusing, it can be helpful to compare it side-by-side with another version.
2007-08-21 08:40:09 · answer #10 · answered by Freedom 7 · 4⤊ 0⤋