King James, New International etc...
2007-09-12 14:53:22 · 18 answers · asked by ♥ terry g ♥ 7 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
I like to compare as many as possible, but my favorite (at this moment in time) is the New Jerusalem bible, Regular Edition. Read why here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/njb.htm . Runner-up: http://www.amazon.com/Annotated-Apocrypha-Augmented-Revised-Standard/dp/0195288815?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1189044490&sr=8-1 (actually, I have read from the previous non-augmented edition, but the study notes are absolutely excellent. The NRSV *does* tend to an over-enthusiastic use of gender-inclusive language, but that is of import only for the most specific topics of study)
I recommend any bible student avail themselves of *all* of the following versions (Ellis bible software has most of these and [used to] costs less than $50 online).
ASV
KJV - a 1611 edition, not the oxford revision. The best version in print is this http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FKJV-Cambridge-Paragraph-Bible-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0521843863%3Fie%3DUTF8%26s%3Dbooks%26qid%3D1189044700%26sr%3D1-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325
NAB
NASB
NIV
NJB
NRSV
RSV
Other worthwhile versions:
NWT
TNIV
NKJV
CEV
ESV
CSB
JB
JPS
NJPS
KV
NET
RDCR
EB
Chart of abbreviations and technical specs of bible versions: http://jimpettis.com/bibles/chart.htm
Jim
2007-09-12 18:54:13 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do not "follow" a version, but I am comfortable reading the New International Version, mostly. It is a modern English translation, easy to read and easy for public use.
I will refer to Amplified for some clarification. Sometimes, the King James has words which are better English translation, but overall, it is OLD English and I am not that old. Maybe "OldGuy63"? Nevermind - I respect that guy. But, there is the New King James, which takes out some to the old language and uses modern equivalents.
A long way for a simple answer. Enjoy your evening!
2007-09-12 15:05:22 · answer #2 · answered by TroothBTold 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Thank you for asking this! Many people will say that the King James Version is the best. But I've heard many pastors say that it has translation errors in it. You want a Bible that shows good Formal Equivalence (literal meanings of words) but also good Functional Equivalence (dynamics). Try the ESV. I've heard great things.
2007-09-12 15:02:44 · answer #3 · answered by disciple 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
New Revised Standard Version
2007-09-12 15:01:48 · answer #4 · answered by Laurie 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
I use the NASB mostly because it is a literal translation but in up-to-date language. NIV is a paraphrase but it is easy reading. I would never use it for study though. NKJV may be OK, but I had 20 years in the NASB before it hit the market and I am not changing now. Bottom line is with the Holy Spirit indwelling any version is usable, without the Holy Spirit no one can understand any version.
2007-09-12 15:05:51 · answer #5 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I have both the KJV and the Today's New International Version. I am more comfortable with the TNIV, but if I need extra clarification, I'll read the verses in both.
2007-09-12 15:46:12 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
If you've never read the ESV (it's a newer translation), it's very nearly perfect. It's as literal as the NASB but it is SO poetic --- the NASB can be so clunky and awkward. However, gotta agree with the other posters; whatever translation is making you read it is a good one. ;) Keep in mind, too, that the Lord is as much sovereign over the various translations as He was the writing of His word. I don't think that He lets in translations that are really bad --- if that makes sense.
That said, my husband jokingly calls the NIV the "Nearly Inspired Version." Not true, of course, but it *is* a little bland.
2007-09-12 15:05:20 · answer #7 · answered by KL 6 · 1⤊ 2⤋
It's always best to read from different versions, and then look up the Greek and Hebrew words in the Concordance.
2007-09-12 14:59:49 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
I primarily use the New World Translation because it is in modern english, but I am also confortable with using many others.
2007-09-12 15:23:37 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I find the NIV easier for me to understand, but I compare it to the KJV and the Amplified translations for more rounded views.
2007-09-12 15:02:52 · answer #10 · answered by The Apple Chick 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋