Which one is the best? and Why? Which one is simple and easy to read?
2007-10-02 04:58:12 · 16 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
You may have clarified with the last question a little, but asking which is best is pretty vague. What do you want? Easiest to read, easiest to understand, best relates the story of catholicism? No matter how the stories are told, the most important thing about any bible is the message that comes across. So one of these may be an "easier" read, but are you really getting the most out of the meaning behind the stories?
2007-10-02 05:02:29 · answer #1 · answered by pa 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
There is no best one in an objective sense. Even in the days of the "Old" King James Bible, Catholics read the Dohui Version. New translation attempt to
(a) reword the Bible to make the conversation more understandable (you don't go around saying thee and thou anymore, so why should you have to read that?)
(b) Update the Bible in terms of newly found information or a change of opinion on the translation of words which may have multiple or obscure meanings.
IMHO, I don't like versions that are TOO conversational. Even the King James Version, when issued about 1620, was written in a "flowery" style. Also keep in mind that there are Versions and there are versions. The King James was written because there were several different translations into English, and for the English Church, there should be one authorized Version. Other versions are not so sanctioned by an Established Church.
As for which is best, try reading some familiar passages from each and see which you like the best.
2007-10-02 12:07:54 · answer #2 · answered by cattbarf 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I believe the King James Version (KJV) is closest to the original written text. But it's difficult to read. The New King James Version (NKJV) is somewhat easier to read, in that it has taken away the "thee"s and "thou"s and replaced them with the actual words we use today (you, your, he, she, etc.) But it's still kind of difficult to read.
The New International Version (NIV) is the easiest to read, in my opinion, while still keeping close to the original meaning of the original text.
I'm not that familiar with the New Living Translation, but from what I remember it's easy to read as well, but I'm not sure on the accuracy of the text.
I've found it helpful to have several versions available, to get a better grasp on the meaning of the text. I think the KJV is more poetic, just sounds more beautiful to the ear when hearing it read out loud. In that respect, it's my favorite. The NIV is the easiest to understand during a church service, when you don't have time to look at different versions. For that reason, it's my favorite. If I'm wanting to just sit and read the Bible straight through for a while, I really like the Contemporary English Version.
2007-10-02 12:10:28 · answer #3 · answered by lilacsandviolets1 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
John 14:26 (KJV)
But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.
By the power of the Holy Ghost I choose the King James version. The others have been "watered down". And loose a lot of meaning. Only thoose who KNOW the King James Version whole heartedly can tell you this.
Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. The more you stay in it the more you understand. (The more faith you have.)
2007-10-02 12:34:33 · answer #4 · answered by Old Hickory 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
None of them is the best. The most accurate translation is an Interlinear Bible followed by the NASV, NRSV, and ES. The simplest to read is The Living Bible which is a paraphrase and makes no pretense at being accurate.
2007-10-02 12:10:08 · answer #5 · answered by cheir 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
As a new Bible reader (and student) i found the best Bible is the NIV the reason being, this has all the footnotes to explain every thing to you, and i got it in the large print to be able to see verses at a glance, instead of searching. this also has both testaments
AND it has been re-edited in 1990, quite contemporary. i am an avid reader but found the plot in this book very interesting , and getting thicker, just passed Exodus and still reading!!!
2007-10-02 12:09:26 · answer #6 · answered by CLARE 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't have any experience with the NKJ or the NLT. A friend of mine uses the NLT and loves it. I use the NIV sometimes, I like reading it because it is simple to understand. If you want something with a little more "meat" to it and is still easy to understand try the NASB.
2007-10-02 12:35:46 · answer #7 · answered by MistyAnn 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
of those you have given as choices, the NKJV is the most accurate. The NIV is riddled with error and omission and diminishes the Deity of Christ.
Simple and easy to read? Like the Simpsons comic? Or clear and lucid and accurate?
please read this URL
2007-10-02 12:07:30 · answer #8 · answered by pwwatson8888 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Personally, I like NKJ because I feel that it is closer to what was really written, but I think that the NIV version is easier to read and understand, its just that it seems to leave so much out of the Bible and I don't like that.
2007-10-02 12:03:12 · answer #9 · answered by Kaylin 4 · 2⤊ 1⤋
New International version.. it's simpler than the others
2007-10-02 12:00:42 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 2⤋