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If you want to know the comparisons of the different translations, then go to http://bibleresources.bible.com/index.php

2007-10-13 15:38:40 · answer #1 · answered by ? 7 · 0 0

Not too long ago, there were relatively few translations of the Bible into English. The main goal of reading the Bible is to find out what God has to say to us. Rom 15:4. Because the Bible claims to be inspired by God. 2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:20-21, we are admonished to:

(a) not take anything away from Scripture, Deut. 4:2, Deut. 12:32; Joshua 1:7, Joshua 23:6, Joshua 17:20; Rev. 22:19; and

(b) not add anything to Scripture. Deut. 4:2, Deut. 12:32, Deut. 17:20; Joshua 1:7, Joshua 23:6; Prov. 30:6; Rev. 22:18.

Why? It was inspired by God and is perfect. 2 Sam. 22:31; Psalms 18:30. You may be wondering what this has to do with your choice.

The most accurate translations are considered to be the New American Standard Bible (1995) and the English Standard Version. The King James Version and the New King James Version adhere to the Textus Receptus and omit certain revisions that have arisen from the study of ancient texts that have been discovered and authenticated since 1609.

Within the last 30 years or so, some translators have begun to shy away from trying to render the original languages in their closest English approximation and have, instead, adopted a "though-for-thought" philosophy (dynamic equivalence) in which they interpret the text and, in places, tell the reader what the translators think it means, rather than allow the reader, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to discern the meaning. John 14:26; John 16:7-13; 1Cor. 2:10-16.

The NIV (1984) follows this philosophy, but not to the degree that some, such as the Today's NIV, the New Living Translation, the New Century Version, the Contemporary English Version and the Contemorary English Version have.

Other versions have gone further and tried to make Bible easy to read, but, in doing so, have removed some of the text or simplified it, thereby diminishing the Bible and the richness of God's message to us. For example, the Good News Bible and the New Century Bible were written for children. Another popular book, The Message, is such a loose paraphrase as to be unusable for Bible study.

Some versions have sought to advance a particular viewpoint, such as the those that claim to be gender-neutral. Some of these are the Today's NIV, the New Living Translation, the New Century Version, the New Revised Standard Version and the Contemorary English Version, although several others have translated some, but not all, passages in conformity with this precept.

Many people will tell you that they receive additional insight every time they re-read a passage. That's the Holy Spirit at work. If the words have been simplified, changed or removed, that will not be possible.

That's a lot to think about.

As for features, some parallel Bibles will align two or more translations side-by-side to assist Christians in their study, one, for example, having both the NASB and the NIV (1984). Beyond that, good cross references and a concordance are very helpful, but, like anything else, are complied by people. They may either omit other related passages or it may prove difficult to look up words to find all of the verses that bear on a question because the words are in English as opposed to the original languages. A good concordance for the version that you select will be very useful.

Many people like the commentary, or study notes, that accompany most Bibles. Be aware, though, that these represent the viewpoint of the author or authors and are not a substitute for the Word, which is why you should obtain the most accurate translation to start with.

Most of us want to know God, and studying an accurate translation after praying for the Holy Spirit's guidance is a big step in that direction.

This is an important question. God will reward you for studying His Word. 2 Tim. 2:14-15.

I use computer software, each of which has several versions, for comprehensive study, and use the NASB (1971 and 1995) along with the NIV (1984) in conjunction with them and when reading. Both the books and software allow me to write my own notes and cross references in the margins or save them as permitted by the software to help me remember and retrace my steps.

I hope that this proves useful.

2007-10-13 15:46:42 · answer #2 · answered by Wayne C 2 · 0 0

Because language changes old books like the Bible need to be updated regularly because language changes meaning very quickly. Of course translation is also needed. There are two types of translations,literal and paraphrase. Literal is word for word, and paraphrase is thought for thought. Literal versions are very "stiff" in the outcome, and paraphrase flow much easier. Literal are more accurate, paraphrase are easier reading. KJV is literal but out of date.
ASV is the American update of KJV in 1901
RSV is also an update but with some very significant changes made.
LB is highly paraphrased, came out in the 1960's and is really a very "free" translation, and really inaccurate.
NIV is a paraphrase version, but they don't want anyone to know it because they figure it will reduce sales so they claim it isn't. It has a small vocabulary because they want it to be international for people whose first language is not English. Result is that it to is very inaccurate. It is translated from older manuscripts, but more inaccurate ones. Great reading but really misconstrues the truth. NKJV translated from good manuscripts and is a literal version, probably one of the best for accuracy. CEV, I am not all that familiar with, but I believe it is a paraphrase version. (Not 100% sure of that.

Good write up by Wayne C except his comment of dynamic equivelancy is a little wrong.
Dynamic is the same root word as dynamite and means to "blow something up" That is what we call paraphrased or "thought for thought" translation. Equivalency is exactly that, the word in one language equals the word in the other language and we call that literal tranlating. What Zondervan did in producing the NIV translation when they were challanged that their version was a praphrase and therefore not accurate is they coined a new phrase "dynamic equivalency" or a "literal paraphrase." Of course that is impossible, something is either the same as, or it is blown up, but it can't be both. However it served Zondervan's purposes and got peoples eyes off of the fact that it was a paraphrase, and so they became one of the major Bible sellers. Which was all they wanted, the money. Sad to say but it happens even among Christiansw.

2007-10-13 15:48:03 · answer #3 · answered by oldguy63 7 · 0 0

There are over 70 translations in over 300 languages. What they are for is so people can understand the Bible in their own language. And that language to be current.

A classic example is in 1 Corinthians 10:25. In the KJV, in English, what is a shambles? To us in 2007, it is a mess. That doesn't make sense in the context. So, what is it? In 1610, you would have understood immediately. A meat market. That is why we need translations.

Total reliance on just one translation is also a mistake. When words or phrases are translated, the meaning sometimes is a shade different. For instance, the Greeks had 4 words describing love. Each meant a different form of love. English has only one word. Phrases also change with time or there can be different words in English that can be used for the same word in Hebrew or Greek. By using several translations, you get a correct idea what the original writer was trying to say.

2007-10-13 16:00:50 · answer #4 · answered by grnlow 7 · 1 0

I will lay it down this way from my view:
I won't accept anything from another Bible unless it agrees with the KJV. The NIV, for example, in Matthew 9:13 neglects the reason why Jesus went to sinners. Some others have become so "politically correct" that it has no substance. Others distort the Word, others add/subtract as they wish. Not saying all of it is bad, but I stick with the basics.

2007-10-13 15:40:55 · answer #5 · answered by n9wff 6 · 1 0

In Matthew 24:7, a number of the older manuscripts do no longer comprise the know-how "pestilences". this is the footnote interior the NKJV: "Matthew 24:7 NU-text fabric omits pestilences." As for variations i exploit, I specially opt for those that try for word-for-word accuracy. those i exploit maximum frequently are the ESV, NKJV, KJV, and NASB. I certainly have got here across those to all be sturdy translations. rather of making use of basically one, at circumstances i'm going to apply diverse of those variations to flow-reference a passage. As for Bible variations, there are diverse tiers of accuracy between the translations. greater or less conversing, some translators attempt to get an precise word-for-word translation, some use a theory for theory concepts-set, and a few books that decision themselves "bibles" are basically paraphrases. The paraphrase would be the least precise and that they could very properly comprise doctrinal blunders. those are in actuality commentaries, greater advantageous than truthfully "translations". next in accuracy is the belief-for-theory. In those the translators won't attempt to translate each and each word accurately, yet they attempt to place across the suggestions the text fabric tries to place across. lots of those are quite precise as an entire, however the prospect is the translators could interject their own bias. additionally, if a translator does not wisely understand a passage, then the translation will additionally mirror that blunders, each and every so often by possibility. the main everyday theory-for-theory translation is the hot international version. The word-for-word tries to be certain each and every word is as precise as achievable. for my area, it is what you may desire to seek for. enable the know-how of God communicate with precise words and the "concepts" will positioned across what the author meant. the excellent everyday translation that had this translation purpose is the King James version. The KJV, regardless of the incontrovertible fact that, is complicated for some to envision through fact it replaced into translated in 1611 and it makes use of dialect from that era. some words have replaced in utilization or which skill on condition that 1611. Many locate the hot King James version extremely greater readable. in my opinion, I choose the English common version or the hot American common Bible. Your superb wager is to no longer get one translation, yet purchase 2 (or greater) of the greater precise variations. That way, in case you have hardship information a verse, yet another version could be extremely worded yet in any different case.

2016-11-08 06:09:28 · answer #6 · answered by piano 4 · 0 0

We may be quite grateful for the number of translations available. They help the Christian to increase his knowledge.

E.g. The KJV is a bit old in the tooth. Thus newer translations are easier to read and sometimes to understand.

In regard to your question, here is a very small example. In Isaiah 53 many, many prophecies are given about Jesus Christ.

In 53:12, KJV, ASV and many others say that Christ "because he poured out his soul unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors: yet he bare the sin of many" (ASV)
NIV says, "because he poured out his life unto death" (NIV)

This difference directly affects the dogma, the teaching of the souls mortality. There are many such points, especially in regard to the NIV.

Then there is the point about God's name. In KJV in Ps 83:18, the following is stated, " whose name is Jehovah, Art the Most High over all the earth." (ASV)

This in the KJV is a solitary occurrence of God's name. The NIV has all occurrences of God's name removed! The ASV has God's name throughout. That is very important.

Why? Look here: "The Lord said to my Lord, Sit at My right hand, until I make Your enemies Your footstool." (AB)

Can you at that say who the 1st Lord and the 2nd Lord is? It is obscure.

When using the ASV, this is found, "1 A Psalm of David. Jehovah saith unto my Lord, Sit thou at my right hand, Until I make thine enemies thy footstool. " From this we understand that the Almighty Jehovah tells Jesus Christ, our Lord, this promise.

2007-10-13 15:54:27 · answer #7 · answered by Fuzzy 7 · 0 0

King James Version

American Standard Version

LB is "The Living Bible"

New International Version

New King James Version

New Revised Standard Version

Century English Version

Need more info? Email Me!

***UPDATE***
Are you doing your Sunday School homework on Y!A? LoL :)

2007-10-13 15:38:33 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0 1

King James Version
American Standard Version
Revised Standard Version
LB -- don't know
New International Version
New King James Version
New Revised Standard Version
CEV -- don't know

2007-10-13 15:39:49 · answer #9 · answered by Pull My Finger 7 · 1 1

Do the Catholic Bibles have no merit? More books, more inspiration.

2007-10-13 15:47:02 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0 0

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