I am an agnostic atheist and would like to read the Bible for myself. Which versions would you suggest I read?

Question

Please explain why you favor a certain version.

aniatario and Against All Gods:

Atheism and theism are statements of belief. Agnosticism and gnosticism are statements of knowledge. You either believe or you do not believe: that excludes all possibilities. There is no middle ground, which is what many people consider agnosticism to be. Agnosticism and gnosticism refer more to whether it may be known as to whether our statements of belief are truths.

Everyone Else:

Thank you all very much for your answers. It seems the general consensus thus far is for me to read the King James version or the New International version along with a concordance.

Answer 1

OK, here's my "what bible should I pick" answer:

1st, I'll assume that you are not a member of a sect that demands using the King James Version (KJV) or any other particular version. (Unfortunately, most of these sects do not actually use the whole KJV.)

At this stage you want to decide what your bible should contain. Do you want a bible that contains 1) all scripture or 2) a selection of scripture? Besides editions that contain all scripture, there are editions that contain only new testament books, others containing only books from the Hebrew bible, and still others (the majority) which exclude several books in a somewhat cavalier fashion.

I will assume that you intend to read the entire bible, or at least wish to have the entire bible at your disposal. In this case, you must obtain a bible that includes the Apocrypha. There are some sects teaching that the apocrypha is not inspired scripture, and if you are a member of one of these sects then simply avoid reading these books. There is no other reason for avoiding the so-called apocrypha and every reason to get a bible which includes them. Here is a more in-depth discussion about this topic: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/dc.htm .

In my conclusion I will consider two cases:
1) You want a "complete" bible (Complete)
2) You don't care if the apocrypha is included or not (Open)

The next stage is to decide if you want a bible merely for reading and learning the text of the bible itself, or if you intend to study scripture more deeply and intensely in order to gain a greater understanding and to help you interpret the scriptures accurately. This is the difference between a "standard" edition bible and a (scholarly) study bible. I will refer to this as "purpose" when I make recommendations below.

Finally, you need to decide whether you want a translation that offers 1) ease of reading 2) literalness of translation or 3) accuracy of translation. I separate these even though they are not *necessarily* mutually exclusive. Different versions *do* (must) follow primarily one of these three criteria, however, and so should you when you make a decision. I will refer to this as "style" when I make recommendations below.

A note about the KJV: although excellent for its time, and including nearly the entire body of scripture, as well as marginal notes from the translators providing possible alternate translations (making it a passable study bible), the KJV uses 400-year-old English, 400-year-old scholarship (read: they didn't know as much as scholars today), and texts that lacked the last 400 years of archaeological discoveries. By no means was the KJV the first English version of the bible. It's main advantage today is that most people use some form of the KJV and it is often useful to use the same version as others in discussions of scripture.

Recommendations: you can look at a fairly thorough comparison of technical details of different versions here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/chart.htm , but what follows are my recommendations.

Comparisons of "literalness" of translation can be found here: http://www.preceptaustin.org/tool_commentary.htm#obt and here: http://www.cs.indiana.edu/~port/teach/relg/bible.scale.html and here: http://www.zondervan.com/images/cms/Bibles/bible_transchrt_js.jpg . An important note: "literal" does *not* equate with "accurate". A translation that is more literal does *not* equate to a translation that is more accurate. Indeed, in *any* language translation, literal translation is likely to lead to significant failings in accuracy of translation.

Style: Translated for Ease of Reading
....Purpose: Reading (Ease of Reading is not a relevant style for a study bible purpose)
........Content: Complete
............CEV (Contemporary English Version) - may have difficulty finding a complete version in print http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible-Deuterocanonicals-Apocrypha-Contemporary%2Fdp%2F1585160210%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1187556958%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 , but available as an e-book on CD http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FHoly-Bible%2Fdp%2F1585160059%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1187556881%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 . Second choice: NAB (New American Bible) - not as easy to read but still easy, translation accuracy may be slanted slightly by Roman Catholic bias.

Style: Translated for Ease of Reading
....Purpose: Reading
........Content: Open
............NIV (New International Version) - one of the easiest-to-read modern translations with higher marks for accuracy than most easy-to-read bibles

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Complete
............RSV (Revised Standard Version), New Oxford Annotated Bible, Expanded Edition - one of the most literal translations with some of the most scholarly study notes, though somewhat archaic language. 2nd choice: NET (New English Translation) - literalness uncertain but copious translator's notes help the reader achieve this goal. Deutero-canonicals incomplete.

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Open
............NASB (New American Standard Bible), Scofield Study Bible - most literal modern translation, but study notes are for the most part independent of the translation. 2nd choice: RSV New Oxford Annotated Bible - not as literal as the NASB but more comprehensive and scholarly study notes, available without Apocrypha.

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Reading
........Content: Complete
............RSV - most literal complete version, but somewhat archaic language. Make certain to get a version that includes the Apocrypha. (All "Catholic" bibles include *most* of these books, and "Expanded Edition" includes them all).

Style: Literalness of Translation
....Purpose: Reading
........Content: Open
............NASB - most literal modern-text bible, high marks for accuracy

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Complete
............NJB (New Jerusalem Bible), Regular Edition - copious study notes, word use demonstrates great concern for accuracy of translation, my favorite version. 2nd choice: NRSV (New Revised Standard Version), The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition - includes complete deutero-canonicals, excellent scholarly study notes on par with NJB, but translation suffers slightly from over-zealous use of "inclusive" language

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Study
........Content: Open
............Same as above. New Oxford Annotated available without the Apocrypha.

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Reading
........Content: Complete
............NJB Reader's Edition. 2nd choice: NET - copious translator's notes may make this the most accurate translation, but requires study to absorb the translation; deutero-canonicals incomplete.

Style: Accuracy of Translation
....Purpose: Reading
........Content: Open
............NJB Reader's Edition. 2nd choice: NET. 3rd choice: NIV (New International Version) - highly regarded non-biased translation, not as careful as NJB but easier to read.


Recommendations for the true bible student (who doesn't know Greek or Hebrew):
1) Software including NASB, KJV, NRSV, NJB and NIV - I use Ellis (lacks NIV) but there is at least one other *affordable* (under $100) package providing this selection. Make certain a Strong's Concordance is also included.

2) NJB Regular Edition - get it if you can, don't settle for the Standard Edition. (My review here: http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/njb.htm )

3) NASB - make certain to get the latest version. Get it in print if your software doesn't have it. Most literal translation.

4) The New Oxford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha, Augmented Third Edition - NRSV translation demonstrates over-zealous use of inclusive language but the study notes are invaluable, perhaps better and less biased than NJB.

5) Oxford Authorized King James Version with Apocrypha http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2FBible-Authorized-James-Version-Apocrypha%2Fdp%2F0192835254%3Fie%3DUTF8%26qid%3D1190233697%26sr%3D11-1&tag=wwwjimpettico-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=9325 - the complete books of the 1611 King James Version with printers errors removed and spelling modernized. No marginal notes.

6) KJV New Cambridge Paragraph Bible with the Apocrypha 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 - the complete 1611 edition, *including* marginal notes, with modernized spelling. Probably more valuable than 5), but it's a tough call.

7) A good bible dictionary, such as HarperCollins Bible Dictionary. There are a few equally good alternatives.

Honorable mentions:

1) Tanakh, 1995 edition, by the Jewish Publication Society - scholarly translation of the Hebrew Bible by Jewish scholars, very highly regarded.

2) NWT (New World Translation), With References - a very literal bible with some excellent though incomplete study notes. Shows significant but infrequent Jehovah's Witness bias and is available only from the WatchTower Organization (Jehovah's Witnesses). Reading this with the awareness of the bias (which is mostly documented in the bible itself) can be quite worthwhile to a student of the bible.

I hope this helps.

Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/wheel/

Answer 2

I grew up on the NIV (New International Version) and that along with the King James Version are the most common translations that you will find. I have recently found a new translation called the English Standard Version and I would suggest that one because it is a recent translation so the linguistic style is a little easier to read. It is also translated from the Greek and Hebrew so it is not a translation of a translation, as the KJV is, which is translated from the Latin.
I would also recommend not reading straight through, but maybe reading Genesis first if you wish, then John in the New Testament. Some of the Old Testament books are books of law and as such are kind of dry reading, so if you start at the beginning and just try to work you way through, you might slag off at Numbers and never want to pick up that Bible again. Good luck!

Answer 3

I can't name a particular version, but I would choose a newer English version...not the King James or the type with elaborate old language. Also, the newer versions have a more positive and hopeful interpretation of the scriptures.

Before anyone jumps on me for suggesting that the new versions dilute the message--remember that in translating the Word from the original Greek, Latin or Hebrew, much of the literal meanings have already been distorted.

I applaud your decision to read the Bible--with an open heart and mind. It's ok to be a skeptic. Some parts are quaint [Leviticus, for example] and really don't apply to modern life. But as far as the rest goes--especially the New Testament--hopefully, you'll take away some enlightenment from the timeless truths that still make sense in today's world. Enjoy.

Answer 4

Im so glad you would like to read it. The best version to read would be the 1611 King James Version. Now, New King James is ok too, but the words are just easier to understand, so it isnt much different. KJV is the closest version to the original translation, although there is another, but theres no use trying to get it, one copy costs about 200 dollars and its in olde english. But KJV is the best way to go, how strange, my church just had this discussion this past week lol

Answer 5

I have been a student of the scriptures all my life. I have attended & graduated from 8 individual 2 year accredited Bible Colleges, and Have studied the origion of the Holy Scriptures & the history of the re-translations of the Bible, & I understand why there are so many different versions of the Bible on the shelves right now. The original transcripts of the Holy Scriptires were written in the Hebrew language, both Vol.'s 1 & 2. The best translation of the Hebrew scriptures re-translated into the English language is undisputedly THE BOOK OF YAHWEH VOL. 1&2. You will not find this precious book in any christina book stores. You must call 325-676-9494 & request your own copy of THE BOOK OF YAHWEH! I promise you, you will never regret the decision!!!

Answer 6

King James Version is what I grew up reading. And until recently that was all I had read. The New International Version has a more modern language that is easier to understand. Nothing has been lost in the translations. Too much to loose there.
And enjoy the reading.

Answer 7

I'd go with the King James version. I've read King James, and portions of the New Living Translation, the New International Version, and Contemporary English Version. I think the King James leaves a lot more to interpret on your own as it relates to your experiences, or as it relates to your knowledge of history. The others are interpreted differently, for specific church beliefs or in an attempt to update it "for the modern world"... I think a lot is lost in those interpretations.

Answer 8

I would say to read the Children's International Version....because it is the easiest to understand, and it is a great help for people just getting into the Bible or interested in Knowing what Christian's Believe.

Answer 9

I think, by and large, more people reference the New International Version. There are more easy-to-read versions but they have more controversy surrounding their translation.

I would start with the NIV. I would also suggest you get a good concordance of the bible to look up the original greek, etc. This is essential to understanding the bible for real, as much is "lost in translation."

Answer 10

I suggest you go to this website: http://www.biblegateway.com/ , choose the version you wish to view, and type in what ever word/words you are interested in reading about in the Bible. It will pull up all the verses that have that word in it.

For instance, if you are interesting in finding out the attitude the Bible has about women, then type in the word "woman" and you will be able to see what the Bible has to say about women.

You can also type in the name of a verse, i.e. Genesis 2:5, and it will be pulled up with the option to choose to read it in context or to read the whole chapter.

My favorite version is the Holman Christian Standard Bible, which is one of the most accurate translations in terms of a balance between literal translation and verbal nuances and meanings. It is one of 21 different English versions you can choose to view on this Bible search engine, not to mention all the foreign language versions that are also available.

It is absolutely the most amazing Biblical resource I have ever come across. I use it daily!

Answer 11

I would say get a version that makes it easy for you to understand but go for a bible that was translated and not for a bible that has being para phrased. I myself use the King James bible and also look at other versions also. The reason I use the King James is one of the older versions and is better translated in my opinion but is also not so easy to understand in our English we use these days.