Why are there so many different versions of the Bible? And which version is the infallible word of God?

Answer 1

You mean so many different versions like this?

Abbreviated Bible - TAB - 1971, eliminates duplications, includes the Apocrypha
American Standard Version - ASV - 1901, a.k.a. Standard American Edition, Revised Version, the American version of the Holy Bible, Revised Version
American Translation (Beck) - AAT - 1976
American Translation (Smith-Goodspeed) - SGAT - 1931
Amplified Bible - AB - 1965, includes explanation of words within text
Aramaic Bible (Targums) - ABT - 1987, originally translated from the Hebrew into the Aramaic
Aramaic New Covenant - ANCJ - 1996, a translation and transliteration of the New Covenant
Authentic New Testament - ANT - 1958
Barclay New Testament - BNT - 1969
Basic Bible - TBB - 1950, based upon a vocabulary of 850 words
Bible Designed to Be Read as Literature - BDRL - 1930, stresses literary qualities of the Bible, includes the Apocrypha
Bible Reader - TBR - 1969, an interfaith version, includes the Apocrypha
Cassirer New Testament - CNT - 1989
Centenary Translation of the New Testament - CTNT - 1924, one of the few versions translated solely by a woman
Common English New Testament - CENT - 1865
Complete Jewish Bible - CJB - 1989, a Messianic Jewish translation
Concordant Literal New Testament - CLNT - 1926
Confraternity of Christian Doctrine Translation - CCDT - 1953, includes the Apocrypha
Contemporary English Version - CEV - 1992, includes Psalms and Proverbs
Coptic Version of the New Testament - CVNT - 1898, based on translations from northern Egypt
Cotton Patch Version - CPV - 1968, based on American ideas and Southern US culture, only contains Paul's writings
Coverdale Bible - TCB - 1540, includes the Apocrypha
Darby Holy Bible - DHB - 1923
Dartmouth Bible - TDB - 1961, an abridgment of the King James Version, includes the Apocrypha
De Nyew Testament in Gullah - NTG - 2005
Dead Sea Scrolls Bible - DSSB - 1997, translated from Dead Sea Scrolls documents, includes the Apocrypha
Documents of the New Testament - DNT - 1934
Douay-Rheims Bible - DRB - 1899
Emphasized Bible - EBR - 1959, contains signs of emphasis for reading
Emphatic Diaglott - EDW - 1942
English Standard Version - ESV - 2001, a revision of the Revised Standard Version
English Version for the Deaf - EVD - 1989, a.k.a. Easy-to-Read Version, designed to meet the special needs of the deaf
English Version of the Polyglott Bible - EVPB - 1858, the English portion of an early Bible having translations into several languages
Geneva Bible - TGB - 1560, the popular version just prior to the translation of the King James Version, includes the Apocrypha
Godbey Translation of the New Testament - GTNT - 1905
God's Word - GW - 1995, a.k.a Today's Bible Translation
Holy Bible in Modern English - HBME - 1900
Holy Bible, Revised Version - HBRV - 1885, an official revision of the King James Version which was not accepted at the time
Holy Scriptures (Harkavy) - HSH - 1951
Holy Scriptures (Leeser) - HSL - 1905
Holy Scriptures (Menorah) - HSM - 1973, a.k.a. Jewish Family Bible
Inclusive Version - AIV - 1995, stresses equality of the sexes and physically handicapped, includes Psalms
Inspired Version - IV - 1867, a revision of the King James Version
Interlinear Bible (Green) - IB - 1976, side-by-side Hebrew/Greek and English
International Standard Version - ISV - 1998
Jerusalem Bible (Catholic) - TJB - 1966, includes the Apocrypha
Jerusalem Bible (Koren) - JBK - 1962, side-by-side Hebrew and English
Jewish Bible for Family Reading - JBFR - 1957, includes the Apocrypha
John Wesley New Testament - JWNT - 1755, a correction of the King James Version
King James Version - KJV - 1611, a.k.a. Authorized Version, originally included the Apocrypha
Kleist-Lilly New Testament - KLNT - 1956
Knox Translation - KTC - 1956, includes the Apocrypha
Lamsa Bible - LBP - 1957, based on Peshitta manuscripts
Lattimore New Testament - LNT - 1962, a literal translation
Letchworth Version in Modern English - LVME - 1948
Living Bible - LB - 1971, a paraphrase version
McCord's New Testament Translation of the Everlasting Gospel - MCT - 1989
Message - TM - 1993, a.k.a. New Testament in Contemporary English, a translation in the street language of the day, includes Psalms and Proverbs
Modern Reader's Bible - MRB - 1923, stresses literary qualities, includes the Apocrypha
Modern Speech New Testament - MSNT - 1902, an attempt to present the Bible in effective, intelligible English
Moffatt New Translation - MNT - 1922
New American Bible - NAB - 1987, includes the Apocrypha
New American Standard Version - NAS - 1977
New Berkeley Version in Modern English - NBV - 1967
New Century Version - NCV - 1987
New English Bible - NEB - 1970, includes the Apocrypha
New Evangelical Translation - NET - 1992, a translation aimed at missionary activity
New International Version - NIV - 1978
New Jerusalem Bible - NJB - 1985, includes the Apocrypha
New JPS Version - NJPS - 1988
New King James Version - NKJ - 1990
New Life Version - NLV - 1969, a translation designed to be useful wherever English is used as a second language
New Living Translation - NLT - 1996, a dynamic-equivalence translation
New Millenium Bible - NMB - 1999, a contemporary English translation
New Revised Standard Version - NRS - 1989, the authorized revision of the Revised Standard Version
New Testament in Plain English - WPE - 1963, a version using common words only
New Testament: An Understandable Version - NTUV - 1995, a limited edition version
New Translation (Jewish) - NTJ - 1917
New World Translation - NWT - 1984
Noli New Testament - NNT - 1961, the first and only book of its kind by an Eastern Orthodox translator at the time of its publication
Norlie's Simplified New Testament - NSNT - 1961, includes Psalms
Original New Testament - ONT - 1985, described by publisher as a radical translation and reinterpretation
Orthodox Jewish Brit Chadasha - OJBC - 1996, an Orthodox version containing Rabbinic Hebrew terms
People's New Covenant - PNC - 1925, a version translated from the meta-physical standpoint
Phillips Revised Student Edition - PRS - 1972
Recovery Version - RcV - 1991, a reference version containing extensive notes
Reese Chronological Bible - RCB - 1980, an arrangement of the King James Version in chronological order
Restoration of Original Sacred Name Bible - SNB - 1976, a version whose concern is the true name and titles of the creator and his son
Restored New Testament - PRNT - 1914, a version giving an interpretation according to ancient philosophy and psychology
Revised English Bible - REB - 1989, a revision of the New English Bible
Revised Standard Version - RSV - 1952, a revision of the American Standard Version
Riverside New Testament - RNT - 1923, written in the living English language of the time of the translation
Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition - SSBE - 1981, the sacred name and the sacred titles and the name of Yahshua restored to the text of the Bible
Scholars Version - SV - 1993, a.k.a. Five Gospels; contains evaluations of academics of what are, might be, and are not, the words of Jesus; contains the four gospels and the Gospel of Thomas
Scriptures (ISR) - SISR - 1998, traditional names replaced by Hebraic ones and words with pagan sources replaced
Septuagint - LXX - c. 200 BCE, the earliest version of the Old Testament scriptures, includes the Apocrypha
Shorter Bible - SBK - 1925, eliminates duplications
Spencer New Testament - SCM - 1941
Stone Edition of the Tanach - SET - 1996, side-by-side Hebrew and English
Swann New Testament - SNT - 1947, no chapters, only paragraphs, with verses numbered consecutively from Matthew to Revelation
Today's English New Testament - TENT - 1972
Today's English Version - TEV - 1976, a.k.a. Good News Bible
Twentieth Century New Testament - TCNT - 1904
Unvarnished New Testament - UNT - 1991, the principal sentence elements kept in the original order of the Greek
Versified Rendering of the Complete Gospel Story - VRGS - 1980, the gospel books written in poetic form, contains the four gospels
Westminster Version of the Sacred Scriptures - WVSS - 1929
Wiclif Translation - TWT - 1380, a very early version translated into English
William Tindale Newe Testament - WTNT - 1989, an early version with spelling and punctuation modernized
William Tyndale Translation - WTT - 1530, early English version, includes the Pentateuch
Williams New Testament - WNT - 1937, a translation of the thoughts of the writers with a reproduction of their diction and style
Word Made Fresh - WMF - 1988, a paraphrase with humour and familiar names and places for those who have no desire to read the Bible
Worrell New Testament - WAS - 1904
Wuest Expanded Translation - WET - 1961, intended as a comparison to, or commentary on, the standard translations
Young's Literal Translation, Revised Edition - YLR - 1898, a strictly literal translation

There is over 100+ versions of the Bible, and then each version may be translated into 100's of different languages.

God's message is infallible, and we see it repeated several times throughout the Bible.

But men are fallible, and men wrote the Bible. As inspired as it may be, and no matter how correct the "Orignial" text was it has been changed so many times, that I myself wonder....HOW CORRECT IS THE BIBLE.

Answer 2

As correctly noted by *some* answers, there is not really any "infallible" version available to us. The only text that might generally be considered "infallible" is the autographs - the original texts written by the original (inspired) authors. All that we have today are copies of copies of copies - all done by hand, and presumably (often verifiably) done by *un*inspired copyists. Thus, we have a plethora of original language versions of most books of the bible (a very few we do not have in the original languages).

As also noted correctly by some answers, translation is not an exact science - not even today, between two modern and widely-spoken languages. For example, I have 3 versions of Jules Verne's "Around the World in 80 Days". All 3 are translations from the French original (only about 120 years old). The wording varies *significantly* between the 3. The *thoughts* and *ideas* are very similar. Translating languages that are thousands of years old (ancient written Hebrew, for example, did not have vowels) is *far* more uncertain than the uncertainties common with modern language translation.

Thus, we can state with a great deal of confidence that neither our translations, nor the original language manuscripts which we possess, are infallible. There are (at least minor) mistakes present in *every* text to which we have access.

This should help to explain why there are so many versions. However, there are other reasons. Here is *my* list of reasons:
1) Passing time
2) Translation uncertainties (partially addressed above)
3) $

1) Passing time - with respect to bible translation, 3 things change over time
a) Ancient language scholarship improves (I.e. translation becomes more accurate)
b) Archaeology discovers new, more ancient and more "authoritative" manuscripts
c) The English language itself changes
Most new translations attempt to take advances in all 3 of these areas into account. However, this only explains why there is a new version every 50 years or so.

2) Translation (revisited)
a) Uncertainties of translation (addressed above)
b) Translation *style* ("word-for-word literal", "dynamic equivalence", and a world of strategies in between)
c) Doctrinal translation agenda

Addressed:
b) Many new versions are produced for the purpose of creating a modern translation with a particular translation "style." There are advantages and disadvantages (trade-offs) to different styles, and so different styles appeal to different readers (just as different engines in vehicles - more power, or more fuel efficiency?)

c) Many versions address a specific doctrinal agenda. Thus, many versions exclude the so-called "apocrypha" while others include it. There are also frequently doctrinal biases in the translation itself. This does not necessarily produce an *inaccurate* translation. However, it does make the scholarship level of the translation suspect. Examples: New World Translation (which I find useful, BTW) and the Amplified Bible (which I do not).

3) $
This, I believe, is the *primary* reason that there are so many versions available. Not surprisingly, most of these version are available in English - which tends to be the wealthiest majority Christian linguistic group in the world. If publishers of bibles *expected* to lose $ in the creation of a bible translation, only large Christian sects and coalitions would be able to procure the $ to produce a new version. In such a scenario (it costs $ to make a new bible), it seems likely that we would see no more than about 6 new versions every century. As it is, any new scholarly translation is *likely* to be profitable, and so the funding of a new scholarly translation that offers the slightest perceived benefit over existing versions is likely to get the "go ahead".

Conclusion:
Reasons for different versions:
1) Passing time
2) Translation uncertainties
3) $

Which version is infallible?
There is none. However, I would like to say that *I* believe that the versions which are available to us are sufficient to lead us to salvation - and that's what's *really* important when it comes to the accuracy of bibles.

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

Answer 3

The Torah was written in mostly Hebrew and some Aramaic. One characteristic of both languages is that each word has many meanings and when a word is used, all the meanings are meant. Therefore a single translation in English cannot be adequate.

Unlike English, the letters used to form a word in Hebrew are also important as each letter has a specific meaning.

When the text was originally written in Hebrew, there was no spaces between the letters. So the divisions used now to fit a particular translation. For instance, the first word, Bereshieis means in the beginning.

But dividing it differently, to Bara sheis means "created six" in Aramaic. Someone started writing a book on the Torah and 76 volumes later he was still on the meanings of the first word. So it gets real complex.

Vowels are not printed in Hebrew. Consider the following word without vowels - rd - it can be red, rid, rode, road, raid, read, rod and other things. It's up to the reader to determine which word is appropriate.

To connect with G-d, most of the translations are adequate. To understand the deep spiritual meanings of the Torah, you have to learn Hebrew and Aramaic.

In every translation I've read, there are glaring errors in translations. Some are to push a particular doctrine. Others are just differences of opinion. Many change the singular and plurals which gives a whole different meaning to the passage. This is true even in the "Jewish translations" as many things are hidden so the christians don't kill us.

As for the KJV, it is a pretty good translation. But it has some glaring errors. For instance, Hebrew has no word for virgin. And Lucifer is latin, not Hebrew. The passage simply refers to the time when the sun rises which is a time of prayer. The morning star is simply the light from the rising sun. IS 14 is clearly a parable to Nebudchaneezer.

Answer 4

The translators of the King James Version said any translation is the infalible word of God. The JW and Mormon versions would not be infalible as man is clearly trying to twist them but other bibles are trying to be close to the original are still the word of God. The debae is what translton is the best and unless you can read Greek Hebrew and Aramiac I would sugest using the maindtream translation you feal is the easist to read.

Answer 5

The 'best' version is the original Greek & Hebrew texts.

I see some people here are KJV-only advocates. I suppose they don't know how many glaring differences there are between the KJV and the originals, or between the current KJV and the original KJV (which included the Apocrypha).
I suppose they also don't know that there are entire verses in KJV that don't even exist in the original manuscripts.

There's also the fact that the KJV is in a dialect of English that hasn't been in use for 300 years, that it's poorly translated in the first place. Example: "help meet" is not a noun; it means "helper suitable," as in "a help[er] meet[suitable] for him." This sort of archaic language causes no end of confusion as to the meaning of various verses.
Also, the word for "homosexual" appears nowhere in the original texts. The actual word translates badly, but is always preceded by a word used for male prostitutes (who slept with both male and female clients). In context, the originals seem to admonish men who put themselves in the position of female prostitutes (which were considered property, as opposed to men).

The reason there are so many Bibles is because the Catholic church commissioned new translations as needed, and so did the various kings of England. The newer versions are the result of independent translators trying to make the Bible easy to understand without having a preacher interpret them for the masses. (Some people don't like this idea.)

Answer 6

They are different translations. And FYI - the King James Version is one of the most edited versions out there. A number of things were just flat out changed in that version. The NSRV is closest to original (at least the "originals" we have found). None is the infallible word of God - all were touched by man, and many were written hundreds of years (if not more) after events happened.

Answer 7

Why are there so many different versions of the Bible?

Because the Bible was written thousands of years ago by Bronze Age tribesman - in Hebrew (the OT), and in Aramaic (the NT) - a form of Greek language. When the Bible was translated it was copied by monks, who sometimes made mistakes in the transcription, AND the translation. As paper was absurdly expensive back then (once only kings could afford it!), they oftened chalked this up to "God's will", so the errors remained. Also, it is not always possible to get 100% accuracy in a translation from one language to another, so sometimes the translation does not reflect the original meaning of the words in the original language. The King James Bible was actually written to appease protestants and catholics in England - so much so that it may have prevented a civil war!

As to which Bible is the "infallible word of God" - NONE of them, as it was written by MEN inspired by God, and the later errors in transcription and translation. And as there are 3,000 different beliefs in deities on Earth, that means that at least 2,999 of them must be wrong, so with odds like that its very possible that ALL of them are wrong. People of religion often believe that it is THEY that have the correct answers, but as I think it is the epitome of human arrogance to state that "we know what God thinks" I will not be telling God what to do or how to work - I will just enjoy being in this amazing universe of ours.

Answer 8

you know, you can't really translate completely one language to another. my wife speaks spanish, and I speak english. there are many words that do not translate at all. I would give some examples, but would probably get a violation. i don't think you could translate ancient greek, hebrew and latin into modern english with any degree of accuracy whatsoever. especially when it comes to punctuation, which in english is mandatory to be able to understand it at all , and was never used in the above stated languages. to answer your question, i don't think any version would be accurate. I am sure you know what I think about the infallibility of this book.

Answer 9

howdy at the start we could be responsive to that us human beings are imperfect, we elect to arrogantly think of that we are maximum appropriate and others do not. so as that they maintain on with their very very own ideals of ways the Bible is written. Secondly, Bibles are made in many diverse variations to simplify and make the reader have greater be responsive to-the thank you to the Bible. Or because of the fact the form of languange of a definite section is diverse so it somewhat is going to be suitable with the human beings. third, Bibles are made suitable for various faith communities yet serving the comparable God (Catholic, Christians, Orthodox, and so on.) diverse faith diverse Bible. And by potential of how, God gave us loose will so we could do in spite of we like not compelled. If God made the Bible in one version, He may be forcing us to persist with Him, yet he's the main Loving God, so He enable us to elect whom we could consistently persist with. yet somewhat Jesus is the certainty, the way, and The life.

Answer 10

They are all based on ancient manuscripts or scrolls that have been found and written by many different men. Then the church went through and decided which stories to put in the Bible (their manual, so to speak). There are so many versions because they were all translated differently. I guess you have to read all and choose for yourself. Heck, you and one other person can read the same version, and still get something different from it. So, good luck!

Answer 11

Because a lot of different people decided to make a translation. I would consider the originals the infallible word of God, but then I wouldn't be able to read it.