the bible for a third time, since It's been quite awhile, the first time I read the catholic version with the apocrypha intact, the second time I read the King James version, so from a poetic stand point what is the most lyrical and fun English version of the bible?
note I am reading it as literature not to study...
(I asked this last night but only got one actual answer so I thought I'd try again today, thanks)
2007-11-24 07:48:43 · 11 answers · asked by vegan_geek 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The King James is still the most lyrical English translation, and the most important from a literary standpoint.
For purely literary translations, I've found the New English Bible to be one of the best, though you can probably only find the more accurate and slightly less poetic Revised English Bible. Also the Jerusalem Bible is an outstanding balance of accuracy and lyrical beauty.
Peace to you.
2007-11-24 07:56:36 · answer #1 · answered by Orpheus Rising 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read "the Message", translated by Eugene H.Peterson. It is the Bible in plain, everyday English. It is available with verse numbering and without, making it more like reading any other book. It's about $24.00, but if you live in a city, you could probably find it in a half-price book store.
If you are reading the Bible as literature, you can't go wrong with it. I use the Government Issue "Bible in Today's English Version" for my regular studies (it is supposed by the military to be the most inter-denominationally usable version), but "the Message" is more like reading literature.
2007-11-24 15:56:55 · answer #2 · answered by Jonathan 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From a poetic viewpoint, I would go with the King James Version.
From a current-language viewpoint I would use either the New International Version or the New American Standard Bible.
Cordially,
John
http://www.GodSci.org
2007-11-24 15:55:07 · answer #3 · answered by John 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd try the NIV or the new modern day english version, I think that's what they call it. If its just for literature why not throw in the BOM and the New World Translation?
2007-11-24 15:53:51 · answer #4 · answered by paula r 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're reading for language alone, can't beat KJV. I dig all the "verily I say unto you"s and the "ye of little faith"s.
If you're reading for scholarship, go with the New Revised Standard Version with its superior translation and excellent footnotes.
2007-11-24 15:55:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Dear Friend,
I find it interesting that you want to read the Holy Bible as "literature." As you may already know, the word "literature" means ..."letter." Well, for your information...the Bible is God's love "letter" for mankind. He has a standard of living for mankind to live an abundant life in Him. It is our choice; to either accept Him as Lord of our lives or... reject Him.
(Jehovah) God is very "real", and desires you to have a "personal" relationship with the "living" person of Jesus Christ.
Sincerely in His service,
lostnsavd...
2007-11-24 19:38:08 · answer #6 · answered by lostnsavd 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try reading 'The Talmud Jmmanuel' text.
It is an altogether different version, and easily understood too.
2007-11-24 15:55:09 · answer #7 · answered by TruthBox 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Read the Douay. A good mix of the two you've previously read.
2007-11-24 15:55:41 · answer #8 · answered by Augustine 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I personally prefer the KJV.
2007-11-24 16:00:34 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
read about the FSM and his noodley goodness
2007-11-24 16:39:08 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋