What version of the Bible do you read?

United States
May 14, 2007 11:31pm CST
I use the KJV of the Bible most times. However, I do have a NIV Bible around when I have difficulty understanding scripture in the KJV Bible. My friend and I discussed how we shouldn't rely on too many different versions of the Bible because there can be some lost in meaning among different translations of the KJV. What version do you use the most and what are your views about the many different versions of the Bible?
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10 responses
• United States
15 May 07
There is another discussion with the same questions that was pretty good, you could check that one out as well. I like the New American Standard Bible because it is a very literal, word-for-word translation of the original Hebrew and Greek. It also uses the best version of the scriptures that the scholars have been working on for numerous years (like the NA27 for the Greek). Generally speaking I don't mind that there are different versions as long as they go back to the best scriptures. This is actually why I am not a big fan of the KJV; they rely on scriptures that are generally not the best (the Byzantine text types as opposed to the Alexandranian). I wrote up some brief thoughts on the various translations I have if you are interested: http://url.mattjonesblog.com/bible/
• United States
14 Apr 11
Something is wrong with that link, Matt. I tried it and your blog doesn't exist. I just got the NLT Bible with its "female friendly" references for women in the scriptures. It is a translation that keeps the important messages of God while toning down all the masculine pronouns and references to include women in the promises and teachings of Jesus and God. It's endorsed by Billy Graham and the Catholic Church too. I really like it.
@magnet (2087)
• United States
11 Jun 07
I usually read the New International Version.
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@foxyfire33 (10005)
• United States
19 May 07
I have and use the NIV version. It is clear and more practical for everyday use. I know some people might not car for my opinion but I really on't like the KJV. I feel that the wording of it is far too influenced by the time in which it was "translated". My opinion is that the Bible was tainted during that translation. I prefer to depend more on more recent translations that use a variety of manuscripts and sources. One funny issue I have had with the NIV though was with a verse my daughter had to learn for vacation bible school. She was given the KJV of the verse but didn't understand uite what it meant. I got out my NIV so I could explain it in more simple language. Unfortunately the verse (which I'm afraid I've forgotten) was over simplified in the NIV, it read..."Just do it"...Not exactly inspirational, unless you're selling sneakers.
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• Philippines
18 May 07
I read the N/KJV Bible and the New Century Version Bible. I thank God we got both great versions. To God be the glory, Rauldapogi
• United States
1 Jun 07
I prefer and trust the KJV. I don't care for the NIV or some of the more modern translations. I've used the ESV and NASB but my reading and studying is from the KJV. Some of the words might be outdated but I don't really have too much of a problem with it.
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@Logos_1 (52)
• United States
11 Jun 07
The best translation I like is the NRSV. I think it reflects greek and hebrew better. Nowadays, after familiarising my self with Greek and Hebrew, I like to make my own translation. It takes a lot of time. But is worthwhile.
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@wdiong (1815)
• Singapore
15 May 07
Most of the time, I use the New International Version. I find that this is easier to understand as compared the the King James Version. I've not actually analysed the different versions so I cannot comment whether there are any loss in the meaning among the different translations.
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@urbandekay (18278)
18 Aug 11
Whilst there are many translations that are easier and clearer to read, yet still I feel when them I read that some subtle shade of meaning is lost, which is present in the beautiful language of that marvel the KJV all the best urban
• India
23 Feb 08
I use NIV and New Living Translation. But I crosscheck with the Greek Bible too. I think NIV and NLT are more accurate than others. RSV is accurate too. I think as we have a better understanding of the first century literary genre and also the changes of the words and sentences that we use each generation we need to have newer translations.
@happymom1 (1179)
• United States
11 Jun 07
I like to use the NIV New International Version because its easy to understand and they use the simpliest words in it. The KJV is hard to understand because there words that use it from old times. So i prefer the NIV.