Need a Good Modern Bible Translation

[M45510G1C]

My neighbor was saved over the weekend, he dedicated his life to Yhwh. Baruch Hashem!!!

But, I have a question. I usually read the KJV, but do compare translations at times thanks to the wonders of the 'net. My neighbor does not have the 'net nor does he like the KJV. That is fine, but I wanted to pick him up a good translation with a bit more modern wording. I really don't know much about the different translations, I have heard good things about the NKJV and the New Jerusalem Bible.

Anyone have any experience with these or other more modern translations?

[Christ's Free Servant]

My neighbor was saved over the weekend, he dedicatwed his life to Yhwh.  Baruch Hashem!!!

But, I have a question.  I usually read the KJV, but do compare translations at times thanks to the wonders of the 'net.  My neighbor does not have the 'net nor does he like the KJV.  That is fine, but I wanted to pick him up a good translation with a bit more modern wording.  I really don't know much about the different translations, I have heard good things about the NKJV and the New Jerusalem Bible. 

Anyone have any experience with these or other more modern translations?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It is good that you are being sensitive to your neighbor's preference not to use the KJV and that you are willing to recommend something more modern. The KJV was written in the language of that day and we don't speak KJV English anymore, plus it was written on a 12th grade or higher level and most of us read at about a 7th grade level.

The NASB is written on about a 9th grade level, and although it is probably the most accurate word for word of the more modern translations, it does not flow well like we speak and thus is still a bit difficult to follow, but it is great for study purposes.

If you want an accurate translation (not a paraphrased), then I would go with the New International Version, because it is translated from the original manuscripts and is accurate, but it flows better and is on a 7th grade reading level. This is the one I prefer. And, I prefer the NIV Study Bible or the NIV Life Application Bible - either of those is great!! They have great helps in them for understanding the scriptures.

The New Living Bible is a good translation, but it is translated more thought by thought than it is word for word and it was based upon one man's translation of the Bible for his children, so I don't know how accurate it is to the original language (Greek and Hebrew), but it reads well and it is a translation as opposed to a paraphrased.

[WayneB]

I'm with Sue.

I use both the NASB and the NIV. Both are excellent translations. I would recommend your friend start with the NIV and then later move on to the NASB.

Personally, I do not like the NLT.

[hopper]

Edited April 17, 2008 by hopper

[M45510G1C]

Thanks for all the input everyone!

Well, this guy has little to no religious background, no religious friends or family (other than myself) lots of tattoos, etc etc. His willingness to submit and get rid of some bad habits of his has been truly astounding. He is intelligent, but not much on philosophizing, he likes things to be simple. In general he's a pretty simple guy, sort of a cityfied redneck, likes trucks, hunting, etc etc.

[WayneB]

Then I would recommend the NIV Quest Study Bible for a start.

[Trust & Obey]

I would suggest the NASB.

I would not recommend the NIV, although that is what I began with. But, knowing what I know now, I feel that I would have been better served with the NASB or NKJV.

If they are hungry for the Lord then God will satisfy them, NIV or not, as He did me. But, I think it is a matter of "good" or "better."

[RGR]

NIV tends to be a little too "official" at times for someone who is starting out. Given that, I would recommend the New Living Translation (NLT).

[hopper]

Edited April 17, 2008 by hopper

[Homeward]

I started with the NIV many years ago, as it was the bible the Baptist church I attended, at that time, used. It blessed me for years. As I grew in the LORD, I grew dissastified, even alarmed, by some of the ways words and parts of it were translated. I no longer have the NIV.

The NKJV is my daily bread. It flows well, and perhaps your friend would love it, too. I understand about the difficulty with the flow of the KJV, although I love it too!

Blessings

Edited June 21, 2005 by Homeward