What version of the Bible do you read?

[Trust & Obey]

It looks like the Message Bible Introduction verified my point that it is a paraphrase, rather than a translation. 

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Which is why I said you were wrong in part, look:

That means it isn't translated from the original languages/manuscripts. It is simply a man's understanding of an english translation.

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That's what is wrong with your statement. Re-read The Message's introduction again.

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Got it. They did consider the original languages.

But, a paraphrase is still a man's interpretation, rather than simply translating the words as they are in the original languages.

The danger with paraphrasing is that someone first reads the text, whether it be a translation or the original languages, and then they retell it according to their understanding of it.

So, regardless it is still a man's interpretation of the Scriptures and therefore shouldn't be someone's primary Bible. But, I know a lot of people who like it. Personally, I cannot stand how watery it is... similar to the NLT.

The NLT on the other hand, as watery as it is, has a reputation for being a solid translation. So, if you're looking for a very simple translation to read; the NLT might be the ticket.

[Guest eponine]

I really like the English Standard Version. It's not as hard to read as the New American Standard (which I also like), and more literal than the NIV. I would also recommend the NKJV.

I have read some of the Message, and I think it is good to a point. You must remember that it is a paraphrase, but it is clear that the guy did his study (from the original languages as he stated). I think of it more as a commentary written on a kids level.

The Refuel is not actually a Bible translation, but a way of publishing the NCV. They took the NCV, laid it out like a magazine, and added the stuff that was already quoted by raven. They did the same in a girl's version called Revolve and are putting out more editions. I agree that you should be careful with those. The side stuff (which there is a lot of) can be pretty bad. And it is definitely trying to appeal to popular teen culture as much as be true to God's Word.

Ditto on the caution about the Word on the Street. That cannot even be called a Bible. They take the general idea of a passage and add whatever they want to make it sound cool. It changes people's names and places, distorts what they said, and really makes it so trite. They rewrite the Psalms so that they rhyme in English and each has a heading telling what kind of song it should be sung as with choices like rap and hip-hop. I am quite sure that David, Moses, Asaph, etc... did not write them with that in mind. The truths of Scripture are weighty and they are beautiful. This book makes them funky and amusing.

Again, pick one that is clear to you while still true to the original manuscripts of the Bible. The ones people have shared here are good choices.

[other one]

I listen to the King James Version, and read the origional NASB.

[MrLuke]

if you're looking for a very simple translation to read; the NLT might be the ticket.

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Yeah, that's why I like that version; it's simple yet gets the message across well.

The Message Bible, I think, is good for introducing new Christians or people who are wavering on a decision, to the Bible. It has worked well with my brother, who although grew up in a Christian family, still hasn't made a proper decision to follow Christ, yet recently he picked up my Message Bible and took to it because it's in words he understands and it reads easily too.

Everything can be used for good

[Khristeeanos]

I have over 20 different translations.

I have studied the KJV only and find it to be a divisive discussion that is best to be avoided at all costs.

I suggest getting a NIV. It clearly is the best translation out today.

[the_raven_1313]

I used to read the NIV but when I noticed the mistakes and footnotes and other things wrong with it IMO, I threw it in the back of a drawer and haven't touched it since. Pity as it was quite expensive.

[Catsmeow]

I really like the Greek Interlinear myself...but if you go to www.crosswalk.com, they give you a HUGE selection of versions to study from.

I also really enjoy the Complete Jewish Bible. It really makes sense and reads nicely (except when it uses Hebrew words I don't understand).

Then...I just ask one of our Worthy Hebrew Scholars....

[Homeward]

New King James Version, and King James Version, here.

Giant Print, of course.

Seriously, I've compared a lot of versions, and read a multitude of opinions on the different versions, and decided these were the best for me.

Blessings to you! I'm praying that you find the one He has especially for you.

In His Wonderful Name,

Love,

Homeward

[nothing]

I read the NIV study Bible & many times reference with KJV.

"Ask and it will be given unto you, seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you."

[Homeward]

I used to read the NIV but when I noticed the mistakes and footnotes and other things wrong with it IMO, I threw it in the back of a drawer and haven't touched it since. Pity as it was quite expensive.

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Raven, my NIV is "gone with the wind" also...

Reading it blessed me for years and years, but some things, which I'm too tired to go into right now, bothered me so I too, stopped reading it.

OK, I'll type out one verse as an example...

The way Isaiah 14:12 is translated in the NIV realllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllllly bothers me, as Satan is referred to as the same name as Jesus. Morning Star. In the New King James, King James, and a few others He is not.

NKJV

How you are fallen from heaven, O lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!

NIV

How you have fallen from heaven, O morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations.

Now, Jesus calls Himself the Bright and Morning Star in Revalation 22:16

I, Jesus have sent My angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, the Bright and Morning Star.

When Jesus says "I am.....", I pay really good attention to what he is calling Himself.