Bible translations/versions?

[Capella]

I promise, I really tried to use the search engine here to find threads that already covered this. It just didn't bring me any hits, or just sat in a stall mode. If one exists, a link to it would be just wonderful and much appreciated.

All my life I've had my Standard King James Version (1611??). I love this Bible, it was a gift from my dad. However it occured to me that maybe the world wouldn't stop turning if I read a version written in more common English, to read for greater comprehension. Part of my journey back thing. I was overwhelmed at the Christian supply store and in over my head. Many were sealed and you couldn't look at them anyway. The staff was busy in the "doo dah" sections of the store (gifts, weddings etc.) and even though I waited, nobody was available to visit with.

Looked on the interent and the closest thing I could find to sort of describe them, described them in "reading level". 6th grade, high school.....Reading isn't a problem but I hate to pick out of then air. I apologize for babbling to get to the point. Knowing it's personal choice, are there certain versions more accepted in most churches, or Christian people feel are "better" translations than others?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Debbie

[Scarletprayers]

I like the NIV study Bible, I'm sure you'll get lots of people telling you what NOT to read but I find it very good. I grew up KJV also, so it took some getting used to.

[tah]

The English Standard Verision stays true to the dynamics of the KJV..

I love the KJV...

The ESV It is a trustworthy translation to me...

[dakota190]

i too was raised on the old kjv, but i couldn't help thinking Jesus most likely did not speak olde english, (thee and thou). so i did a little research and found their was not all of the horrible misinterpretations and lost verses, in the nkjv, so i found a concordance, nkjv, with vine's expository reference edition, published by Nelson. it has been and continues to be an excellent bible, and i continue to learn alot from it. my wife also gave me a Quest study bible, which is NIV, published by Zondervan, you know what? i am not confused and God did not open up the earth and swallow me, like a fundemental baptist church in north florida would have had me believe. i kept my old kjv for sentimental reasons also. besides, who can get rid of a bible unless it is a gift to someone else who needs one.

[EricH]

There are many good versions (some of which have already been mentioned) Others include the NASB and the Holeman. Why not go to a book store and read some of your favorite passages in each and see which is best for you?

[thechild]

you r money would be better spent on a strongs concordance and learning some greek and hebrew. it is not hard and every word is numbered. a lot gets lost in every translation. god chose those languages for a reason, not because something better hadnt come along yet.

[Scarletprayers]

you r money would be better spent on a strongs concordance and learning some greek and hebrew. it is not hard and every word is numbered. a lot gets lost in every translation. god chose those languages for a reason, not because something better hadnt come along yet.

I'm not being sarcastic here, I really want to know "God chose those languages for a reason"?

[Times]

I promise, I really tried to use the search engine here to find threads that already covered this. It just didn't bring me any hits, or just sat in a stall mode. If one exists, a link to it would be just wonderful and much appreciated.

All my life I've had my Standard King James Version (1611??). I love this Bible, it was a gift from my dad. However it occured to me that maybe the world wouldn't stop turning if I read a version written in more common English, to read for greater comprehension. Part of my journey back thing. I was overwhelmed at the Christian supply store and in over my head. Many were sealed and you couldn't look at them anyway. The staff was busy in the "doo dah" sections of the store (gifts, weddings etc.) and even though I waited, nobody was available to visit with.

Looked on the interent and the closest thing I could find to sort of describe them, described them in "reading level". 6th grade, high school.....Reading isn't a problem but I hate to pick out of then air. I apologize for babbling to get to the point. Knowing it's personal choice, are there certain versions more accepted in most churches, or Christian people feel are "better" translations than others?

Thanks in advance for your help,

Debbie

Pick up a copy of "How to Read the Bible for all it's Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. This book answered a world of questions for me. Not just about versions either. A very good book.

[Rober H]

My sword of choice is the KJB and unless something drastic happens will always be the version I read and preach from.

Jesus did not speak in King James English nor did he speak in "modern English" either.

"It is not impossible that in the providence of God another universally accepted standard translation could be produced. However, given the lateness of the hour, the lack of spiritual scholarship, and the fact that our language no longer has the depth and vitality it once had, this seems most unlikely. All indications point to the KJV as the Bible God would have His people use in these last days before the Second Coming of Christ. God has preserved in the King James Version His original work of inspiration. The flower has not faded! The Sword is as sharp as in the day it was first whetted!"

Jack Moormon from "Modern Bibles-The Dark Secret"

Edited June 1, 2006 by Rober H

[Capella]

Thanks so much everyone! I really appreciate the tips and pointers. tah, the ESV version you mention sounds very interesting. dakota190, I laughed out loud "I'm not confused and God did not open up the earth and swallow me..." I think we've been hanging out in similar places:). Silentrprayer, thanks for your comments on the NIV verson. ErcH, the problem with going to the store to look at a bunch of them is that I've already tried. Many many of them are sealed. thechild, I'm afraid I'm going to have to pass on learning Greek and Hebrew. Times, thanks for your book recommendation. Fell like I have a good jump off point here.

Debbie