Choosing a Bible

[ray]

Choosing a Bible, What's right for you? There are so many Bibles out there today how do you choose a Bible that is right for you? There are study Bibles, Mens Bibles, womens Bibles, students Bibles, Recovery Bibles, Pastoral versions and than come in different versions like the King James, New International Version, The Living, Todays English, and more........ How do I even know where to begin to look?

[Guest Logos Believer]

what type of Bible to chooose depends on your needs and circumstances. What Translation depends on what speaks clearest to you. I personally use the NASB in conjunction with the NLT, but I also like the NIV and am looking into the ESV. The NASB is clear, modern English and a literal (formal equivalence) translation. In fact, it's supposed to be the most accurate translation available (with the possible exception of the new ESV). The NLT is a paraphrase, (dynamic equivalence) but can add to your understanding, especially of tough passages. As to Study Bibles or Life Application Bibles, or just plain simple Bibles? that depends on a lot. I'd recommend a Study Bible, or maybe one of each, if you can afford it. If you can afford it, Electronic Study Software can be good too. Most come with multiple translations so you can compare them side by side. A good start is E-Sword at www.e-sword.net. It's free, though the free Bibles tend to be older ones. There are some modern ones available that can be purchased to go with it. Like the NASB and the AMPlified Bible. Quickverse is good, though somewhat spendy, and www.Logos.com also has their version based more on the ESV, but they are also spendy. I think there is the NET Bible online, though I don't recall the web address.

Don't be mislead by the Translation Controversy either. There are some bad translations out there alright, but stay with the mainline accepted versions and you'll do fine. If someone draws you into the KJV only debate, walk away (actually close your ears and RUN away) and research it on your own. You won't be led down a pre planned garden path that way and can find the truth behind the making of the different Translations. I did note that the more expensive editions at www.logos.com actually come with both accepted versions of the Greek Texts, so if your curious about that, they might be a good source. I just ordered the Scholar's Edition for that very reason.

Hope this helps

[EricH]

I use both the NASB for the reasons written above, and the Holeman

[Floatingaxe]

I would love to recommend to you the NKJV's "New Spirit-Filled Life Bible"! It is a study bible with such wonderful helps on word translations and meanings, and great study helps, and encouraging entries that help you really put your faith into practice. Great articles by wonderful contributors on the Holy Spirit and restoration, evangelism, and ministry for the believer, as well as study on understanding the Messianic Jewish ministry as well as how to lead someone to the Saviour. Our pastoral staff loves this Bible!

It is a really excellent Bible--we do need to walk in the Word, don't we? It is good to have a copy of the Bible that we can call our own, and that we can trust will help us understand some of the more difficult passages, enabling us to move forward in our faith and be able to discuss it knowledgeably, and understand why we believe also.

[Old Timer]

You have a computer, get e-Sword and you'll have many translations, commentaries, dictionaries, etc.

If you want a printed one I recommend a big black one with thumb index tabs.

[Joshua-777]

Hey, Me personally I prefer the more literal translations NKJV, and KJV,

the new international is alright, but it shouldnt be concidered literal at all, it's more of a thought for thought based on the meaning, which I personally just dont get into it

The English standard, and american standard are some of the most accurate translations,

Check out www.e-sword.net Cause you can dowload multiple versions of the bible, and even see how the word is used in greek and hebrew, it has been very helpful to me to grow in the word. Anyways God bless.

[tah]

My personal preferances are the KJV and the ESV..

and I have the Amplified...

[Floatingaxe]

I would love to recommend to you the NKJV's "New Spirit-Filled Life Bible"! It is a study bible with such wonderful helps on word translations and meanings, and great study helps, and encouraging entries that help you really put your faith into practice. Great articles by wonderful contributors on the Holy Spirit and restoration, evangelism, and ministry for the believer, as well as study on understanding the Messianic Jewish ministry as well as how to lead someone to the Saviour. Our pastoral staff loves this Bible!

It is a really excellent Bible--we do need to walk in the Word, don't we? It is good to have a copy of the Bible that we can call our own, and that we can trust will help us understand some of the more difficult passages, enabling us to move forward in our faith and be able to discuss it knowledgeably, and understand why we believe also.

Messianic Judiasm is neither Jewish nor Christian. They don't have it right.

Spirit filled life bible will lead you into understandings that are not biblical as it is pentecostal, assembly of God type thinking when it comes to the gifts. It also has incorrect interpretation and notes on a number of other points.

Stop that right now! It is a spiritually true bible---stop fearmongering. There is no error there that I or our pastoral staff have come across. They are trustworthy leaders. You go ahead and offer what you think is a good bible, but do not rag on what my opinion is. I have gathered great spiritual insight from mine...in fact, I need a new one!

[CSLewis]

I enjoy the NRSV with Appocrypha very good - Oxford study Bible is good too

But it doesn't even matter that much - It depends on the person.

[Guest Cephas]

Choosing a Bible, What's right for you? There are so many Bibles out there today how do you choose a Bible that is right for you? There are study Bibles, Mens Bibles, womens Bibles, students Bibles, Recovery Bibles, Pastoral versions and than come in different versions like the King James, New International Version, The Living, Todays English, and more........ How do I even know where to begin to look?

The question is not "what's right for you?" but what is right.

The KJV and there is no other except the original Hebrew or Greek (and not the updated greek from 1881)

Not NKJV either as there are too many errors.

What are supposed errors in KJV are not true as you can't compare the NIV text with the KJV text as they are not the same. If you don't start with the same Hebrew or Greek text, you're going to get other answers. You're going to get man-made works, not God's word.

In english, the KJV.

German, Martin Luthers.

Actually, if you compare even these two, they are the same. Luther's works in german is = to KJV in english. I know as I can read both as well as Hebrew and Greek.

All these other new bibles are trash... literally. They make a good fire.

Of course, it had to happen, the ugly head of the KJV Only crowd rears it's nasty voice of distortions again. The man is looking for help and insight into a good study Bible, not a trip down KJV Only Alley. Shall I list ALL the errors in the KJV to silence you? Shall I show the places where the King James violates the same rules you people accuse the other translations of? Don't even try to pass it off as an error free or "only true version" as it simply doesn't wash!!! Worthy hasn't the space, nor I the time to list all the errors, but if you people keep insisting I will start a running list.

As to the Original Poster, if you're worried about Translation fidelity and the reasons for the choices over the different Greek Text families, do a little Internet research yourself, WITHOUT all the 'help' from the KJV only crowd and you will discover why they exist. And it isn't something done by Satan either. Or better yet, go to your public Library and get some good books reflecting BOTH sides of the issue. Or better yet, just let it be a dead dog and find a good study Bible that fits your needs and is clear enough for you to understand.

I see lots of good advice on this thread, ignore the KJV Only crowd and you will do well