Which bible?

[JC4ME]

Hi everybody. I am a first time poster, and I would like to thank each of you for all of the information shared on this forum.
I do not own a bible, and I am looking to purchase one. I came across a web site that sells them and I'm very confused. It seems as if there is no such thing as "THE BIBLE". Here's the list of books offered:
- The Amplified Bible (AMP)
- English Standard Version (ESV)
- Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)
- King James Version (KJV)
- The Message (MSG)
- New American Standard Bible (NASB)
- New Century Version (NCV)
- New International Readers Version (NIrV)
- New International Version (NIV)
- New King James Version (NKJV)
- New Living Translation (NLT)
There are far too many choices listed for someone like me, so I would appreciate any reccomendations as to which one to choose.
One more question... why are there so many variations of God's word?
Thank you all.
~JC4ME

 

[Snowrose]

Hi JC4ME,

That is really a hard question. I myself began with the King James Version. But later I purchased the Amplified and then later New Internation Version. My preferance is the NIV but the other two I keep close at hand to compare with.

I can't really help you to decide on what version you would prefer but there is a website called Bible Gateway that can show you how each verse is read in most of the versions you have quoted. Maybe that could help you make your choice.

Why there is so many variations of God's word? Well I am not sure but I thought maybe it's because they were written to help make the Bible more understandable to us.

I hope this helped - God bless you.

Best wishes,
Snowrose

 

[jiggyfly]

Welcome to TalkJesus JC4ME. I think that the "Life Application Study Bible" is a good one it is available in several translations( KJV, NKJV, NIV, NLT,NASB). It is full of very practical commentary and studies to assist you in understanding God's Word. I suggest that you go to a bible book store and sit down and read and compare them and then pick the one you like the best.

 

[Gideon]

JC4ME,

I suggest since you go and pick New American Standard Bible (NASB). It is a wonderful version. I also use New King James Version (NKJV) which is also good.

To have an Amplified Bible with you is good. It is great tool to understand scripture. You can buy an Amplified Bible once you start off.

The Message and New Living Translations are more of the kind of paraphrased versions for easy understanding. I won't recommend it to be used as your personal Bible.

I suggest you , if you can afford it, to go for a NASB and an Amplified Bible. Or you can buy a Life Application Bible (either NASB or NKJV) which will be more of a study Bible.

God's word is good. So good.
God bless!
- Gideon

PS : NASB has two editions. Not much difference. But the older edition is better than the updated edition.

 

[CliffS]

I do not own a bible, and I am looking to purchase one. I came across a web site that sells them and I'm very confused. It seems as if there is no such thing as "THE BIBLE". Here's the list of books offered:

Let me start off by saying your confussion and concern are both understandable and common amung new believers.
There are several hundred variations of the bible in the english language alone.
Now before you pannic, let me assure you that what ever translation or version you choose God will communicate His message to you through it.
The power and authority is in God ,not the book.
With that being said, the most popular is the King James Version (KJV).The "King James" is the oldest translation. Printed in kings english along the times of Shakespere. It was commitioned by King James the second of England Thats the reason for the old english language and the name. It is concidered by some to be at a 12th grade reading level and often found hard to read.
Some prefer it simply because of it's longevity and others because the language seems to add a sence of spirituality to the message.
The next in popularity is the NIV (New international version). It is translated in modern language, easier to read and second only to the King James in popularity. It is said to be at an 8th grade reading level.
The King James, New International Version and Modern King James and a few others are deemed to be more accurate as they were translated from the original manuscripts. This accounts for the unusual sentance structure that many find hard to read.
Most of the others are what is called "paraphrased". That means simply that they were not translated directly from the original manuscripts. Most have more common sentance structure and modern cultrial language. They often range from about 5th to 8th grade reading levels with the "New Century Version" and the "Contempory English Version" being the easiest to read.
Then we have (what I call) the designer bibles.
These are the various specialty bibles with comentary or other features that appeal to specific groups or intrest.
Womens devotional bibles, Mens study bibles, teen bibles, Promice Keepers,
John Mcarthur has a Modern King James that contains comentary from a historical perspective that I refer to quite often.
For starters I recogment either the King James, NIV or Modern King James. The reason being that they are most common. This reduces confussion when in group setting were following along with some one reading can be a distraction when using muliple translations.
I would also suggest that you go to a near by christian book store and check out the bibles there to get a feel for which one best suits you.
Or possibly surf the internet.
E-Sword has a bible program that allows looking at and down loading several bible translations. The "Blue Bible" and several other websites allow for reading and or examinig various bible translations.
If cost is an issue, You can pick up a NIV or KJV bible at Walmart for about $7 or ask at most churches and receive one at no cost at all.
All said and done the message is the same, though the wording and format might be differant. That God communicates to you through it is the important thing.

One more question... why are there so many variations of God's word?

IMHO (in my humble opinion)
Over the centuries many men have been compelled to make the word of God understandable to others. The translating from the original languages to the modern languages has done that. God through these translations has placed the availibility of his word into the hands of the people of every nation of the world.
But our present culture has found that there is a market for the word of God. More and more man (especialy in America) is slanting (in commentary) the message given in scripture to particular desires, or applications. They are given to manipulating the words to justify or fit their particular beliefs.
Don't let this scare you!
God has always and will always have power and authority over his word. And though in some cases it can be said that man has corrupted the bible, God uses mans corruption of His word to fulfil His purposes.
If your heart is with Jesus ,your soul is safe with what ever you translation or version of the bible you lay eyes upon.

 

[Coconut]

"If your heart is with Jesus ,your soul is safe with what ever you translation or version of the bible you lay eyes upon." Very well said Cliffs.

 

[JC4ME]

Still confused

Thank you all for responding. Since it doesn't matter what version I read, I'll see what's available the next time I go to Wal Mart and start there.

On a side note, I find it a little disheatening that there are so many versions of "THE" bible. It makes me wonder how many things have been changed or embellished... and to what extent... over the past several thousand years.

Thanks again everybody!

~JC4ME

 

[CliffS]

On a side note, I find it a little disheatening that there are so many versions of "THE" bible. It makes me wonder how many things have been changed or embellished... and to what extent... over the past several thousand years.

Disheartening????

No way!!

We have a living God! A living God that allows and directs through providence all things, (INCLUDING) the bible and which one or ones we will see to bring us to him.
The fact that the bible changes and adapts (under His authority) so that we individualy might better understand that which He wills us to know is amung the greatest demonstrations of His Love and desire that not one of us be lost.
Our father in heaven speaks to us not only in our language but in words and manners relivant to our individual present lives and times!!!
Whether borrowed bought or given, no matter what the age or translation every time you open God's written word he will speak to you personaly through it!!!
When we accept Jesus as Lord we receive the Holy spirit to translate and interprite for us individualy.
Brother and sisters we just can't get better than that this side of heaven.

 

[4Jesus]

I personally do not believe the version we read matters. What matters to me is to be aware that the Bible is a Spiritual Book, written by writers inspired by The Holy Spirit; God breathed and Gods Word.

Jesus tells us The Holy Spirit, The Comforter, will teach and guide in all things and I have no reason to believe that excludes Gods Word - The Bible.

Therefore, the Bible being a Spiritual Book, Spiritually Inspired, can only be understood by a spiritual person, and conversly not understood by someone who is unspiritual. Paul tells us, "So also no one comprehends the thoughts of God except the Spirit of God. Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit which is from God, that we might understand the gifts bestowed on us by God. And we impart this in words not taught by human wisdom but taught by the Spirit, interpreting spiritual truths to those who possess the Spirit. The unspiritual man does not receive the gifts of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned." (1 Corinthians 2:11-14 RSV)

 

[Faithful Son]

Amen 4Jesus, great opinion and great reply.

 

[JC4ME]

Just to clarify...

The point I was trying to make was that I was a little overwhelmed with 11 versions of the same book, and wondered what the differences were. After hearing there are hundreds of versions, I am now wondering how vast the differences are.

Are the variations in scriptures merely a translation involving language and reading skill levels, or do they include variations in the stories that are told? Are there scriptures that are written in some bibles, and omitted in others?

I have accepted Jesus, and I’m long past due in taking the time to sit down and do some reading… although I must say that this web site has provided me with many direct quotes and scriptures regarding specific questions. Thanks to all.

~JC4ME

 

[Faithful Son]

Well JC4ME, I get what you're saying, I agree it is overwhelming. I speak Afrikaans, I am from South Africa. I haven't encountered variations in stories or content reading the English Bible. To the contrary, I find that even cross language, the Bible remains the same. I think there are slight variations in words and ofcourse there is different expression used. In the long run I have found that it remains the same. I read the second oldest translation Afrikaans Bible. This means it is very pure and it comes close to the original documents, but it still isn't the original. I have found the New American Standard Bible to be most comparable to my Bible. Slight word differences, but all around the same.

There are people who say the King James Bible is the purest form of the English Bible, if you want you can buy that one and that should put your mind at ease concerning originality and purity. I on the other hand think the New American Standard is the most original, I only think because of my statement above. If you want to keep to the originals, don't buy much revised versions. Rather just go for King James and not New King James.

If you can get past the fact of pure and original, just buy a Bible that reads well. Pray before you read the Bible and make it an occasion for you and God.

Much love
teraside

 

[JC4ME]

Pray before you read the Bible and make it an occasion for you and God.

Thanks teraside, that's wonderful advice, and I appreciate yor input!

 

[JC4ME]

bible link...

I found a really good page to read scriptures about specific topics. Just google "God's yellow pages" to find it. I find it to be a very helpful as a "quick reference guide"... especially for a newbie like me!

~JC4ME

 

[4Jesus]

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Jesus,

I sincerely believe The Holy Spirit guided the wording of the varying version of the Bible. It would be impossible to go into the depth and breadth of what God is doing with the revisions and version. Let me give you just one example of what God is doing with those who He entrusts to Revise His Word - not change it!!

In our generation we are seeing the onslaught of Sodom and Gommorah into the Church of God. So called *Christians* who seek to justify monogomous/faithful same sex (homosexual) marriages mainly use 'Reluctant Journey' by Rev. Hopper and the KJV. The KJV never uses the word 'homosexual' - the word 'homosexual' did not exist at the time KJV was written.

Therefore the 'gay christian lobbyists' argue *scripturally* that the KJV says, "Thou shalt not lie with mankind, as with womankind; it is an abomination" (Leviticus 18:22) must be understood as a command to those who are orientated as heterosexual men and have natural orientation to sexual relations with a woman should not "lie with with mankind, as with womankind" on the basis (they argue) a homosexual has no *natural sexual orientation* to "lie with womankind".

That is how the writers of the KJV understood it it in their generation.


In a newer and more up-to-date version the Holy Spirit inspired the writers to write for our generation a new version to clearly and unabigiously speak to those who would propagate this abominataion **scripturally**.

The New Living Translation speaks in Holy Spirit Inspired language as plain as the nose on your face for our time:

"Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin." Lev 18:22 New Living Translation. No if's, but's or wriggle room! God's Word refreshed and smack up-to-date for our time!

I could quote dozens of such examples but space and time hinders.

Your brother in Jesus
David

Edited to correct typing error; My reference to NLT Lev 19:22 should have read ...

"Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin." Lev 18:22 New Living Translation. No if's but's or wriggle room! God Word refreshed and smack up to date for our time!

 

[JC4ME]

...

"Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin." Lev 19:22 (New Living Translation)
“And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.” Lev 19:22 (KJV)
These 2 verses have nothing to do with each other. It was completely changed, not revised. Am I missing something?
~JC4ME

 

[JC4ME]

One more thing...

4Jesus- the example you gave is clearly an addition, and not a revision. Therefore, how does this verse apply:


For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Revelation 22:18 (KJV)


~JC4ME

 

[4Jesus]

[/ "Do not practice homosexuality; it is a detestable sin." Lev 19:22 (New Living Translation)
“And the priest shall make an atonement for him with the ram of the trespass offering before the LORD for his sin which he hath done: and the sin which he hath done shall be forgiven him.” Lev 19:22 (KJV)
These 2 verses have nothing to do with each other. It was completely changed, not revised. Am I missing something?
~JC4ME QUOTE]

[/One more thing...

4Jesus- the example you gave is clearly an addition, and not a revision. Therefore, how does this verse apply:

For I testify unto every man that heareth the words of the prophecy of this book, If any man shall add unto these things, God shall add unto him the plagues that are written in this book: Revelation 22:18 (KJV)
~JC4MEQUOTE]



Precious Brother in Jesus,

I regret I made very simply typing error which you will see I have now corrected. Please accept my appologies.

I accidently typed 19 instead of 18.

I trust you can now see I am 'not guilty' of your charge of breaching Revelation 22:18 (KJV). In any event, Revelation 22:18 does not apply to the Book of Leviticus. Rev 22:18 specifically states "the words of the prophecy of this book." Leviticus is one of the five books of The Law - not a book of prophesy.

I also trust that you can now accept the fact that my comparision of identical scripture between the KJV and NLT is a true and genuine revsion and not an addition.

Many blessing to you in Jesus' Name
David

 

[KJV]

I got saved about 12 years ago and all I had was the KJV but people told me I couldn't understand it because it was too old and archaic. They got me onto the NKJV but I found it harder to read and stilted.

I then read the NIV about twice but it was very mundane: like a newspaper. Insipid and passionless. I then read the Good News about twice and I seemed to get something from it because of my heart at the time, although I knew it wasn't a true translation.

I then read the NASV but I found it too literal to be a good translation.
I realised all these versions were, to a lesser or greater extent different and I thought that logically they could not all be the inspired Word of God, as they all have differences. I decided to read a different one every day to see which one God would speak to me through.

I hadn't read the KJV for a year and a half but when it came the turn for that one I felt quickened by the Spirit and the mundaniety of the modern versions was eclipsed by the beauty, majesty and splendour of what I now believe to be God's inspired Word in the English language. "The voice of the LORD is powerful; the voice of the LORD is full of majesty".

I then began to study NT Greek and I learned the difference between the text the KJV uses and the text the modern versions use. "The King James Version Defended" by Edward Hills (which is free on the net if you type it into google) is a good starter on this issue.

So I now believe the true Word of God is the Massoretic Hebrew OT, the Greek "Recieved" text, the King James Bible in English and faithful translations in other languages.

The modern versions contain the Word of God somewhere, but they have so many additions, deletions and corruptions, that unless that is all you have they should not be completly trusted. The simplifying the language line has been around for nearly 130 years but knowledge of the Bible among Christians and non-Christians seems to have declined dramatically.

I don't think it is chance that the best selling book in history and the greatest work of literature in the English and probably any language is the King James Version of the Holy Bible. To swap it's exceeding simplicity, transparency and elegance for any other; seems to me like selling your birthright for a mess of pottage.

 

[Xariex]

I prefer the king james because it is the first english translation that came directly from the textus receptus, so i trust it more than the other bibles. i read the new king james in parallel if i can't understand a part of the old english.
there's nothing wrong with other bibles, i have a new living bible myself.
hope this helps