What version Bible do you read?

[EphremHagos]

As far as the New Testament is concerned, the highly innovative terms of the original “covenant” (Jer. 31: 31-34), as amended (Luke 2: 23-32) and sealed in Christ’s death on the cross (Matt. 26: 26-29), allow for downright inspiration of peoples rather than of more Scriptures!

This is a challenge which the church has not and cannot accept. Never! Hence, its inevitable decline!

 

[Rev T.S.Perkins]

Big print ...!

 

[amadeus2]

Big print ...!

Ditto!!!!!!!

 

[blackbear4110]

My fav Bible is my KJV/NIV side-by-side. This is the one I use the most. I really like to compare the two during church service.

For just reading, I like to use the old NIV version (I put emphasis on 'old' because my parents are a bit leery of the 'new' NIV version...thus, I myself am unsure about it. I have used it a few times, and it appears to be an accurate translation, but the physical, non-online Bible I curl up with to read in the morning is the 'old' NIV version).
When I'm studying the Bible, however, I like to get online and compare the KJV, NIV, and NASB translations, along with an Interlinear Bible and Strong's Concordance (using internet tabs is WAY more easier than having that many books spread out on a table).

Why the KJV?
I grew up with it. Though I find it hard to read. If I'm not just super focused (shame on me for thinking I can read the Bible and NOT be super focused -_-) I get confused at what I'm reading. But it is one of oldest and best loved translations out there, and will probably always have a place, even if the "thee"s and "thou"s are outdated. XP

Why the NIV?
For me, it's much easier to read and understand, yet it's extremely similar to the KJV. In fact, many of the verses read the exact same. But for the most part, the NIV puts the sentences and paragraphs in an order and wording that helps me understand what I'm reading a little easier than the KJV. Personal preference.

Why the Interlinear Bible?
It first gives a line of the original Greek/Hebrew words. Then underneath that, it lists the English translation of those words. Not the easiest to read if you're just reading through some verses...but quite interesting when you're really into studying.

Why Strong's Concordance?
It lists the definitions of the original Greek/Hebrew words used in the Bible.
Combined with the Interlinear Bible, it's pretty simple to find the definitions of every word used in every verse of the Bible.
My first encounter with the Interlinear + Strong's Concordance tools was a study on love. It was quite interesting to find there are 4 different Greek words for love, each having it's own definition. It was even MORE interesting to find which kind of love was used in different verses containing the word 'love'.

Why the NASB?
After getting familiar with how to use the Interlinear Bible + Strong's Concordance, I found the NASB version to be extremely close, if not exactly worded, to the Interlinear Bible. Since it was so close to the original Greek, I feel comfortable using it without fear of it being twisted.

But pretty much, aside from church and morning devotions, when I read the Bible it is to study it. And when I study it, I like to use all of the above together for a deep study. The different translations word the verses slightly different, and comparing all of them not only helps keep each verse in context, but it also helps when looking for discrepancies in the translations. It also, I think (personal opinion) gives each verse/teaching/principle/etc. a deeper and richer meaning, when I compare the different translations and ref tools.

I also have The Expositor's Study Bible: Crossfire Edition (I believe it's NKJV?). It's pretty good, though I don't use it much since I have so many resources and tools online.

 

[farout]

I just want to encourage everyone to read the Bible. The many different versions of the Bible. With so many Bible's in Engish the selection seem's endless. Here is my take on what Bible to buy. Shopping for a Bible is much like buying shoes. I don't know about you but, I try on shoes mush like some women do. I try on at least five pair of shoe's before I find one that's just right

After a number of years being in the ministry, we are now retired, and we have more time to spend in the study of the Bible. My wife and I have about 12 different English versions of the Bible. While in the Christian Book Store we look at a Bible and read several key verses in different books of the Bible. If it reads well and it feels comfortable and the added features are really helpful then we buy it. Once home we use it until we have a working knowledge of that Bible. Over the years we have added a total of twelve English Bibles to our Libary. If a new version of the Bible came out, andit seems like a worth while translation with more features we would buy it. We repeated this many different times, with several different versions.

My wife and I have each settled into Bibles that I would say feel like our home Bible. My Bride, really likes the Life Application, with New American Standard Bible, and the same except in the New International Version Bible. I like the New American Standard Bible and it has the Scripture references at the side, with the verses in a center numbered, in a colum with wide margins. I also use the New International Version Study Bible. Only recently I have started using the Chronological Study Bible in the New King James Version.

THE MAIN POINT IS NO MATTER WHAT BIBLE YOU HAVE JUST READ THE bIBLE !

Here is a tip when you buy a Bible either get it in a hard back or a genuine leather. Bonded leather is generally leather scraps that are chopped up and mixed together (much like handburg) and pressed in to a flat piece and made into covers and color is added. Bonded leather does not last very long compared to genuine one piece leather. Hard backs can hold together better than Bonded leather. There is generally a price difference between Bonded leather and gnuine leather. Depending upon the kind of leather covers come in pig skin, cowhide, calfskin, and lambskin, and exotic leathers. In general softer leather's are more expensive. The binding of Bibles are different too. The better the binding the higher the cost of the Bible. The best binding is SMYTH SEWN and lasts the longer, I have a SMYTH SEWN, soft leather, NIV Study Bible that is 28 years old and is in very good condition. This is a first printing NIV Study Bible.

There are some other considerations about Bibles, The place it was printed and the paper it is printed on, the publisher, and where it was printed. Most Bibles printed come from several places like China, Korea, United Kingdon, and the United States. In my opinion the finest Bible are printed in the UK and the US. Cheaper Bibles are printed in Korea, and China, China produces fairly good printed Bibles, but a lot hast to do with the standards the publisher wants. Zondervan has a large number of Bible printed in China. A new cover made with "Lux leather" which is a synthic material, it feels and looks like it should hold up good.


Picking our a Bible can be a fun thing to do and above all else keep this a s most important READ THE BIBLE !


farout

 

[DutchChristian]

King James Bible = The word of GOD

Hello dear readers,

i would like to point out to you that although some translations might look right in many Bible versions Scripture has been left out, but not with The KING JAMES Bible!

i will give you a short example:

Let's look at Romans 8:1

New Living Translation:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.


English Standard Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


New American Standard Bible:
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


King James Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

you see now...

it does matter which Bible version you read so get a good King James Version!

Praise GOD!

Psalms 119:
140 Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.

 

[grit]

Sorry, Chad, I didn't select for the poll 'cause I actually use most of those and quite a few others in my devotions and studies. I do think our generation is quite blessed to even have such a poll – that is, so many helpful English translations to aid in clarifying the Christian Scriptures in our English language and dialects.

I continue blessed with the responsibility to help folk sort through the different English translation choices available today, but with 430 of them and growing, I admit it becomes more and more of a challenge to select simply one English version best for all.

Personally, I have an affinity for the English translations favouring a formal equivalence to the original transmitter languages of Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic – like the KJV, ASV, NASB, ESV, NRSV, NKJV. I love that the HCSB frequently uses “Yahweh” for God's name rather than the “LORD” or “LORD GOD” popular in much English tradition, though most English readers are likely ready for a simple use of the Tetragrammaton, YHWH. I also like that most modern translations use an eclectic original-language text, rather than sticking with one family of original-language source as is done with the KJV, where additional elements are often added due to the manuscripts used. Still, comparisons are helpful, once the most critical factor of God's guidance through the Holy Spirit is underscored.

I have an appreciation for many English translations favouring a dynamic equivalence for the convenience of our English receptor language – like the NIV, NCV, CEV, TEV – but always like to check them against the more literal sources for serious study.

 

[jiggyfly]

Hello dear readers,

i would like to point out to you that although some translations might look right in many Bible versions Scripture has been left out, but not with The KING JAMES Bible!

i will give you a short example:


Let's look at Romans 8:1

New Living Translation:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.


English Standard Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


New American Standard Bible:
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


King James Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

you see now...

it does matter which Bible version you read so get a good King James Version!

Praise GOD!

Psalms 119:
140 Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.

What do you think of the Geneva bible? Was there a good bible before KJV?

 

[farout]

Hello dear readers,

i would like to point out to you that although some translations might look right in many Bible versions Scripture has been left out, but not with The KING JAMES Bible!

i will give you a short example:

Let's look at Romans 8:1

New Living Translation:
So now there is no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus.


English Standard Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


New American Standard Bible:
Therefore there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.


King James Version:
There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

you see now...

it does matter which Bible version you read so get a good King James Version!

Praise GOD!

Psalms 119:
140 Thy Word is very pure: therefore Thy servant loveth it.

Dutch: you might want to read past post's on the KJV Only group. This has been dialogued over and over and over. Please don't down grade the translations that you personally have and read for yourself. Often KJV folks just repeat what they have read what someone else has written. KJV has been revised five times and that does not count the NKJV. I have a copy of the 1611 KJV reprinted by Thomas Nelson, and it is NOT the same as your KJV ! The KJV is a honnorable womderful translation, and I use mine, but not near as much as I do others. That's not because I dislike the KJV, just the NASB is far more readable, and just as accurate as any KJV. But inorder to prove that you would have to be willing to do deep reasearch, which I have NEVER found anyone willing to do so with fairness and open to the KJV just might not be as accurate as you think. Go you know who the translators were for the 1611 KJV ? Start there and and then we can dialogue. Blessings Dutch

 

[DutchChristian]

Hello dear readers,

i would like to point out to you that although some translations might look wonderful and seemingly to the eye seem to be more "fun" or seem to be easier to read BUT in many Bible versions Scripture has been cut out!, but not with The KING JAMES Bible!

i will give you another short example:

Let's look at Acts 8:37

New Living Translation:
OMITTED


English Standard Version:
OMITTED


King James Version:
And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is The Son of God.


you see now...?


Are you still not convinced? Ok, then let's go to yet nother example,

let's go to Luke 4:8

New Living Translation:
Jesus replied, "The Scriptures say, 'You must worship the LORD your God and serve only him.'"


English Standard Version:
And Jesus answered him, “It is written, “‘You shall worship the Lord your God, and him only shall you serve.’”


New American Standard Bible:
Jesus answered him, "It is written, 'YOU SHALL WORSHIP THE LORD YOUR GOD AND SERVE HIM ONLY.'"


King James Version:
And Jesus answered and said unto him, Get thee behind Me, satan: for it is written, thou shalt worship The Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve.


See, the other versions mentioned here (other then the KJV) had some important parts to be completely omitted! how cruel to do! That is the devils work! So know that it does matter which Bible version you read so get a good King James Version!


And dear Jiggyfly: i do not know about that version you mentioned as i rather use KJV and Dutch Statenvertaling (Statenvertaling because of my own native language) which are translated from the same source, they are pure. Some seldom times i use the AMP Bible though, but very rarely. But if i do have to read any other version or if someone presents me or quotes me scriptures from another version: i always refer myself back to The KJV to know what it really says.

we need to watch out and be on guard as satan hates The Word of God, he wants to totally destroy it, (but he can't) and who has interest to OMIT Scripture and / or mess with any Scripture? of course that filthy liar the devil has! BUT:

Psalms 12:
6 The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times.
7 Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, Thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever.

God Keeps and Preserves His Words forever!!

 

[jiggyfly]

Thanks for the response Dutch but you didn't answer my second question. Was there a good bible before KJV?

 

[grit]

hmmm... “omitted” is a bit of a misnomer, or at least somewhat of a double-standard, and I'll take just the one example to explain.

Acts 8:37 is most clearly a verse added to the Christian Scriptures. Absolutely none of the Greek New Testament manuscripts from before AD 600 include this passage, and even most manuscripts copied and translations made after AD 600 do not add this passage. It is included in Codex Laudianus (E) from the 6-7th century, and mentioned by Irenaeus (c. 180) and Cyprian (c.250), but Erasmus even says he copied it into the Textus Receptus from what had been put in the margin of what has now been labeled Miniscule 2816 (4ap,α597) of the Acts of the Apostles, and the Pauline and General Epistles made in the 15th century, barely 200 years before the KJV and 150 years before verse numbers were also added into the Christian Scriptures.

The passage is not in the Chester Beatty Papyrii of the 3rd century (Ì45,74), Codex Sinaiticus (א), Codex Alexandrinus (A), Codex Vaticanus (B), Codex Ephraemi Rescriptus (C), Miniscule 33, Miniscule 614, all earlier than any Greek sources including the passage; and was not added to translations of the Latin Vulgate, the Syriac Peshitta, the Harclean, and Coptic Bibles, all predating the English KJV.

Still, as added to the beloved KJV, it is worth noting and worthwhile reading. I don't reckon it as some attempt by Satan to add to Christian Scripture and confuse God's people. It simply reinforces our need of and dependence on the Holy Spirit, our reliance on the Eternal Word of God when making use of the written Word of God.

 

[DutchChristian]

Thanks for the response Dutch but you didn't answer my second question. Was there a good bible before KJV?

Much thanks dear Jiggyfly,

Sorry though for me missing out on your second and good question!

The answer is yes there is: it could be the Geneva or another version translated out from the Received Text the Textus Receptus and that is the original Bible, manuscripts from where the KJV is translated from: the Textus Receptus the original received text of The Holy Bible, passed on through the years. So if you read the King James Bible you are actually straigth actual reading The Word of GOD as this is the real deal The Word of God The translation of the original Bible kept through the years. (Geneva Bible also is translated from this received text i believe, and there are other Bibles too from this original text)

But most other modern translations are a copy of the old wrong text and come from another text book, they have been manipulated. But the King James Bible is not manipulated with as it comes from the received text (Textus Receptus), other Bible versions such as: ESV, NIV, NASB are the new "Catholic" bibles they come from another text: Alexandrian bible, Vaticanus / Sinaiticus = counterfeit and are not from the received text.

Geneva Bible is quite similar with the King James Bible and it seems to precede the KJV and also comes from The Received text.

But KJV is the most common and popular one (Textus Receptus) and is of another league then the corrupted: NIV, NASB, NWT, ESV, RSV, CEV, NKJV bibles. Again i say, yes: corrupted!

i hope this answer may have been a bit of help for you, i know there are other people who can help you much better then i do (google: Kent Hovind's explanation of KJV for instance) regarding explanation of why the Textus receptus is better and why the KJV is good to go and safe to read any day.

God Bless you,
dutch

(PS be on the lookout as many deceptions are coming and will be posted after this here post of mine as some will come to deceive and trick many, defending their NASB's NIV's etc etc do not believe them alltogether too quickly but rather do the research for your self and dedicate yourself into research into it's catholic origins as many are deceived and lulled to sleep by reading their favourite but still is of a corrupt text version, they might say older, but older is better etc. but be on guard and do not be deceived)

 

[blackbear4110]

This might be getting a little off-topic, but in response to the craze about the KJV being "flawless", what about Proverbs 18:24?

KJV
A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

NIV
One who has unreliable friends soon comes to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

NASB
A man of too many friends comes to ruin, But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.

The KJV is quite off on that Scripture, though I will say that is the only verse I have ever found or heard of that was off.
If you check this verse with an Interlinear Bible or some other Hebrew ref tool, you'll find that the word actually used was "ruin", as the NASB uses.

Anyway, just thought I'd point that out.
It IS important to show yourself friendly when you're around friends (phileo love), but that's not what this verse is really talking about.
This is not to bash the KJV. I still cherish it very much, and I do read it, especially during church. But I would much rather compare 2 or more versions than pick one above the rest as "flawless" or "perfect".

 

[DutchChristian]

There is nothing wrong with this verse.

Gods Word is Living, it may mean something else or get a deeper meaning as you get understanding.

Proverbs 18:
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

To me the meaning is that a man that wants to have many friends must work hard to keep al the contacts; show himself friendly daily, but at the end of the day there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

 

[jiggyfly]

Much thanks dear Jiggyfly,

Sorry though for me missing out on your second and good question!

The answer is yes there is: it could be the Geneva or another version translated out from the Received Text the Textus Receptus and that is the original Bible, manuscripts from where the KJV is translated from: the Textus Receptus the original received text of The Holy Bible, passed on through the years. So if you read the King James Bible you are actually straigth actual reading The Word of GOD as this is the real deal The Word of God The translation of the original Bible kept through the years. (Geneva Bible also is translated from this received text i believe, and there are other Bibles too from this original text)

But most other modern translations are a copy of the old wrong text and come from another text book, they have been manipulated. But the King James Bible is not manipulated with as it comes from the received text (Textus Receptus), other Bible versions such as: ESV, NIV, NASB are the new "Catholic" bibles they come from another text: Alexandrian bible, Vaticanus / Sinaiticus = counterfeit and are not from the received text.

Geneva Bible is quite similar with the King James Bible and it seems to precede the KJV and also comes from The Received text.

But KJV is the most common and popular one (Textus Receptus) and is of another league then the corrupted: NIV, NASB, NWT, ESV, RSV, CEV, NKJV bibles. Again i say, yes: corrupted!

i hope this answer may have been a bit of help for you, i know there are other people who can help you much better then i do (google: Kent Hovind's explanation of KJV for instance) regarding explanation of why the Textus receptus is better and why the KJV is good to go and safe to read any day.

God Bless you,
dutch

(PS be on the lookout as many deceptions are coming and will be posted after this here post of mine as some will come to deceive and trick many, defending their NASB's NIV's etc etc do not believe them alltogether too quickly but rather do the research for your self and dedicate yourself into research into it's catholic origins as many are deceived and lulled to sleep by reading their favourite but still is of a corrupt text version, they might say older, but older is better etc. but be on guard and do not be deceived)

Seems we have not read the same study resources. Are you familiar with the history around the KJV bible? King James hated the Geneva bible because it did not confirm the divine right of kings and is one of the main the reasons for the KJV. KJV has several mistranslated words and a major one is the Greek word ekklesia.

 

[jiggyfly]

There is nothing wrong with this verse.

Gods Word is Living, it may mean something else or get a deeper meaning as you get understanding.

Proverbs 18:
24 A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

To me the meaning is that a man that wants to have many friends must work hard to keep al the contacts; show himself friendly daily, but at the end of the day there is a friend that sticks closer than a brother.

When you say God's Word is living, are you referring to the bible, if so is it just certain bibles? Do you base this on any scripture?

 

[TheTruthPlease]

Has anyone taken the time to read the last 4 verses in Gods Word Which version was God talking about. I mean it was the last thing he left us with right

My fav Bible is my KJV/NIV side-by-side. This is the one I use the most. I really like to compare the two during church service.

For just reading, I like to use the old NIV version (I put emphasis on 'old' because my parents are a bit leery of the 'new' NIV version...thus, I myself am unsure about it. I have used it a few times, and it appears to be an accurate translation, but the physical, non-online Bible I curl up with to read in the morning is the 'old' NIV version).
When I'm studying the Bible, however, I like to get online and compare the KJV, NIV, and NASB translations, along with an Interlinear Bible and Strong's Concordance (using internet tabs is WAY more easier than having that many books spread out on a table).

Why the KJV?
I grew up with it. Though I find it hard to read. If I'm not just super focused (shame on me for thinking I can read the Bible and NOT be super focused -_-) I get confused at what I'm reading. But it is one of oldest and best loved translations out there, and will probably always have a place, even if the "thee"s and "thou"s are outdated. XP

Why the NIV?
For me, it's much easier to read and understand, yet it's extremely similar to the KJV. In fact, many of the verses read the exact same. But for the most part, the NIV puts the sentences and paragraphs in an order and wording that helps me understand what I'm reading a little easier than the KJV. Personal preference.

Why the Interlinear Bible?
It first gives a line of the original Greek/Hebrew words. Then underneath that, it lists the English translation of those words. Not the easiest to read if you're just reading through some verses...but quite interesting when you're really into studying.

Why Strong's Concordance?
It lists the definitions of the original Greek/Hebrew words used in the Bible.
Combined with the Interlinear Bible, it's pretty simple to find the definitions of every word used in every verse of the Bible.
My first encounter with the Interlinear + Strong's Concordance tools was a study on love. It was quite interesting to find there are 4 different Greek words for love, each having it's own definition. It was even MORE interesting to find which kind of love was used in different verses containing the word 'love'.

Why the NASB?
After getting familiar with how to use the Interlinear Bible + Strong's Concordance, I found the NASB version to be extremely close, if not exactly worded, to the Interlinear Bible. Since it was so close to the original Greek, I feel comfortable using it without fear of it being twisted.

But pretty much, aside from church and morning devotions, when I read the Bible it is to study it. And when I study it, I like to use all of the above together for a deep study. The different translations word the verses slightly different, and comparing all of them not only helps keep each verse in context, but it also helps when looking for discrepancies in the translations. It also, I think (personal opinion) gives each verse/teaching/principle/etc. a deeper and richer meaning, when I compare the different translations and ref tools.

I also have The Expositor's Study Bible: Crossfire Edition (I believe it's NKJV?). It's pretty good, though I don't use it much since I have so many resources and tools online.

 

[farout]

Has anyone taken the time to read the last 4 verses in Gods Word Which version was God talking about. I mean it was the last thing he left us with right

Tuth: Welcome to TJ. I agree with all your choices, don't let anyone tell you otherwise! Blessings!


farout

 

[farout]

What do you think of the Geneva bible? Was there a good bible before KJV?

Thr Geneva Bible is now being printed again ! I am sure there are those who will find fault with it, even though it was the Bible that was used in the United States more than the KJV for many decades ! I hope to get one sometime this year. Blessings.


farout