Is there a easier bible to understand than the King James?

Lulu - posted on 10/20/2009

Yes try the Bible in 90 days thats th one I use and understand well (NIV) go to heaven and earth and check it out if you live in VA

Rene - posted on 10/20/2009

I like the ESV (English Standard Version), it is easy to read and very close to the King James Bible.
Blessings,
Rene

Brittany - posted on 10/20/2009

ESV. English Standard Version will help you out a lot!!!! It's so easy to understand because it is a translation that is in our terms we use today!

Rebekah - posted on 10/20/2009

Try a parallel Bible - like KJV/NKJV or KJV/NIV or KJV/Amplified, etc. That will help a lot! :)

Steffani - posted on 10/20/2009

Personally I really like the New International Version (NIV). You could go to your bookstore and open each one and take a look. Read a few lines and see which click for you. I also have a very hard time understanding the King James version. If you ever want to talk just let me know.

Shirley - posted on 10/20/2009

NIV is good but the Life Application Bible really helps me a lot. The message version is ok if you just want another diea of what the verse is saying but it does water down the Bible in that version.

Tara - posted on 10/20/2009

Try the NRSV (New Revised Standard Version). It is translated from the original Hebrew and Greek and not from the Latin so it is more accurate plus it is easier to read. The Study Bible also gives some very good commentary as well as a preface to each book of the Bible outlining its history, authorship etc... The New Living is also an easy to read version.

Clara - posted on 10/20/2009

Hello Summer,

I totally agree with Heather Hart. There are so many translations out there; but I would also suggest that you go speak with your pastor and find out which translations they use in their sermons so that you dont get lost during his preaching.

Rolanda - posted on 10/20/2009

try the message bible

Bettie - posted on 10/20/2009

These are all great to get a better understanding. So that you want be confused with so many interpretations, it best to use one along with the KJV .

Kristi - posted on 10/20/2009

I would suggest the New Living Translation Study Bible... it's wonderful as it explains everything in everyday terms.

Heather - posted on 10/20/2009

I thought I would share some websites with you that might help make this all a little more clear:

http://www.zondervan.com/Cultures/en-US/...
http://defendingcontending.com/2009/08/3...
http://www.bibletranslation.ws/comp.html
http://www.biblica.com/bibles/translatio...

I couldn't find the one that I was actually looking for, but I hope that these help.

Heather - posted on 10/20/2009

Quoting Summer:

Ok another question. There are 2 King James bibles?

Yes. There is the King James Version (KJV) and the New King James Version (NKJV) The NKJV is the same scriptures in more modern day english. I have never read one of those, but the point of them was to keep the same translation, but make it easier to understand.

Alison - posted on 10/20/2009

I like the New International Version, but if you want truly "modern", then The Message is probably a good one.

Summer - posted on 10/20/2009

Ok another question. There are 2 King James bibles?

Summer - posted on 10/20/2009

This is a lot of good information to take in. Thank you ladies for taking a moment to reply to my post. My church has a book store in it, i'm going to go in there after church Wed night and have someone who works there help me do some research and look though different bibles. It seem a lot the ladies are for the NLV and I looked it up online and it does seem easier to read and understand. Like I said i'm going to go to the book store. Thank you all again. :D

Nicole - posted on 10/20/2009

If you want a Bible that twists the word of God, use The Message. If you want something more understandable without all the Thee's and Thou's, just use the New King James. And have you considered using a study Bible? I have a John MacArthur New King James study Bible and it's hardly leaves my hands. It explains things very thoroughly and gives a ton of cross references with even more explanations.

Sarah - posted on 10/20/2009

Holman Christian Standard Bible is writen in everyday spoken language. My preacher has started preaching from it and all of our pue Bibles are this translation. It is a great Bible.

Christine - posted on 10/20/2009

I read a NIV womens devotional bible that i found at Lifeway Christian store... It has been a wonderful tool. Very easy to understand with sidenotes on how it can apply to your life today.

Good luck, and God Bless!

Amanda - posted on 10/20/2009

The NIV is my favorite of all. The Holman Christian Standard is a very good choice too. The NASB and NLT are good as well.

A warning with The Message "Bible". It is a paraphrase not a translation of the Bible. In other words, a translation is taking something out of one language and transferring it into another language as close to word for word as can be and they stick to the true meaning. A paraphrase is taken from an already translated (English Bible) and it is what the author feels the words mean mostly to him in today's world. Some of the application can be beneficial, but paraphrases can also cause problems because authors tend to take God's Word out of context.

For your kids the best Bibles for them are the Adventure Bible in NIV. It has lots of kid-friendly applications and activities to help them understand the Bible. It is also a good starting place for adults who have not been involved in Bible reading/church throughout there life

Irene Kho Macaraig - posted on 10/19/2009

yeah, i agree with d rest, i go for the new international version, simplified =)

Amber - posted on 10/19/2009

I loooooove the Womens Study Bible. It has explanations and translations at the bottom of every page. I have that and the King James, as well as Jimmy Swaggarts bible, and I compare them all. I'm sort hooked on reading and studying and I like to have a devotional to go along with my reading. That also helps to explain what I'm reading a little better too. I like the daily bread devotional. Usually it is free and they can be found in just about any church entrance, but I think you can also order online, however I don't know the website. You can probably google it though. Good luck.

Twyla - posted on 10/19/2009

my father is a preacher , and the niv is realy good . also a womens study devotional bible is amazing!!!! god bless you !!!!

Marquetisha - posted on 10/19/2009

King James is my favorite Bible! However alot of my friends say they dont understand it so the read the NIV. Just pray before you read the bible to have understanding and clarity. Hope that helps!

Alana - posted on 10/19/2009

I personally use the NIV aka the New International Version it reads much simpler but is not so different from the KJV that you can't follow along if your pastor or someone is reading from it. Also the Message version is good for personal reading because it reads just like a regular book.

Victoria - posted on 10/19/2009

The King James version is probably the least accurate as it was originally translated from Greek/Hebrew/Aramaic into Latin & then into English, then the New King James merely took the old English & updated the language. If you are looking for accuracy in translation the NIV is the best as it was taken from original manuscripts & translated from the Hebrew/Greek/Aramaic into modern day English, for principles, application & meanings go with the Message or the NLT.

Amanda - posted on 10/19/2009

I really like the New King James Version and then I also have a study bible that explanes everything to on the bottom half of the pages. If you have Christian Book Store they are having a 50% off sale on select bibles.

Priscilla - posted on 10/19/2009

Summer, I have used several different Bible translations. I agree with you that the poetry of the King James translation is beautiful but sometimes the meaning of the scripture is unclear. My favorite bible is The Layman's Parallel Bible by Zondervan. This parallel bible

contains 4 translations: The King James, The Living Bible (which is really easy to understand), The New International Version (NIV) and the New Revised Standard Version. This Bible cost about $75.00 (I think), it was a Christmas present from my husband, he bought it at a Christian book store. You might find in online at a lower price but even if you pay $75.00, it's still worth the price. Having the 4 translations together in 1 book has been wonderful for me! It has certainly made it easier for me to do my Bible study and it makes it easy to follow along with the scripture being read in Worship Services because some churches use the King James while some churches, like mine, use the New Revised Standard Version. The Bible Study that I attend uses the NIV Bible so you can see why having the 4 translations has been so valuable to me. Good luck in your study of God's word and God Bless You.

Heather - posted on 10/19/2009

I agree with Victoria. I have the NLT, things I can't comprehend in any bible are made clear when reading this one. It has the verses and the translation.

Heather - posted on 10/19/2009

The only Bible that carries the true word is the Greek and Hebrew original scriptures. There has been many debates on which english translation is most accurate. The King James Bible was the first one translated, so many people think it is the only way to go. On the other hand, the New International Version was translated later on using better technology, more resources, and many other things. They found scrolls dating previous to the ones used to the KJV, that didn't have certain scriptures, that is why you will find that the NIV (and other newer translations) have certain scriptures missing, or left out. They did this to honor Revelations 22:19 they thought that the added scriptures were added by a scribe during the era when they were copying scriptures. They wanted to bring it back to the truest form. As I said before, you are going to get lots of different opinions. The only opinion that really matters is God's. I don't think he will condemn you for reading the wrong translation. I will caution you about Bibles with notes, while they are generally a good thing, they are not scripture. Notes are peoples opinions on what the scripture means. Sometimes they are very helpful in cluing you in on what the life and times were. For instance in the parable about the wedding banquet the note tells you that the king would have provided clothing, but the man refused them, that is why the king was upset. Other notes are not there for informative reasons, but try to interpret the scripture for you. I know that's a lot of info, but you are getting a lot of opinions, and I wanted to give you a little more background on those opinions.

Kelly - posted on 10/19/2009

try the NIV

Andrea - posted on 10/19/2009

I use the New International Version and have for over a decade now. I really enjoy it and it is easier to understand. I have NKJ version on hand though as back up. Sometimes that is useful to have handy. You have to watch what version you use if you switch...don't let man add to it or take away from it - there is scripture about that not being honoring to God. Hope this helps...God Bless...

Alyssa - posted on 10/19/2009

There are study Bibles at Wal-Mart for about $30.00. My mother-in-law has one and it is actually easier to understand. You could also try a christian book store. They usually have a good selection to choose from.

Michelle - posted on 10/19/2009

While the Message is a great "story" type read, sometimes it looses effect of the emphasis the original context has. I would encourage you to look at NIV (New International Version) or NASB (New American Standard Bible) or even the NKJV (New King James Version) as they hold more to the original context and translation that does The Message. There are many bibles available that are Study or life application, which are my preferences because when something doesn't make sense it breaks it down a little more for you.

Melissa - posted on 10/19/2009

Yes, there are easier Bibles to read and to understand them....NIV (New International Version), New American Standard, and also "The Message" Bible, this is more like the Living Bible, more easy reading.....BUT more importantly, you should ask your Pastor.

Stephanie - posted on 10/19/2009

the only bible that carries the true word of God is the king james version! don't worry about having a hard time understanding some of it most people do. Pray before you read for the Lord's guidance and wisdom. And find someone you feel comfortable consulting and then ask them questions. Good luck

Dawn - posted on 10/19/2009

I read the King James Version, but I have it as a Life Application Study Bible, so when there are verses that I find difficult to understand, the study guide helps me to understand what the verses are talking about, it's made a big difference to how I read the bible.

Andrea - posted on 10/19/2009

I would love to send you a copy of the Bible I use. I could send it for free and I love it because it's not in old english and it comes with footnotes for each verse. If you would like one, please email me. your sister andrea- fightingback78@aol.com

Debbie - posted on 10/18/2009

The "Message Bible", The "New Living Translation", or the "Amplified Bible" are my favorites

Amy - posted on 10/18/2009

I use NIV when I read a textbook Bible but I usually read online. BibleGateway is a great resource with many many translations. You may want to go online and research which translation most appeals to you.

Elizabeth - posted on 10/18/2009

I have several Bibles, mainly NIV but the one I use the most is NASB - which I find is a more literal translation. The NIV is probably easier to understand than the NASB but I find that, as some of you have written above, some of the meaning can be lost.
I also believe that we need to ask the Holy Spirit to help us to understand the Bible. It's not just like any other book that we read to gain knowledge but we read it so that we may develop our relationship with Jesus Christ. Summer, like you, I used to have terrible trouble understanding the Bible and had to read verses over and over again and still couldn't see how I could apply it to my life. But as I pray that God will help me to understand it and I read it each day I am finding that I can understand more of it as God speaks to me through His word.

Shari - posted on 10/18/2009

The New Century Version and The Message are plain english versions. Very easy to understand.

Heather - posted on 10/18/2009

Summer, in regards to your question about the Trinity, Debora's answer was right on. If you want to look into it more here are some sites you might like:

http://www.everystudent.com/forum/trinit...
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trinity

I hope that helps.

Sandy - posted on 10/18/2009

I totally agree with Deb Koch on both posts. NASB is a very literal translation that is very reliable. You could also check out some of your favorite passages on Biblegateway.com and compare to what you are currently using. As far as study Bibles go, Ryrie and the John MacArthur Study Bible are great.

Debora (Deb) - posted on 10/18/2009

Summer,
You asked, "What is the Trinity." It is the Godhead, three in one: God the Father, God the Son (Jesus), and God the Holy Spirit. References: Matthew 28:19; Ephesians 2:19-22,1 John 5:6-13

Tiffany - posted on 10/18/2009

OH yes!!! there definitly is, i have a bible its called "the message", and it helps me understand sooooo much better, or u can get whats called an "NLT" bible. Have fun n happy shopping for one:)

Debora (Deb) - posted on 10/18/2009

Summer, you are right where you need to be, in starting position. I am so happy for you in just making the effort to open the Word of God. I find the New American Standard translation more user friendly and also believe it to be a very sound version. Do not be hard on yourself in your understanding. It takes time, as we read, to soak it all in. The Holy Spirit will guide you as you continue in your quest for more. Just keep on reading and enjoying the Lord as your relationship opens and grows. He will reveal to you as you go. And, never be afraid to ask a trusted Christian friend, or your pastor, when you come upon things you want to know more about. That is where we begin, study, and grow. Blessings to you.

Misti - posted on 10/18/2009

The Amplified Bible is awesome, so easy to read and delves in to explain

Kate - posted on 10/18/2009

I currently use the NIV but am looking at going to ESV. I agree that you must be careful. Some translations, and I use the term loosely here, distort the true meaning of scripture. Consider also picking a study bible. You can get a study bible in many translations including NIV and ESV. Each page has information at the bottom to help explain more difficult passages. The study notes have been meticulously researched by groups of biblical scholars. It has helped me immensely. Just look on the cover of the boxes and it will say NIV study bible etc. I hope this helps.

Bettye - posted on 10/18/2009

Visit your favorite bookstore and ask for the international version of the Bible. It is written in plain english and i'm sure you will be able to understand this. And if not, ask them to suggest one for you. Bless you.http://apps.facebook.com/circleofmoms/th...
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