Bible version inquiry...

Cyndel - posted on 07/07/2010

I prefer the ESV and NIV for reading, I however use the NKJV, NAS, and hopefully soon the Amplified bible versions for indepth study, I don't have access to internet very often so I find reading as many versions of the same passage really helps get to the original when you don't know the languages and don't have access to online resources. But out of all of the bibles I've read the ESV-English Standard Version is my personal favorite.

Victoria - posted on 10/08/2009

I have a study bible that has KJV, AMP, NIV & NAS. I generally use the NIV, but when I'm working on messages (I'm a minister) I use the Online bible which gives me access to many version as well as the Hebrew, Greek & Aramaic for words & definition. As far as being accurate, the the King James is probably least so as it was translated from the Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic into Latin first, and then into the old English, with the NAS, it went from Old English to slightly modern English. The NIV was taken from the original Hebrew, Greek & Aramaic into modern English & something like the NLT or the MES gives it straight over into practical modern day English. They all have their value, but I believe it takes using them in conjunction with each other is what best gives you a truer picture of what God is saying.

Annette - posted on 04/24/2009

I like my NKJV as well my sons NLT (New Living Translation.) I don't really like the KJV because I don't really like all the "old English;" it hard for me to understand. I like to use alot if diffenent versions to do study with.

Teresa - posted on 04/21/2009

i am going to have to check that out, thanks for sharing Heather!

Heather - posted on 04/21/2009

I did want to add that some people are concerned with the verses that are not included in some of the later Bibles. The KJV was translated in the early 1600s, and since then there have been earlier copies of the scriptures found that the NIV, NLT and some other translations are based off of. Here is a link if you want to check it out. http://www.ibsstl.org/niv/accuracy/niv-k...

Teresa - posted on 04/11/2009

you are welcome! :) I like to see also how the other versions hold up to my NKJV.. LOL! But it does help when studying I have found. Plus, for me, I have also found at times, being able to recite scripture from the different versions is helpful in different situations..especially when witnessing or giving encouragment. IE: God's word is always God's word and it never returns void, but..there are times when a "less stuffy" piece of scripture just might be what a person needs that day. I dont know about anyone else though, that's just been my experience.
Melissa...you will have to tell me how you like "cross studying'!!!!

Melissa - posted on 04/11/2009

What a blessing you ladies are to me!!!! Am learning so much from you! I had never thought about using different bibles in a study, Teresa. Bet that really enriches the study? Sheds more light? Perhaps that's how I'll ease into giving another version a shot...by keeping my KJV in front of me, than adding in perhaps the NKJV and start cross-referncing, comparing, etc. THANK YOU SOOOO MUCH, Teresa, for the brilliant insight. :)

Teresa - posted on 04/11/2009

I started with a NIV...but rely fully on my NKJV. I am a bit of a "bible junkie" if you will. I have several versions that I have on hand. I use them for side by side comparisions when studying. I no longer have the NIV though, as it was given away to someone who wanted a bible. I prefer the NKJV overall :)

Melissa - posted on 04/09/2009

Greetings Michelle!

I have a few friends that use the "Women of Faith" and LOVE it. Hmmmm...might have to give it a try. Thanks so much for your input. :)

Michelle - posted on 04/04/2009

Hi to all! I use the Women of Faith NIV. It has really helped me as a woman to put scripture to use my everyday life as a woman. It also profiles women of the Bible and I can see at a glance the lives they lived and how I can also influence the women (and the world) around me as I take to heart the lessons from those in the Bible. If there is a translation I am unsure of, I try to study it out and then ask my husband, who is a pastor, to confirm my thoughts or to help show me the true meaning.

Melissa - posted on 03/21/2009

It does, Heather!!! Thanks soooo much!!! :)

Heather - posted on 03/12/2009

NLT is the New Living Translation. It has just recently been published. They used two different translation theories (Literal and formal equivalence). They used more contemporary english then used in the King James.

Here is an example of the differnces:

Proverbs 31:26 KJV "She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness."

Same verse in NIV "She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue."

And again in NLT "When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness."

Hope that helps!

Melissa - posted on 03/11/2009

How AWESOME of your mother to engage in such an undertaking! And how appropriate!!! The Word does tell us to seek the truth ourselves, and not to rely alone on the words of others. That's the "layman's" version. :) Am pretty adept at remembering verses...or at least synopsizing them. HOWEVER, quoting where it's located is another story. Need to work on that, for it doesn't do me, the person(s) I'm speaking with, or more importantly, Christ much good if I can't validate what I'm saying! Anyhow, I digress. :) What's the NLT? BTW, thanks so much for your input!

Melissa - posted on 03/11/2009

Don't think I've encountered the NAS yet, Gayla. Hmmmm...might have to look into it. Thanks so much for sharing. :)

Heather - posted on 03/10/2009

Back when the NIV first came out my mother got one and went through the entire thing next to her KJV because she didn't believe it could be the real thing. She says that it really does say the same thing and it's easier to read. I am right now going through my NIV with the new NLT that I got and so far it really is the same just easier to read. When ever I come to something I wonder about I also have a KJV. But they really do say the same thing.

Gayla - posted on 03/09/2009

I use a NAS(New American Standard) and love it!

Melissa - posted on 01/27/2009

See, am so old-fashioned and traditional, just the thought of "modern" turns me off. :) The girls in my bible study like to tease me about using the old KJ version. Maybe part of its personal appeal is the writer coming out in me. I love the "thee's" and "thou's"! Have you heard of the website: Biblos.com? It's an AWESOME biblical resouurce! Think I'll post a link to it here on the group. And now that you mention it, I do believe Pastor Brad does use a NKJV.

Brandi - posted on 01/27/2009

My bible is NIV, but I've often wondered about things being lost in translation myself.  If I don't understand something, I will go online and look at under the New Living Translation.  I just don't want to be misled b/c it is very modern.  Doesn't Brad use NKJV?