bhome83

interested in reading the bible but not sure which version to buy. i have heard of the king james version and the international version. sounds like the international version is translated from the king james version. correct me if im wrong. is one better than the other or one harder to understand than the other. thanks.

natevines

King James' version is really THE classic version, and it's always the one quoted. So I'd say go with that. Specifically, I like the Oxford World's Classics version of it for great commentary and introduction.

DGibFen

Actually, the New International Version (NIV) isn't translated from the King James Version (KJV), but from newer Greek/Hebrew texts.

Personally, I recommend the English Standard Version (ESV). It's one of the most modern readable Bibles you can purchase, and most bookstores carry it.

If you want to do a little comparison of most of the versions that are out there, Zondervan has a decent little guide. You can also read the entire texts of several different english translations at Bible Gateway. That might give you the chance to make a decision.

I'd say that the NIV or the ESV would be your best choices. KJV is the classic english translation, but it's phrasing and grammar is so dated that it can obscure some of the meaning of the text. If you've never read the Bible before, I think the KJV might be more of a hinderance than a pleasure.

natevines

While we're on the topic, can anyone recommend some good biblical commentary/interpretation books?

Seeker

King James Version - first major english version "approved" in 1611. The classic English version, but definitely reads as almost 400 years old.

American Standard Version - ASV - put together in the late 1800s - probably still the most "accurate" translation, but sometimes ponderous.

New International Version - NIV - strives to be a combination of the ASV (accuracy) and the KJV (poetic and awesome) - fails at both, but probably still one of the best to read for newcomers.

There are TONS of translations - I'd recommend the NIV for someone just getting into it. Also, if you want to compare versions try the software program "e-sword" - a free bible software program that has TONS of translations (many in foreign languages) to compare to each other.

Cameron

Free Bibles in Motel rooms..........

No really, go Niv....or get one of the duel Text Bibles where it has 2 columns side by side with both versions

bhome83

i don't get it though. aren't all bible versions the same? there is only one bible right so i don't get these diff. bibles w/ different translations. king james bible looks like a hard read, and the international version looks easier to read. do they edit stuff out though in different versions or just make things easier to understand? i want the version that is easier to understand but doesn't leave anything out.

benedict

The key is in that word "translation".

Different scholars have varying degrees of linguistic aptitude and this'll show up when they are working on putting a bunch of old scrolls into English (or whatever language).

Josh-da-man

No translation necessarily "leaves anything out."

It's not possible to translate one language into another directly... each has its own nuances and quirks that don't necessarily adapt to other languages easily.

The differnece between KJV Bibles and other, more modern translations, lies more in the english than anything else. The KJV tends to be written in more... say Shakesperean language... than modern translations which use more common vernacular.

silentbob007

A lot of time was taken when writing the KJ version to make it stylistic, and as others have said, it is the "classic" version. It really comes down to what you prefer to read.

Baron Of Hell

I ask this question awhile back. Most said the NIV was the one to go with. I went with the KJV just because someone gave it to me for free. I have a list of reasons they gave for the NIV but not with me. I'll post them if I find them.

Probably doesn't matter much for you, if it did you would already have the correct version to read.

benedict

This earlier thread may be of some interest: http://www.dvdtalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=187308

Geofferson

I have both the King James and English Standard Version. The ESV is much easier to read, however the King James is the definitive Bible and is a must-own for anyone wishing to read/follow/live by the Bible.

Cameron

the definitive version can only be read if you read Greek and Hebrew.....


its the diffrence between Thou and you. For God So Because God....

Its all in there, KJV bibles can be had for a buck at any dollar store....buy the NIV and a cheap KJV you'll see the diffrence soon.

On another note James Earl Jones reads the bible is a good listen....

and the Matthew film is word for word text from the NIV no additions or subtracting....worth a watch.

kvrdave

The KJ is a must own for anyone more concerned with tradition and poetic sounding scripture, than a true translation. Personally, I don't own one because I think they are pretty worthless. Our language has changed to much to read the KJV and get as much value out of it. Catholics generally stick to it, but again, that probably has more to do with tradition.

Here is a graphic that shows you the different versions and how they compare to being literal vs. more readable. I generally read an NIV for most day to day stuff, but prefer the NASB for study.

milo bloom

Your graph there shows a "Message" on the far right. I seem to recall seeing a fairly recent translation in a store recently that was very modern styled. And it seems that it was called "The Message". Any experience with that? I've never been very religious, but I want to get into the Bible but the KJV justs grinds my interest to a halt.

natevines

Grrr, it's so frustrating with all these damned versions, that I'd be somewhat inclined to learn Greek/Hebrew just to circumvent the translations

Anyhow, like I asked before, does anyone know any good 'guides' to reading/interpreting the bible?

Venusian

I have the NIV Study Bible from Zondervan. It's not exactly a guide, but it is pretty good

Venusian

I think that is the same thing. Almost all people I've talked to think The Message sucks. It takes way too much liberty in changing the words to try to get a modern message out there.

nightmaster

I tend to agree that using either the NIV or the Living Bible for personal reading, studying, insight is the way to go, but as far as taking a bible with you to study groups or to follow along during a given church sermon, you should have a KJV.....most pastors quote from KJV text so it's easier to follow along. I'm sure there are scads of exceptions to this rule of thumb; this is only a conclusion I've come to after years of listening to different ministers on the pulpit.

As inexpensive as bibles are, I'd pick up a paperback NIV or Living Bible for home use and see how you like the way it reads.

Venusian

I think the translation used depends a lot on the Church. I went to a Church that only did KJV. The Church I go to now predominantly uses NIV, but sometimes New American Standard

Venusian

btw, here is a free KJV: http://www.mormon.org/holybible

Geofferson

Yes, I agree. A couple years back, I listened to some audio tapes that were translated from the original Hebrew text. It was very interesting...

Groucho

Bear in mind that this is delivered by missionaries.

Geofferson

I said what I did because the KJV (and the NASB) are the most common literal version available today (your graph pretty much tells the same story). Is it the most readable? Heck no. But I like poetry.