What is your favorite Bible translation and why?

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 11:59:54 -0400

Over the decades I have read through several different translations of the Bible. Usually I read one of the "word for word" translations but sometimes read a "thought for thought" translation. The first Bible read to me was a picture New Testament that my father read to me as a small child even though he was an unbeliever. He read the Bible to me because it was one of the great pieces of literature. I am thankful for the many translations available and especially thankful for the new manuscript evidence which is made available by archaeologists, other explorers and keepers of ancient libraries periodically. I am glad that the Bible translation developers go back to the manuscript evidence as they develop versions which are well suited for each generation. It both saddens and amuses me when people claim that the Bible is a translation of a translation ad infinitum.

Response by LTC Stephen F. made Apr 24 at 2015 12:08 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:08:56 -0400

My favorite "word for word" translation is the New American Standard Bible [NASB] primarily because the language best fits my personality and education which was technically in the 1960s and 1970s and the word flow seems very logical and appealing to me.
For "thought to thought" I prefer the New International Version [NIV] 1995 translation prior to the gender inclusive and other tangential versions.
I know that there are no pure word for word or thought for thought translations because the translator/editors generally recognize that the process of bringing meaning and nuances from original languages to receptor languages from different language families does not lend itself to a cookie cutter approach

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 12:09 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:09:25 -0400

I like to read the Lolcat version:

Here is John 3:

Happy Cat Lernz Nicoteneus

1 Naow dis guy Nicoteneus iz a lvl 64 Pharisee and leeds teh joos.2 He comez to teh Happy Cat in teh nites and he sez "We knoes u comez frum teh Ceiling Kitteh and we knoes u pwn."

3 An Happy Cat sed, "Ceiling Kitteh has invisible haus, u gots 2 borned agen 2 see it."

4 Nicoteneus sez, "o rly, d00d? How doez dat werk?"

5 Happy Cat sez, "is da truth, u hafta be born agen wif waterz an spiritz an stuffs.6 Flesh givez birf 2 flesh, but teh spirit gives birf to spirit, k?7 Y r u so konfoozled?8 Is lyke wind, it doz its own stufs an u dunno how it werks, but is all ok, amirite? Is like that!"

9 Nicoteneus sez, "I doez not get it." :(

10 "Den ur not gud teecher," sed Happy Cat . "Lez flame tnak his b4se!"11 "Ok, iz da twoof. We says sum stuff dat we sawed, and teh peeplez is still konfoozled.12 I ben talkin bout teh stuffs on urf and ur still lyke, 'whut?' so whut bout Ceiling an stuffs?13 I iz da only wan whos gone to Ceiling so u haves 2 trusts me, mkay?14 I gots 2 b lifteded up lyke Moses an his snakedy thingy,15 coz if u beleeves ur not gon be ded! Eternal lifes, u can has it!

16 So liek teh Ceiling Kitteh lieks teh ppl lots and he sez 'Oh hai I givez u me only kitteh and ifs u beleeves him u wont evr diez no moar, kthxbai!'17 Cuz teh Ceiling Kitteh not snd hiz son 2 take all yur cookies, but so u cud maek moar cookies 4EVAR!18 U beleevz him u getz cheezburgrs, but els you get invisibul error.19 Lytes ar on now heer, but catzes no caer cuz they can see wit no lyte anyway.20 Invisibul error no liek lyte, him no liek be seed.21 Good kitteh no skeered of lyte, cuz himz not messin up."

John teh Washerer Sez Abowt Happy Cat

22 Happy Cat an doodz goed to Judean place, an he washded ppls again .23 John wuz washding ppls too. Lotz of wet furz oh noes!24 (All afore John gotz pwned.)25 An tehy had some big fite about washding.26 An tehy tole John, "Oh hai, soem otehr dood iz washing ppls."

27 John sez, "LOL! you only can haz cheezburgerz from teh Ceiling.28 You noes I was liek, 'Hey, Ai not teh pwnzor.'29 Some1 els iz bosscat.30 Him wil pwn, ai iz just n00b LOL.

31 "The Ceiling Cat pwnz all; Us iz n00bz, can tell from how us talk ROFL. Did ai alreddy sez Ceiling Cat pwnz?32 Himz seez an tellz bout wut he seez, but no ppl lisen.33 U no Ceiling Cat is reelz.34 Cuz Ceiling Catz kitteh sez troof, cuz him can haz Invisibul Cat.35 Ceiling Cat lubs kitteh and lets him play wit shinies.36 Beleev in kitteh and no get eated, or get pwned in teh face, n00b."

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 12:22 PM

CPT Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:22:53 -0400

Because they are the ones no one really likes to talk about.

Response by Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS made Apr 24 at 2015 1:30 PM

Sgt Aaron Kennedy, MS — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 13:30:58 -0400

Asimov's Guide to the Bible.

http://www.amazon.com/Asimovs-Guide-Bible-Old-Testaments/dp/B000NZZQHY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid= [login to see] &sr=8-2&keywords=asimov%27s+guide+to+the+bible

Asimov's Guide to the Bible : The Old and New Testaments: Isaac Asimov, Rafael (illustrator)...

Asimov's Guide to the Bible : The Old and New Testaments [Isaac Asimov, Rafael (illustrator) Palacios] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Asimov's Guide to the Bible is a work by Isaac Asimov that was first published in two volumes in 1967 and 1969

Response by MSG Brad Sand made Apr 24 at 2015 4:25 PM

MSG Brad Sand — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 16:25:41 -0400

A lot depends on what I am reading and why I am reading it? Psalms, sound better in the King James to me, but the rest depends on the what and the why?

Response by SSgt Private RallyPoint Member made Apr 24 at 2015 5:42 PM

SSgt Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 24 Apr 2015 17:42:17 -0400

I'm with SSG James J. Palmer IV on this one. Just doesn't feel like the bible to me unless it's the KJV.

Response by LCDR Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 7:30 PM

LCDR Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 19:30:56 -0400

I primarily read and preach from the English Standard Version, but I reference many others in preparation and study, the 1995 version of the NIV, HCSB, NASB, KJV as well as several different original language texts.

Response by MSG Gerry Poe made May 8 at 2015 9:19 PM

MSG Gerry Poe — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:19:04 -0400

“You are my hammer and weapon of war: with you I break nations in pieces; with you I destroy kingdoms.
Jeremiah 51:20

Our leaders should pray for guidance in the conflicts ahead! If this nation has the Lord in front of our battles we will be victorious!!!

Response by SPC Mark Beard made May 8 at 2015 9:38 PM

SPC Mark Beard — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:38:54 -0400

KING JAMES

Response by SPC Nathan Freeman made May 8 at 2015 9:46 PM

SPC Nathan Freeman — Fri, 08 May 2015 21:46:08 -0400

I grew up with the King James Bible. It is the most poetic in my opinion. David Stern has. Bible translated from Hebrew and Greek directly to English from the messianic Jewish perspective. I haven't read it from cover but I'd like to. Currently, I use my dad's Thompson Chain Reference Bible and use the Strongs Exhaustive Concordance with it to do research.

Response by Cpl Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:03 PM

Cpl Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:03:31 -0400

KJV ,it is the only true word of God , others get lost in translation.

Response by SSG Selwyn Bodley made May 8 at 2015 10:15 PM

SSG Selwyn Bodley — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:15:36 -0400

It's like Mett-t for me.
It all depends on what I am doing. I like NAS, Nkjv, Niv, and some paraphrases at times. In my personal study, you will find me in everything, including commentaries, dictionaries, books on Biblical culture. When preaching, it depends on my audience and what will be most effective in communication.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 10:39 PM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 22:39:11 -0400

My favorite Bible is the King James version I even am a member of a Fundamental King James Bible Baptist church all of the preaching is strait out of the KJV Bible

Response by SSG Buddy Kemper made May 8 at 2015 11:11 PM

SSG Buddy Kemper — Fri, 08 May 2015 23:11:29 -0400

I like the same version The Apostle Paul used...the King James version.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 8 at 2015 11:15 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Fri, 08 May 2015 23:15:43 -0400

When I read my reading plans, I sometimes listen to it on the commute to work. Because of that, I have grown quite fond of the NLT (New Living Translation).

Response by TSgt David Holman made May 9 at 2015 12:30 AM

TSgt David Holman — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:30:29 -0400

I grew up with the NKJV and NIV, I tend to gravitate toward the NIV because I understand it a little better.

Response by SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD made May 9 at 2015 12:49 AM

SPC Johnny Velazquez, PhD — Sat, 09 May 2015 00:49:26 -0400

I prefer the NIV, as it is easier to understand. But I'll read any version, as it is the word of God. Blessings.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 1:56 AM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 01:56:56 -0400

I have NIV on my phone and for church I read on my ESV.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 2:03 AM

SSG Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 02:03:59 -0400

I understand that all are represented here at RP, but as this question is posed with several assumptions baked in, I will answer similarly.

I prefer to read my fiction translated to English.

edit: LTC Stephen F. Sir, I apologize to a certain extent for my response. I have been enjoying my weekend evening (read: consuming beer) and reading Rallypoint, and getting more and more agitated at the things I read...usually in the opposite direction of and as a result of the consensus. So, when i saw your post I was already fired up.

But, being the man that I am, it would be wrong for me to remove the post...and I don't disagree with my post, just maybe think maybe I shouldn't have posted it so as to not offend people I have no reason to offend, so I offer this explanation.

Response by SSG Lawrence Crow made May 9 at 2015 2:35 AM

SSG Lawrence Crow — Sat, 09 May 2015 02:35:22 -0400

I am partial to KJV for its long history, its accuracy, and that it is the most widely accepted authoritative version around the world.

Response by PO1 Stephen Caldonetti made May 9 at 2015 3:40 AM

PO1 Stephen Caldonetti — Sat, 09 May 2015 03:40:38 -0400

I have King James version also.

Response by SGM Paul Shenep (R) made May 9 at 2015 6:04 AM

SGM Paul Shenep (R) — Sat, 09 May 2015 06:04:38 -0400

Here in Saudi Arabia I have heard one say translation of the Holy Bible is in err--too! But I don't believe it. The Word is too powerful. My sister gave me a NIV 20 years ago and I prefer this version and always followed preaching reciting scriptures with different versions without any problem.

Response by SGT Robert Hawks made May 9 at 2015 11:03 AM

SGT Robert Hawks — Sat, 09 May 2015 11:03:16 -0400

I prefer the New King James Bible

Response by PO1 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 2:19 PM

PO1 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 14:19:55 -0400

I'm an Old School King James guy myself.

Response by CH (COL) Geoff Bailey made May 9 at 2015 2:28 PM

CH (COL) Geoff Bailey — Sat, 09 May 2015 14:28:10 -0400

LTC Stephen F., I've found that translation preference has a lot to do with the first translation one used or was raised with if they come from a Family where faith was important.

For me, my first personally owned Bible was an NIV given to me by a youth minister. That Bible still sits on my shelf with the covers worn off, but was the one I read all through high school and my first several years in the Army. As a result, the NIV is one of my preferred translations, especially for preaching and teaching due to its readability and familiarity.

However, I like to utilize the Biblica Hebraica Stuttgartensia (Hebrew Scriptures) and UBS/Nestle-Aland (Greek NT) if I have time to work on a translation to write a sermon from. If I'm in a rush, I will grab the NASB or a parallel translation. While I find some translations seem more accurate, I've found that it changes from one passage to the next. For the Psalms, I prefer the KJV due to its adherence to poetic meter and the translation.

I've also been known to preach from a specific translation for a wedding or funeral if I know that translation is meaningful to the Family/Couple. In providing pastoral care during significant events, the Family's care is more important to me than a specific translation. If I have concerns about the theological leaning of a translation, I can redress it in my message/explanation of the passage. I did accidently conduct a ceremony once without pre-reading that particular translation and was caught by surprise with the translator's choice of words.

Response by CW5 Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 3:01 PM

CW5 Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 15:01:50 -0400

Like many others, LTC Stephen F., I grew up with the KJV Bible. All our studies and (most importantly) memorization were from the KJV. Now, though, I tend towards NLT or HCSB. For many years I read the NIV. Today it's mostly HCSB.

The beauty of modern technology is things like Logos. I'm a Logos user as well. And the online YouVersion Bible - https://www.bible.com/ - is an excellent resource. I have that on my phone, along with just about any translation you can imagine (maybe not the Lolcat version, but most others). I read my phone Bible every day. The You Version Bible has many reading plans as well, which are about as convenient as it gets for reading the Bible.

Read the Bible. A free Bible on your phone, tablet, and computer.

Read God’s Word at anytime, anywhere using the YouVersion Bible App. Share Scripture with friends, highlight and bookmark passages, and create a daily habit with Bible Plans. Available for iOS, Android, Blackberry, Windows Phone and more.

Response by SGT Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 4:18 PM

SGT Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 16:18:09 -0400

I am a young Christian, I was baptized last summer. I read and study from NIV, it is just easier for me to understand. I do, however, use mysword to put NIV side by side with KJV, mostly to become more familiar with the language of KJV.

Response by SFC Private RallyPoint Member made May 9 at 2015 9:23 PM

SFC Private RallyPoint Member — Sat, 09 May 2015 21:23:27 -0400

NKJV and NIV are my go to

Response by SPC Bobby Rauch made May 10 at 2015 8:42 AM

SPC Bobby Rauch — Sun, 10 May 2015 08:42:31 -0400

I have and use NIV Bible, but I also like the NLT Bible. Its easy to read and understand.

Response by PFC Eric Minchey made May 10 at 2015 1:28 PM

PFC Eric Minchey — Sun, 10 May 2015 13:28:41 -0400

Don't have a favorite one. Used New King James Version as a kid, Used NIV as a Chaplain Assistant, now using King James Version.

Response by Lt Col Allen Naugle made May 11 at 2015 11:05 AM

Lt Col Allen Naugle — Mon, 11 May 2015 11:05:06 -0400

NIV for reading. NASB for study.

Response by CPT Barbara Smith made May 11 at 2015 12:22 PM

CPT Barbara Smith — Mon, 11 May 2015 12:22:48 -0400

I prefer KJV. It took me several years before I could understand it. Happiest of Mondays to you!

Response by LTC Stephen F. made May 11 at 2015 1:01 PM

LTC Stephen F. — Mon, 11 May 2015 13:01:19 -0400

Since most of the responses to my question have been focused on the English version of the Bible [since only SGT Efaw (Mick) G. has listed Bibles in other languages] I thought it might benefit those who aren't aware of the history of the English translations with the history of the English Bible.
http://www.greatsite.com/timeline-english-bible-history/

English Bible History: Timeline of how we got the English Bible

English Bible History: Discover the fascinating history of how we got the Bible in the English language, from Wycliffe, Tyndale, Luther, to King Henry VIII and King James

Response by Sgt James Morse made May 11 at 2015 4:11 PM

Sgt James Morse — Mon, 11 May 2015 16:11:08 -0400

Wow, a lot of KJV readers...

I tend to spend a lot of my time in Christian apologetics, usually with frothed-up atheists, but occasionally with a genuine seeker. Having used all of the available translations at one time or another, I've come down on the side of the New American Standard, with the English Standard Version pulling a close second.

Bear in mind, also, that I come from a strict fundamentalist viewpoint, in that the Scriptures are completely inerrant IN THEIR ORIGINAL MANUSCRIPT. If the Bible says it happened, it happened.

First of all, and the primary reason I use it: the NASB has proven to be the most accurate, overall, of the bible translations. The ESV is very, very close in terms of accuracy, but because of the nature of apologetics debates, it makes things easier if I don't have to worry so much about cross-referencing in order to be clear on a concept or idea. The NASB is a "word-for-word" translation, but it takes "thought-for-thought" into account. If there is a different way of translating a passage, the NASB will give the alternatives well. The same is true of the ESV... actually, most of what I say about the NASB applies to the ESV, so I will stop bringing it up so much, save one point: the NASB retains some of the poetry of the KJV, without sacrificing legibility. The ESV is written in pure english, which makes it MUCH easier to read, overall, than other versions.

Something to consider when reading the Bible, is that Scripture is written in such a way that each passage has 4 messages, or operating principles: simple and direct ("and THE LORD said, "Thou shalt not...'"); hinting (as is often the case in the Epistles-- this is especially true in the study of Biblical demonology, where God wants to tell us that demons and Satan are real, but only hints at their origin because their beginnings are not as important as their current work and pre-ordained doom); commentary, or comparison (the book of Hebrews is a good place to see this in practice); and deep, hidden meaning (which can only be discerned through the work of The Holy Spirit in the heart of the believer, and is often personal and unique to each reader, and sometimes to each reading).

Because I am trying to clarify or prove a point in debate, having to translate or clarify particular passages makes my job that much more difficult. In the case of the unsaved who are actively seeking Christ, or those to whom it is a worthy debate demanding respectful consideration, the KJV, NKJV, and other "word-for-word" translations can confuse the layman unfamiliar with how Scripture works. "Thought-for-thought" translations are in reality paraphrases, and are riddled with so many theological and soteriological errors as to almost be dangerous. They are good for introducing someone to the Truth of the Gospel, but the new Christian should be weaned off these "milk" versions to a more healthy and diverse "meat" translation (to paraphrase Paul). The same is true of the NIV, although it purports to be a "word-for-word" translation. The committee responsible for translating the NIV has come under heavy criticism from bible scholars and academics, who make the point that, when the Scripture says something that can be translated in more than one way (both theologically sound), the NIV gives a paraphrase of only one of the possible translations. In essence, the NIV tells the believer "what to believe," instead of letting the Scripture speak to the heart of the reader.

Another point about the clearer translations is that one favorite tactic of atheists and your more militant agnostics is to cherry-pick verses from Scripture, hold them up out-of-context, and try to push you into a corner where they hope to wall you in. If the translation does not use clear, concise, and ACCURATE language, the conversation will devolve into a semantical discussion (which is almost always to the atheist's advantage). It is the exact same method used by the serpent in the Garden ("Indeed, has God said, 'You shall not eat from any tree in the garden'?" Genesis 3:1b), and by Satan during Christ's temptation in the wilderness (Matthew 4:5-7). In debates with atheists, it is usually a given that I won't be converting the atheist. However, most of these discussions happen in public forums, where the real target (of myself and the atheist) are the people sitting on the fence, the new believers, or the believer who has professed his faith without embracing it in his heart. My purpose is to sow the seed, while the atheist hopes to eat the seeds or choke them out with thorns.

All of that being said: I love the KJV. I grew up with the KJV (my first Bible was a KJV that was given to me as an award for memorizing the Books of the Bible and my list of verses from Sunday School; it's still on my bookshelf, although the glue has dry-rotted, the pages are falling out and the cover is cracked and brittle!) and I love it for its poetry; it uses elegant, flowing language that reminds me of a beautiful painting in that even if you don't fully understand the message, you can't help but to be in awe of its beauty. The NKJV keeps the language, while correcting most of the errors found in the KJV (which was translated without the benefit of modern archeological, anthropological and etymological findings).

So, winding up (for those who didn't give up on reading this after the second paragraph!), I prefer the NASB for its readability and accurate representation of the original texts. I like the ESV for sheer readability and comprehension. When I am in a position to give someone a bible to study (I like to keep a few of those $10 pocket bibles on-hand to pass to someone when the Lord nudges me), it is usually an ESV. When I need to find something, or I am backing up a point of conversation, I always go back to my NASB.

~Allen

Response by CH (MAJ) Luke Phillips made May 11 at 2015 5:05 PM

CH (MAJ) Luke Phillips — Mon, 11 May 2015 17:05:46 -0400

ESV and HCSB.

Response by CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member made May 13 at 2015 2:12 PM

CH (CPT) Private RallyPoint Member — Wed, 13 May 2015 14:12:08 -0400

I bounce around quite a bit but I try to bring everything back to the Hebrew and greek when I can. I use Bibleworks 10 software right now to get a wide array. No translation is perfect. But if I had to get stuck with a physical copy, I would choose the ESV because it is both lexically and grammatically accurate, whereas the KJV is lacking in some pretty substantial lexical data (Unicorns anyone?)

Response by SrA Elizabeth Fontenot made May 20 at 2015 5:42 PM

SrA Elizabeth Fontenot — Wed, 20 May 2015 17:42:47 -0400

NIV It is easier for me to understand but I do also use the KJV

Response by MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. made Jun 14 at 2015 4:42 AM

MSgt Mike Brown; MBTI-CP; MA, Ph.D. — Sun, 14 Jun 2015 04:42:32 -0400

The King James Bible -- Study Learners Edition

Response by Cpl James Waycasie made Aug 24 at 2015 3:58 AM

Cpl James Waycasie — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 03:58:56 -0400

I read the KJV. It's poetic type form makes for easy memorizing. There is an awesome free program call E-Sword which you can download. The initial download comes with the KJV + Strongs, then you can download all types of Bible versions. It has a compare option and you can see a verse in all versions. You can download many commentaries such as Matthew Henry, Barnes, Gill, and a ton of others. You can download biblical maps. It has a topic area where you can prepare lessons by clicking past Bible verse into topic area then add your own words. You can download many Bible dictionaries. The best part is the majority of it is free. There are some optional items like Vines commentary that you are required to pay if you want them. I have seen similar programs with less options sell for $49.99 to $79.99 at Christian book Stores. Unless the link has changed, you can download at http://www.e-sword.com This is an awesome study program created by Rick Meyers. I have used it for 11 years now. Updates to the program are free also. You can make a donation if you like. After using it for 11 years and finding it to be the greatest study/lesson planning tool I have ever used, I donated him $25.00. I strongly suggest if you really like to study but can't afford to spend a lot of money, spend the time to download everything that is free. Just the word search to help find a Bible verse alone cuts down on time spent hunting and adds more time to study. But my preference is the KJV for many reasons which I won't get into because it would most likely start an argument, lol. The main thing is to make sure you do have a relationship with Jesus Christ. God bless.

e-Sword: Bible Study for the PC

e-Sword is a feature rich and user friendly free Windows app with everything needed to study the Bible in an enjoyable and enriching manner!

Response by CW4 Guy Butler made Aug 24 at 2015 9:33 AM

CW4 Guy Butler — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 09:33:38 -0400

Revised Standard or New Revised Standard Version.

Response by SPC Luis Mendez made Sep 15 at 2015 7:28 PM

SPC Luis Mendez — Tue, 15 Sep 2015 19:28:37 -0400

My Spanish version Reina-Valera 1960, followed by the NIV and the NASB. Being Hispanic the NIV for me is absolutely the easier read, but the NASB is a Must read. I can also read some not all, of the Latin Vulgate. Thanks for asking!

Response by LTC Private RallyPoint Member made Nov 23 at 2015 10:58 AM

LTC Private RallyPoint Member — Mon, 23 Nov 2015 10:58:29 -0500

I prefer the NASB - as it doesn't add or take away from scripture, it translates it as is.

Response by SPC Andrew Griffin made Dec 5 at 2015 11:39 AM

SPC Andrew Griffin — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 11:39:17 -0500

The King James Version. I grew up reading strictly that. And it forces you to go into Exegesis!

Response by PO2 Steven Erickson made Dec 6 at 2015 5:07 AM

PO2 Steven Erickson — Sun, 06 Dec 2015 05:07:51 -0500

When I'm studying, I rely on the KJV. To me, its the best version for relating one verse to another, especially from OT to NT. I actually chear a little and use a 4-version comparison bible (KJV/NIV/ESV/ASB) when I'm deep into a book or epistle.

For my daily reading, NIV is easiest.

Response by TSgt Charles Kirk made Jan 26 at 2016 2:32 PM

TSgt Charles Kirk — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 14:32:12 -0500

The best translation I have found is the eth Cepher which is most consistent with original manuscripts. It is so a little harder to read because names of people and places are translated in Hebrew equivalent amend some traditional word translations are rendered in the original such as John 3:16 says "yachyid" instead of "only begotten Son". Yachyid means one or only, begotten was never part of the original.

Response by Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth made Jan 26 at 2016 6:04 PM

Lt Col Scott Shuttleworth — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 18:04:33 -0500

Growing up it was the children's bible but my old preacher used the King James and lost me a little with the thous and thines etc.. I personally prefer the New American Standard. Great translation, accurate and easy to read and digest.

Response by Vit Spirek made Jan 26 at 2016 6:39 PM

Vit Spirek — Tue, 26 Jan 2016 18:39:22 -0500

I use more than 20, it depends on part of bible, our nation does translations for more than 1100 years from all main copies like greek, hebrew or from old latin translation - vulgata, I personally love old translations which are precise.

Response by CSM Richard StCyr made Jun 15 at 2017 12:42 PM

CSM Richard StCyr — Thu, 15 Jun 2017 12:42:57 -0400

I have always liked the King James.