Why do we have many versions of the BILBLE ?

I was asked this question recently at my UNIVERSITY "Why do we have so many new versions of the bible". I did not have an answer to this. Why we do have so many versions. And further more, every version has additional changes to the previous.

I went in to a local book store and asked for the bible and was asked on what version I would like. Does this mean that the teachings and revelations are constantly being modified and there for we are being wrongly guided or are they simply numerous translations of the same bible.

If they are simply translations why are they titled "The lastest version" or "The NEW". There may be a simple explanation to this but I am baffelled as I might be walking on dangerous grounds.


------------------

Hi mick >>> When man gets his hands on something; he only muddys the water I guess. I have heard that the King James is the closest translation to the original. The New King James I guess is the same without the thee's and thou's. I feel the Living Bible is the worst! I think the most accurate way to study would be with a Greek and Hebrew Dictionary at hand. But most importantly with the Holy Spirit to provided revelation. When an unbeliever says, "man wrote the bible; how can you believe it?" My answer; which still they don't believe is: If God could create this universe; don't you think He can write a book?
Peace to you

P.S. I have also heard that the original text (the Hebrew & Greek) have numerical values; such as how many words to a verse, or chapters and how they relate from one book to the next. The Lord is the Master Mathematition even concerning His word. In short, so many versions to make it easier to understand by those that don't count on the Spirit??? >>> I hope I was some help.

[This message has been edited by truthseeker (edited 03 January 2002).]

There are many versions because scholars and theologians and bible researchers are always finding older and older copies of the scripture, for eg. the dead sea scrolls. As such, they assume the older the copy, the more original it is, hence the additions, revisions or removal of verses.

Each version eg, NIV or NKJV was done by a different team of scholars. Because the original scriptures were written in Aramaic, Hebrew and Greek (and old versions of those at that) the job of translating these verses is not an easy task, and different translations of the same verse is always possible. Hence the scholars have to look at chapters and verses in context of the book, author, setting etc. which leads us to slight variations in scripture. The bottom line is that the general message is always the same.

Well said, bible. Some people do hold the KJV 1611 to be the best English version. Others are more flexible.

Why do some Christians consider the King James Bible as the most accurate version?

I hope its not because the KJV was the first bible authorized by a British monarch.

Its sounds lovely to hear but the language used is archaic. How many people today easily understand 17th century English?

Thank you so much for replying, but I am still stuck as to why we do not have the original copy of the bible.
One of the closest friends that I have today is a muslim. In Islam the muslims have the "Quran". When ever I visit different towns I allways try to visit book stores and ask for the Quran. And the copies are allways the same, and it is the "original" copy from the times and dates of their prophet.
Why do we not have the original text, where has it gone and why are we Christians not allowed to see it. The quran has just 1 version but many translations in to languages so that people from different countries can read it but! But the "BIBLE" doesnt exist in its original format instead we have thousands of versions. This is what I am trying to get at! We are christians from our hearts no matter what versions of the BIBILE we read but I just find it fascinating why we dont have the original text. Can any one help me with this question please.

Maybe we have so many versions because of man trying to interprit the word of the lord. Maybe the quran is easier to stay the same because it is a false religion (the creation of man.)

Just some thoughts.

------------------
Jason
24/M
Protestant Christian, YEC, Computer Specialist, Martial Arts guru, and Ford Mustang Enthusiast

Maybe thats true but it still doesnt answer what I really want to know. But I suppose it's one of those difficult ones where we know the answer is right but cant get to the answer because of what ever reason. I know every one must be thinking that I am going in far too deep with this question but it really bothers me that we are following many translation of many more translations. I mean it is a bt like chinees whispers where the original words get changed and by the end we have something totally different to what we strated off with. Do you guys know what I mean?

Could it also be that the hebrew language is difficult to translate? Maybe the different versions are variations in oppinion on how it was supposed to be translated.

------------------
Jason
24/M
Protestant Christian, YEC, Computer Specialist, Martial Arts guru, and Ford Mustang Enthusiast

Mick,

You have to remember that there is minute difference in the different versions of the bible.

You also have to note that Islam is a newer religion than Judeo-Christianity and the Koran was also complied by only *one* person, Mohammad who also included his own version of the first 5 books of Jewish Torah (Old Testament).

The Quran was written in 5th century Arabic by one person. All over the world they use the same old arabic text. Islam does not recognize any translations of English, Russian or Italian etc.. Anyone who wants to study the "true" Koran has to learn 5th century Arabic.

On the other hand, Christianity is an older religion. The Bible is actually a compliation of letters, articles or books written over several thousands of years in two different languages - ancient Hebrew and 1st century Greek- by different authors. For example, Moses recorded the first five books, David wrote most of Psalms, the new testament was written in Greek by Jesus disciples nearly two thousand years later. During the formative years of Christianity, the church met to compile the various text into what is known as the Bible. The Muslims have accused us of "making it up" during that period. But really what they did was to collect the various letters and books written by the various disciples into what is now known as the New Testament. What you have to bear in mind is the remarkable similarity of the message presented by the various authors who lived spanned over hundreds of years. I'm sure your muslim friend can criticize what I've written but this is not the place for an indepth discussion.

Moreover over time the various groups of Christians have tried to translate the original documents into language more easily understandable to the common man. The King James Bible was translated so that Englishmen (in the 16th century) could read and interpret the bible without recourse to priest. The NIV was translated in the mid 1970s.

With such a rich heritage, it is no wonder that we Christians have different versions or translations. But do they differ from the main message - no.

There are available "original" copies of ancient Hebrew Greek copies of the bible. But they are usually available only to dedicated bible scholars.

BTW, the Catholics also have their "version" or "different translation" of the bible but accept for the inclusion of a few obscure and minor histories - its largely the same.

Does that explain your question?

YM

__________________
"The more the words, the less the meaning, and how does that profit anyone?" Ecclesiates 6:11
http://bible.gospelcom.net/bible?