Why do we have many versions of the BILBLE ?

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).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial" size="2">Originally posted by mick:
And further more, every version has additional changes to the previous.</font>

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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?

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.

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

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.

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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

Originally posted by mick
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.
one help me with this question please.

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Does anyone here think, that any of the versions KJV, NIV, NKJV, ASB, NASB, ect... one of these are trying to distort or twist the word of God to intentionally mislead people?

God Bless
Chuck

the reason we have many diffrent versions is because our language constantly changes, we currently do not speak like the 1500's translators spoke in there day. There is a book "which Bible" edited by david otis fuller d.d. may be avaliable a christian bookstores, maybe this will help you., by the way "william Tyndale is my 11th great granduncle, his sister married my 11th great grandfather dr. rowland taylor listed also in foxes book of martyrs.

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

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it was authorized by a british monarch because William Tyndale while being martyred asked "God to open up the eyes of the king of England" and God did.visit my site

(I deleted my old post because the whole tone used was too harsh. Sorry about that.)

People people relax, Lord Jesus the Christ stated in the Holy Bible about 'Scriptures' not Scripture. How we decide which is Holy Scripture or some Man written Scripture is with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Bible has Holy Scripture, for it was written by men (that were filled with the Holy Spirit) not just some Scriptures.
There are many Bibles and Scriptures but those that the Holy Spirit doesn't agree with say bye bye to that Scripture for a while.

Now you must understand that the Holy Spirit is given when someone beleives, accepts, and repents in the name Lord Jesus the Christ as the Savior for He is the Savior from sin and death for sin is death.

Now you must always understand any Scripture that denys Lord Jesus the Christ as a Savior is false Scripture. And you must also understand to be care what you say about the Holy Spirit or who has what Spirit.

Mark 3:29 . . but whoever blasphemes against the Holy Spirit never has forgiveness, but is quilty of an enternal sin - 30 because they were saying, "He has an unclean Spirit."

And also you must beware of false Prothets who claim to be righteous and books are known to be written about prothet and what they say.

"Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves. Ye shall know them by their fruits. Do men gather grapes of thorns, or figs of thistles ? Even so every good tree bringeth forth good fruit; but a corrupt tree bringeth forth evil fruit. A good tree cannot bring forth evil fruit, neither can a corrupt tree bring forth good fruit. Every tree that bringeth not forth good fruits is hewn down, and cast into the Fire. Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them. Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in Heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name ? And in thy name have cast out devils ? And in thy name done many wonderful works ? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity."

The accusation is that certain versions of the bible are attempting to distort the Word of God.

From your reply I gather that you are saying that certain portions of the bible are not from God which is a different point.

So which bible version or scripture is not from God then? Please list them.

Originally posted by †×TheTruth׆
People people relax, Lord Jesus the Christ stated in the Holy Bible about 'Scriptures' not Scripture. How we decide which is Holy Scripture or some Man written Scripture is with the Holy Spirit.

The Holy Bible has Holy Scripture, for it was written by men (that were filled with the Holy Spirit) not just some Scriptures.
There are many Bibles and Scriptures but those that the Holy Spirit doesn't agree with say bye bye to that Scripture for a while.

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I do not read anything that the Holy Spirit doesn't want me to read I only read the Holy Bible - New King James Version. For it is easy to understand in plain English as it can't get any eayers to read since I am not American but Ukrainian.

Edited: I do not read anything to even better yet any Scripture.

There are a lot of Bibles, the words change but they mean the same thing if not it is false.

Now my Ukrainian Holy Bible matches everything the NKJV is saying it has the same meaning, things can be said in different ways but by no means will it change.

Of course, the words are slightly different = some bibles use charity instead of love, kindness instead of compassion - but it means the same thing.

But as for the original post about intentionally misleading people, how would you react if someone attacked your bible with such remarks - ie that your Bible is intentionally misleading people? Clearly, it warrants a certain measure of outrage.

Originally posted by †×TheTruth׆
There are a lot of Bibles, the words change but they mean the same thing if not it is false.
Now my Ukrainian Holy Bible matches everything the NKJV is saying it has the same meaning, things can be said in different ways but by no means will it change. [/B]

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Originally posted by mick
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.

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I think the answer to this is that God is spirit and those that worship Him must worship Him in truth and spirit. I think that is key. If we had the original format blow by blow I think we would worship that above God just like Muslims do the Quran. God wants us to have faith like a child. Trust in Him is what He wants. He will not give us all the answers. We have to keep pursuing Him. I don't think that the different versions and language texts confuse things. Any differences are easily explaned.
The Bible I believe was written over a time period of 1500 years by different authors. The Quran was written by one over a period of only a few years. I think the 1000s of versions are good. We should always try and make the Word of God accessible to all. The Quran is very exclusive. They have many translations but they always say to read it in their original language. You do not have to read the Bible in Greek and Hebrew to get its original meaning. It helps to enhance the experience but you can get the jest of what God wants you to know through the translations.
Just my thoughts.
Take care.

A thought.

Could this be part of Satan's plan? He deliberately confuse and divide us by having many different versions of bibles available?

Originally posted by rpggal
A thought.

Could this be part of Satan's plan? He deliberately confuse and divide us by having many different versions of bibles available?

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I don't think so it is just our humaness. We all come to the Bible with our own baggage. Preconceived notions. If you grew up say in a Calvinistic Pre-Mill Pre-trib traditon you are going to be more inclined to read that into what you are seeing in the Bible. If you grew up with an Armenian view you are going to see that in the Bible. We are all individuals who bring our finite fallible minds to this. I think that the many different versions are good. Not all of us can get a Greek education to read and translate it ourselves. One translation can almost be a commentary to another translation without taking anything away from either. Read a Bible passage in the KJV and then read it in the CEV. It just brings a slightly different perspective but doesn't change anything.