Which translation of the Bible do you use?

CDF · Jan 29, 2010

As a Southern Baptist I grew up on the KJV, and have recently started reading the HCSB (via Lifeway and the Southern Baptist Convention).

However, I am also a student of history and I agree that the New Testament based off the Novum Testamentum Graece (Nestle-Aland ed.) is more accurate over the previous Textus Receptus (sorry KJV fans).

For the Old Testament, I like a critical text comparison between the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartens, Septuagint, & Dead Sea Scrolls. I am finding that the NASB covers everything I am looking for, and I am literally shopping around for a really good NASB study bible. I guess the NASB will be my "go to" Bible in the very near future!

Unfortunately that will put me at odds with KJV-only advocates, but oh well. One can't stumble around blindly in the dark forever!

I refuse to use a NIV though. It tends to lose meaning with its watered down, easier to read version.

dies-l · Jan 29, 2010

I don't think that any single translation does an adequate job by itself of conveying the depth of meaning in Scripture. The literal quality of the NASB is certainly a strength, but makes it awkward to read and can cause meaning to be confused or totally obscured. The dynamic equivalence of the NIV can make the text easier to read, but the built in interpretation of certain phrases and euphemisms can cause the reader to miss important connections. Personally, if I were to read out of only one translation, I would pick something from the RSV family (ESV or NRSV) as these seem to do a good job of finding a middle ground between literalism and dynamic equivalence. But, even these translations have their weaknesses. For example, the ESV is often accused of having a strong evangelical leaning, while the NRSV is accused of being more liberal. Plus, each has word choices that I think miss the original connotations of the original.

So, I think that best option is to choose at least one from each category (one literal, such as the NASB or KJV; one middle of the road, such as the ESV or NRSV; and one dynamic equivalent, such as the NIV). I also think it is good to compare gender inclusive (e.g., NRSV, TNIV) and masculine plural translations (e.g., NASB, ESV). I have found it to be helpful to read the same passage from at least 2-3 varying translations. The ones that I use as examples above are the ones I tend to use with the exception of the KJV and the TNIV, neither of which I own a copy of.

JustAsIam77 · Jan 29, 2010

KJV or ESV.

Hammster · Jan 29, 2010

I am not smart enough to figure out all of that origins stuff. So I just use the NAS and ESV. And the NET when I am online.

the particular baptist · Jan 29, 2010

Nkjv & Esv

trentlogain2 · Jan 30, 2010

you mentioned NASB. John Macarthur has a study Bible for the NASB, and I've heard it's pretty good. he's a staunch calvinist, but if you don't have issues with that, check it out.

JM · Jan 30, 2010

The AV.

Jeffwhosoever · Jan 30, 2010

For in depth study, I use the NASB Hebrew-Greek Word Study Bible. For general study and use in church and Sunday school, I use the NIV translation. HCSB is too basic in my opinion, similar to the NLT. KJV is eloquent, but I find the older English adds a level of translation that inhibits understanding.

Vince53 · Jan 30, 2010

I prefer the New King James Version because it is based on the Hebrew Masoretic Text and Greek Received Text. But there are mistakes in the New King James, and I don't make it a fighting issue.

tmitch3 · Jan 31, 2010

I prefer to use the NASB or the ESV but have recently become a student of Greek. I recently got a NASB/NIV with interlinear Greek by Alfred Marshall and it has become my Bible of choice when it comes to the new testament, otherwise I use the ESV study bible from Crossway Bibles.

TimRout · Jan 31, 2010

John MacArthur Study Bible: NASB

JTornado1 · Jan 31, 2010

The Modern Language Bible aka New Berkeley Version. I also like the New American Standard Version and the American Standard Version of 1901.

I have the Bible in the following versions:

Modern Language Bible
Amplified Bible
King James Version (including the 1611 fascimile)
New King James Version
New International Version
Contemporary English Version
New Century Version
English Revised Version
Ronald Knox Version
New American Standard (borth the 1971 and the 1995 update)
Holman Christian Standard Bible
American Standard Version of 1901
Revised Standard Version (including the Eastern Orthodox Apocrypha)
New Revised Standard Version
New English Bible
Revised English Bible
English Standard Version
Douay-Rheims
Douay-Confraternity
Christian Community Bible
Smith-Goodspeed
Modern Reader's Bible
New American Bible
Today's English Version
The Living Bible
New Living Translation
The Message
Jerusalem Bible (first and second editions)
New Jerusalem Bible
The Bible in Living English
James Moffatt translation
William F. Beck's translation
Young's Literal Translation
God's Word
Interlinear Bible
New Life Version
The Geneva Bible 1560 fascimile
King James Version Easing Reading
Today's New International Version
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version

wpbarrett · Jan 31, 2010

for general reading I use a wide margin NASB, its hard to beat the ESV study Bible its pretty well rounded on most of the views and also the RSV anointed Study Bible by Oxford is very helpful. But nothing beats a good reference such as the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge and a Wide Margin Bible to make your own notes, compare the scriptures and let the Holy Spirit guide you. People with commentary can make mistakes and be understood the wrong way without even knowing it or meaning to. God has no mistakes and overtime will guide you on the perfect path.

God's Grace, Bill

EmmyLu · Jan 31, 2010

After extensive research I chose a NASB Ryrie study Bible - which I found out my Dad and Grandad (pastor) use too!
I bought my husband an ESV Study Bible which he loves.
I found when I was using NIV & other versions I was always "checking" what the verse "really" was in KJV or NKJV.

TimRout · Jan 31, 2010

EmmyLu said:
After extensive research I chose a NASB Ryrie study Bible - which I found out my Dad and Grandad (pastor) use too!
I bought my husband an ESV Study Bible which he loves.
I found when I was using NIV & other versions I was always "checking" what the verse "really" was in KJV or NKJV.

Yes! I too have a Ryrie. Most worthy.

Allen1901 · Jan 31, 2010

JTornado1 said:
The Modern Language Bible aka New Berkeley Version. I also like the New American Standard Version and the American Standard Version of 1901.

I have the Bible in the following versions:

Modern Language Bible
Amplified Bible
King James Version (including the 1611 fascimile)
New King James Version
New International Version
Contemporary English Version
New Century Version
English Revised Version
Ronald Knox Version
New American Standard (borth the 1971 and the 1995 update)
Holman Christian Standard Bible
American Standard Version of 1901
Revised Standard Version (including the Eastern Orthodox Apocrypha)
New Revised Standard Version
New English Bible
Revised English Bible
English Standard Version
Douay-Rheims
Douay-Confraternity
Christian Community Bible
Smith-Goodspeed
Modern Reader's Bible
New American Bible
Today's English Version
The Living Bible
New Living Translation
The Message
Jerusalem Bible (first and second editions)
New Jerusalem Bible
The Bible in Living English
James Moffatt translation
William F. Beck's translation
Young's Literal Translation
God's Word
Interlinear Bible
New Life Version
The Geneva Bible 1560 fascimile
King James Version Easing Reading
Today's New International Version
Holy Bible Easy to Read Version

Wow! That's a nice collection!

Historicus · Jan 31, 2010

I use the KJV and occasionally the NRSV. Finding myself using the KJV again most often though.

Phileoeklogos · Jan 31, 2010

The NKJV, just like Moses and Paul............!

Vince53 · Jan 31, 2010

Phileoeklogos said:
The NKJV, just like Moses and Paul............!

I actually heard a Ruckmanite yell "The King James Version! It was good enough for the Apostle Paul, and it's good enough for me!" and he wasn't trying to be funny.

DD2008 · Jan 31, 2010

I prefer the KJV.

Which translation of the Bible do you use?

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