Best (most accurate) version of the bible?

coffeeandmuffins · May 8, 2007

I'm going to ask my husband if he will buy me (us really) a bible for Mothers Day (I'm pregnant with our first ) and am wondering which version is the most accurate translation? I once read the New International Version and enjoyed the side notes, I also enjoy the words of the Lord in red, but I never knew if that was an accurate version or not.

Also, it'd have to be a version available in spanish (we live in a spanish speaking country)!

Thank you!

coffeeandmuffins · May 8, 2007

Anyone? LOL.

I just want to make sure DH doesn't buy me a version translated by oh, I dunno, someones pet rock. Hehehe.

I also ask because I know some denoms have their own kind of 'personal interpretation' and/or even some 'additional' works thrown around.

RescueAngel · May 8, 2007

I am Catholic and find the St. Josepths to be nice, some are very nice with pics and extra things in it too. But they are easy to read .. have red where Jesus speaks but what you must know is, that in the footnotes where they explain whats going on .. its the Catholic Doctrine or intrepretation. So, if you aren't Catholic it may not * in some cases* go along with what you belief, have been told or follow. And that may confuse you or make you wonder whats going on. So, my advice is go to the book store before Mothers Day and check some out, or a Catholic Book store ( if your intersted in one of those) and find the one you like and kinda hint to him so he knows which one you like. Because if you get one you can't understand when you read it, some are written very very hard to read, ( so I think) than its hard to really enjoy.

Hope this helps some.

heron · May 8, 2007

I think everyone is trying to avoid a debate!!! Lol.

I have a study NIV for the maps and resources, but I think I'd prefer not having all the notes because sometimes they're subjective, and take up SO much room.

I also have a very old Jerusalem Bible with soft vanilla pages and lots of white space -- when I want cozy reading, this one is more visually appealing. (So deep, huh.)

A lot of people here will swear by the King James; it hasn't changed since it was first translated, but what the NIVadded came from recent findings, so that's a personal choice.

Some translations worked harder on literal interpretation of words, and some were stronger in interpreting these to coincide with theology.

Zondervan publishers used to have a comparison chart of several Bibles... not sure if it's still on their site.

Having a big margin is nice, to write notes in.

I'd say, get one that you know you'll read.

BAFRIEND · May 8, 2007

Douay Rheims is the most accurate translation from Greek and Latin. If meanings are what is important to you.

Secundulus · May 8, 2007

The New Jerusalem translation is very good but I don't know if it is in Spanish. In the mentime you might look into e-sword http://www.e-sword.net/. This is a free downloadable bible with versions available en espanol.

IN HOC SIGNO VINCES

Digit · May 8, 2007

I'm with Heron, go for a NIV version if you can as it has some of the translation errors that appear in other versions like the KJV ironed out.

Also if you look into Bibles, there are many different types. Study versions are quite good, but there are also versions aimed at allowing you to read and absorb key areas, notational Bibles and those that have Jesus' words highlighted in red for easy reference. Many different types.

Digit

Adoniram · May 8, 2007

I like the New King James Version. It reflects the style and flavor of the KJV, but substitutes more modern words for some of the archaic ones that have fallen out of common usage. The New American Standard Bible is supposed to be one of the most accurate modern translations available.

If you want to do some comparing, check out the BibleGateway website. www.biblegateway.com You can look up a passage and see how a great number of different versions translate it. They also have Spanish translations there.

I would stay away from those Bibles that are mere paraphrases though, such as The Message. Get one that is a translation, not a paraphrase.

coffeeandmuffins · May 8, 2007

Thanks for all your suggestions, I'll look into all of them, and I apologize if this was a potential debate starter! In my innocence and excitement I didn't realize that duh, it'd be something people disagree on so, I appreciate the brave souls who replied. Hehehe.

Key · May 9, 2007

Well first off, there must be a Spanish Translation, as the bible has been translated into every language in the world. However, the Spanish Translation might be a KJV to Spanish, still a good translation by all means.

Now, KJV might be a little hard on the system with the Ol' English, if you like Thine Speak, it will work for you, if not, it will just be a problem for you.

NIV is a more modern translation, so it the NKJV (New King James Version), they bring the bible to a more modern wording and even break it up a bit so it makes more sense to the people that speak "everyday English"

Now the New Living Translation I have seen to be a very inclusive translation that is in everyday English, and seems to expound a bit more as opposed to straight up word for word translation. This can be a great translation if you just want to enjoy reading the bible.

now, personally I like the NIV.

I would not say it is the "Best" but it is a good bible.

I do not think there is a "Best" to tell the truth.

I hope I have answered this question for you.

God Bless

Key

Adstar · May 9, 2007

I use the NKJV (New King James Version)

But i do not know if there is a "safe" translation of the NKJV in Spanish.

Oh there are bibles that i would recomend you keep away from. But for the sake of peace in this thread i will not state them here. PM me if you are interested.

All Praise The Ancient Of Days

ebia · May 9, 2007

If you want a decent version is spanish you need a spanish translation, not a spanish version of an english translation.

You'll get lots of opinions here about English versions, but probably not many informed opinions about anything else.

phoenixgw · May 9, 2007

Since you enjoyed reading the NIV, you might be interested in the Spanish version, Nueva Version Internacional.

You can see how this translates at http://www.biblegateway.com/
along with many other Spanish versions. Pick the one you like and then order the hard copy version online.

Jesús dijo: «Dejen que los niños vengan a mí, y no se lo impidan, porque el reino de los cielos es de quienes son como ellos.» (Mt. 19:14 NVI).

Morghaine · May 12, 2007

coffeeandmuffins said:
I'm going to ask my husband if he will buy me (us really) a bible for Mothers Day (I'm pregnant with our first ) and am wondering which version is the most accurate translation? I once read the New International Version and enjoyed the side notes, I also enjoy the words of the Lord in red, but I never knew if that was an accurate version or not.

Also, it'd have to be a version available in spanish (we live in a spanish speaking country)!

Thank you!

Your post really touched me, I think that is so awesome that you are seeking a Bible, you and your husband are expecting your first baby. Please keep us updated as to what version you received - and we're here to help with any questions you might have!

SuperNova · May 12, 2007

You want a good mix of accurate and easy to understand. Translations are a way to start your walk with Christ, but in order to learn and grow its important to know what the original language says. The original languages are so much different than English. They have words that take us paragraphs to describe!

But, I say have more than one translation. I carry a New Living Translation. While it's not the most accurate in terms of word for word it does try to portray the original idea. For example instead of saying something occured during a certain Jewish month, which does not match any of our modern months, it will say "spring time". I wouldn't make it your only bible, but its easy to read.

coffeeandmuffins · May 12, 2007

Thanks oodles everyone! Maybe when the downpour of rain stops my DH and I will actually get out there and buy our bible. I'll let you all know what version we settled on!

kevin36 · May 12, 2007

I've heard that the New American Standard is the most accurate, but I don't knwo if that's true.

I enjoy the New King James Version personally.

Don't know if either are available in Spanish...

Oh, some people might take exception to this, but I'd say to stay away from paraphrasings or ampliphied (I know I probably didn't spell that right...).

hlaltimus · May 12, 2007

I have heard it said that of all the English translations that are common to mainstream Christianity, there is not a single doctrine hinging between any of them. If you wish for a translation in modern English, I would recommend the New King James Version for the reason that I believe it to be the easiest version of all modern English Bibles to memorize. Memorization is an immense advantage for any translation of the Bible, and there are some translations that are very enjoyable to read but are also very difficult to memorize, the ever popular NIV being an example. The NKJV seems to do the best job of "sticking around", as I have found it.

ebia · May 12, 2007

hlaltimus said:
I have heard it said that of all the English translations that are common to mainstream Christianity, there is not a single doctrine hinging between any of them. If you wish for a translation in modern English, I would recommend the New King James Version for the reason that I believe it to be the easiest version of all modern English Bibles to memorize. Memorization is an immense advantage for any translation of the Bible, and there are some translations that are very enjoyable to read but are also very difficult to memorize, the ever popular NIV being an example. The NKJV seems to do the best job of "sticking around", as I have found it.

You may find the reason you find the NKJV to be easy to memorise is exactly the same reason many people don't like it - the translation is relatively word for word (compared with most other translations) which makes for high literal accuracy but clunky English. Personally I find it one of my least favourite mainstream translations. The NIV, by comparison, uses much more natural English, but is rather unpoetic. Personally I like the New Jerusalem, which I find mostly easy to read and poetic.

tall73 · May 13, 2007

kevin36 said:
I've heard that the New American Standard is the most accurate, but I don't knwo if that's true.

I enjoy the New King James Version personally.

Don't know if either are available in Spanish...

Oh, some people might take exception to this, but I'd say to stay away from paraphrasings or ampliphied (I know I probably didn't spell that right...).

New American Standard is a very literal translation, tending to follow the Greek word order more. It is pretty good for study.

The only issue with that is Greek word order can sound a bit funny in English! The NIV is good for just reading casually, and is put in easy to read English as well.

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