Bible Translations

[Wren]

I had originally posted this thread in Singles (as a spin-off of a discussion happening in another thread), but thought non-Singles posters might be interested in the topic.

What translation(s) do you prefer and why? Which translations do you dislike and why?

Adding a poll, with multiple choice, because polls are fun.

 

[Wren]

I like the NLT for Bible reading, NIV for church reading/studying (since it seems to be the most common translation for churches in my area), and NRSV for home Bible study.

 

[Qyöt27]

NRSV (specifically the New Oxford Annotated with Deuterocanon), because it reads more naturally to me and the footnotes aren't trying to push theology I deeply disagree with.

I haven't formed much of an opinion on ones I don't like, except for The Message - every time I've heard something quoted from it, it either sounds weird (as in, very awkwardly worded), or like it's trying too hard to be 'relevant', and that the 'relevant' parts seem to go hand-in-hand with the kind of hipster-esque nonsense I just get annoyed by.

 

[Mrs. Luther073082]

I started off with the NIV when I became a Christian. I went to a Christian bookstore and told them I wanted a Bible, but that I was a little overwhelmed They helped me pick out the Quest Study Bible. I have acquired other versions since then, including the KJV.

 

[Kristen.NewCreation]

I use the NIV for my Bible Studies, and NLT to help with more casual understanding and reading.

I also have The Message... but I don't use it much.

 

[FaithPrevails]

I didn't realize it was a multiple choice poll.

I actually prefer the NASB, which is how I voted, but I like the NIV study bible for the notes at the bottoms of the pages.

 

[Tink]

ESV and NKJV for studying.

The Message for simple reading.

 

[Blank123]

The NKJV is my main study Bible but I also like the NASB and ESV

 

[somebodysangel_88]

I'm a King James or New International version!

 

[.Iona.]

I started with the NIV, although since I started my new church I have been reading more of the KJV.

 

[Speculative]

King James. 400 years and still going strong. I also use the NIV and HCSB, and I'm currently reading the D-R (and I'm enjoying it ).

 

[Zyzzyva]

Physical copy: New International Version.
Electronic copy: I tend to flip through the available English language versions to see whether the verse could be interpreted in a completely different manner if one uses a different version.

I only really click with the NIV though.

 

[Fenny the Fox]

I was raised on the KJV, but, along with most of my family, I have tended toward the NIV for everyday reading or such. Just a little easier to go through or explain meaning to people.
But the KJV has a place, and it is so much more eloquent in places - it is certainly invaluable for that very fact.

 

[KTskater]

NIV for casual reading, because it uses simple, modern language and interprets some passages within context for the reader.
NASB for study, since it has the most precise translation, with very little addition of idiomatic expressions. This allows for me to do language studies on certain passages more easily, since it is more direct than the NIV.

 

[Perhaps Today]

I'm KJV preferred, but do own a few other translations as well. I still feel it's the most accurate translation out there.

 

[Jeffersonian]

Esv <3

 

[Bridgit]

Latest edition of the NLT and sometimes the Holman, NKJV, NCV and The Message

 

[JCFantasy23]

I couldn't recommend the ESV enough. Every translation has some flaws but this is my preferred by far. Not sure on disliked, but I would say the condensed bibles.

 

[Balugon]

I use NIV mainly, simply because it's easy to read and that's what I have a concordance for.

Normally, I would say that the The Message/NLT are my least-liked Bible versions, but I ran into one I disliked a lot more- The Manga Bible, put out by Zondervan (makers of the NIV). Check out their story of Adam and Eve- http://www.zondervan.com/media/samples/pdf/0310712874_samptxt.pdf

 

[Aino]

I mainly read the two latest Finnish translations (right now more the one from 33/38), but if I want to do some language study or compare then I'd most likely use the NIV, which I find easiest to read... From what I've read from the ESV it seems wonderful too though, so that might be the next exploration I'll do.