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ClementofRome
Spelunking the most ancient caves of Xianity
For general reading purposes I like the NLT and even the NIV at times. For serious study I use the NASB. The NLT and NIV flow nicely and it is easy to read. The NASB is a more strictly literal translation, but tends to be wooden.
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CoffeeSwirls
snaps back wash after wash...
I read the ESV for the combination of the textflow and the accuracy of the translation in a more word-for-word format than NLT or NIV have (for the most part). I do make comparisons with NASB, NKJV and NIV as well, but for a vast majority of my uses, I try to keep it ESV. I've read from more tranlations than I care to admit, and feel that this jumping around can be detrimantal to such practices as memorization, etc, so my use of other translations has been diminishing.
Most other translations are absolutely fine in my opinion, but the continuity factor has become important to me. One thing I will do is read for a bit, meditate on something, and then look to another translation to see if what I understood is challenged. So far, all is well, and checking one translation against another can help keep you from skimming over a verse that is so familiar to you that you could find yourself glossing over it.
Most other translations are absolutely fine in my opinion, but the continuity factor has become important to me. One thing I will do is read for a bit, meditate on something, and then look to another translation to see if what I understood is challenged. So far, all is well, and checking one translation against another can help keep you from skimming over a verse that is so familiar to you that you could find yourself glossing over it.
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Macrina
Macrinator
Well, the bottom line is the Bible that you actually pick up and open up is a good one! 
But in terms of translation preferences, I generally read the ESV for personal use, because it leans towards word-for-word accuracy and yet is very readable.
The NRSV tends to be the most widely-used in university settings, so although there isn't a true academic standard, it is close.
NASB is very word-for-word accurate, but sometimes at the cost of meaning.
NIV/TNIV/NLT are good for reading, especially for reading passages for the first time or navigating through unfamiliar books. I've recently heard good things about the God's Word translation, but I haven't looked into it yet.
We use the RSV in church, which is an older translation and not as easy to understand as its updated versions (ESV and NRSV), but is quite beautiful.
But in terms of translation preferences, I generally read the ESV for personal use, because it leans towards word-for-word accuracy and yet is very readable. The NRSV tends to be the most widely-used in university settings, so although there isn't a true academic standard, it is close.
NASB is very word-for-word accurate, but sometimes at the cost of meaning.
NIV/TNIV/NLT are good for reading, especially for reading passages for the first time or navigating through unfamiliar books. I've recently heard good things about the God's Word translation, but I haven't looked into it yet.
We use the RSV in church, which is an older translation and not as easy to understand as its updated versions (ESV and NRSV), but is quite beautiful.
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Jon_
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I've got a growing warm spot for the KJV in my heart right now. The language is just so phenomenal. It's so poety, and at times surreal. Not to mention that the translation is easily one of the best, despite the age. It certainly has the most manuscript support: over 5300 documents agree with the KJV. It is for this reason that I prefer all King James versions over everything else.
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Jon_
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gtsecc said:
No, my KJV contains the Apocrypha. Though it's not Scripture, it can still be edifying; but since it is not God-breathed, it is not suitable as a foundation of faith. I always consider it to the truth of it's origin, which is extra-Biblical.
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Knight
Knight of the Cross
- Apr 11, 2002
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I highly recommend the ESV. It's accurate as well as readable and useful for study.
You might also look into the newer HCSB. It's quite good though not as literal as the ESV.
Though, I would recommend finding a translation that you can read, understand, and study from. There are many good English translations out there. All have good points and bad points but time does not permit me to go into detail on all of them.
You might also look into the newer HCSB. It's quite good though not as literal as the ESV.
Though, I would recommend finding a translation that you can read, understand, and study from. There are many good English translations out there. All have good points and bad points but time does not permit me to go into detail on all of them.
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- Jun 26, 2004
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phoboskaitromos
Bondservant of Christ
I started with the NIV, which is very readable, but unfortunately does a great deal of interpretation FOR you. I have been studying from the English Standard Version within the last year or two. It is a literal, but readable version which improved upon the RSV more respectably than the new RSV.
God Bless, Will
God Bless, Will
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