Finding The Right Translation For Me/You

DimEyesOpenHeart · Jun 23, 2015

With so many to choose from it's daunting and overwhelming. I have several editions I read & study from on my ereader most recently the ESV Women's Devotional I'm really enjoying it. I know there is a lot of elitism and contention regarding translations I don't want to stir that up. I'm just after tried and tested well recommended translations and commentaries not necessarily directed at women, although that would be helpful, but definately recommended by sisters in the faith.

Thank you!

Mister_Al · Jun 24, 2015

First, you need something to read that is easy to read but is still a good translation. For reading I'd suggest the American Standard Version of the Bible.

Second, you need something to read that explains the passages as you go so you can understand what you're reading. For this I'd suggest the Amplified Bible.

Look into these and see what you think.

Blessings,

Alan

DimEyesOpenHeart · Jun 24, 2015

Thank you, Alan. The Amplified Bible sounds just what I need to help me build upon.

God bless you.

Mister_Al · Jun 24, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
Thank you, Alan. The Amplified Bible sounds just what I need to help me build upon.

God bless you.

I've been using the Amplified for over 15 years and really like its concept. I believe you'll find it helpful.

Alan

LilShepherdBoy · Jun 24, 2015

Hi Dim,

I use as many english translations as possible using the three following links.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs 6&version=KJV;NKJV;ERV

You can compare translations with certain scriptures to see which is easiest for you to understand. I've set the above link to the book of Proverbs because it's a straight forward book for beginners with no figurative languages, parables or prophecy involved. This makes it easier to see which translation you can benefit most. The worst translations are those you can't fully understand and goes over your head.

The KJV is a fine bible but I would never be a KJV only user. Use many translations. As you grow and mature in God's word, you'll find the KJV has many errors that the NKJV had to correct in it's revision. Plus it's also like reading a wall of text without the titles to separate each new topic. Translations with titles are also helpful as you know in advance what you'll be reading about. Though all this, I still use the KJV as a cross reference guide regularly, but would never solely rely on it alone.

One thing I do when reading a new scripture I don't understand is reread it with different translations till it becomes clear. Then I confirm the validity of what I've learned with numerous other translations such as the KJV. And I read everything, the whole chapter or book if necessary, and not come to a conclusion based on a single passage.

Here's a common example I see many people do, Ephesians 2:8-9. If one only reads verses 8-9, it would seem a person is saved by merely believing, without any works required.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

But if we keep reading, we see in Ephesians 2:10, it said "in Christ" we are to walk with God and do good works.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

You might already know this but since this is the New Christian forum, there's a chance some here think they're saved when they're not.......yet.

http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/18-3-compare.html

http://biblehub.com/hebrews/6.htm

Some of the links also has the greek and hebrew translation.

Me personally, I generally also go with a main credible translation: NKJV and a secondary translation that fully explain what it means in easy to understand wordings: Easy-to-Read version (ERV), on top of the many other translations I use.

Find two best for you and following up with many others.

.

DimEyesOpenHeart · Jun 24, 2015

LilShepherdBoy said:
Hi Dim,

I use as many english translations as possible using the three following links.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs 6&version=KJV;NKJV;ERV

You can compare translations with certain scriptures to see which is easiest for you to understand. I've set the above link to the book of Proverbs because it's a straight forward book for beginners with no figurative languages, parables or prophecy involved. This makes it easier to see which translation you can benefit most. The worst translations are those you can't fully understand and goes over your head.

The KJV is a fine bible but I would never be a KJV only user. Use many translations. As you grow and mature in God's word, you'll find the KJV has many errors that the NKJV had to correct in it's revision. Plus it's also like reading a wall of text without the titles to separate each new topic. Translations with titles are also helpful as you know in advance what you'll be reading about. Though all this, I still use the KJV as a cross reference guide regularly, but would never solely rely on it alone.

One thing I do when reading a new scripture I don't understand is reread it with different translations till it becomes clear. Then I confirm the validity of what I've learned with numerous other translations such as the KJV. And I read everything, the whole chapter or book if necessary, and not come to a conclusion based on a single passage.

Here's a common example I see many people do, Ephesians 2:8-9. If one only reads verses 8-9, it would seem a person is saved by merely believing, without any works required.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

But if we keep reading, we see in Ephesians 2:10, it said "in Christ" we are to walk with God and do good works.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

You might already know this but since this is the New Christian forum, there's a chance some here think they're saved when they're not.......yet.

http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/18-3-compare.html

http://biblehub.com/hebrews/6.htm

Some of the links also has the greek and hebrew translation.

Me personally, I generally also go with a main credible translation: NKJV and a secondary translation that fully explain what it means in easy to understand wordings: Easy-to-Read version (ERV), on top of the many other translations I use.

Find two best for you and following up with many others.

.

This is brilliant thank you so much for taking the time and effort to make this for all our benefits.
God bless you!

WillowWhisp · Jul 13, 2015

I like the NIV as it has lots of notes at the bottom of it I want to read up anything extra on something I'm not sure about. I also like the NLT as it's easy to read and really brings out the direct, overall message. I think that it's not important which one you read - as long as it's the one that suits your purposes and tastes. That you are reading it at all is the important thing I used to get bogged down with this too but I think that God will just be pleased you are reading his word, no matter what translation, or language it is in you have chosen to look to understand him

Guru03 · Jul 16, 2015

Go with whatever is easiest for you to read. When I was little I read the KJV, then the ICB (the easiest but I had to switch because the commentary was juvenile and I would be frowned upon for reading a bible with juvenile commentary- a sad day), then the NIV (lots of people in my church think it is easy). I struggled with the NIV despite having an extremely high reading comprehension level. I then tried the ESV thinking it would be easier but it was not. I went back to the NIV which was still too hard. I downloaded the YouVersion App recently and I downloaded the NLT and The Message inside of it. The NLT and The Message are extremely easy for me (I am an excellent reader but I have struggled to comprehend the Bible.

pastor marty · Jul 17, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
With so many to choose from it's daunting and overwhelming. I have several editions I read & study from on my ereader most recently the ESV Women's Devotional I'm really enjoying it. I know there is a lot of elitism and contention regarding translations I don't want to stir that up. I'm just after tried and tested well recommended translations and commentaries not necessarily directed at women, although that would be helpful, but definately recommended by sisters in the faith.

Thank you!

Bless yer young heart; Daughter. Get any version that uses the Dead Sea scrolls (the undisputed oldest, old test.books),as proof that it's as correct as can be. The new Test. should be a combo of Greek/Aramaic/Latin translation most accepted for the last 2000 yrs. Then get w/a Christian friend,ask the Holy Spirit to sit in on yer studies (wherever 2 or more are gathered) and "wallah !" Easy as wikkipedia. Have faith ! HE really w/assist U cauz He loves U. If it wasn't just that easy,do U really think a bunch of illiterate Jewish fishermen could have gotten it right ?? Ponder that & Be ye blessed ! "P&P" pastor marty

pastor marty · Jul 17, 2015

LilShepherdBoy said:
Hi Dim,

I use as many english translations as possible using the three following links.

https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Proverbs 6&version=KJV;NKJV;ERV

You can compare translations with certain scriptures to see which is easiest for you to understand. I've set the above link to the book of Proverbs because it's a straight forward book for beginners with no figurative languages, parables or prophecy involved. This makes it easier to see which translation you can benefit most. The worst translations are those you can't fully understand and goes over your head.

The KJV is a fine bible but I would never be a KJV only user. Use many translations. As you grow and mature in God's word, you'll find the KJV has many errors that the NKJV had to correct in it's revision. Plus it's also like reading a wall of text without the titles to separate each new topic. Translations with titles are also helpful as you know in advance what you'll be reading about. Though all this, I still use the KJV as a cross reference guide regularly, but would never solely rely on it alone.

One thing I do when reading a new scripture I don't understand is reread it with different translations till it becomes clear. Then I confirm the validity of what I've learned with numerous other translations such as the KJV. And I read everything, the whole chapter or book if necessary, and not come to a conclusion based on a single passage.

Here's a common example I see many people do, Ephesians 2:8-9. If one only reads verses 8-9, it would seem a person is saved by merely believing, without any works required.

Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, 9 not of works, lest anyone should boast.

But if we keep reading, we see in Ephesians 2:10, it said "in Christ" we are to walk with God and do good works.

Ephesians 2:10 (NKJV)
10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.

You might already know this but since this is the New Christian forum, there's a chance some here think they're saved when they're not.......yet.

http://www.biblestudytools.com/matthew/18-3-compare.html

http://biblehub.com/hebrews/6.htm

Some of the links also has the greek and hebrew translation.

Me personally, I generally also go with a main credible translation: NKJV and a secondary translation that fully explain what it means in easy to understand wordings: Easy-to-Read version (ERV), on top of the many other translations I use.

Find two best for you and following up with many others.

.

pastor marty · Jul 17, 2015

I think the 1st. time a person really cry's out,"Jesus help me I can't take this Hell I'm in no-more !"Dey B saved, Bro." All they need then is the 'Holy Bath",& some fellow likewise thinking folks to hang-out/pray with and they B on the old straight & narrow. Agree???

GracetotheHumble · Jul 17, 2015

I use the King James Version. It's difficult when you first start reading it but over time it will actually help you raise your reading level. I also have an ESV and like it as well.

DimEyesOpenHeart · Jul 17, 2015

pastor marty said:
Bless yer young heart; Daughter. Get any version that uses the Dead Sea scrolls (the undisputed oldest, old test.books),as proof that it's as correct as can be. The new Test. should be a combo of Greek/Aramaic/Latin translation most accepted for the last 2000 yrs. Then get w/a Christian friend,ask the Holy Spirit to sit in on yer studies (wherever 2 or more are gathered) and "wallah !" Easy as wikkipedia. Have faith ! HE really w/assist U cauz He loves U. If it wasn't just that easy,do U really think a bunch of illiterate Jewish fishermen could have gotten it right ?? Ponder that & Be ye blessed ! "P&P" pastor marty

But they were learned to a point weren't they especially Peter for he grew up in a mulitlingual, multifaith and multicultural place? Where reading and writing, understanding of commerse were encouraged?

Arcangl86 · Jul 17, 2015

While I'm not terribly fond of it, the new Common English Bible is really good, and is written at a simple level. Um, this is not meant to be a critism to Guru, but I would stay away from the Message until you are bit more settled in your faith. The Message is not a translation, but rather a paraphrase. So it might be useful as a way to see a certain way of understanding the text, but won't give you the text itself. I personally use and love the Oxford Study Bible, which is a Revised English Bible with a pretty good annotation apparatus and articles attached. Also, I would take a look at the Woman's Bible Commentary.

DimEyesOpenHeart · Jul 18, 2015

The Message is just too loose I don't like it or reccomend.

pastor marty · Jul 18, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
But they were learned to a point weren't they especially Peter for he grew up in a mulitlingual, multifaith and multicultural place? Where reading and writing, understanding of commerse were encouraged?

Peters reading skills were minimal at best,even today the kids of middle east fisherman start helping Dad w/the nets at 8-10.I'm sure he used scribes to read his mail & write it.His powerful oratory skills were fueled by the 'Holy Spirit',not by any "book-learnin' " Shows yer' thinkin' tho,keep it up ! P&P marty

pastor marty · Jul 18, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
The Message is just too loose I don't like it or reccomend.

U are so on the right track !!!!!

graceandpeace · Jul 19, 2015

I regularly use the New Oxford Annotated Bible w/ Apocrypha in the NRSV. I own the 3rd edition, here is a link to a hardcover of the 4th edition: http://www.christianbook.com/nrsv-a...rdcover/9780195289558/pd/289558?event=ESRCN|M

The NRSV is what is used in my church & this particular annotated Bible is a useful text to own. Good scholarship & less bias compared to what I've encountered in certain marketed "study Bibles" out there.

jsimms615 · Jul 20, 2015

DimEyesOpenHeart said:
With so many to choose from it's daunting and overwhelming. I have several editions I read & study from on my ereader most recently the ESV Women's Devotional I'm really enjoying it. I know there is a lot of elitism and contention regarding translations I don't want to stir that up. I'm just after tried and tested well recommended translations and commentaries not necessarily directed at women, although that would be helpful, but definately recommended by sisters in the faith.

Thank you!

I have been reading NASB for about 35 years now and it works well for me. If you have ever heard of Warren Wiersbe, his commentaries are very easy to read and understand.

seashale76 · Aug 15, 2015

I use the Orthodox Study Bible. NKJV and uses the Septuagint. The Old Testament is a bit different from what you're used to as well. http://www.amazon.com/The-Orthodox-Study-Bible-Christianity-ebook/dp/B000XPNVFI

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