Here is an article from the newspaper about the different versions of the Bible.
Christian consumer's guide to the Bible(s)
[SIZE=+1]No version fits every need or is the most accurate, experts say[/SIZE]
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08:48 AM CDT on Saturday, October 13, 2007[/SIZE]
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By TYRA DAMM [/SIZE]
[SIZE=-1]tyradamm@aol.com[/SIZE]
Anyone who's perused the shelves of a mega-bookstore's religion section has seen overwhelming choices of Christian Bibles and the accompanying alphabet soup.
All those versions – KJV, NKJV, NRSV, HCSB and more.
Some Bible scholars and Christian theologians say that making the best choice depends on the individual's needs. Will the Bible be used for light reading or intense study? Will it be used at weddings and funerals? Is it for a young or new Christian or a seasoned believer?
"There's no single version that can be pointed to as the most accurate in every respect," said Peter Thuesen, author of
In Discordance With the Scriptures and a religious studies professor at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. The problem, he says, is defining accuracy – either as the degree of literalness or as how closely the translation captures the intent of the biblical authors.
There's also no single version that can fit every need, said Steven Sheeley, co-author of
Choosing a Bible: A Guide to Modern English Translations and Editions and an administrator with Shorter College, a Baptist university in Rome, Ga.
Dr. Sheeley tends to use the New Revised Standard Version when preaching or studying. Sometimes he refers to J.B. Phillips' translation, which he admires for its energy and passion. And he often uses the King James Version for weddings and funerals, when the familiar 17th-century words might provide the most comfort.
"Some of those texts are still the quintessential. You can't improve on the beauty of 'The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want.' "
Two types of translation
Translations fall into two categories: word for word, known as formal correspondence translations, and thought for thought, known as dynamic equivalence translations.
The formal correspondence translations are considered more accurate and rely less on translators' subjectivity. Examples of formal correspondence translations include the New International Version, the New Revised Standard Version and the English Standard Version.
Each of these translations was produced by a committee, an essential distinction, says Robert Hunt, director of global theological education at the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist Uuniversity.
"A committee is more accurate," he said. "They'll check each other's translations. Idiosyncrasies won't come into translations."
Examples of dynamic equivalence include
The Message by Eugene Peterson and
The Living Bible translated by Kenneth Taylor.
"I would recommend that people not put all their eggs in a basket that is a paraphrase," Dr. Sheeley said. "
The Living Bible, The Message –those are fine if they're not somebody's first text."
It's impossible to completely render the Greek and Hebrew of the Bible's original source material into any language, said Carolyn Osiek, a professor of New Testament at Brite Divinity School at Texas Christian University.
"No translation is perfect," she said.
She uses the Revised Standard Version and Greek text when teaching. She admires the New International Version for its more flowing text and the Jerusalem Bible for its literary qualities.
Gendered language
James Hamilton, religious studies professor at Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, preaches and teaches from the English Standard Version. He appreciates the literalness of the translation, he said, and its retention of gender-specific language.
The NRSV and Today's New International Version have softened the statements on gender roles, going beyond translation, Dr. Hamilton said.
"Interpreting is the job of commentator, teacher, preacher or the reader," said Dr. Hamilton.
Having a diversity of translations is beneficial to Christians, said Dr. Sheeley of Shorter College – as long as they take advantage of the resources.
"The variety of English translations suggests that someone must be right, somebody must be wrong," he said. "But I see them as tools. You can buy a Bible and put it on your shelf. It doesn't do any good unless you open them up and engage the text in the context of your own life and the life of others."
COMPARING TEXTS
John 6:56
King James Version: He that eateth my flesh, and drinketh my blood, dwelleth in me, and I in him.
New International Version: Whoever eats my flesh and drinks my blood remains in me, and I in him.
English Standard Version: Whoever feeds on my flesh and drinks my blood abides in me, and I in him.
New Revised Standard Version: Those who eat my flesh and drink my blood abide in me, and I in them.
New Living Translation: All who eat my flesh and drink my blood remain in me, and I in them.
1 Corinthians 1:30
King James Version: But of him are ye in Christ Jesus, who of God is made unto us wisdom, and righteousness, and sanctification, and redemption:
New International Version: It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God­that is, our righteousness, holiness and redemption.
English Standard Version: And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
New Revised Standard Version: He is the source of your life in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption,
New Living Translation: God alone made it possible for you to be in Christ Jesus. For our benefit God made Christ to be wisdom itself. He is the one who made us acceptable to God. He made us pure and holy, and he gave himself to purchase our freedom.
http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcon...relbible_13met.ART.East.Edition1.427ebd8.html
(just kidding).
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