Christians, which is the most authentic Bible version? ?

Question

I heard someone saying NIV is a terrible version
is it true? why?

if so, which is the most trust worthy English version of Bible?

please answer only if you're a born-again Christian who goes to church every Sunday, not just a once every now and then kinda Christian.
Thank you very much

Answer 1

NIV is easy to understand (you must read it second)

but KJV is told as the authentic Bible version (you should read it first)

Answer 2

There are two general philosophies translators use when they do their work: formal or complete equivalence and dynamic equivalence. Formal equivalence translations try to give as literal a translation of the original text as possible. Translators using this philosophy try to stick close to the originals, even preserving much of the original word order. Literal translations are an excellent resource for serious Bible study. Sometimes the meaning of a verse depends on subtle cues in the text; these cues are only preserved by literal translations. The disadvantage of literal translations is that they are harder to read because more Hebrew and Greek style intrudes into the English text. ... ...If you intend to do serious Bible study, a literal translation is what you want. This will enable you to catch more of the detailed implications of the text, but at the price of readability. You have to worry less about the translators’ views coloring the text, though even very literal translations are not free from this entirely. A second question you will need to ask yourself is whether you want an old or a modern translation. Older versions, such as the King James and the Douay-Rheims, can sound more dignified, authoritative, and inspiring. But they are much harder to read and understand because English has changed in the almost four hundred years since they were done. So, which Bible is the best? Perhaps the best answer is this: The one you’ll read.

Answer 3

In Biblical translation there are two main styles: Dynamic equivalency and Formal equivalency. Dynamic equivalency seeks to translate the main or essential idea contained within the source document and does not focus primarily on strict grammatical equality, but more on getting the point across. This can create problems where sentence structure and word usage in the source material is actually part of the point the author was trying to make.



Formal equivalency attempts to make a more word for word translation from the source material or donor language into the receptor language. Which can create problems when the donor languages use of local or historic idioms or grammer does not translate easily or clearly into the receptor language.



Usually a bible which combines these two methods into one gives the best result in accuracy to orignal meaning and structure.



The New American Standard Version has been known for years as the most literal translation into the english language. It's translators used the formal equivalency method. It is a great version for general usage and is used by many top scholars, but can be a little bit of a stretch for some who have comprehension troubles. The New Living Translation is an example of a dynamic equivalency version and reads extremely well but for topical word studies or deep Biblical training and interpretation it is not a good choice. The New International Version or NIV is an example of a Bible that combines both methods of translation and has been considered probably the best all aroound translation and still the most widely used in the english speaking world. Another great version would be the English Standard Version (my personal favorite). Again an example of combined translation methods but leans a little more toward the formal end and uses better more modern english.



The King James is a great translation, but the language if unfamiliar would take alot of time to become accustomed to before the jewels of scripture could be fully understood. The New King James is much better in my opinion for a student who likes the classical language style of the KJV but in an easier and more accurately translated english language version.



While I think Eugene Patterson is a genious I would stay away from The Message for anything other than cursory readings of scripture.



In short stick with any of the main translations and you should be fine. Find the one that best fits your study goals, i.e. word study, meditation, simple devotional reading or serious academic work and also one that you find the most comfortable or easy to read.



99.9% of the criticism you will hear from people about one version or another is coming from folks with absolutely no basis in the biblical languages or knowledge of how we get an english bible. Mainly folks magpie whatever they have heard from someone else. Ask your book seller about the different styles of translation and what they have in the different styles.



My personal suggestion would be either the NIV (New International Version) Study Bible or the new ESV (English Standard Version) Study Bible. Either one would be a great beginning study tool that you will not outgrow.



Hope this helps, God bless.



Sorry a little add-on. There is always a lot of KJV only hype. The KJV was and is a great translation of the bible, but it has it's issues like every other other translation. Anyone who speaks more than one language can attest to the fact that when taking a phrase from one language and putting into another you never, I repeat never, ever will have a "literal" translation. You can be very close, but languages just do not work that way. The KJV is great if you want a translation into a 400 year old language. You will hear it called the authorized version or the first, both are incorrect. Ask yourself: Authorized by whom?



The KJV is also not the first. There were at least six english translations of the bible prior to the KJV and some would rightly argue a few were better. Due to political influence and and an issue with the divine right of kings good old James decided he didn't like the notes in the Geneva Study Bible and had it republished without notes as Authorized King James Version. Can you say dictator? So actually the KJV was based on the Geneva which was based on two earlier manuscripts which where based on the Vulgate and the Septuagint and many original manuscripts.



That being cleared up there is only one version truly based on or using the KJV as source material and that is the NKJV. All other translations use original manuscripts from numerous collections as well as the dead sea scoll manuscipts and the afore mentioned Septuagint and Vulgate.



One last thing. There have been no less than 20 biblical manuscript findings since the publishing of the original KJV all with more ancient sources than those used by the original translators of the works which the KJV was based upon.



Bless all.

Answer 4

OK, I'll be honest: I don't go to church every Sunday.



But I *am* a devout fundamentalist Christian who has taken a lot of time reading different bible versions and attempting to answer the very question that you are asking.



The "short" answer is here

http://www.bible-reviews.com/selector.html



On the above page, I make several *different* bible recommendations based on the reader's requirements. However, all of the bibles recommended I have read and found to be "superior" to the competition for one reason or another. If you *don't* see a version that you think should be on the list, e-mail me and I'll tell you exactly why I did not recommend it.



Some comments about the previous answers:



King James Version (KJV) - several reasons this should be avoided, primarily a consequence of its age. *Unless* you feel that the KJV is the only worthwhile bible, do not use the KJV. If you *do* need the KJV, I offer recommendations for which edition to buy at the link above.



New King James Version - based on the same (verifiably unauthentic) NT source text as the KJV - which is one of the primary reasons the KJV should be avoided by non-KJV-only Christians.



The Message - a paraphrase. Paraphrase bibles are the opposite of what you are seeking.



New Living Translation - very easy-to-read version. Although these are not really the opposite of what you are seeking, very easy-to-read versions tend to result in a "muddying" of the meaning as a result of being restricted to a simplified vocabulary. I would not recommend the NLT2 *or* the CEV unless ease of reading was a primary concern.



New World Translation - the Jehovah's Witness bible, a *very* biased translation (which is not the same as saying that it is a mistranslation). I do not recommend this for you for this reason - though this bible is worthwhile as a secondary study bible.



Catholic Bibles - actually, one of these is my favorite translation as well as being my favorite study bible. You can read about the New Jerusalem Bible in the link above. However, not all Catholic Bibles are the same, and the NJB is normally the only one I recommend (the NAB in certain circumstances).



New American Standard Bible - I saved one of the most controversial for last. I say "controversial" because the NASB is a very literal translation, a technique of translation which *tends* to result in *inaccurate* translation. You can read more about my evaluation of accuracy in English bibles here

http://www.bible-reviews.com/topics_accuracy.html



Some indicators of accuracy here (note: summaries only. The detail pages are not complete)

http://www.bible-reviews.com/topics_accuracy_indicators.html



One indicator evaluated in depth here (including the NIV)

http://www.bible-reviews.com/accuracytetragrammaton.html



Acquiring the most trustworthy English translation is a passion of mine, one that I have spent hundreds or even thousands of hours researching. Although my research is by no means complete, I will be happy to answer any questions that you have about specific versions or issues as best as I can.



Jim, http://www.jimpettis.com/bibles/

Answer 5

NIV has been widely used and coincides with most other versions, so I don't know why they would say it's terrible. I have enjoyed reading a few - I thought NIV was from the original Greek and Hebrew. New American Standard version seems good. I enjoy Living as it puts it to me in a way I can readily appreciate the context. I love God's Word-- when I began going to a Christian church when I was 13, I was given a Phillips translation Bible which also was put into todays vernacular - or speech. I was hungry for God's word. I remember being wooed by God's spirit - just looking at the verses like in the gospels - Matthew, (Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness and all these things shall be added unto you.) Also - Luke and John (esp) and also how Romans spoke of the new spiritual principle of life lifts us out of the old vicious cycle of sin and death...in Romans 8 :1 Allow God's word to reach deeply into your heart -- and just absorb and take all the good God wants you to have. Also, I love the Psalms - how they speak tenderly and yet some are from David's desparate circumstances that helps us feel God hears us where we're at. And He does. And He Cares.

Getting into the Bible is so important I hope you have a good Bible study that will help you. Bible Study Fellowship is good. It is at a number of churches. There are others just as good, too. God bless you. Hope this helps.

Answer 6

I personally like the New Living Translation. It is written in the language and phrases of the modern times. I do not feel that it takes away from the meaning of God's Word. I also have in my collection a New King James and an NIV. Compare for yourself, or get one of those Bibles which have all four versions side by side. I can imagine that an old Greek Bible translated word for word would be the most authentic. We really need a biblical scholar and/or a pastor to give us a history on this. I do like to know about the origins of words, along with the historical perspective of Biblical times. I love the Life Application bible in any version.

Answer 7

I've been through 46 versions in 7 languages and my favorite is the New King James Spirit-Filled Life Study Bible, it's more literal then the NIV but easier to read than the KJV.

Answer 8

New World Translation

And, yes I am a true disciple of Christ, and not because I go to church every Sunday... most that do that don't truly know Christ or his beliefs.

I am a devout and continuous bible student and minister



Thomas Winter considers the Kingdom Interlinear Translation of the Greek Scriptures (part of the NWT project) as “highly useful” toward mastery of biblical Greek.[34] Winter relates that the translation "is thoroughly up-to-date and consistently accurate.”



In his review of 9 bible translations, Dr. Jason BeDuhn states that the NWT is a ‘remarkably good translation’.[26] He also states, “While it is difficult to quantify this sort of analysis, it can be said the NW emerges as the most accurate of the translations ... judging by the passages we have looked at.”



Among notable Greek scholars, translators and researchers who recognize the work that went into this translation are: Professor Benjamin Kedar of Israel, Jason Beduhn of Northern Arizona University, Department of Humanities Arts and Religion, J.D. Phillips of , Allen Wikgren who was on the New Revised Standard Version committee, Edgar J. Goodspeed, a professor of Greek at the University of Chicago who also translated the New Testament portion of "The Bible an American Translation". Many of these, and further scholars of incredible merit realize that the NWT is a work of sheer brilliance.



Most accurate knowledge of this translation come from neutral theologists. Criticism usually comes from biased christian leaders that want to preserve their taught doctrines



Hope this helps shed some light!

Answer 9

The King James Version



But, it is important to consider that newer versions are inspired by the King James Version. As a rule, the TNIV and the NIV aren't really that great. And, the NLT isn't so bad. The NLT really just gives the text a clearer interpretation by using more commonly understood terms describing weights, measures, days and times. It is intended to make the Bible relevant to today while staying true in it's message.

Answer 10

King James version

Answer 11

I use the king james version 1611 red letter edition



It comes the closest in english to what the greek and hebrew says.



I heard someone saying New International Version is a terrible version

is it true? yes



why? the website below describes the errors



http://www.tbaptist.com/aab/canwetrustniv.htm



Some are it omits a lot of verses that are in the greek and hebrew text.

It changes the meanings of words and verses

Answer 12

The Roman Emperor Constantine produced the bible and he was a pagan not god!!! He also organized Christianity into the Holly Roman Catholic Church!! Not in Israel or any of the countries of supposed origin but entirely Italian!!



What a wonder full disinformation and deception campaign he waged against his Christian enemies - so good in fact that Christians are still following the deception to this day!!!

Answer 13

I've heard some Christian extremists say KJV is the one and only true version because they believe it was divinely inspired. But when I asked why they thought KJV was divinely inspired, but none of the other versions were, they offered no reason. Some of them even said that in instances where verses from the KJV might have been incorrectly translated from the original Hebrew, they said the original Hebrew text was wrong!

Answer 14

King James is the most authentic, but it's really hard to understand, it has a lot of deep words and deep meaning, unlike the NIV the same message is there, but it's more simple, anyone can understand it.

Answer 15

All of them have strengths and weaknesses. The KJV is the ONLY Authorized Version.

Answer 16

niv

it is soooo much easier to understand

trust me

Answer 17

the most authentic is the original hebrew version.

Answer 18

I use any Catholic one....I always trusted the Catholic Bibles. =D

Answer 19

- New King James . . .

Answer 20

KJV

Answer 21

None of them, they're all fairy tales.

Answer 22

This oughta be funny.



King James "VERSION"/!?!?!



Version of what?...the "Authentic Catholic compilation"



HOHOHOHOHARHARHARHARHARLOLOLOL!!!!!!!