Favorite Bible Version

I have read numerous Bible quotes throughout this forum and find that a majority of them are from the King James Version (KJV). This version was presented in published form to King James of England in 1611 and has been the Standard English version for nearly 400 years. Despite its authoritative nature, I find the use of thees and thous to be distracting. I can generally understand the meaning of the verses, but not without effort.My favorite is the New International Version (NIV) for three reasons: First, I find it easy to understand; second, it was translated using a mixture of the ancient texts over several years and by over 100 biblical scholars from a variety of Christian denominations. In essence, I believe that potential bias by a single person or denomination was minimized; finally, it was the first Bible I picked up when I began searching for the Lord, so it holds a special significance for me.That’s not to say that I don’t read other versions. I often compare the same verse in different versions to gain a new perspective and sometimes new insights.I’m not looking for a debate as to which Bible version is the best. I believe we can all agree that the best version for a believer is one that speaks to the heart of the individual.I also understand that certain Christian denominations require the use of a particular version and that’s Ok by me, whatever floats yer boat.BTW, non-believers are welcome to join the discussion, but please be nice. Comments like, The best Bible version is the one burning in the fireplace, do nothing but incite rancor.So what’s your flavor?

Well, let’s post all four and compare: (Note: I’m quoting verses 16 and 17 to show the complete thought). I don’t see much of a difference. The NIV does not use the term in the day as is the case in the other three, but is that a very different meaning?Here’s a few other translations: Regarding interpretations, here’s what the authors of the NIV say in the Preface:

Ok, I see. I also see why it's good to reference thought-for-thought translations. A literalist would need to defend errancy in the other versions since obviously Adam and Eve did not physically die "in that day".

I think you are being most humble regarding your knowledge as evidenced by your eloquent posts to this thread, and I agree that the referenced thread would be a better place to discuss the topic, so let's drop it here.

Yes, I find the various study bibles very informative I would agree. I find reading the Apocrypha, as Protestants describe the collection, to be interesting and the first few verses of Chapter 44 in Ecclesiasticus (Book of Sirach) are certainly famous.It does seem at times that it’s like throwing the baby out with the bath water, when Protestant Bibles exclude the Apocrypha as does the NIV. On the other hand, one can read this collection of seven books and four parts of books and can begin to understand why it is that Roman Catholics and Protestants have such doctrinal differences.I’m fairly strong in my faith and comfortable with my religion, so I like to read all sorts of material and can do so without an internal conflict arising. Even stuff that is non-scriptural such as the pseudepigraphal books or so called Lost Books of the Bible . Some of those writings are really strange.Yea, that's my daughter Sophie

And I was intentional about the OP being about "favorite" instead of "accurate" Bible versions because I wanted to keep it friendly and was curious about which Bible version most folks on this board use.There are several threads that challenge Bible accuracy. But not from the standpoint of which version is more/less accurate. At least I couldn't find any.Maybe another thread is in order posing the "version accuracy" question.

Exactly right! It is subjective, personal, and private.The more important rendering is the one that speaks to the heart of the individual. It speaks to her/him in a personal way, the same way in which s/he communicates with his/her God.

Yes, it is subjective. When I read the Bible, it is my understanding, my interpretation. I can’t say that my view is the way it is, or the way the authors intended it to be, or that it is the best interpretation for anyone else. I can only speak for myself.Now in other threads there are posts that claim individual Bible interpretations lead to anarchy, but I suppose that’s another topic.Anyway, that’s the journey to understanding that I enjoy when I read/study the Bible. And if I’m still curious about a particular passage, I’ll get a study Bible and see what commentators are saying about the verse in question, or another version and see what the protestants are reading in the NIV, or what Catholics are reading in the NAB. This of course has the side benefit of understanding, at least in part, the point of view of other believers.By doing this, the passage begins to make sense to me. Speaking metaphorically, it comes "alive". Why is this so? Why should some passages "speak" more clearly than others? I’m not talking about grammar here, I’m talking about content.I read all sorts of material all the time as do most people. I'm in a technical profession so I read technical subject matter quite frequently. I also enjoy all sorts of literature, both fact and fiction. During the course of reading any material, there comes a time when the pieces fall together and there is a deeper understanding of the subject matter. Everyone experiences this, but I find the Bible to be different.There is something there other than my intellect or my environmental influences that causes me to truly understand what I am reading. It cannot be defined, it cannot be proven, but it is there for me nonetheless.Well, here is where faith comes in because I believe it is the Spirit of the Lord guiding me.

There are approximately 9,000 different denominations of Christianity in the world. LinkIs there a single sect out of those 9,000 that is more correct than others? Is there such a great distinction between those 9,000 that God would declare it correct?Would Jesus proclaim that denomination, out of so many, as the one true Christian faith?If you have read the New Testament and have examined the life of Christ on earth, his teachings, his philosophy, then you already know the answer.{edited for grammer and to add link}This message has been edited by MyMonkey, 03-18-2005 08:19 PMThis message has been edited by MyMonkey, 03-19-2005 12:07 AM

LOL