Posted on 04/08/2017 8:07:59 AM PDT by madison10
The King James Version was the Bible I memorized as a child, but as an adult I find it unreadable for anything EXCEPT the passages I already know.
NASB or LBLA all the way. :)
The Geneva (Breeches) Bible. Avoid those modern Catholic inspired innovations like the KJV.
I always found the KJV easiest for memorization but prefer NIV, NKJV, or ESV for study and reading.
To each his own when it comes to Bible translations.
However, I have no patience for the “cult of King James”; those that believe its the only true Bible.
ESV all the way.
Ever use Bible Hub? Very useful for side by side comparing.
Not care for the pc NIv, key verses missing or adulterated. KJ is too easy to miss ideas with as old English is not my englisk, tho NKJV is ok.
Favorite is NASV, and I also enjoy Darby for its subtle language and conservative view.
For casual reading, I like the NKJV. However, each translation is the work of art by scholars and don’t necessarily capture the full intent and meaning of the original writings. It’s advisable to read from several translations to get the meaning.
But when I quote the Bible in my writing, I tend to use the King James. Bearing in mind that it is based on the sloppily-assembled Textus Receptus (Erasmus was a brilliant scholar but his work on scripture left MUCH to be desired. Guess he was rushed to win the contest...).
I’ve always liked the Lolcat Bible.
John 1:5
Teh lite iz pwns teh darks, but teh darks iz liek “Wtf.”
John 3:16-17
So liek teh Ceiling Kitteh lieks teh ppl lots and he sez ‘Oh hai I givez u me only kitteh and ifs u beleeves him u wont evr diez no moar, kthxbai!’17 Cuz teh Ceiling Kitteh not snd hiz son 2 take all yur cookies, but so u cud maek moar cookies 4EVAR!
Every Bible uses the same Greek and Hebrew scriptures that are preserved by the Catholic church.
For which it should be thanked.
NASB or Geneva.
Personally — and just for myself: you do what you like — I find the KJV has Majesty, Beauty, and the lovely Music of the English tongue. It takes some study, a good Concordance, and more effort than some; but it has a subtle sense of transcendental Power many of the others lack.
VMMV, but I like it best.
Why settle for one?
When I am doing a study, I read the same passage through different versions. Where there are differences, I use Strong’s and try to get the meaning through the original Hebrew or Greek. This often leads to new insight.
KJV been pretty solid for 400+ years. It can be tricky to read. I am following this thread to see what other FReepers are reading. I am cautious about trying different translations. Contrary to another comment, a word or tense can make a significant difference.
Only select a word for word translation Bible (e.g. NASB, ESV, New King James). Stay away from paraphrased Bibles like NIV, Living Word, etc. God’s Word is true. Men are liars.
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 The same was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made by him: and without him was made nothing that was made. 4 In him was life, and the life was the light of men. 5 And the light shineth in darkness, and the darkness did not comprehend it. 6 There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. 7 This man came for a witness, to give testimony of the light, that all men might believe through him. 8 He was not the light, but was to give testimony of the light. 9 That was the true light, which enlighteneth every man that cometh into this world. 10 He was in the world, and the world was made by him, and the world knew him not. 11 He came unto his own, and his own received him not. 12 But as many as received him, he gave them power to be made the sons of God, to them that believe in his name. 13 Who are born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God. 14 And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we saw his glory, the glory as it were of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth. 15 John beareth witness of him, and crieth out, saying: This was he of whom I spoke: He that shall come after me, is preferred before me: because he was before me. 16 And of his fulness we all have received, and grace for grace. 17 For the law was given by Moses; grace and truth came by Jesus Christ. 18 No man hath seen God at any time: the only begotten Son who is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.
I’m not one of those super anti-Catholics. I appreciate the CC for where it did protect Christianity and what it could do to protect people from their state governments throughout history. However, I do recognize where it is in error of the Scriptures and that it does chooses traditional where it shouldn’t.
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