What Is The Best English Translation of the Bible?
In your opinion, what is the best English translation of the Bible, and why? Thanks for your thoughts!
There will be varying opinions. Each translation has a goal, and each have shortcomings. Some try to use English that is used throughout the world and avoid slang. Some try to use simple English that younger people can understand. Some try to be very literal translating each word the same. Some try to interpret what it is saying. Some try to be easy to read out loud in sermons. Some try to be somewhere in between.
In my opinion, you will do well to avoid paraphrased versions like "The Living Bible", because it goes too far trying to interpret the meaning instead of leaving the text speak for itself. I think it would be a good commentary, or second Bible though. I think you would do well to get a more modern translation since nobody speaks like KJV anymore. I do think KJV is a great translation if you can understand it though.
NIV and NASB are both popular, easy to read and accurate. You might at least consider these. I would encourage you to go to your local Bible bookstore (or Biblegateway.com) and compare several versions of the same passage and judge for yourself.
By the way, someone mentioned the New World Translation. This is created by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. So, if you are not a Jehovah’s Witness, it will not be a good choice for you.
February 14th, 2010 at 9:00 am
Peter Pan, thats a good one…. but Cindrella is pretty good too
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February 14th, 2010 at 9:18 am
NRSV IS WHAT im using. Some also like new king james..
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February 14th, 2010 at 10:03 am
KJV
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The Unveiling of the Trinity
February 14th, 2010 at 10:12 am
pretty much none, theyr all put in the words that the translator understands best, not in the way everyone would understand them best though.
Learn hebrew and you’ll understand the real meaning of the bible.
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February 14th, 2010 at 10:58 am
New American Standard Version.
Modern English, easy to understand and read, and highly accurate.
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Catholic
February 14th, 2010 at 11:45 am
It was written by the power of the holy ghost and there for can only be translated into your mind and heart by the power of the holy ghost. They say , I have been told that the king james version is the closest to the first authors.
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February 14th, 2010 at 12:32 pm
The New World translation is very easy to understand and is by far the most accurate according to Bible scholars.
deb
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February 14th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
New American Standard Bible, for detailed work by anyone who does not know Greek/Hebrew.
It’s very particular about tenses and other detailed constructions which occasionally makes the English a little awkward.
Threfore for reading large passages, the NIV or, in even simpler vocabulary, the Good News Bible.
Or my personal favourite for style in the NT, the J B Phillips translation.
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February 14th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
There will be varying opinions. Each translation has a goal, and each have shortcomings. Some try to use English that is used throughout the world and avoid slang. Some try to use simple English that younger people can understand. Some try to be very literal translating each word the same. Some try to interpret what it is saying. Some try to be easy to read out loud in sermons. Some try to be somewhere in between.
In my opinion, you will do well to avoid paraphrased versions like "The Living Bible", because it goes too far trying to interpret the meaning instead of leaving the text speak for itself. I think it would be a good commentary, or second Bible though. I think you would do well to get a more modern translation since nobody speaks like KJV anymore. I do think KJV is a great translation if you can understand it though.
NIV and NASB are both popular, easy to read and accurate. You might at least consider these. I would encourage you to go to your local Bible bookstore (or Biblegateway.com) and compare several versions of the same passage and judge for yourself.
By the way, someone mentioned the New World Translation. This is created by the Jehovah’s Witnesses. So, if you are not a Jehovah’s Witness, it will not be a good choice for you.
References :
February 14th, 2010 at 2:38 pm
There are two main approaches to translation: word for word, and essence. One translates things pretty much word for word, which while accurate, may lead to misunderstandings. Another tries to give the essence of what was being said, even if wording is a bit different. This means a greater understanding, but does rely on the skills of the translators.
Of the word-for-word, the NRSV is really good. It is not precisely word for word, but is very close, and apparently one of the best of it’s type. However, it does not read well, and seems a bit stilted.
For an essence translation, the NIV is very good. It reads well, and is easy to understand.
I use both, and I have Study Bible versions of them, which I highly recommend. The little explanations included make things much better, especially when you are trying to gain as much understanding as you can.
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February 14th, 2010 at 3:01 pm
This will guide you step-by-step in selecting the Bible version that best suits your needs
http://www.christianwebprogramming.com/bs/
However, in my opinion the New Jerusalem Bible is the best English Bible available at the moment – though there are several very good ones.
Jim
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February 14th, 2010 at 3:12 pm
I presume you are speaking of "The Peshitta".
The best pure translation is one that is taken from the early Syriac-Aramaic dialect.
The same dialect that Joshua Ben Joseph; Jesus, Isa (pbuh) utilized, the majority of the time, when speaking to individuals or groups concerning spiritual matters.
One must locate a translator that is considered to be ‘the elite translator’ of the Syriac-Aramaic dialect.
One must acquire a copy that has been translated by that same elite translator and commence study.
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The current versions that have been translated into English, have been added too and subtracted from, and are amazingly difficult to comprehend. As if one is not supposed to understand scripture at all.
~~~~~
Wisdom is required to discern scripture.
Clarity is necessary if one is to "read between the lines".
Other than that, one must find a way to observe the original manuscripts and possibly meet the Author of said manuscripts, that is ever patiently awaiting one, within ones own "Inner Heart".
"If someone asks what work there is to do, light the candle in their hand." – Rumi
Peace be always with you.
Salaams,
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a small insignificant sufi student and brother….