Sep 4, 2008

Random Question - Which is Your Prefered Bible Translation?

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It's time for another RQ. I'm so glad to see that so many of you are enjoying this challange. I have loved reading the thoughts you have posted on your blogs. I'm going to take it easy on you this week. First, this weeks question is less challanging than previous questions. Second, because I love to give people choices, I have posted an optional question at the end of this post. Choose one or both to write about.

Which is Your Prefered Bible Translation? Why?

There are numerous Bible translations available to choose from these days. There's the New International (NIV), New American Standard (NASB), the Amplified Bible, the New Living Translation (NLT), the King James (KJV), New King James (NKJV), the Message, and the list goes on....

How is one to choose? Well, I don't claim to know all the differences in all of the various translations but I have narrowed my preferences down. I decided I wanted to live for Christ in 1991 as a result of reading my Bible. We had been in the Gulf War and I began wondering about it's signifigance to the end times so I started reading Revelation. Yep, I started with the most difficult book to understand. In addition to that, I was reading out of an Old King James Version.

Here is a sample reading in case you haven't had the opportunity to read this translation.

The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass; and he sent and signified it by his angel unto his servant John: Who bare record of the word of God, and of the testimony of Jesus Christ, and of all things that he saw. Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.


John to the seven churches which are in Asia: Grace be unto you, and peace, from him which is, and which was, and which is to come; and from the seven Spirits which are before his throne; And from Jesus Christ, who is the faithful witness, and the first begotten of the dead, and the prince of the kings of the earth. Unto him that loved us, and washed us from our sins in his own blood, And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father; to him be glory and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.


Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.


This is just proof that it is God who reveals Himself to us and He can use anyone and anything, or nothing at all to do so.

So I have a certain fondness for the KJV but it is not my prefered translation. I was introduced to the NIV shortly after that and it is the translation that I carry and use most. It is an accurate translation and easy to read and honestly, I've become accustom to it. I do however, refer to two other translations often.

I am developing quite a taste for the NLT these days. It is written in a more common English verbiage and I have been finding deeper meaning in a number of verses lately using this translation. I am even considering switching from my NIV to this translation.

On occasion I will also refer to The Message. This translation seems to be the most frequently quoted these days. It definitely sheds a different light on scripture. I choose not to use it much but I do like to refer to it at times just to see how a verse is translated.

I think refering to different translations often offers deeper understanding of scripture, and with the online Bibles that are available today it is much easier to refer to several. So which one is your preference?

Alternate Question:
Why is it bad news for a dog to attempt to eat a frog?
Yes this is a real question with a real answer. Have fun finding it!





Edie

9 comments:

My ADHD Me said...

Hi Edie!

1st of all, THANK you for the easier RQ. I literally spent days working on the last one. It consumed almost all of my computer time and even some other random time. There I am, sitting at the table with 3 Bibles open, taking notes, going all over the internet. Time well spent I am sure.

2. I am not as well-read when it comes to the Bible (or lots of other things too), which means that those of you that are reaching out to spread the word of God are doing a great job because look at me, I keep coming back. (I've always been a Christian...the kind that prayed but never really "talked" to God...I am learning). Thank you.

3. I have a few Bibles that I use. The most helpful, factually, is one the CK gave me, The NIV Study Bible. I also like the NIV Women's Devotional Bible, that breaks it down with examples of how situations we face today relate to the Bible, and The Living Bible from 1971 that is written is very easy to read format.
As for King James...tried it..not there yet.

4. And last of all, I know the answer to your alternate random question! Only because I researched it. I'm not giving the answer away here though. (hey, no fair...not only are you enriching my spiritual self, but my brain too! Keep this up and I'll need to throw away my Adderall--NOT)

Leaon Mary said...

Good Morning Miss Edie,
Here I am, early friday morning, at Rich Gifts looking for my question to ponder... first cup-a-joe of thee day WITH "liquid" hazelnut AND splenda. LOL
I'm off to pick my brain about my preferences... but my heart is on your scripture from Revelation. "Coming with clouds and EVERY eye shall see Him." What a wonderful visual to start the day! Reminder that He's coming back.

Even if we never meet this side of heaven... I look forward to seeing ya in the "New Jerusalem."
I'm off to blog bible translations.
Great question! ~ OF COURSE I'm fond of thee FROG ONE TOO! heehee
Have a beautiful day FULL OF THEE LORD.
Lea
<*)))><

Kelly said...

I like the NIV best. But sometimes if it gets too technical, I visit the "MESSAGE" bible. It makes the whole verse fresh and new and exciting to me. I love it! So that is probably my favorite - but the NIV study is the best for me for studying.

Not kind James. The only shewing I like to do is at the shew store...I mean shoe store. ;D

Finally - regarding the frogs - I am no earthyly idea. I guess it would give them bad breath at the least! ha!

I'm not Mr Linky-ing today...but will play again next week. Busy times here this weekend and my big interview on Monday.

You Rock!

Edie said...

ADHD Jo - First of all, what a great visual of you with all those Bibles searching out the Word of God, and talking with Him. You keep at it cause He is the Best conversationalist you will ever run across! Let His Word seep deep into your heart. I thought you might enjoy the frog question. I will post a funny story about it another day.

Lea - Well look at you with your Liquid Hazelnut! Where did you get that idea? :) I was hoping those scriptues might touch someones heart, I'm so glad they did.

Kathryn said...

Interesting question, Edie! I use NIV ... probably because it's the version that I'm used to studying. We also have a KJV and a NKJV, and sometimes, I compare different translations for a particular Scripture on Bible Gateway. I think our pastor uses RSV.

I've recently wondered if I need to have a line somewhere on my site, which discloses that, unless otherwise noted, all the Scripture that I quote is from NIV. I think I may do that.

Weekend blessings!

PS-I loved the visual of ADHD ME working with her Bibles spread around her, too! :-)

Alene said...

Hey girl - how fun! I'll be back soon.

When I graduated from HS my church gave me a NIV version of the Bible. It has to be my favorite. My Bible is marked and highlighted and I can find so many awesome verses in there that God has revealed to me.

Last year a friend gave me the NLT Daily Bible. It has been great to see scriptures revealed in new language. Also, to really get down and personal I love looking up things in the Message. That book always hits close to home.

Have a great weekend!

HisPrincess said...

Pretty simple for me. I prefer NIV. It's the version we have in church, and the version that I'm most comfortable with.

As for dogs and frogs...sorry. brain is too tired to think laterally and figure that one out!

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I like the Contemporary English Version, which I found through Bible Gateway.

Kathie said...

Hi Edie,
I use the NAS for detailed Bible study since it is an actual word for word translation from the original manuscripts. Word studies are more easily done with this translation.
My pastor uses the NIV which is an idea for idea translation , making it an easier read.
When I get into a spot where I just don't understand the NAS/NIV I use the Message, the NLT, New Century. These translations are paraphrases from the original with the Message being the loosest. Not as good for doing deep Bible study, but great for some rounded meaning.
I have a great computer program that allows me to look at all four side by side so I can get a good comparison.
In addition I have a study Bible using the NAS translation that gives some commentary at the bottom.
Kath