Versions of the Bible... Which one...?

[gomlbrobro]

I'm going to try to start reading the Bible more. However, there are numerous Bible versions to choose from. I literally can't stand the KJV OR the NKVJ. I like an easy read, and they aren't one... At least for me; I don't want to argue on whether or not they are easy to read because this is obviously relative.

I really like the NLT. I was wondering if this is accurate? Does it fall in line with the teachings of the KJV? If not, is there any other version that is easier to read but still accurate and of God's Word?

 

[oldhermit]

What is you education level and you reading level.?

 

[JesusIsAll]

I'm going to try to start reading the Bible more. However, there are numerous Bible versions to choose from. I literally can't stand the KJV OR the NKVJ. I like an easy read, and they aren't one... At least for me; I don't want to argue on whether or not they are easy to read because this is obviously relative.

I really like the NLT. I was wondering if this is accurate? Does it fall in line with the teachings of the KJV? If not, is there any other version that is easier to read but still accurate and of God's Word?

If you want a good Bible, conservative, word for word in translation, in more modern language (though a bit more stiff, for being more literal than many), you can't go wrong with an NASB.

 

[gomlbrobro]

I'm 18. Not very good at reading, though.

 

[oldhermit]

I'm 18. Not very good at reading, though.

Then I would suggest either the NIV or the ESV or perhaps even the Easy to Read Version for the Deaf.

 

[JesusIsAll]

I'm 18. Not very good at reading, though.

You clearly write well. There's no reason on earth you wouldn't understand an NASB. Like any literate book on earth, just by man, you learn the words you aren't familiar with. Studying the Bible is like learning anything, takes some effort and concentration. Most important is asking the Lord to open your eyes to His word, for the Holy Spirit to guide you, if given you're already a Christian.

 

[JesusIsAll]

Then I would suggest either the NIV or the ESV or perhaps even the Easy to Read Version for the Deaf.

NIV? Must have been a bunch of closet hippies from the 70's, if you ask me...

Okay. You didn't ask. Think that was going to stop me?

 

[gomlbrobro]

So, the NASB, NIV, ESV are all okay in terms of accuracy? What about the NLT?

 

[oldhermit]

NIV? Must have been a bunch of closet hippies from the 70's, if you ask me...

LOL. I do not like the NIV either but I find that those whose reading level is around third grade level it is easier for them to comprehend.

 

[Angela53510]

My thought is to go to Biblegateway.com. Plug in a verse or two, and read it in the different versions. See which ones stay accurate to the literal translations, like KJV, ESV and NASB.

See which ones you can understand. Then when you are satisfied with the results, go buy that version and start reading every day!

God is going to bless you through your reading of the Bible!

 

[oldhermit]

So, the NASB, NIV, ESV are all okay in terms of accuracy? What about the NLT?

The NLT is not a translation. It is a paraphrase.

 

[oldhermit]

The NKJV would also be good.

 

[JesusIsAll]

LOL. I do not like the NIV either but I find that those whose reading level is around third grade level it is easier for them to comprehend.

Very true, but this young man's OP isn't illiterate, at all. When it comes to the word of God, he may as well get him some quality, out of the gate, less to unlearn. (What? Christ had blood?)

 

[JesusIsAll]

My thought is to go to Biblegateway.com. Plug in a verse or two, and read it in the different versions. See which ones stay accurate to the literal translations, like KJV, ESV and NASB.

See which ones you can understand. Then when you are satisfied with the results, go buy that version and start reading every day!

God is going to bless you through your reading of the Bible!

Now that's a splendid idea!

 

[FridaysChild]

The NKJV would also be good.

And just for the record, please explain about the Message Bible. (not sarcasm - I'm very serious, my brother) ty

I would never use it, but some who are new in the Lord might not understand.

 

[oldhermit]

And just for the record, please explain about the Message Bible. (not sarcasm - I'm very serious, my brother) ty

I would never use it, but some who are new in the Lord might not understand.

Well, I'm afraid I cannot comment on that because I honestly have had no experience with it.

 

[gomlbrobro]

There's one person who implies that I have the reading level of a third grader and another who claims I'm not illiterate. Made me laugh.

 

[oldhermit]

There's one person who implies that I have the reading level of a third grader and another who claims I'm not illiterate. Made me laugh.

LOL. I did not mean to imply you had a third grade reading level. It is just that every English translation of the Bible is translated to appeal to a particular educational demographic.

 

[JesusIsAll]

There's one person who implies that I have the reading level of a third grader and another who claims I'm not illiterate. Made me laugh.

Wouldn't let that get you down. I don't know how many times I've been called a moron, and the fact is... well... hmm...

Never mind.

 

[JesusIsAll]

There's one person who implies that I have the reading level of a third grader and another who claims I'm not illiterate. Made me laugh.

You're more literate, I'd guess, than well over half the people, three times your age, online. But as to Bibles, as Angela53510 mentioned, just go to Biblehub, spend some time there, read a lot of Bible verses, and choose the translation that impresses you most.

Biblehub <-- click here​