What about the NLT version of the Bible?

Understanding much of the Bible is difficult, What do you think of the NLT version? Are real meanings in biblical text lost or wrong interpretations in that version?

I generally stick with formal equivalence translations, such as KJV, NKJV, NIV and HCSB. I do like the NLT, but that's probably the farthest I'd go in terms of dynamic equivalence (or paraphrasing).

I'm one who can appreciate a translation with beautiful language as well as one that is easy to understand.

It's curious that you include the NIV in a list of formal equivalence translations. I'd put the NASB there, but I would consider the NIV to be a balance of formal and dynamic. Your thoughts?

Hmmmm, you may be right. I guess I always saw the NIV as more of a verse-by-verse translation rather than a paraphrase.

I thought the NIV fell under dynamic? But I’m not that well learned in which versions fall under dynamic and formal.

It is my favorite translation. It was also backed by reputable pastors when it was released. There will be naysayers about every translation, so don't expect to get any clear direction.

My personal choice is NKJV. However NLT is easier to read, and may be a decent translation for those starting out. Should be safe.

The NLT is simply another corrupted paraphrase. It has many errors and omissions (just like all the other corrupted modern versions). So you will need to be constantly on guard.

Corrupted Scriptures in the New Living Translation
http://jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NLT/nlt_exposed.htm

• Matthew 17:21 - entire verse omitted
• Matthew 18:11 - entire verse omitted
• Matthew 19:9 - half of the verse is omitted
• Matthew 23:14 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 6:11 - half of the verse is omitted
• Mark 7:16 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 9:44, 46 - entire verses omitted
• Mark 11:26 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 15:28 - entire verse omitted
• Mark 16:9-20 - entire passage is questioned by a footnote that says, "The most reliable early manuscripts conclude the Gospel of Mark at verse 8"
• Luke 4:8 - "get thee behind me Satan" is omitted
• Luke 17:36 - entire verse omitted
• Luke 23:17 - entire verse omitted
• John 1:10 - says God created everything "through" Jesus instead of "by" Jesus as the KJB teaches
• John 1:41 - The NLT leaves out the phrase, "Which is by interpretation, a stone." Hence, the critical distinction between Peter as "the stone" (Petros), and Jesus as "The Rock" (Petra) is obscured. This was no doubt deliberate to pleases Catholics who falsely teach that Peter is the rock upon which the church is built. The Bible states in no uncertain terms, "For other foundation can no man lay than that is laid, which is Jesus Christ" (1st Corinthians 3:11).
• John 3:16 - the all important word "begotten" is omitted, thus denying the deity of Christ
• John 3:13 - "which is in heaven" is omitted John 5:4 - entire verse omitted
• John 7:53 - 8:11 -- entire passage is questioned in a note which says, "The most ancient Greek manuscripts do not include John 7:53 - 8:11"
• Acts 8:37 - entire verse omitted
• Acts 12:4 - changes "Easter" to the incorrect "Passover" (See Numbers 28:16,17 and Acts 12:2 in the KJB)
• Acts 17:29 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• Acts 28:29 - entire verse omitted
• Romans 1:20 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• Romans 16:24 - entire verse omitted
• Philippians 2:6 -removes the word "equal," thus denying Christ's deity
• Colossians 1:16 - says God created everything "through" Jesus instead of "by" Jesus as the KJB teaches
• Colossians 2:9 - completely removes the "Godhead"
• 1 Timothy 3:16 - "God" is omitted, says "Christ appeared in the flesh, thus denying the deity of Christ
• 1 Timothy 6:5 - "from such withdraw thyself" is omitted
• Hebrews 1:3 - the all-important words "by himself" are omitted
• 1 Peter 4:1 - "for us" is omitted
• 1 Peter 4:14 - half of the verse is omitted
• 1 John 3:16 -completely removes "the love of God"
• 1 John 4:3 - the all-important words "Christ is come in the flesh" are omitted 1 John 5:7-8 -- Trinitarian clause omitted
• 1 John 5:7 - half of the verse is omitted, thus denying the Godhead
• 1 John 5:13 - half of the verse is omitted
• Revelation 1:11 - first half of the verse is omitted
• Revelation 5:14 - "him that liveth forever and ever" is omitted

This is only the tip of the iceberg.

Let's take one significant change: 1 TIMOTHY 3:16: CHRIST IS GOD WHO BECAME MAN

NLT: Without question, this is the great mystery of our faith : Christ was revealed in a human body and vindicated by the Spirit. He was seen by angels and announced to the nations. He was believed in throughout the world and taken to heaven in glory.
KJV: And without controversy great is the mystery of godliness: God (Theos) was manifest in the flesh, justified in the Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto the Gentiles, believed on in the world, received up into glory.

Every modern version has omitted "God" (and every Greek manuscript has "God") yet the whole point of this verse is to teach us that Jesus is GOD. There are many cults which deny this including the Jehovah's Witnesses, Unitarians, Scientology, Christadelphians etc.

I have both King James and NIV translation, I read both. I find the King James harder to read, so I mostly read the NIV. I been told that the NKJV is a good translation and a lot easier to read.

I recently discovered the NLT. Its easy to understand. I have a KJV but I've downloaded an app with NLT. I use it to look up various scriptures to get a better understanding. I plan on getting a hard copy as well.

In the Old Testament God said that He would come as the Savior, and that the ruler in the future who is Jesus is from everlasting which means no beginning, and only God has no beginning.

But it is no wonder that corruption would come so it has to be here sooner or later because the world will eventually rebel against God in which they do not acknowledge a personal God, and Jesus is not Lord and Savior, and believe in evolution as religion and they are still evolving, so they do not want to claim Jesus as God, and the new age movement will pave the way to such a kingdom so they will influence more and more until they say there is no personal God.

And since God warns us of the new age movement and their false interpretation of the Bible then it will have to come out in later translations as kind of subtle but then more so.

Which the whole thing is to undermine Jesus and make God out to be associated with nature.

What version are you reading that you find difficult to understand?

I've always read KJV and just asked God to help me understand it. Hes always helped me and I can look up different translations online if Im really stuck. I stick with KJV mainly because other versions miss out verses and words and Im wary of that. In the long run that makes things harder, not easier to grasp. its also easier to read just one version because you have consistency.

I have found the NLT and many other 'new' versions to water down the gospel, as people reinterpret and change syntax and meanings, I just dont find them inspiring. To me they are just copies or knock offs of the Bible. God doesnt speak to me through those versions.

Jesus does say scripture cannot be broken. So you do need to be careful what version you are following. Also I would not rely on commentaries that add to the Word either.

I haven’t looked into the NLT much but like the NIV I did notice it’s copyrighted up to 500 verses can be used, I never have been ble to wrap my head around the copyright thing with bibles what are they afraid of?

I like the NHEB been using it for awhile, also use James Murdock English translation of the Syriac Peshitta 1852 the older KJV

NHEB it’s free and no copy rights
https://nheb.net/