The 9,000 Versions Of The Bible Options

[HOPEFULone]

Is it just me, or does it seem like the new testament hints at people repeatedly changing the bible whenever they don't agree with something? Why is the bible taken so seriously when it's obviously been rewritten tons of times over the past 2000 years and wasn't even written by God? God may not be fallible, but man is, and if man wrote the bible, does that not bring validity questions about? Why is the bible so long when Christianity is simply about "be kind, for everyone is fighting a hard battle" and faith in God (or IS that what it's about?)?

[semi]

Welcome to Web-Church, HOPEFULone.

9,000 versions? Wow ! I did not know that. Of course I realize you are merely using hyperbole but yes there has been a plethora of Bible Versions. Look closer, Hopeful - the MANY translations and versions have mostly exploded since around the end of the 19th Century. Before that there were very few versions - most being partial translations - done under threat of life and/or limb.

The "bone” that has been chewed all these years is that the King James Version has archaic middle English words which by now have different meanings than they did when first used. The KJV itself has been up-dated some 8 times since the first edition in 1611. The Douay-Rheims (first Catholic translation into English) has been up-dated linguistically as well several times.

I think you will have to admit that such up-dating is periodically beneficial - HOWEVER: MOST of the new versions have arisen since World War II for ostensively the same reason: allegedly because language is organic and constantly changing.

Well, I'm old enough to have lived through and witnessed this whole morass and the English language has NOT changed that much in my lifetime. The changes in our vocabulary have been mostly all due either to slang (which is not necessary for understanding the Bible) or to changing technology which is NOT a factor in the common language, ESPECIALLY as it might affect the Bible.

However again: With the increase in archeological findings, older manuscripts have also been discovered which necessitate minor corrections in the wording of the Bible in an attempt to keep the Bible as original and pristine as possible. Any translation made to assure that the original wording is restored is a good thing - but since about 1960 many new translations have been made to serve an ulterior motive - that being to promote certain points of view.

For example; most of the newest versions have been re-written simply to be "politically correct" (which is a very juvenile concept in the first place) and thus changes the original wording of the Text. An example of this is the New Revised Standard Version. Newer versions of the New International Version have also followed suit.

There are some new versions which have been painstakingly re-written to try to bring the wording as close to the original as possible. An example of a more accurate version is the New American Standard Version and possibly the NET Bible (jury is still out on that one).

But, versions like the Living Bible (now having become the NLT - I think) and the New King James Versionn have wordings here and there designed to support a particular theology.

Another example is the New Word Translation of the Holy Scriptures (or simply NWT) which has been produced by the Watchtower Society to as we might expect reinforce the theology of the Jehovah's Witnesses. However; that version does have some good features - chief of which is a careful preservation of the pronouns as to whether they are plural or singular (as does the KJV). This is VERY important as when we read something that Jesus said to some-one, we NEED to know if He was speaking merely to one person in particular or to everyone in general.

Another factor in many new versions is the argument between those who prefer book format and those who prefer the columns with Verses kept separated. In the olden days of letter-press printing, type could not be set in very long lines and remain in place during printing so they set the type in short blocks and columns. As it turns out, this makes it very handy for Bible study while modern offset book format makes Bible study difficult. The argument is that certain moderns think one ought to be able to read the Bible in the same way as one reads a dime-store mystery magazine.

If you want a good translation for ease of reading and is at the same time quite accurate, the “Good News Bible” is ideal for that.

Shalom.

[Glen]

Well, I gave you a more detailed answer in your other post. Semi and I are in semi agreement about accurate and untrustworthy versions. Now that we've given you a couple reliable versions to consider, let me ask you a question. Since God has intervened in your life and led you here, is there any reason you couldn't pick up one of these versions and begin reading about Him for yourself? btw, if you start in the Gospel of John as I suggested, a few chapters in, you'll have the accurate answer to your question, "What is Christianity all about?" I look forward to hearing what your questions change to once you've started reading.

[semi]

Having thought on this and having read Glens comments, I do have a few things to add.

In my own studies I have found it more beneficial to have on hand several versions/translations - such as the KJV, the NKJV, NIV, NASB, and maybe the GNB/GNT.

The KJV because the greater number of Bible Study aids such as Concordances are available in that translation. Also for many of us, we tend to recall a Passage as written in the KJV more so than in any other.

The NKJV because at the outset it was intended to use more modern words where the KJV words no longer have the meaning they once did. The NKJV thus has a certain “familiarity” to it. But as I noted earlier; certain wordings have been preferred over others because they reflect the Theology of those denominations which have assisted in the translation of the NKJV - in particular I think; Baptists and Pentecostals.

The NIV because it is in just plain ole everyday English. It reflects the preferred wording of the other mainline churches such as the Church of Christ, Presbyterians, etc. BUT, for understanding Revelation I consider it unexcelled.

The NASB because the translators have dedicated their efforts to making a flawlessly accurate translation. The problem is that it is not “pretty” sounding to read but is rather bland. But since our goal is understand God’s Word - who cares if it reads a little bland?

And the GNB/GNT because it is both in easy to read English and is very accurate.

Having all these versions/translations, if you find any Verse or Passage too difficult to understand, simply open them ALL to the same Verse/Passage and ask the Lord to give you the understanding - then read the Verse/Passage in all versions/translations. In so doing the Holy Spirit with give you the understanding of it that you need.

An excellent easy to use Concordance (KJV) is to be found at blueletterbible.com - click on the line that says “Prefer the old search?” That will take you to a second screen (that was formerly the first page) where you can then enter what it is you are looking for.

Most of the above and several other Bible versions/translation can be found at biblegateway (see bottom right corner of web-church pages to go there). Once there, click onto “Available Versions” at the left and this will take you to their list of versions/translations.

Shalom.

Reason for edit: corrected spelling, added link

[LuzDeLaMundo]

Just my two cents, I found the Greek/Hebrew Interlinear bible to be the most full filling in my life, especially if used with a good concordance and dictionary. The power of language is an interesting thing. How one word, while similar but not exactly the same, can change the whole theme and mood of a message. I try to stay as close to the original message as I can...
Look,heres the inside scoop. Obviously you have to question the bible, any reasonable person would. I also struggled with this issue. Now the bible is incredibly accurate historically. But even I would argue that it would be fallacious to assume that automatically makes it accurate spiritually. This is an issue I had a big problem with for a long time, and the quest for answers has not been an easy one.
The crazy thing is the answer to my questions came from the very source I was questioning. It wasn't in a typical place, it wasn't in any scripture I see quoted. I found my answers in Eclisiasties, not in one chapter but in the entire book. It talks about good works being as "dust in the wind." The point of it is there is nothing substantial out side of God, and your relationship with God. As I examined my own life I discovered this to be true. That started my new inspiration in studying scripture, and I line up the truths of the bible and found that it matches the truths in my life, even when I didn't want to admit it.
I know that saying to take the bible on faith gets thrown around a lot these days and even seems a bit cliche'. So I guess I would just encourage you to do the same thing I did and line your life with the bible and see what happens. Nothing can be determined with out careful prayer, and meditation and self honesty. Good luck and God Bless.