Collapsed content
Toggleable via the navbar brand.

  • Home

    (current)

  • About

  • Archives

  • articles

  • exposed

  • Forum

  • Music

  • Movies

  • Testimonies

  • UFo's

  • YouTube

Which bible to read?

B39
There are so many Bibles out there, you may wondering which one do I choose? If you have never read the Bible you should choose the The New Living Translation (NLT) or the English Standard Version (ESV) both are easy-to-read translations that stay fairly close to the original texts.
The NLT is known for its readability. It uses modern, conversational language, making it easier to understand while maintaining a faithful representation of the original meanings.
The ESV strikes a balance between readability and literal accuracy. It stays closer to the original Hebrew and Greek texts compared to the NLT but is still accessible for modern readers.
Here are two articles that should help you with the Bible. Why Read The Bible that link is here and How To Read The Bible that link is here

Here is a list of different bibles

1. King James Version (KJV) Published: 1611
Description: A classic and highly respected translation, the KJV is known for its majestic, poetic language. It follows a more formal and literal translation approach. However, the English used is from the early 17th century, which can be difficult to understand for modern readers.
2. New King James Version (NKJV) Published: 1982
Description: This is an update of the King James Version, using more contemporary language while retaining much of the original style and formal equivalence (word-for-word translation) approach. It seeks to make the KJV more accessible to modern readers while staying true to the original text.
3. New International Version (NIV) Published: 1978 (most recent update in 2011)
Description: The NIV is one of the most widely read and accepted modern translations. It balances readability and accuracy, aiming to convey the meaning of the original text in clear, modern English. It uses a dynamic equivalence approach, focusing more on the thought-for-thought meaning rather than literal word-for-word translation.
4. English Standard Version (ESV) Published: 2001
Description: The ESV is a revision of the Revised Standard Version (RSV) and aims for an "essentially literal" translation. It is known for its accuracy to the original Greek and Hebrew texts while still being readable. The ESV strikes a balance between formal and functional equivalence, making it suitable for study and devotional reading.
5. New Living Translation (NLT) Published: 1996
Description: The NLT focuses on readability, using a thought-for-thought translation method. It uses modern, everyday language, making it very accessible for those new to the Bible. While not as literal as some other translations, it still aims to accurately reflect the original texts’ meaning.
6. Christian Standard Bible (CSB) Published: 2017
Description: The CSB is a revision of the Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB). It strives to balance literal accuracy with readability. The CSB uses modern language and is slightly more readable than translations like the ESV, while maintaining fidelity to the original text.
7. New American Standard Bible (NASB) Published: 1971 (most recent update in 2020)
Description: The NASB is highly regarded for its literal, word-for-word translation approach. It is known for its accuracy and precision but can be a bit more challenging to read due to its rigid adherence to the original language structure. It is often preferred for in-depth Bible study.
8. Amplified Bible (AMP) Published: 1965 (most recent update in 2015)
Description: The Amplified Bible includes expanded explanations within the text itself, providing additional insights and nuances of meaning. It uses a literal translation but adds alternative meanings in parentheses, which can be helpful for deeper study but might interrupt the flow of reading.
9. Revised Standard Version (RSV) Published: 1952
Description: The RSV was created to update the KJV in terms of language and biblical scholarship. It is more literal than some modern translations but doesn’t use as archaic language as the KJV. The RSV is a scholarly translation that led to further revisions, including the ESV.
10. New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) Published: 1989
Description: The NRSV is a scholarly revision of the RSV and is widely used in academic and liturgical settings. It aims for both accuracy and inclusivity, with gender-neutral language where applicable. It’s a more formal translation, respected for its faithfulness to the original texts.
11. The Message (MSG) Published: 2002
Description: The Message is a paraphrase of the Bible rather than a direct translation. It is written in highly contemporary, conversational language, making it easy to read but less suited for in-depth study. The focus is on capturing the essence and feeling of the text rather than precise wording.
12. Good News Translation (GNT) Published: 1966
Description: Formerly known as Today’s English Version (TEV), the GNT uses simple, everyday language, making it accessible to readers of all ages and literacy levels. It uses a thought-for-thought approach, aiming for clarity over literal precision.
13. Contemporary English Version (CEV) Published: 1995
Description: The CEV is a highly readable translation designed for children and those with lower reading levels. It uses simple, clear language while maintaining a high level of accuracy. The translation avoids theological jargon, making it very approachable for beginners.
14. Douay-Rheims Bible (D-R) Published: 1582 (New Testament) and 1609 (Old Testament)
Description: The Douay-Rheims is a traditional Catholic translation of the Bible, translated from the Latin Vulgate. It retains a formal and sometimes archaic style, similar to the KJV. This Bible is not widely used today but remains significant in Catholic tradition.
15. New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) Published: 1985
Description: The NJB is a Catholic translation and is known for its readability and scholarship. It is a revision of the Jerusalem Bible and follows a more dynamic equivalence translation, focusing on conveying the thoughts and ideas behind the original text.
This list covers the most widely known translations, each with its own strengths and target audience. Some are more focused on accuracy for study purposes (like the NASB and ESV), while others prioritize ease of reading (such as the NLT and CEV).
  • Image source
  • Image source BKG
  • If you want to comment on this article, visit our forum


    • © COPYRIGHT 2024 - Signs Of The Times News