Does the Bible Version or Translation Really Matter?

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Axehead

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I am usually reluctant to copy and paste endless scripture but today I will in order to make a point about "What is the best translation".

Many years ago I began attending the Church I am at now (Canadian Alliance) ...... I am somewhat a purist when it comes to literal and accurate translation and I was taken aback because they used the paraphrased New Living Translation.

I said nothing at the time and gave it a lot of thought for a year or so , and now I fully agree (to my surprise) with using that version from the pulpit.

Here is why: ....... It is a church of 300 -400 ... having a perfect mixture of children , teens , adults, and elderly. The kids understand it instantly.

But so do the adults .... no more trying to digest words in our mind trying to decide what it means. .... When NLT scripture is read it goes straight into the head and heart without pause. Something special about that. Fast pace understanding and learning.

Besides when you stop and think about it , .... if a speaker is using a "traditional version" ... He will first read it .... then spend 10 minutes trying to explain what it means .... and end up paraphrasing it anyway in his own words so that everybody understands it.

Then why not use the easy version from the start ?? .... Made sense to me.

..............................
Lets do that right now as an example .... let me know if you agree or not .... below are the same verses from several translations

1. start with a hard one (Orthodox Jewish Bible) ....
2. then (King James Version) ....
3. then (New Living translation)
4. then (Easy Reading Version)


Orthodox Jewish Bible
25 Thus saith Adonoi Hashem: When I shall have gathered the Bais Yisroel from the people among whom they are scattered, and I shall show Myself as set apart as kodesh in them in the sight of the Goyim, then shall they dwell in their adamah (land) that I have given to Avdi Ya’akov (My servant Jacob).

KJV
25 Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

NLT
25 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. 26 They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards. And when I punish the neighboring nations that treated them with contempt, they will know that I am the Lord their God.”

Easy reading version
25 This is what the Lord GOD said: “I scattered the people of Israel among other nations, but I will gather the family of Israel together again. Then the nations will know that I am holy, and they will treat me that way. At that time the people of Israel will live in their land—I gave that land to my servant Jacob. 26 They will live safely in the land. They will build houses and plant vineyards. I will punish the nations around them that hated them. Then the people of Israel will live in safety, and they will know that I am the LORD their God.”


......................
Anyone else like the last two best ??? Comments welcome. Thanks.

KJV
25 Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.



Key truth underlined agrees with the thought process of God. That He wants to be sanctified within us.


1Pe 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:

The other versions mess up all of these "truth links".

Axehead
 

Stan

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I am usually reluctant to copy and paste endless scripture but today I will in order to make a point about "What is the best translation".

Many years ago I began attending the Church I am at now (Canadian Alliance) ...... I am somewhat a purist when it comes to literal and accurate translation and I was taken aback because they used the paraphrased New Living Translation.

I said nothing at the time and gave it a lot of thought for a year or so , and now I fully agree (to my surprise) with using that version from the pulpit.

Here is why: ....... It is a church of 300 -400 ... having a perfect mixture of children , teens , adults, and elderly. The kids understand it instantly.

But so do the adults .... no more trying to digest words in our mind trying to decide what it means. .... When NLT scripture is read it goes straight into the head and heart without pause. Something special about that. Fast pace understanding and learning.

Besides when you stop and think about it , .... if a speaker is using a "traditional version" ... He will first read it .... then spend 10 minutes trying to explain what it means .... and end up paraphrasing it anyway in his own words so that everybody understands it.

Then why not use the easy version from the start ?? .... Made sense to me.

..............................
Lets do that right now as an example .... let me know if you agree or not .... below are the same verses from several translations

1. start with a hard one (Orthodox Jewish Bible) ....
2. then (King James Version) ....
3. then (New Living translation)
4. then (Easy Reading Version)


Orthodox Jewish Bible
25 Thus saith Adonoi Hashem: When I shall have gathered the Bais Yisroel from the people among whom they are scattered, and I shall show Myself as set apart as kodesh in them in the sight of the Goyim, then shall they dwell in their adamah (land) that I have given to Avdi Ya’akov (My servant Jacob).

KJV
25 Thus saith the Lord God; When I shall have gathered the house of Israel from the people among whom they are scattered, and shall be sanctified in them in the sight of the heathen, then shall they dwell in their land that I have given to my servant Jacob.

NLT
25 “This is what the Sovereign Lord says: The people of Israel will again live in their own land, the land I gave my servant Jacob. For I will gather them from the distant lands where I have scattered them. I will reveal to the nations of the world my holiness among my people. 26 They will live safely in Israel and build homes and plant vineyards. And when I punish the neighboring nations that treated them with contempt, they will know that I am the Lord their God.”

Easy reading version
25 This is what the Lord GOD said: “I scattered the people of Israel among other nations, but I will gather the family of Israel together again. Then the nations will know that I am holy, and they will treat me that way. At that time the people of Israel will live in their land—I gave that land to my servant Jacob. 26 They will live safely in the land. They will build houses and plant vineyards. I will punish the nations around them that hated them. Then the people of Israel will live in safety, and they will know that I am the LORD their God.”


......................
Anyone else like the last two best ??? Comments welcome. Thanks.

Book and chapter please?
 

Arnie Manitoba

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Book and chapter please?

Ezekiel 28:24-25

By the way .... this is a nugget of unfulfilled OT prophecy for Israel that comes next.

God will blast the surrounding nations far out into the desert to make a huge buffer zone .... and Israel will increase its borders to the original land of Jacob ..... that is a big chunk of land compared to the small sliver it now resides on.

Parts of Egypt , Saudi Arabia , a big slice of Jordan , almost half of Iraq , southern parts of Lebanon and Syria.

Many of the surrounding nations (Muslim) will clearly see the hand of (The Jewish) God at work .... they will drop Allah and recognize the God of the Jews. (and many will live in harmony within Israel)

The rest of the banished will retain their hatred ..... they retreat and begin to form the Gog-Magog alliance to come a bit farther in the future.

(Parts of) Psalm 102 are now in effect ...
13: "God will arise and have favor and compassion on Zion" ..... "the appointed time has come. "
vs: 18 ..... " these things are written for a future* generation"

*some Hebrew versions translate "final generation"

This prophetic "era" is now in effect (for a couple of years already) ..... you heard it here first.

The "information" stands up to all scrutiny. That is all i can say for now. It remains privately held information and has not (yet) been made public.

.... No longer will Israel be surrounded by nations who are thorns and briers .....
 

RevDrRed

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Dr. Frank Logsdon was co-founder of The New American Standard Version. As people begin confronting Dr. Logsdon on some the NASV's serious omissions and errors. He re-examined the evidence and this was his verdict:

"I must under God denounce every attachment to the New American Standard Version. I'm afraid I'm in trouble with the Lord . . . I wrote the format . . . I wrote the preface . . . I'm in trouble; . . . its wrong, terribly wrong; its frighteningly wrong . . .The deletions are absolutely frightening . . . there are so many . . . Are we so naive that we do not suspect Satanic deception in all of this?"

Dr. Frank Logsdon
Co-founder, New American Standard Version
 
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justaname

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Check this out RevDrRed.

http://www.greatsite.com/facsimile-reproductions/matthew-1549.html
 

RevDrRed

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Check this out RevDrRed.

http://www.greatsite.com/facsimile-reproductions/matthew-1549.html

Thankyou.
A bit more affordable than the real thing, but still out of my price range for now. Maybe sometime in the beginning of next year Ill be able to pick one up.
 

Stan

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Dr. Frank Logsdon was co-founder of The New American Standard Version. As people begin confronting Dr. Logsdon on some the NASV's serious omissions and errors. He re-examined the evidence and this was his verdict:

"I must under God denounce every attachment to the New American Standard Version. I'm afraid I'm in trouble with the Lord . . . I wrote the format . . . I wrote the preface . . . I'm in trouble; . . . its wrong, terribly wrong; its frighteningly wrong . . .The deletions are absolutely frightening . . . there are so many . . . Are we so naive that we do not suspect Satanic deception in all of this?"

Dr. Frank Logsdon
Co-founder, New American Standard Version

Are we so intimidated by Satan that we don't end up fully believing that God said He WILL protect His Word? "We are NOT given the spirit of timidity, but of BOLDNESS." So many people compare new translations to the KJV. That is NOT what we should compare to. We should compare to the manuscripts and codices used for a translation, and whether they are trustworthy.
The NIV used a self professed lesbian for stylistic purposes and so many people jumped on that bandwagon to demonize her, even though she had very little to do with the actual translation.
I guess for some, actually trusting God instead of just paying Him lip service, seems very problematic.

Ezekiel 28:24-25

By the way .... this is a nugget of unfulfilled OT prophecy for Israel that comes next.

God will blast the surrounding nations far out into the desert to make a huge buffer zone .... and Israel will increase its borders to the original land of Jacob ..... that is a big chunk of land compared to the small sliver it now resides on.

Parts of Egypt , Saudi Arabia , a big slice of Jordan , almost half of Iraq , southern parts of Lebanon and Syria.

Many of the surrounding nations (Muslim) will clearly see the hand of (The Jewish) God at work .... they will drop Allah and recognize the God of the Jews. (and many will live in harmony within Israel)

The rest of the banished will retain their hatred ..... they retreat and begin to form the Gog-Magog alliance to come a bit farther in the future.

(Parts of) Psalm 102 are now in effect ...
13: "God will arise and have favor and compassion on Zion" ..... "the appointed time has come. "
vs: 18 ..... " these things are written for a future* generation"

*some Hebrew versions translate "final generation"

This prophetic "era" is now in effect (for a couple of years already) ..... you heard it here first.

The "information" stands up to all scrutiny. That is all i can say for now. It remains privately held information and has not (yet) been made public.

.... No longer will Israel be surrounded by nations who are thorns and briers .....

Well as far as I can tell, five versions say the same thing; NIV, KJV, NLT, NASB, and HCSB. Check them out here: http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Ezekiel%2028:24-25&version=NIV;KJV;NLT;NASB;HCSB

Please let's try to stay ON topic.
 

us2are1

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Does the Bible version or translation that you use really matter?

For KJVO'ers, I'm just honestly not that interested in your arguments here. I wanted to start by saying that so we'll have a mutal understanding that this will not evolve into a debate about the KJV vs everyone else. I have use the KJV, still consult the KJV, and I am fine with people who use the KJV.

That aside, I am really looking into Bible versions lately. We do suffer, for some extent, to the curse of too many. I love having multiple translations on one hand. Lately I've been pretty steady at consulting the ESV, HCSB, NLT, NKJV, and NIV. I also pull out the KJV, NRSV, NASB, and other versions from time to time.

However, I feel like we're getting to the point that confusion is developing. I love the ESV. My church uses it, and it comes the closest to the KJV in terms of memorability (Is that even a word?). A number of very blessed and committed Christians preach or teach using this version. I recently completed a book by the English Editor of the ESV, and he made a strong case for the importance of literalness in the Bible as it relates to figurative language. The ESV is a pretty literal version.

Yet, you end up with passages like Ezekiel 7:17. The ESV goes off in another direction. The Bible that gets this right, surprise, surprise, is actually the NIV. Bibles like the KJV, NASB, and other solid translations refer to weak knees over the implication of the soiling of oneself. Another prime example is Philippians 3:8. The word Paul used was the common Greek four-letter word for crap. Yet literal versions and dynamic versions alike soften it to "rubbish," "garbage," "refuse," etc. The KJV comes the closest by using the word dung, but that was dropped by modern versions. (I don't, personally, find dung offensive at all and most people know the term.)

So my questions is how literal are the literal translations?

Which brings me toward my ultimate question. I use the ESV and don't have a problem with it. I can "solve" the anachronistic or inverted language. In a way, it is positive because it helps me slow down and think on a verse. However, does it get in the way of the next person who doesn't understand English like I do? Does it sound outdated in a modern time? Christianity already suffers from being "backward" for some people who have never really taken a deep look at the faith. If I lose them because the verse I quote sounds like it is from 100 years ago, do we just chalk it up to them not being receptive, or have we done all we can do?

The reason I am bringing this up is I am struggling with it. I've tried to settle on my primary version. It has been the ESV for some time, but I came across the HCSB which I really like and then I use the NLT for my youth. I love what the NLT does sometimes, and get frustrated with it at other times. Same for the NIV, it's love hate. However, people use these versions because they find them acceptable. I can't overlook the fact that the NIV remains on top. For all the ESV success, it remains several spots below the NIV on the CBA list.

So, do we go with a translation like the NIV/HCSB/NLT which is "more accesible," or do we stick literal with the ESV/NASB/KJV because it's "better?" What are your thoughts? Does it matter?

If it leads you to the Living God and walking and talking with Him then it is an OK version. if you can't find the part where you are required to seek out God in the real world then your translation is not working for you. Ask God for His Spirit, believing that you will receive, and you will do fine.
 

TheHolyBookEnds

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Does the Bible version or translation that you use really matter?
Yes.

For KJVO'ers, I'm just honestly not that interested in your arguments here. I wanted to start by saying that so we'll have a mutal understanding that this will not evolve into a debate about the KJV vs everyone else. I have use the KJV, still consult the KJV, and I am fine with people who use the KJV....
Sorry to hear that, and so I won't give you any arguments (evidences), unless you change your mind. In matters of the English language, it is the 'King James' vs all else (English), and the producers of the other English 'translations' know it (just read their prefaces, which are always, even in the so-called 'NKJV', underhandedly attacking the KJB, and I can document it for anyone to see), and always compare themselves to the 'King James' (Ecc_8:4 Where the word of a king is, there is power: and who may say unto him, What doest thou?; and also "the word of God is not bound."). Most people have a serious misunderstanding when it comes to this, and place a strawman defintion of 'KJO' on the field and then attack it.

I am glad you are 'fine' with people that 'use' the KJB. I hope you do not mind that I seek to instruct those who are ignorant of the dangers of that which is not KJB (English).

? Does it matter?
Yes (and specific examples may be given at any time), but since you already did not want to hear the evidences, I will leave it at that, for you, unless you change your mind.
 
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marksman

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Does the Bible version or translation that you use really matter?

For KJVO'ers, I'm just honestly not that interested in your arguments here. I wanted to start by saying that so we'll have a mutal understanding that this will not evolve into a debate about the KJV vs everyone else. I have use the KJV, still consult the KJV, and I am fine with people who use the KJV.

That aside, I am really looking into Bible versions lately. We do suffer, for some extent, to the curse of too many. I love having multiple translations on one hand. Lately I've been pretty steady at consulting the ESV, HCSB, NLT, NKJV, and NIV. I also pull out the KJV, NRSV, NASB, and other versions from time to time.

However, I feel like we're getting to the point that confusion is developing. I love the ESV. My church uses it, and it comes the closest to the KJV in terms of memorability (Is that even a word?). A number of very blessed and committed Christians preach or teach using this version. I recently completed a book by the English Editor of the ESV, and he made a strong case for the importance of literalness in the Bible as it relates to figurative language. The ESV is a pretty literal version.

Yet, you end up with passages like Ezekiel 7:17. The ESV goes off in another direction. The Bible that gets this right, surprise, surprise, is actually the NIV. Bibles like the KJV, NASB, and other solid translations refer to weak knees over the implication of the soiling of oneself. Another prime example is Philippians 3:8. The word Paul used was the common Greek four-letter word for crap. Yet literal versions and dynamic versions alike soften it to "rubbish," "garbage," "refuse," etc. The KJV comes the closest by using the word dung, but that was dropped by modern versions. (I don't, personally, find dung offensive at all and most people know the term.)

So my questions is how literal are the literal translations?

Which brings me toward my ultimate question. I use the ESV and don't have a problem with it. I can "solve" the anachronistic or inverted language. In a way, it is positive because it helps me slow down and think on a verse. However, does it get in the way of the next person who doesn't understand English like I do? Does it sound outdated in a modern time? Christianity already suffers from being "backward" for some people who have never really taken a deep look at the faith. If I lose them because the verse I quote sounds like it is from 100 years ago, do we just chalk it up to them not being receptive, or have we done all we can do?

The reason I am bringing this up is I am struggling with it. I've tried to settle on my primary version. It has been the ESV for some time, but I came across the HCSB which I really like and then I use the NLT for my youth. I love what the NLT does sometimes, and get frustrated with it at other times. Same for the NIV, it's love hate. However, people use these versions because they find them acceptable. I can't overlook the fact that the NIV remains on top. For all the ESV success, it remains several spots below the NIV on the CBA list.

So, do we go with a translation like the NIV/HCSB/NLT which is "more accesible," or do we stick literal with the ESV/NASB/KJV because it's "better?" What are your thoughts? Does it matter?

I have about 10 versions but the one that I like the best is the one where the Holy Spirit leads me into ALL truth. If he is not doing that reading any version of the bible is a waste of time.

I do apologise if that is too cryptic for you.
 
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lforrest

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Who here is willing to admit they are NIV positive!

The Lord taught me a lot using an NIV as my first bible. Although I find that the KJV comes to mind easier and is more quotable.
 
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Enoch111

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Who here is willing to admit they are NIV positive!
Sorry but there are more negatives than positives with the NIV. When a versions starts out on the basis of corrupted Hebrew and Greek texts, it is bound to have multiple issues.
 

Deborah_

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Who here is willing to admit they are NIV positive!

I am! It's definitely my favourite version - sufficiently accurate to be used for study (I go to the original languages if I want to find the 'literal' sense), but readable enough for everyone to be able to read and understand. I've been using it for nearly 40 years, and haven't felt the need to change. The vast majority of UK evangelical churches use it as well.
But there are plenty of other good modern translations. The NIV is just my personal preference.
 
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Nancy

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Does the Bible version or translation that you use really matter?

For KJVO'ers, I'm just honestly not that interested in your arguments here. I wanted to start by saying that so we'll have a mutal understanding that this will not evolve into a debate about the KJV vs everyone else. I have use the KJV, still consult the KJV, and I am fine with people who use the KJV.

That aside, I am really looking into Bible versions lately. We do suffer, for some extent, to the curse of too many. I love having multiple translations on one hand. Lately I've been pretty steady at consulting the ESV, HCSB, NLT, NKJV, and NIV. I also pull out the KJV, NRSV, NASB, and other versions from time to time.

However, I feel like we're getting to the point that confusion is developing. I love the ESV. My church uses it, and it comes the closest to the KJV in terms of memorability (Is that even a word?). A number of very blessed and committed Christians preach or teach using this version. I recently completed a book by the English Editor of the ESV, and he made a strong case for the importance of literalness in the Bible as it relates to figurative language. The ESV is a pretty literal version.

Yet, you end up with passages like Ezekiel 7:17. The ESV goes off in another direction. The Bible that gets this right, surprise, surprise, is actually the NIV. Bibles like the KJV, NASB, and other solid translations refer to weak knees over the implication of the soiling of oneself. Another prime example is Philippians 3:8. The word Paul used was the common Greek four-letter word for crap. Yet literal versions and dynamic versions alike soften it to "rubbish," "garbage," "refuse," etc. The KJV comes the closest by using the word dung, but that was dropped by modern versions. (I don't, personally, find dung offensive at all and most people know the term.)

So my questions is how literal are the literal translations?

Which brings me toward my ultimate question. I use the ESV and don't have a problem with it. I can "solve" the anachronistic or inverted language. In a way, it is positive because it helps me slow down and think on a verse. However, does it get in the way of the next person who doesn't understand English like I do? Does it sound outdated in a modern time? Christianity already suffers from being "backward" for some people who have never really taken a deep look at the faith. If I lose them because the verse I quote sounds like it is from 100 years ago, do we just chalk it up to them not being receptive, or have we done all we can do?

The reason I am bringing this up is I am struggling with it. I've tried to settle on my primary version. It has been the ESV for some time, but I came across the HCSB which I really like and then I use the NLT for my youth. I love what the NLT does sometimes, and get frustrated with it at other times. Same for the NIV, it's love hate. However, people use these versions because they find them acceptable. I can't overlook the fact that the NIV remains on top. For all the ESV success, it remains several spots below the NIV on the CBA list.

So, do we go with a translation like the NIV/HCSB/NLT which is "more accesible," or do we stick literal with the ESV/NASB/KJV because it's "better?" What are your thoughts? Does it matter?

At this time, I have the KJV, NKJV, NIV and the ESV. One important thing before even opening one, or reading or hearing scripture is that the Holy Spirit will reveal truth and let me not become confused with erroneousness...haha is THAT a word? I like checking out the different versions, has made many a scripture clear to me over the years.
 
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Jane_Doe22

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For me, the big picture here is not so much the words themselves, but getting the correct meaning/understanding of scripture. I'm not a sola scriptura person, partially for this reasoning -- finding that we should have other tools in our toolkit too to guide our understanding.