One of the reasons we see different versions of the Bible is because of the number of manuscripts available. Another reason is because over time the English language has changed dramatically. English speakers have been blessed with many translations and versions of the full Bible.
With so many manuscripts (some differing from one another) and different translation philosophies, we have about 50 main versions of the English Bible today. If we count revisions, we are well into the hundreds of Bibles.
Another reason there are many versions of the English Bible is that over time the English language has changed dramatically. Old English sounds and reads differently than modern English. Some readers might be confused while reading certain passages, and certain words have changed in meaning.
For example: In the KJV you will find that in 1 Corinthians 13 instead of using the word “love” it uses “charity.” Charity today means something completely different then what it meant back in the 17th century. Today we use the word “love,” and when we speak of charity, we are referring to the act of being generous or to an organization.
Another example is in 2 Timothy 2:15. The modern NIV says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” in the modern versions of The Bible. In the KJV, it says, “Study to show thyself approved.” Back then study didn’t mean to learn new things but simply to do your best.
With so many manuscripts (some differing from one another) and different translation philosophies, we have about 50 main versions of the English Bible today. If we count revisions, we are well into the hundreds of Bibles.
Another reason there are many versions of the English Bible is that over time the English language has changed dramatically. Old English sounds and reads differently than modern English. Some readers might be confused while reading certain passages, and certain words have changed in meaning.
For example: In the KJV you will find that in 1 Corinthians 13 instead of using the word “love” it uses “charity.” Charity today means something completely different then what it meant back in the 17th century. Today we use the word “love,” and when we speak of charity, we are referring to the act of being generous or to an organization.
Another example is in 2 Timothy 2:15. The modern NIV says, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved” in the modern versions of The Bible. In the KJV, it says, “Study to show thyself approved.” Back then study didn’t mean to learn new things but simply to do your best.
