Needless to say, I am not counting versions of the Bible that are mere propaganda (like the Jehovah's Witness version, I think it is called the New World Translation). And I have also not included any Catholic versions with the apocrypha, since I think most of the posters on this board come from a protestant tradition.
Let me know what you think. By the way, what do you think of the gender inclusive Todays New International Version? I was at least glad to see that all references to God and Jesus are kept masculine. As far as adding things, like changing "brothers" to "brothers and sisters", do you think that takes it out of the realm of a translation and places it in with other paraphrases? Just curious.
Kevin
I don't particularly care for the NIV, TNIV, or NWT (Jehovah's Witness). I like the RSV, NRSV, KJV, and ASV.
Hi,
I never enjoyed reading the NIV it just doesn't seem right (pacing or something). The NKJV on the other hand fits like a favorite glove.
I've been thinking about getting the Jerusalem Bible (it Catholic). Has anybody have any suggestions on Catholic translations?
apage,
Ken
In your opinion, which of these versions is the worst one to go to when you have a question about God or his word?
Kevin
I don't have a real problem with that. But, given what I just read on the post about favorite translations, I won't tell you what I did vote for here.
Sorry. I wouldn't throw any of the versions out, but I've never liked the NASB. The old English major in me objects because the translators never use one word when ten will do. :saint:
I think for overall study & devotional reading, the New International Version (NIV) is probably one of the best all around translations today using the "dynamic Equivalence" rule of translation. As a good "literal" translation to use with the NIV, I prefer the New American Standard Version (NASB). I occasional like to consult Eugene Peterson's Message for a "fresh flavor" if you will, but realize it is very limited.
I personally think (don't send out those ICBMs yet please!) the Old King James translation is one of the most difficult, literal, and poorer translations. Although at my wedding I chose to have my brother read chapter 13 of I Corinthians from the KJV for it's poetic cadence.
Jericho
I probably shouldn't say bad things about the NASB. This was the Bible I used as a teenager. It's just that when the NIV came out there was such a difference! The first NIV New Testament I had allowed me to read through the NT with understanding for the first time. And that was the point at which my understanding began to open. More specifically, when I read the gospels in the NIV I felt I was understanding who Jesus was for the first time.
:cool:
And when I tried to go back to the NASB (the NIV Old Testament wasn't out at the time), I couldn't. I ended up using the RSV instead.