Favorite Translation(s)?

[Bumpman]

I would say that I like the NIV and the NAS the best of all the translations that I have read and studied.  I probably use my NIV more, but the NAS is an excellent version.

John Bumpers :)

[bobbyV]

Nicholas,

Greetings, I also am new to this board.  

Since we are giving views about translations I will give my opinion of the NKJV.  I don't generally use the NKJV for one reason: the Greek text it is based upon.  The second major reason would be that it continues the single verse paragraphs of the old KJV.  

A translation can never be any better than its text and the NKJV has a religious devotion to the Textus Receptus or as they want to call it The Majority Text.  

So I choose the NRSV or the NIV (though the NASUpdated looks good too).

His Mark +
Bobby Valentine
[a href=\"mailto:bvalentine@dixie-net.com\"]bvalentine@dixie-net.com[/a]

[bobbyV]

Norm it is true the NKJV does not have a "judgemental" additude toward the TR (Textus Receptus) but it does have one towards the Critical Text.  The editor of the "Majority Text" (Zane Hodges) is quite judgemental toward the CT because he has certain theological reason for arguing the superiority of the TR (those reasons are not based upon the empirical evidence).  

Blessings,
Bobby Valentine
[a href=\"mailto:bvalentine@dixie-net.com\"]bvalentine@dixie-net.com[/a]

[James Rondon]

As far as translations go... I really like the new Holman Christian Standard Bible. It appears very faithful to the koine, and has several foot notations indicating what other Manuscripts might have added, or omitted. Also, it is written in the language of today, and is wonderful reading... (In doing this, the translaters have not gone thought-for-thought, but have stuck to the text.)

[Phil Wilson]

The discussion over the new TNIV has got me thinking about translations and made me curious as to what other people like.

I've used NIV for years as my main study bible, but I'm starting to like the NAS for its literalness.

I'm also really liking Eugene Peterson's Message for the modern rendering of some ideas, although I wouldn't use it for study.

What about the rest of you?

[WileyClarkson]

Phil,

I normally use the NIV because that is the version that is used by most of the teachers and the ministers at GranburyCoC.  I have used most of the more common versions at one time or anther.  I rarely use the KJV or NKJV unless I absolutely have to.  I use the NASV, NIV, and NRSV the most and I will be purchasing a TNIV when I have a chance.  I also use the "Message" and I have found it has clearer translations in difficult areas that all other versions. In almost every case, the Message agrees with what I decided long before I ever considered purchasing it.   However, I have found a number of more conservative ministers that consider this translation to be nothing but a modern paraphrase, similar to the Living Bible.  If the TNIV handles the gender translations as some have said it does, it will be a breath of fresh air to finally have some gender accuracy in translation.

Wiley

[bobbyV]

Phil,

I think many folks get upset about the gender issue for no reason.  Those nouns, pronouns and verbs that are gender specific retain that virtue -- those that are not do not.  

I generally use the NRSV and I like it a great deal.  I have had enough Greek and Hebrew and often use that instead but I find the NRSV to be outstanding.  The NIV is probably a close second in my mind.

His Mark +
Bobby Valentine :)

[Nicholas]

Hi, I'm new to the board and have found it to be a breath of fresh air.  I figured I would contribute my two cents worth on translations.  I personally use the NKJV as my main study bible comparing it with the NASB followed by the NIV followed by the NLT. My thinking is that NKJV and NASB most literal of available texts (TR vs CT).  NIV/NLT good dynamic/free translations.

[Nicholas]

Thanks Bobby for the input.  I use the New Geneva Study Bible.  It's text is printed in paragraph style similar to NIV.  I am aware of the textual "problems" linked with the TR. Also the NKJV lists variants in its footnotes refering to CT/MT used by most translations today.  Bobby, how does the NRSV read?  I thought about switching to it at one time.  What about the ESV?  I understand that it is a revision of the RSV.  

Thanks,
Nicholas   saved by grace

[bobbyV]

Nicholas,

The NRSV is very readable.  In fact I do not think the NRSV is any more difficult than the NKJV or the NIV in terms of vocabulary and the like.  It is based on the best Greek text and the most up to date texts for the Hebrew as well (it incorporates a number of readings from the Dead Sea Scrolls like in Habakkuk 2.5 it reads "wealth" instead of "wine" (NIV) which makes much more sense in the context. Also in 1 Samuel 10.27 the NRSV follows the DSS which is quite longer than the the rest of the English translations, these are just some examples).  

I think you would like the NRSV.  

His Mark +
Bobby Valentine
[a href=\"mailto:bvalentine@dixie-net.com\"]bvalentine@dixie-net.com[/a]

[normfromga]

Good Morning -

I am another newcomer.

I prefer the 1977 version of the NAS, particularly for study, and the NKJ for general use, basically because both are non-judgmental towards the TR, with ample allusions to variant versions.

Norm

[janine]

Douay-Rhiems is kinda fun.

Like an old Old King James, with a twist.

Look up your favorite verses in alternate versions at http://www.studylight.org.

[Karise]

I don't think I care too much whether or not my bible is gender friendly.  I usually take verses that speak to me and write in my name anyway to make it more personal.  I currently use NIV because Beth Moore does her Bible studies from that version and it makes it easy to keep up with.  My favorite as far as understanding things is the CEV.  I know it is isn't the most literal translation, but it says things alot plainer than most I have read.  Luckily I have enough of my Dad in me that if I am really perplexed by something, I usually check out several versions anyway.

Karise

[Arkstfan]

Let me add one suggestion. I don't care for it as a study tool though it is an awesome text for those new to the Word or who aren't great readers and that is the New Living Translation (apparently scrapping the paraphrased Living Bible for a real translation).

Any time I have to do a public reading, I hop over to gospelcom.net to check the verses in the NLT and often find that that it is the best translation to use in the spoken form (remember spoken English tends to be at a lower reading level than written as anyone who has written for TV and radio can attest).

[Bill]

I'm like you except I haven't gotten use to the NAS although I use it as well as a New English & NKJV at times to check things in a different version.

[WileyClarkson]

Bobby,

I use the NRSV probably second to my NIV.  I have been reading the TNIV on line and I have already decided it is going to replace the NIV I have normally used. So far, I have found it to be very similar to the NRSV in approach to gender translation and an easier reading translation than the NRSV and the NIV.

Wiley

[gpgrubb]

Bobby, I agree on the NRSV.  I've just about put away my NIV after the discovering the excellence of the NRSV.  The gender translations, in particular, are refreshing.

For fun & effect, when reading aloud in Bible class, I love to read from the Message.  It's one way to get sleepy-headed adults to listen to a reading of the text under study!

Grace & peace!

[spurly]

New American Standard is the version that I really like - but it is probably not just because it is a good translation.  I like it because that is always what was around my house when I was growing up.  I guess I am a traditionalist after all. :p

Kevin

[dgdodd]

My favorite is the New American Standard.  Besides, it along with the KJV, is approved by the legalistic part of my family.   :saint:   LOL  I also enjoy The Message and CEV when I want a different perspective.

[Bon Voyage]

My favorite just has to be the LAMSA.    :D