Buy a Bible that you can and will read. You can always upgrade later. What's more important is that you get into the habit of reading it.
The best Bible translation in the world is of no use to you if it's too hard for you to read and comprehend. If you have to struggle through archaic text, I guarantee that you won't read it.
Yes, you may miss some of the finer points with a less-than-perfect translation, but since it is all new to you, there is still plenty to absorb.
I started out using one of the worst translations ever -- The Living Bible. However, it was in today's English and easy to read. I was able to read it the whole way through. I eventually moved on to better translations, but by then I had enough of a foundation to be able to painlessly move on.
I prefer the facsimile edition (with apocrypha) as they couldn't have forked around with changing/modernizing/interpreting key words. You'd be surprised how much subtle forkery is out there.
This is the one I bought a few years ago. Looks like it's a bit more expensive now ($90).
FWIW, as I understand, the Geneva 1560 is 90% similar to the KJV. One of the most interesting things about this Geneva 1560 are the notes in the margins all throughout, which is something you don't get in the KJV. If you read them, they will point you in directions you might not otherwise have been inclined to investigate.
Look for a Charitable Thrift Shop in your area, they usually give away free Bibles! If you get a King James Version, you're going to get a bunch of thus, thee, thou and that kind of language! If you get a New King James Version, you're going to be minus a lot of the thus, thee, thou kind of language! I'd go with the NKJV large print version if you can find one!
I don’t want to pull the captain-obvious card here. I posted to gain more insightful and authentic (online)stores to buy from. Maybe gain knowledge on versions.
Christian Book Store
Local church
Buy a KJV, not NKJV.
I actually heard a pastor say "NKJV and NIV are WUSSIFIED versions of the Word". Will not reveal name, lol.
Buy a Bible that you can and will read. You can always upgrade later. What's more important is that you get into the habit of reading it.
The best Bible translation in the world is of no use to you if it's too hard for you to read and comprehend. If you have to struggle through archaic text, I guarantee that you won't read it.
Yes, you may miss some of the finer points with a less-than-perfect translation, but since it is all new to you, there is still plenty to absorb.
I started out using one of the worst translations ever -- The Living Bible. However, it was in today's English and easy to read. I was able to read it the whole way through. I eventually moved on to better translations, but by then I had enough of a foundation to be able to painlessly move on.
If anyone comes across this comment and wonders what is going on, here’s an article that tries to give a historical analysis with some neutrality.
https://dbts.edu/2012/04/03/the-modern-kjv-only-movement/
https://www.lifeway.com/en/special-emphasis/annual-bible-sale
You can download E-sword on your computer. It's an amazing program.
Step one, go to your local Bible believing church.
Step two, ask where the lost and found is.
Step three, check for the presence of the version you are looking for.
Step four, inquire how long the Bible you found has been there.
If more than 90 days, suggest the owner abandoned the property and indicate your desire to take this Bible and put it to good use.
Congratulations, you just got a Bible.
Alternatively, if the church happens to stock NKJV Bibles for the pews you could ask if they would spare you one.
KJV was edited by Rosicrucian Francis Bacon just fyi. And nobody knows what mystery Babylon shit he stuck in there
I'd recommend the Geneva bible, 1560 edition facsimile. It's the least fiddled with option out there. I got mine off a seller on Ebay for about $70.
https://www.christianbook.com/geneva-1560-edition-hardcover-protestant-reformation/9781598562125/pd/562125
How is this?
I prefer the facsimile edition (with apocrypha) as they couldn't have forked around with changing/modernizing/interpreting key words. You'd be surprised how much subtle forkery is out there.
This is the one I bought a few years ago. Looks like it's a bit more expensive now ($90).
https://www.ebay.com/itm/194671602921?hash=item2d5354ece9:g:DgMAAOSwHnJb22yF
FWIW, as I understand, the Geneva 1560 is 90% similar to the KJV. One of the most interesting things about this Geneva 1560 are the notes in the margins all throughout, which is something you don't get in the KJV. If you read them, they will point you in directions you might not otherwise have been inclined to investigate.
Do yourself a favor and buy a better translation
Suggestion?
Used bookstore. There are many old Bibles looking for a new home.
Look for a Charitable Thrift Shop in your area, they usually give away free Bibles! If you get a King James Version, you're going to get a bunch of thus, thee, thou and that kind of language! If you get a New King James Version, you're going to be minus a lot of the thus, thee, thou kind of language! I'd go with the NKJV large print version if you can find one!
If you have convenient access to either a used book store or one of those bargain book places, check them out. I've had great luck with both.
Get a "1599 Geneva" bible, not a KJV nor a NKJV.
And if your feeling really patriotic get a Patriots Edition
https://genevabible.com/product/geneva-bible-patriots-edition/
I was looking around for a an “older” book and found the Geneva Bible. Is it difficult to read?
Its somewhat Shakespearean. Much like the kjv. But even more so. My copy reads just fine!
Can check it out here:
https://ebible.org/pdf/enggnv/
Oh great! Thanks for the insight and the link! I may go in the Geneva route
I don’t want to pull the captain-obvious card here. I posted to gain more insightful and authentic (online)stores to buy from. Maybe gain knowledge on versions.
Try a bookstore or a church.
y