TLDR; what version of the Bible do you use, and why?
I grew up Mormon, we used the King's James version of the Bible, along with the Book of Mormon, created by Joseph Smith, who we considered a prophet. Around the age of 16, when looking into things I really did not buy it anymore (see the CES letter if interested), and essentially became atheist.
As time went on, I've seen more and more spiritual things come into my life both personally, and through politics. Q references the bible as well. I am much more open to it now, and consider myself more agnostic. I really want to revisit this, and read it in it's entirety, but I know there are multiple versions, and I know about all sorts of BS with translations and including and excluding certain books.
So looking for advice of which version to read. If you have a suggestion, I would very much be interested in why.. Why do you hold version X above any version A, B, C.. And hey, maybe the different versions are not all that different, I don't know. I read the King James version as a kid and remember only fragments.
I think at the moment, I am most interested in reading the "Septuagint Bible", being that it is used by Orthodox Christians, which I just happen to be pulled more towards that direction. (Catholicism, to me, seems corrupted, I think the pope is evil, but I very well could be wrong about that, and even if that's true it does not mean their bible is wrong)
If you think you can save me some time in researching this, I would appreciate your insight very much. If not, then I guess I'll go with my original plan, but thanks anyways for just reading this.
I read NASB (New American Standard) because it's the easiest for my brain to process (I have attention span issues).
You can compare different translations at:
Biblegateway.com
Choose a chapter/verse and the drop down menu will let you view it in the different translations.
Excellent Advice. There is a definite 'readability' factor that is important, especially when you are starting out again. The ESV is arguably considered one of the best word-for-word translations. The NLT likewise is arguably considered one of the best thought-for thought translations. Translating second temple recognized idioms can sometimes get lost in the process. Example what is the 'Eye of The Needle' is better understood in context of the times. Or 'No man knows the day or the hour' which has context that is even more significant, yet possibly more controversial. Whatever you start out with, you may not choose to stay with over time.
Use biblegateway to explore NASB, ESV and NLT for one that SPEAKS TO YOUR SPIRIT. Then restart the journey! Let the Spirit guide your spirit!! BLESSINGS
Amazing topic, been yearning for this as well, gracias, bookmarked, will check in later! Praise Jesus! =)
Among other reasons for the KJV, I enjoy its poetic nature. Many modern versions care almost nothing for alliterative aesthetics, and their quotes roll off the tongue like Velcro. Geneva bible shares this feature.
That's hyperbole, but you get the idea. I have some friends who are not good at metaphor, and so I respect their use of the amplified bible even though I can't abide it myself. The argument in favor is that you can't miss out on the meaning because it always lists every possible meaning on every verse.
I wasn't raised with any religion, and used to be agnostic. In addition to reading scripture and respecting your own spiritual experiences, I recommend praying to God for signs or proofs of His existence. I did that and He answered me many times over the years, proving Himself to me over and over just like one of the classic hymns says. You have my blessings on your path, fren, and I'm sure you have the blessings of many others as well.
We need some kind of heritage version that has high readability but uses KJV for important passages that are really part of the culture. Nothing is more jarring than reading the Bible and seeing a common cultural reference butchered. You're expecting "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death..." and if you don't get that it is a let down! There are actually many of these.
King James version is the right version. The others have the Gospel but for sound doctrine it I King James by a large margin.
NKJ
you'll see a lot of emphasis on KJV which is generally regarded as safe, yet less accessible. NKJ does a good job and improving accessibility while maintaining a good translation. ESV is similar to NKJ but somewhere between KJV and NKJ for accessibility. NASB is a very good translation especially for the new testament. I recommend find a community of believers who are interested in doing what the writers of the new testament demonstrated and documented. there are elements that will need to get settled since the LDS teachings warps perspective and clutters terminology.
I use the New Living Translation because it's easy to read and I am a late starter at trying to interpret it. Because of this I have also chosen a Bible based church and have joined small groups to help. Often times we read from multiple versions and discuss the same things. Ind a group to help you, but stay away from the old norm and mega churches.
We don't have to go to a building to worship and MANY have turned to smaller groups. Christs church is anywhere two or more come together in his name. None of the Bibles I know of instructs to go out into the world and build buildings. I only found one church that worshipped Jesus first and money raising last. I waited at one church for 45 minutes for them to even mention God or Jesus, just talked about fundraisers.
Well said
I like to use the YouVersion bible app. It allows me to have different versions so I compare verses. I mainly use the ESV version but also use the NKJV and NIV.
KJV over 90% of the texts used can be traced back to their original authors.
Besides, it isn't missing any text. It mentions Christ's divinity as well. While the other translations don't.
It's written at a fifth grade comprehension level. Don't let the old English fool you. It is a precise English. As in, when we say "you" it can be singular or plural. But the KJV uses thee and thou for specificity.
Don't use the new king James
version, it is the worst I have seen. It leaves out a lot about Jesus, and My friend and eye were listening to a podcast that showed in Mathews that said both of the people on either side of Christ were both dammed. An outright lie.
I have eSword downloaded on my computer. I usually read the KJV but I have several others also. All free for download. You can even download commentaries like Chuck Smith, FB Myer and others.
The battered up Bible my father read every night.
Legacy Standard Bible.
It's a long book fren and the quest of knowing a big God is fulfilling only as long as you continue to pursue Him. I want to encourage you to pursue the reading and add to that finding real life frens to journey with you. We were made for fellowship with Him and each other. I suggest an ESV, HCSB, NKJV, or NASB and a NLT to balance a more litteral translation theory with a more dynamic equivilant. Take one book of the Bible, I suggest the Gospel of John, and try to get familiar with it's content and story line. Try to understand Jesus through His own words. Read large sections in the one translation then the other. The goal being to get the content into your mind and to start seeing in life how God consistently acts today as He did then and to know Him. A consistent paused time out of life to pray and read is going to help greatly. Make time to meet with God. Eventually, get a Geneva Bible and a KJV and compare. The best would be to learn Greek and Hebrew and study the 26,000+ pieces of centuries old manuscripts but take it one step at a time. May God bless your desire fren!
I like the New International Version (NIV):
The NIV is a "dynamic equivalence" (thought-for-thought) translation rather than a strict word-for-word (formal equivalence) one. It aims to balance accuracy to the original texts with natural, idiomatic English readability.
The translators often describe their approach as "optimal equivalence" — staying as close to the wording of the originals as possible while still producing clear, natural English.
The NIV (2011) is translated from:
Old Testament: the standard Hebrew Masoretic Text (Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia), with occasional help from ancient versions and the Dead Sea Scrolls.
New Testament: the standard critical Greek text (essentially Nestle-Aland 27th / UBS 4th editions).
It is not based on the Textus Receptus (like the KJV) or the Majority Text; it follows the modern critical text used by virtually all non-KJV English translations since the mid-20th century (ESV, NASB, NRSV, NET, CSB, etc.).
I use nkjv primarily as it is easier to read then kjv I had niv but learned its missing some verses and translation is a bit “softer”.
For studying i tried a 4 version parallel Biblehub and blueletter are good online tools.
Hope that helps
I am a poet, which informs my preference, but less than I expected... And this is an issue I mulled over more than I care to admit considering how I came to my conclusion. In essence, I don't think it really matters.
I prefer the English standard version (ESV). That is what the first congregation I began to call home used when I was first searching for faith around the start of covid. I feel it is simpler than King James, but still poetic, and it speaks to me the clearest. I think the one that speaks to the reader the clearest is the Bible that individual should use.
My current conversation uses the Amplified, and it's fine. I'm also familiar with the King James which I'm not a huge fan of for general reading, and the NIV which I find okay. I feel it's a bit simpler than the ESV.
May God bless your reading .
I look at them all and even use the study Bibles to show the versus in the language they were written in for proper translation.
I'm glad you were pulled away from both cults (Mormon and atheism) and let God guide you to the Truth....
There are Parallel Bibles and what you do is you choose 4 versions and they have all 4 versions in the same Bible. There are 2 columns on each page (so the 4 versions are visible at the same time) and each of the versions for those verses are displayed at the same time. It’s really nice to be able to compare the different versions.
One of the Founding Fathers, Charles Thomson, translated the Septuagint from Greek to English himself over 20 years. Each of the four volumes runs about $35 on abebooks. I really like it. The Orthodox Study Bible is good as well.
The picture Bible. I like comics 🤷♂️
All current religions have evolved to be control mechanisms. All versions of every religious doctrine materials were written by men, not Gods. I believe in God, a creator and devine beings but after deep dive research over 40 years I can't subscribe to any religion.
I published a book a while back called "The Assumptions" (no longer in print) and now considering re-releasing it for free. The effort begin by simply exposing the assumptions that lie underneath the doctrines. These assumptions are required to make the doctrines valid. If you cannot subscribe to the assumptions then many of the founding doctrines become completely invalid. By way of example, the story of Adam and Eve. The Assumption: Incest is okay. Without Incest, the Adam and Eve Story makes no sense. This is one of many.
This research illuminated a plethora of contradictions and absurdities in all the religions belief systems. When you speak with any "all-in" believers of any religion you also find some common denominators. One of the most obvious common denominators is that they each adamently demand that their belief system (religion) is the ONLY one that is right and all the others are wrong. Again, one of many.
Don't start hurling rocks at me. As an anon at heart, all I have ever wanted was to discover the truth... and for the record, I don't think I have arrived on the "truth" mountain top as yet.
All that to say this: Be cautious of being reduced to one single silo of beliefs because in doing so you partition yourself from everything else. You seperate yourself and become completely controllable. This is a loss of freedom on a most fundemental scale. I am not sure the human race will ever be exposed to the universe's ultimate truths during my lifetime. Given this "assumption", all I can do is intentionally be the absolute best of myself in all circumstances, every environment... remain at peace and exhibit joy.
...my two cents.
Many here recommended a gentleman named Wes Huff to various Bible discussions we had over time. I found him to be excellent and a scholar on these topics. He has a discussion on bible selection, I will link below. I personally study with an older Jehovahs Witness and use the New World Translation as well as the NKJ. The study for me personally really unlocks the book and the lessons. So I keep at it from many angles and its VERY rewarding ! Good Luck on your journey !
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nlqh43ozuxs&pp=ygUbd2VzIGh1ZmYgd2hhdCBiaWJsZSB0byByZ
https://www.jw.org/en/
Kjv and a good strongs concordance or bible hub app.