How to Choose a Bible Translation
There are many versions of the Bible including The New American Bible, The New American Standard Bible, The King James and The New King James Version. Follow these steps to pick the version that's right for you.
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Instructions
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Choose a Bible that corresponds to your faith. Carefully read the cover and introductory pages to find the church name. Catholic and Jehovah Witness versions will specifically mention their religions, whereas Mormons include the Book of Mormon as a companion to the Bible. A denomination's website, like LifeWay for the Protestant faith, lists recommended versions.
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Look for the same version used in your church service. Protestant and non-denominational bibles do not necessarily specify their faith tradition, but your church leaders can tell you which version they use. You can read along during the service or reference the Bible later for a particular passage.
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Remember your audience. A version with illustrations and simpler stories is better for a child. A new or casual reader might prefer an paraphrased Bible like The Living Bible, which has been translated thought-by-thought rather than word-by-word.
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Pick a style and language preference. Many Bible translations come in both traditional and more modern versions. For example, The New King James Version is a 1982 revision of the original 1769 edition. Look for the keyword "new" in the title; it indicates this version has been modernized. Compare passages between different texts for wording and presentation.
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Consider if the Bible will be used for study or memorization. Reference Bibles include a narrow column listing other verses relevant to the passage you're reading. Memorizing scripture is easier from a literal Bible like the New American Standard Bible. Some study Bibles include study aids and notes with interpretations of passages.
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Tips & Warnings
The Bible comprises different compilations of texts and passages passed down through time and debated among scholars and various faith traditions. Therefore, no translation is perfect.
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Comments
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you are doing a good job for the Lord, keep it up.
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NIVisOKtoo
Oct 16, 2008
That would be a horrible book to read on the subject, as she is a KJV only advocate who blatantly misrepresents contemporary translations. It's fine to read and support the KJV, but to fill your (self published) boook with gross errors and tell blatant lies about other trustworthy translations is misleading and shameful behavior. She does her own editing and misquoting to try to support her case, but thankfully a quick review of the actual texts in question will reveal her bias and misrepresentation. If you read her work, be sure to have a modern translation in the other hand to compare and see for yourself how her zealotry and misguided prejudice has led her to lay aside the truth in her attempts to discredit other accurate and helpful translations of God's Word. I would recommend a book like James White's "The King James Only Controversy" (published by Bethany House) for an accurat -
NIVisOKtoo
Oct 16, 2008
That would be a horrible book to read on the subject, as she is a KJV only advocate who blatantly misrepresents contemporary translations. It's fine to read and support the KJV, but to fill your (self published) boook with gross errors and tell blatant lies about other trustworthy translations is misleading and shameful behavior. She does her own editing and misquoting to try to support her case, but thankfully a quick review of the actual texts in question will reveal her bias and misrepresentation. If you read her work, be sure to have a modern translation in the other hand to compare and see for yourself how her zealotry and misguided prejudice has led her to lay aside the truth in her attempts to discredit other accurate and helpful translations of God's Word. I would recommend a book like James White's "The King James Only Controversy" (published by Bethany House) for an accurat
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kjv4thee
Jan 20, 2008
NEW AGE BIBLE VERSIONS by Gail Riplinger ( 700 page book )is recomended reading on this subject.
