Every English bible is a translation from the original Hebrew
and Greek. The bible is the most extensively researched ancient book in the world. Different translations have used different sources for their translation. There have
been many translations, many of which, I have never viewed. Some common
translations are listed below. I will give examples of text from specific translations
at the end the reader may find useful. I have also included many links for additional
information.
I have heard Christians argue
about which Bible should be read. This is just another area for unnecessary strife. Read the translation you enjoy
and can understand. We need to guard ourselves against strife, in this area and in other areas, because strife
causes division and many other problems.
King James translation (KJV)
This is perhaps the oldest translation still
commonly used. You will see many Christian web sites saying this is the only
trustworthy translation. King James I's (England) dissatisfaction with the Geneva Bible's puritanism led to the creation of the King James Bible. Despite it’s age (first published
in 1611 A.D.), this bible is still readable and comprehensible to most modern readers.
This bible has had a profound influence on newer translations. It has
no existing copyright so it can be reproduced with no concern for copyright issues.
New International Version (NIV)
Our
family oftens reads the NIV. It was published in June, 1978 (revised August 1983)
and indicates, in the preface, that all (who worked on this translation) “All confess the authority of the Bible as
God’s infallible word to humanity. They have sought to clarify understanding
of, develop appreciation for, and provide insight into that word.”
This translation worked from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek texts and was begun in 1965. It is published by Zondervan.
New Living
Translation (NLT)
This
is a newer translation of the Word. I listen to it on a regular basis on a 15
CD set entitled: “The Bible on CD:
The New Testament.” This translation is more of a “thought
for thought” than “word for word” translation. This translation
was competed in 1996 and revised in 2004. The CD set was given to me as a gift
and listening to God’s Word is another effective way to study the Word. The
NLT website is: http://www.newlivingtranslation.com/default2.asp
The
“Ampliefied Bible” (Amp) was first published in 1965 by the Lockman Foundation. The version I read was revised in 1987 and is published by Zondervan.
This translation is based upon 22 years of research Their goal (from
the preface) was the publication would be true to the orignal Hebrew and Greek, be grammatically correct, be understandable to the masses and give the Lord Jesus His proper place, the place which the Word gives
Him. An advantage of this translation is that it includes all the Hebrew and
Greek words giving, if you will, an expanded or ampliefied defintion of the Word. You
will find more information at the below website.
http://lockman.gospelcom.net/
"Standard Revised" (RSV) & (NRSV)
These translations are a basic revision of the "American Standard version" (1901). Theses translations were
the first real challange to King James Version. It (RSV)was first copyrighted in 1946 and revised in 1952. Since
then, it has had further revisions and, in 1965, a Catholic version was introduced. The Catholic RSV includes the so
called Apocrypha. More information on revisions can be found at http://www.bible-researcher.com/rsv.html. The RSV and the "New Revised Standard, NRSV" can be found at many retail locations and remains
very popular. For a great deal more information on the RSV, click http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Revised_Standard_Version#Revisions_of_the_RSV
“The Messege Bible”
This
Bible was written by Eugene H. Peterson and is basically a paraphase of the Bible in common English. It
was published in pieces over a number of years and is now available in a completed form.
Comparisons:
There
are many other translations of God’s Word. I will give examples of specific
texts below. All of the below sciptures
are various translation of Isaiah 40:29-31
He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he
increaseth strength. Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall: But they that wait upon
the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they
shall walk, and not faint. ( KJV)
He gives strength to the weary and increases
the power of the weak. even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD
will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like
eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. (NIV)
He gives power to those who are tired and worn out; he offers
strength to the weak. Even youths will become exhausted, and young men will give up. But those who wait on the LORD will find
new strength. They will fly high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint. (NLT)
He gives power to the faint and weary, and to him who has no might
He increases strength (causing it to multiply and making it to abound) (2 Cor
12:9) Even youths shall faint and (selected) young men shall feebly stumble and
fall exhausted: But those who wait for the Lord (who expect, look for, and hope
in Him) shall change and renew their strength and poser; they shall lift their wings and mount up (close to God) as eagles
(mount up to the sun); they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. (Heb 12:1-3) (Amp)
He gives power to the faint,
and strengthens the powerless.
Even youths will faint and be weary,
and the young will fall exhausted;
but those who wait for the LORD shall
renew their strength,
they shall mount up with wings like eagles,
they shall run and not be weary,
they shall walk and not faint. (NRSV)
The above are examples of the same passage in various translations. I don’t have a recommendation for which translation you choose. In addition to various translations, there are a huge number of study bibles to pick between. You can get God’s Word on CD, in books and on computer programs.
What is important is the study of the Word. Pick for yourself the translation
you enjoy/
