Different Biblical Translations

[deedee310]

I own an Amplified Bible, NIV, and New King James Version of the bible. I often read from each one at different times just for a clear understanding especially when I am confused about a certain scripture or story. I really enjoy my Amplified bible because it has different life notes and commentaries in it from the author. My NKJV is a study bible and it helps me out especially when I have a question while I am reading and I am unable to ask someone about it.

I was told by a friend of mine that I should just stick to reading the original King James Version. To be honest, I don't even own a King James Version of the bible and never even considered purchasing one for myself. I have looked through my mom's and to me it seems more confusing and difficult to discern. My friend told me that the other versions are "tweaked" to man's own words and they are not the word of God.

I always believed that the different translations were created in modern language for people to be able to easily understand the scripture.

[Rick Kelly]

Hi Deedee,

You can go to www.searchgodsword.org for a free online study of God's word, Hebrew & Greek to English.
If you wish to purchase a Interlinear Bible, I suggest Amozon.com , they have the best prices. You can buy new or used.

Love Ya
In JESUS
.Rick.

[Natasha Mayes]

Maybe I'm just really naive and/or stupid but I've always thought that the function of Bible translators were to make the Bible understandable to EVERYBODY. It is obviously wrong to take any of the original meaning or facts away or to add things that were not in the original text. In the Middle ages, Average Joe in the streets were not allowed access to the Bible (which were in Latin in those days). They were led to believe that the Bible is meant to be read and interpreted only by the Church. Since few people back then were litterate, it was accepted practice that the Bible be handled only by people who could read and write. I might be sticking my head into a wasps-nest now, but it is my oppinion that reputeble translators like Scoffield, Wycliff and the like should continue to translate the Bible into more understandable language. For the simple reason that the better you understand the Bible the better you are able to spread the Word and explain it to people that has never heard it. Why else are there things like children's Bibles? The Bible was not just written for linguistic geniuses. It was written for all.

[John Scott]

You are absolutely right and you're on target with your opinion. You also made a good point about linguistic geniuses. If JESUS taught us that we must become as "little children in our faith" then why would HE demand a Greek or Hebrew language degree so we could understand HIS WORD so that we may become as "little children in our faith"? That is a contradiction and GOD does not contradict HIMSELF. JESUS also said go and preach the "Good News" to the world. HE didn't say go and teach Greek and Hebrew to the world and then preach the "Good News" to it. If that was the case, HIS WORD would not have reached the world as it has. If that was the case, HIS WORD and knowledge of HIS salvation would be exclusive to just a few. That's why Martin Luther nailed his statement of faith to the church door. It was his reaction to a system set up by people who saw themselves as the only ones to be privileged to GOD's truth and wanted to keep the populace dumb and stupid to the realities of GOD. The same thing happens somewhat when you have people saying only this translation is acceptable and all the other reputable ones are not. My question is, how do they know? Who told them that?

Anyone who tries to split hairs on which translation is the true WORD of GOD is not really understanding the greatness of GOD. HE is all powerful and has insured that HIS WORD has been handed down from generation to generation intact and complete. This does not mean that Translations by sects or cults are valid. Those groups have perverted GOD's WORD into what they want it to say. But it does mean that we can trust the Christian Bible scholars that GOD has endowed and inspired, such as Scofield, Wycliffe, and such to translate HIS WORD. You don't need to learn Greek, Hebrew, or Aramaic to get GOD's WORD. Anyone who tries to create exclusionary barriers by saying only this or that is the correct version should spend more time reading and comparing various translations so they can better understand the overall thrust of GOD's message to the world. Sure, certain words used in the original Greek and Hebrew have different meanings, in fact each word may have multiple meanings depending on context and how it is used. The Hebrew language is not only made up of an alphabet that they use to creates words, but if I'm not mistaken, the alphabet is also used for their numerical system. So you have to understand those things as well as context when reading those languages so that you get it right. That's why the Bible Scholars and Translators look at context and usage, compare it to other usage applications and then translate it accurately based on context and usage. If you knew Greek and were reading the original Greek texts you would have to do the same to get the true meaning of what was being said. Fortunately, there are others who have already done it, made the translations for us, and passed it on for the world to have. Now, add to that the fact that GOD is guiding the process and you can trust that what you are getting is of GOD.

Anyway, that's my take on it and I'm sticking to it.

[Carla]

Amen John.. I love what you say here:

If JESUS taught us that we must become as "little children in our faith" then why would HE demand a Greek or Hebrew language degree so we could understand HIS WORD so that we may become as "little children in our faith"? That is a contradiction and GOD does not contradict HIMSELF. JESUS also said go and preach the "Good News" to the world. HE didn't say go and teach Greek and Hebrew to the world and then preach the "Good News" to it. If that was the case, HIS WORD would not have reached the world as it has. If that was the case, HIS WORD and knowledge of HIS salvation would be exclusive to just a few.

It's Jesus we want..not more knowledge! Isn't the quest for more 'knowledge' what caused all the trouble in the first place.

Many blessings, Carla

[Rick Kelly]

Hi Carla,

We already have JESUS, I wish to increase my knowledge of Him. As children we take what our parents tell us on faith, just as it is when we become Christians. We are taught by the word of GOD. We gain knowledge in His word.
2 TIMOTHY 2:15
15 Study to shew thyself approved unto GOD, a workman that needeth not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
Why do you have a Strong's Concordance? To help you to understand GOD's word as it was written in the Hebrew & Greek. His word reached the early world through Hebrew & Greek. Our English Bible is a much later translation. So to better understand the knowledge of GOD's word one should chose to understand the original words and there meanings.
I agree nowhere did "he demand a Greek or Hebrew degree", also "he didn't say go and teach Greek and Hebrew to the world". But He did say to "study to shew thyself approved unto GOD".
A lot of people won't go to any outside source when they study the Bible, which to me is sad. I'm not saying everyone should do as I do, they must be comfortable in their studying. But I believe you can learn (gain knowledge) much more if you do check into the Hebrew & Greek. I don't have a degree in Hebrew or Greek but the LORD has blessed me, by my willingness to study and learn the meat of His word.

The knowledge the world is interested in, is a different subject altogether......

Love Ya
In JESUS
.Rick.

[Carla]

Hi Rick,

I understand what you are saying...studying the meat is very important. I am not disagreeing with that! We must just always keep in mind that we are studying the scriptures because all parts ultimately point us to Christ.. We must guard against becoming so 'religious' about studying that we miss the bullseye.. Jesus Himself!

The more we study, the more we will learn of God Himself...although our finite minds can only grasp the fringes of His cloak...

John 5:39--the context is of coarse the religious leaders of the day..however this can apply to us also... They knew the teachings but failed to see the Messiah.. Let us not become so involved in religion that we miss Christ. John 5

also...please keep in mind, not everyone who reads this knows Jesus. Some people are seeking, it is important to realize that people all over the world are reading these posts...and we must be responsible and compassionate while keeping that in mind...always representing Christ...and reflecting His Light towards others.

Blessings, Carla

[Rick Kelly]

Hello again,
I agree completely with your last paragraph and
I pray for those that don't know JESUS and it is wonderful to know that those who seek him will find him. Matt. 7:7
We have answered the LORD's call in our lives, Praise GOD.

Have a Wonderful Day In The LORD and keep up your good works for Him. GOD Bless You & Yours.

In JESUS
.Rick.

[james cash]

i agree i too have many translations i use nkjv but have the good news ,niv ,amp,the message ect.if you are close to God and are getting fed the word kjv is harder to read so read , worship,praise ,and pray bless you .......james

[Chas Jones]

The "original" first editions of God's WORD were written in Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It is my understanding that none of these "first editions" exist today. However, I believe faithfully that God has preserved His WORD, with many reliable translations. Choose wisely the translation(s) you use daily for study and worship. I prefer the King James version though I also use others i.e. Scofield etc.