Bible Versions
When I’m teaching I use the New American Standard Bible (NASB) as my main bible reference. Mostly because I have found it to be the most accurate translation. Plus it is the version of the Bible I’ve used for the last 15 years.
Recently I purchased a Chronological Bible and it New International Version (NIV). I enjoy reading it and find it to be very straight forward.
In class a couple of weeks ago, I used the New Living Translation (NLT) on a handout. I did so because I wanted the class to be able to read a verse to a small group and I wanted the reader to be able to share the verse in very plain, everyday language. We didn’t have time for the reader to explain the context of the words used as that would take away from the topical discussion. That handout caused a few eyebrows to be raised because I used NLT versus some of the more common interpretations of the Bible.
My question today is: What version of the Bible do you use and why?
I have used NASB for years. I do a lot of exegetical work with Hebrew/Greek for teaching and it seems to be the best version for us now.I used NIV for reading.
Jim. Thanks for the comment. God Bless!
The churches I have been visiting recently use NIV, so that's been the main one. Personally I like reading the NLT. I was brought up being told that the Authorised Version is the only true Bible, then the New King James… I guess the truth is no translation is going to be perfect because it's a translation, but some are better than others. Even paraphrase versions (such as the Message) while not so good for teaching and study, help me to rethink what's going on in a passage.
Do you remember the first verse we noticed that really showed the difference between the NIV and the NASB? Romans 1:12
To this day I think it's the best verse to clearly illustrate the difference between a paraphrase (NIV) and a word for word translation (NKJV, NASB, etc). While the debate over bible translations can be done in such a way as to cause more harm than good by insisting on one translation, it is equally as harmful to be carless about the scriptures. The Holy Scriptures namely the 66 books of the Old and New Testaments are the only rule God has given to direct us how we may glorify and enjoy Him. For that reason the scriptures should be revered.