Annie's Bible Study Reference Page (original) (raw)

Bible Versions Defined: I felt it was important for you to know something about the different translations and versions of the Bible. That way you can personally make an informed decision about which one you want to read. Regardless of what translation or version you prefer to read, the most important thing is that you need to READ THE BIBLE FOR YOURSELF. Preferably, you should use several translations/versions in your studying. Since you probably don't read the languages that the Bible was written in you can use "The Strong's Concordance" and it will help you understand the meaning of the Hebrew and Greek words. You don't even have to buy them anymore because they are all FREE and online.

I am not endorsing any or all of the translations of the Bible. That is a decision you need to make for yourself. I personally do prefer to memorize Scripture verses in the King James Version but what type of translation I read really isn't that important.

You can find MANY different web sites that debate, discuss and even argue about the BEST or ONLY translation to use. That is not my purpose for creating this page. What I would like is for you to read the Bible yourself to see what it says instead of just hearing what others say, teach or think.

God has given us a wonderful treasure. The Bible is that treasure. It is our map to "hidden treasure". It is our instruction book and our guide. Read the WORD OF GOD for yourself and study it. Here in the U.S. we seem to be so unaware of how fortunate we are. Most families have 6 or more Bibles and many of them are not even read. If we lived in another part of the world where Christian's are persecuted we might not even have one Bible to read.

So I said all that to say this: Each one of you are accountable for the choices you make in every part of your life. You decide what version is best for you. The time is too short to argue over translations.

The most important thing is that you: READ THE BIBLE!!! A translation is from the original Greek and Hebrew and then translated to English. A paraphrase takes an English translation in an older from of English like the King James English and makes the words easier to understand.

KJV~ King James Version ~ The King James Version was finally published in 1611, and together with its four revisions (in 1629, 1638, 1762, and 1769). I personally like to still memorize Bible Verses in this version. NKJV~ New King James Version ~ 130 translators, commissioned by Thomas Nelson Publishers, produced this version from the Byzantine family (Textus Receptus) in 1982. This is a revision of the King James version, updated to modern English with minor translation corrections and retention of traditional phraseology. NIV~ New International Version ~ "To ensure accuracy and faithfulness, scholars translate not from a previous translation, but directly from the most reliable original Greek, Hebrew or Aramaic texts." ~From Zondervan Page~ NAS~ New American Standard ~ "The New American Standard Bible has been produced with the conviction that the words of Scripture, as originally penned in the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek, were inspired by God. Since they are the eternal Word of God, the Holy Scriptures speak with fresh power to each generation, to give wisdom that leads to salvation so that men may serve Christ for the glory of God. With this in mind, the Editorial Board has continued to function since publication of the complete Bible in 1971." ~From the Lockman Foundation~ TLB~The Living Bible ~ (paraphrase not a translation) A paraphrased rendition of the King James Version by Kenneth Taylor in 1971. This is not a genuine translation, but is a type of phrase-by-phrase commentary that was originally intended to help the author’s own children understand the scriptures. The Amplified Bible"It attempts to take both word meaning and context into account in order to accurately translate the original text from one language into another. The Amplified Bible does this through the use of explanatory alternate readings and amplifications to assist the reader in understanding what Scripture really says." ~From The Lockman Foundation~ CONTEMPORARY BIBLE TRANSLATIONS - This page shows different versions and translations by taking three verses and comparing them in a table form.

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