What Bible version do you use the most?

[PaladinGirl]

What Bible version do you use the most as a Baptist? :confused:

[BereanTodd]

NASB is my primary and is what I almost always preach from, but I also use the NKJV a lot as well, and when I am preparing a sermon or Bible study I look at multiple versions as well as going back and studying the Greek/Hebrew.

[ImmersionX]

NASB is now my primary for church, study,etc. I like my ESV....got a lot of use out of it. My pastor preaches out of the NKJV so I keep that one handy to review sermon notes on Sundays, and then compare them to the NASB.

Peace and God Bless.

[trinityisunity]

Since the commencement of a new pastor last year who mainly preaches using the NLT I have started to use this translation more. I find it accurate but also very easy to read and understand. I will still refer to other versions as required like the NASB, NKJV and the NIV.

[TwistTim]

We need a check box poll, not a radio button one.... because I spend equal amounts of time in my KJV and NKJV..... I check others out less frequently when I want to do a specific study or come across a difficult passage.... KJV for Bible Reading(Currently Psalms, but wherever in the Bible I am... started in Genesis going all the way though) and Church and NKJV for Bible Reading(Proverbs) and Church.....

by the way.... my KJV is The Evidence Bible and my NKJV is The MacArthur Study Bible.

[PaladinGirl]

We need a check box poll, not a radio button one.... because I spend equal amounts of time in my KJV and NKJV..... I check others out less frequently when I want to do a specific study or come across a difficult passage.... KJV for Bible Reading(Currently Psalms, but wherever in the Bible I am... started in Genesis going all the way though) and Church and NKJV for Bible Reading(Proverbs) and Church.....

by the way.... my KJV is The Evidence Bible and my NKJV is The MacArthur Study Bible.

Where could I get an Evidence Bible at? :confused:

Anyway, I'm a King James Onlyist so I use only the KJV.

[HumbleMan]

I primarily use the HCSB, but also at times read the NASB and NIV.

[dead2self]

I use the NASB in paper format and ESV when looking online. This is because I have not bought the ESV yet and still really like the NASB. I also have an NIV I almost never open anymore and sometimes look at the KJV for the wonderful style.

[smorrison]

90% of the time, I use The Message, but I will go back and use a NIV for study. Occasionally I'll get out my NASB for study as well.

[partfish]

Why so few NIV users? I have used my NIV for many years and still like it...of course I haven't looked at too many others because that one along with my KJV and NKVJ seemed to do it for me. BTW, what is the HCSB?

[Project 86]

My primary Bible is the NKJV MacArthur Study Bible. I believe the NKJV is the best "popular" English translation because it shows words not in the original languages in italics. In the footnotes it also shows the Majority and Critical text. Also it is a very literal translation and doesn't take the liberty that the NIV, NLT and Message do.

[TwistTim]

Where could I get an Evidence Bible at? :confused:

Anyway, I'm a King James Onlyist so I use only the KJV.


As this isn't a Versions Debate... just a poll to see what version we use, I'll forgive your Onlyist ways in here.....


but you can go either (Indirectly) though Way of the Master (http://wayofthemaster.com/) or directly though Living Waters (http://livingwaters.com/)(Their Store front)..... to get the Evidence Bible

that is....
http://wayofthemaster.com/ (http://wayofthemaster.com/)
or
http://livingwaters.com/

It is a Bible that you can use to help when Witnessing, it is a great resource to have.... also helps before you encounter people of other faiths (Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims) to know how to answer them....

[BereanTodd]

Why so few NIV users? I have used my NIV for many years and still like it...of course I haven't looked at too many others because that one along with my KJV and NKVJ seemed to do it for me. BTW, what is the HCSB?

Honestly, the NIV is a fairly poor translation compared to others, and takes far too many liberties in translation. I did use it mostly when I was first saved, and as a younger Christian, but as I became educated I moved to more accurate, quality translations. It's become so popular largely because it has been pushed in a major way by Zondervan and others. If you want an "easy reading style" as opposed to the more literal translations (NASB, NKJV, KJV), then the ESV is much more accurate and excellent.

[Project 86]

BTW, what is the HCSB?

The Holman Christian Standard Bible (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Holman_Christian_Standard_Bible) is used by a good number of Southern Baptists. The first OT/NT edition came out in 2004. It published by B&H Publishing Group (http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/hcsb/hcsb_intro.asp).

[fireman1173005]

New Living Translation followed by NIV

[PaladinGirl]

As this isn't a Versions Debate... just a poll to see what version we use, I'll forgive your Onlyist ways in here.....


but you can go either (Indirectly) though Way of the Master (http://wayofthemaster.com/) or directly though Living Waters (http://livingwaters.com/)(Their Store front)..... to get the Evidence Bible

that is....
http://wayofthemaster.com/ (http://wayofthemaster.com/)
or
http://livingwaters.com/

It is a Bible that you can use to help when Witnessing, it is a great resource to have.... also helps before you encounter people of other faiths (Mormons, Jehovah Witnesses, Muslims) to know how to answer them....

Ok thank you for the links.

[HappyChicken]

I love my NLT. I call it my "working Bible" because that's the one I prefer to study. I also have a Thompson's Chain Link KJV that has a neat Archeological supplement, and a NIV - Life Application Bible. However, I find the help notes in it to be annoying because they take up most of the page. However, I open it when I need an explanation. I also use Bible Gateway online to compare with NASB (which is what I intended to buy the day I got my NLT).

[partfish]

May I ask a question? This is strictly for information, I am not trying to start a debate...I just really want answers...When you speak of a 'literal' translation are you referring to being literally translated from the orginal greek/hebrew/arabic texts or from the original KJV? The reason I ask is, in my reading about the different translations, I get the impression that the KJV was not translated, originally, from all the texts, because they hadn't all been discovered yet...is that right, or am I remembering wrong? Thanks for everyone's input, this is really fascinating stuff.

<fish><

[rainbowpromises]

I prefer the KJV but I lobbied for NKJV to be used in our church outreach ministries. I prefer memorizing in KJV. I will use many versions when studying. The next version I intend to purchase is NASB.

[HappyChicken]

The next version I intend to purchase is NASB.


Me too!

[Koontzy]

I use the KJV only also.so one more vote for the KJV.

[ImmersionX]

90% of the time, I use The Message, but I will go back and use a NIV for study. Occasionally I'll get out my NASB for study as well.


Is the Message usable in church???? Also, ever hear of the Message://remix?

:wave:

[BereanTodd]

May I ask a question? This is strictly for information, I am not trying to start a debate...I just really want answers...When you speak of a 'literal' translation are you referring to being literally translated from the orginal greek/hebrew/arabic texts or from the original KJV? The reason I ask is, in my reading about the different translations, I get the impression that the KJV was not translated, originally, from all the texts, because they hadn't all been discovered yet...is that right, or am I remembering wrong? Thanks for everyone's input, this is really fascinating stuff.

<fish><


When someone speaks of a literal or "formal equivelency" translation you are speaking about from the Greek. The KJV translators were lacking Greek MSS for some of the books (not most, but some) and they went from Latin MSS and/or earlier English translations at those points.

[trinityisunity]

Is the Message usable in church???? Also, ever hear of the Message://remix?

:wave:

I have heard our pastor read from it once. Only because the wording on what he was preaching about was better, according to him. It is only a paraphrase and generally I would not use it as a Bible per say but maybe could be read alongside a translation that is more literal. I own a Remix Message but do not refer to it often at all. :thumbsup:

[HappyChicken]

I have heard our pastor read from it once. Only because the wording on what he was preaching about was better, according to him. It is only a paraphrase and generally I would not use it as a Bible per say but maybe could be read alongside a translation that is more literal. I own a Remix Message but do not refer to it often at all. :thumbsup:


I have not paid much attention to the Message or the Remix Message...what is the difference between the two.

[smorrison]

Is the Message usable in church???? Also, ever hear of the Message://remix?

:wave:


I will say that it can be tough, and yes I know about the Message Remix, as well as the Remix 2.0. I work for a Christian bookstore, so I know about bible translations.

I just prefer the way it is worded. A friend of mine asked me about it and the easiest way to describe it to him was that its sort of like the King James, of today. I say that because back when the KJV was translated, that's the language that they spoke. The Message is the same way. Its in the everyday language that we speak today. By no means am I saying that it compares to the KJV as a literal translation, but I prefer it over any other version.

[smorrison]

And one more thing.....

Trinity, this is not directed at you, as your comment sparked this, but didn't fuel it. Like I said in my last post, I work at a Christian bookstore, and we have people on a daily basis say we are wrong for carrying anything but the KJV.

Who's to say what is a translation and what is a paraphrase? The reason I say that is that when it comes down to it, every single English translation is a paraphrase. I say that because in the Greek and Hebrew text of the bible, there were over 11,000 words. When the bible was translated into the original KJV, they could only translate about 6000 words that had an English equivalent. That leaves 5000 words that they had to paraphrase into the language. I'm not starting a debate, I just say to all those who look down on anyone who uses anything but the KJV (and don't get me wrong, I know some KJV only people who are fine with people using a version that they can understand), that the KJV was translated nearly 15 or 20 times, before we got the version that we have today. I have said it in other threads, but I like the way the KJV states a lot of verses in the bible, but not enough to read one everytime I read the bible. If I'm not using my Message Bible at church, I'm using either the NCV or NLT that I have. I'll take any of those 3 over the KJV any day of the week. Why? Because I understand them. Afterall, I speak American English, not the King's English.

To all those KJV only people that don't mind people using a version that they understand, thank you. Its the ones who say I'm wrong and going to hell for using anything but the KJV that I want to kick in the throat.

Again, please don't debate me. If you are a Christian, then you should not worry about what version of the bible another Christian uses. You should worry about those people in this world who don't even know what the Bible is and what it says. We waste too much valuable time on which version is right an which is wrong, or who's denomination is right and who's is wrong.

[trinityisunity]

And one more thing.....

Trinity, this is not directed at you, as your comment sparked this, but didn't fuel it. Like I said in my last post, I work at a Christian bookstore, and we have people on a daily basis say we are wrong for carrying anything but the KJV.

Who's to say what is a translation and what is a paraphrase? The reason I say that is that when it comes down to it, every single English translation is a paraphrase. I say that because in the Greek and Hebrew text of the bible, there were over 11,000 words. When the bible was translated into the original KJV, they could only translate about 6000 words that had an English equivalent. That leaves 5000 words that they had to paraphrase into the language. I'm not starting a debate, I just say to all those who look down on anyone who uses anything but the KJV (and don't get me wrong, I know some KJV only people who are fine with people using a version that they can understand), that the KJV was translated nearly 15 or 20 times, before we got the version that we have today. I have said it in other threads, but I like the way the KJV states a lot of verses in the bible, but not enough to read one everytime I read the bible. If I'm not using my Message Bible at church, I'm using either the NCV or NLT that I have. I'll take any of those 3 over the KJV any day of the week. Why? Because I understand them. Afterall, I speak American English, not the King's English.

To all those KJV only people that don't mind people using a version that they understand, thank you. Its the ones who say I'm wrong and going to hell for using anything but the KJV that I want to kick in the throat.

Again, please don't debate me. If you are a Christian, then you should not worry about what version of the bible another Christian uses. You should worry about those people in this world who don't even know what the Bible is and what it says. We waste too much valuable time on which version is right an which is wrong, or who's denomination is right and who's is wrong.


No offence taken. I too am not a KJO ist!!! I would not kick them in the throat though if they judged me to hell for not using it!!! That is their concern with God- 'plank in the eye' verse comes to my mind.

If you like to use the Message that is good. No problems. I personally find it a little weak, but that is just me. Sometimes I refer to it-not often- but I do sometimes to see how a particular passage is laid out in modern language. Our other youth leader will use it in a youth study at times.

Grace and peace

ps I used to work in a Christian bookstore too-long time ago now (18-19 yrs ago).

[ImmersionX]

Why are people getting defensive?

[TwistTim]

Why are people getting defensive?

People are forgetting this is a "What Bible Version do you read from" Thread and confusing it with a "Let's Debate about what Bible Version is Superior" Thread.....

[HappyChicken]

I think that it's great that there are so many translations to pick from. I know alot of people who would never read the Bible at all if they had to read the KJV because they simply dont understand it. I like the KJV some, but I prefer my NLT. So, I feel like this: if you prefer to read one of the newer "easier to understand" versions then fine. JUST READ IT! lol It reaches more people if there is a translation for everyone.

[smorrison]

Sorry if anyone thought I was trying to start a debate....hence why I said please don't debate me. And no, I wasn't getting defensive about the bible I use. I just had one of those days at work yesterday and sort of took it out in here. Today was much better.

People are forgetting this is a "What Bible Version do you read from" Thread and confusing it with a "Let's Debate about what Bible Version is Superior" Thread.....

So, why do you think it is a weak translation? Just wondering, not trying to start anything. I use the Message the majority of the time but I do have a NLT, NIV, NCV, NASB, and ESV that I can compare with. I use 2 different study bibles as well, one being a NIV and the other is a NASB. So, I'm up to date with the main translations....again, just wondering.

[rainbowpromises]

smorrison

I find the Message way too wordy. When I am using an NIV I often have to get out my KJV to translate it. I guess I was just raised on KJV so I understand it easier. I don't understand everything and that is the reason I look at other versions.

[trinityisunity]

Sorry if anyone thought I was trying to start a debate....hence why I said please don't debate me. And no, I wasn't getting defensive about the bible I use. I just had one of those days at work yesterday and sort of took it out in here. Today was much better.



So, why do you think it is a weak translation? Just wondering, not trying to start anything. I use the Message the majority of the time but I do have a NLT, NIV, NCV, NASB, and ESV that I can compare with. I use 2 different study bibles as well, one being a NIV and the other is a NASB. So, I'm up to date with the main translations....again, just wondering.


Check out this site:

www.crossroad.to/Bible_studies/Message.html (http://www.crossroad.to/Bible_studies/Message.html)

[smorrison]

So, with that site, are you telling me that I shouldn't read a bible that easy for me to understand? Call it "dumbing-down" if you want to, but don't chastise me for reading a bible that I can understand. What I got from that site was that the Message can't be trusted. If it can't be trusted, why is it sold in every single bookstore in the bible section? I agree that it is not 100% in context with the Greek and Hebrew, but show me a bible that is.....

Trinity, I'm not firing at you, just a little perturbed that people will say that any bible translation is wrong......

[trinityisunity]

So, with that site, are you telling me that I shouldn't read a bible that easy for me to understand? Call it "dumbing-down" if you want to, but don't chastise me for reading a bible that I can understand. What I got from that site was that the Message can't be trusted. If it can't be trusted, why is it sold in every single bookstore in the bible section? I agree that it is not 100% in context with the Greek and Hebrew, but show me a bible that is.....

Trinity, I'm not firing at you, just a little perturbed that people will say that any bible translation is wrong......


You asked me in a previous post why I thought the Message was a little weak. I just pointed you to a website I found once which made me think it is weak. I am not chastising you in any way. If you are reading a version that you understand that is excellent. I would rather you be reading the Message than no version at all!!! The reason it is sold in possibly every Christian bookstore is because it has a market for it and it does sell well.

Take what you want from the website, it influenced my thoughts on this bible and from my general reading of it. NOW please remember I am not attacking you or your preference in bibles but all I expressed is my personal humble opinion. I think it is a bit weak. If you do not then that is cool-read it and get all you can out of it!

Blessings:)

[TwistTim]

Sorry if anyone thought I was trying to start a debate....hence why I said please don't debate me. And no, I wasn't getting defensive about the bible I use. I just had one of those days at work yesterday and sort of took it out in here. Today was much better.

I didn't say that you were, and if you mistook my post for saying that you were trying to pick a debate, forgive me, I was merely in context answering that a lot of people look at a thread about what version do you prefer to read and take it as a debate those who like to use a different one.....

So, why do you think it is a weak translation? Just wondering, not trying to start anything. I use the Message the majority of the time but I do have a NLT, NIV, NCV, NASB, and ESV that I can compare with. I use 2 different study bibles as well, one being a NIV and the other is a NASB. So, I'm up to date with the main translations....again, just wondering.

I don't recall if I said it was weak or not... but I'll answer with my reason..... same reason I think the Amplified is weak......

Any Translation that puts the Commentary and Explanation into the Text in such a way that you can't tell easily where the Bible stops and The Commentator starts is a bad thing to give someone.... more so if they are young in the faith and not grounded in proper theology.... a concept that is already hard to get will be tainted by Peterson's or whomsoever's Comments.... and they will then learn that as the proper understanding rather than asking what the historically understood meaning is....

For that reason alone (Adding Commentary into the Text) I find it weak... I've no issue with Study Bibles got one myself.... and a bible that shares how to Witness....

[hazeleyes80]

I primarily use my NKJV Life Applications Study Bible, but I will also read KJV and NIV on occasion.

[blessedmomof5]

i use the NIV it's easy for me to read.

[mwhite0120]

NIV is my favorite.

[-~Truth_N_Trust~-]

I primarily use my NKJV Life Applications Study Bible, but I will also read KJV and NIV on occasion.

Exactly the same here! I love my NKJV Life Applications Study Bible. I find it strikes a nice balance between being able to understand the language and keeping the feel of 'authority' with the Thou type of language...

[Freecube]

I use the ESV, simply because I mainly use an online bible (E-Sword) and it was free. I prefer refering to the NASB whenever I have doubts or stuff about the scriptures.