But
that doesn't answer the question. Which is best?
You
have heard me say, with a smile: KJV. That's for me. Thou and
Thee. Behold and Lo. I'll never let go. If you love the beautiful,
classic Elizabethan language, you can't go wrong.
But
if you stumble over the meaning of some of the archaic words -
anon, shew, ague, Alamoth, amerce, beeves, etc. - you may want to
compare another version.
Some
versions are more lenient, and the various versions progress along
a spectrum to strict/stringent adherence to word-for-word meaning
in attempting to capture the original intent.
The
more lenient versions often are paraphrases, attempting to portray
a phrase's concept. They are often more readable. But if you want
a deeper study, a more stringent translation may be needed.
I
find delight in comparing various versions and prayerfully seeking
a better grasp of the intended meaning. I own The New Testament
from 26 Translations: Link
You
can say, "I want the precise meaning." OK. Try the
Interlinear Greek New Testament. Another strict translation, The
New American Standard Bible. Typical NASB expression: "The
child of your father's wif'e's sister." A more lenient
version says, "your cousin."
If
you want to follow along with Pastor Tom Duchemin, choose the New
Living Translation (which is readable, but more accurate that its
predecessor, The Liviing Bible, a paraphrase, as is The Message).
The
fastest-growing church in Indianapolis and many others choose the
quite accurate-but-readable English Standard Version.
Another
consideration: do you prefer the traditional references to
he/brothers, or would you choose a version that tries to be more
politically correct with "brothers and sisters"?
Once
you decide which version you prefer, then you have to decide if
you want a study Bible with commentary. The lighthearted
admonition: "The [scriptural] words on top shed a lot of
light on the [commentary] words below!"
Some
Bible scholars suggest no study Bible and recommend the Thomas
Chain-Reference Bible, which provides cross references to words
and topics, but no commentary.
The
Life Application Bible, The NIV Study Bible and others are very
popular. Master Chief likes the Maxwell Leadership Bible.
Me?
I just preordered the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible at a reduced
price good until Sept. 2.
I'm
not promoting one over the other. With the above considerations,
pray about it and ask brothers what they prefer.
Dave
Harris
P.S.
If you want to sample the Gospel Transformation Bible before
deciding, see below.
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Next
month marks the publication of the ESV
Gospel Transformation Bible—one of Crossway’s
most significant projects to date. Created to help readers
see Christ in
all of Scripture, and grace for all of life, this
all-new content was created by a team of over 50 scholars
and pastors and was several years in the making. Dr. Bryan
Chapell served as the general editor, with Dr. Dane Ortlund
as managing editor.
The Gospel
Transformation Bible will be published simultaneously in
print form as well as in digital formats, including an
online edition hosted on ESVBible.org. You will be able
to purchase online access separately, or free
access will be
available to all who purchase a print edition (access card
included with the Bible).
All 9 editions of the
Gospel
Transformation Bible are currently available at a
significant, 50%
off rate. This
special pre-order sale ends September 2.
To learn more about the Gospel
Transformation Bible, a good place to start would be to
download the complete
book of Jeremiah, prepared by Dr. Graeme Goldsworthy, or
the PDF
sampler to view other portions of Scripture.
Crossway has also produced an introductory
video featuring project contributors and a 16-minute
interview with Dr. Chapell.
For a list of the available editions with updated pricing,
visit their editions
page.
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