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Best Translation

Discussion in '2003 Archive' started by CalvinG, Nov 2, 2003.

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  1. CalvinG

    CalvinG New Member

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    I am interested in which of the currently available Bibles, preferably one which comes in the form of a study Bible with extensive footnotes, is truest in translating the original text from the viewpoint of linguists.

    Folks in my church are split between the NIV (which I presently use) and the NAS, with each side claiming theirs is the better translation. It may be that there is not much difference.

    I would like to hear what folks on this board think.

    (This is not a request for folks to opine as to which Bibles they consider to be the most inspired, only best translated.)

    CalvinG
     
    #1 CalvinG, Nov 2, 2003
  2. HankD

    HankD Well-Known Member
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    Dear Calvin,


    The "best" is perhaps the wrong approach.

    The KJV translators in the prologue to the 1611 edition said that the proliferation of translations was a good thing because it allowed for a better understanding of the "sense" of the Scriptures.

    As you probably know differences are usually the result of a scribal variant or most likely a choice of English synonyms going from the original languages to English.

    In my Sunday School class, we turn these differences into an exercise in seeing this "sense" of the Scriptures by having folks read the same passage from the several versions used by the attendees. This has been quite profitable and people have often said "that was a good lesson" after such discussions.

    HankD
     
    #2 HankD, Nov 2, 2003
  3. CalvinG

    CalvinG New Member

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    We often do the same thing...reading the same passage from multiple Bibles. I wish I understood Biblical Greek, but I can't find the time to learn this. The various Bibles are usually very similar in what they say, except for the older KJVs.
     
    #3 CalvinG, Nov 2, 2003
  4. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    Both have their strengths. The NASB is a much more literal translation; the NIV does a much better job with the figures of speech and the flow of thought. "Best" must be followed with "for what"? The best translation is determined by what you want to use it for. For reading, the best trasnslation is probably the NIV. For deeper study, the best translation is probably the NASB, though the ESV would be a close second in that regard.
     
    #4 Pastor Larry, Nov 2, 2003
  5. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    I believe the ESV to be the best all around. It's combination of literal translation yet readability makes it the choice. It combines the strengths of the NIV and NASB while whittling away the weaknesses. A study version will be out soon. Check in at www.esvbible.org
     
    #5 TomVols, Nov 2, 2003
  6. gb93433

    gb93433 Active Member
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    Both have their strengths. The NASB is a much more literal translation; the NIV does a much better job with the figures of speech and the flow of thought. "Best" must be followed with "for what"? The best translation is determined by what you want to use it for. For reading, the best trasnslation is probably the NIV. For deeper study, the best translation is probably the NASB, though the ESV would be a close second in that regard. </font>[/QUOTE]Look at Amos 4:4
     
    #6 gb93433, Nov 2, 2003
  7. Pastor Larry

    Pastor Larry <b>Moderator</b>
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    OK, now what??
     
    #7 Pastor Larry, Nov 3, 2003
  8. Deacon

    Deacon Well-Known Member
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    The "best translation" is the one that you spend time reading.

    A poor translation is one that stays on your bedside table unread.

    Rob
     
    #8 Deacon, Nov 3, 2003
  9. Trotter

    Trotter <img src =/6412.jpg>

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    As far as a great study Bible, check out MacArthur's. It is NKJV, but it chock full of study notes (30 years worth), charts and tables, a totally amazing cross-referencing system, and a 200 page topical index. Buy the hardback (much cheaper), and keep it as a study help (or a secondary commentary).

    In Christ,
    Trotter
     
    #9 Trotter, Nov 3, 2003
  10. rsr

    rsr <b> 7,000 posts club</b>
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    What Tom said.
     
    #10 rsr, Nov 3, 2003
  11. CalvinG

    CalvinG New Member

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    Is there an ESV study bible?
     
    #11 CalvinG, Nov 4, 2003
  12. TomVols

    TomVols New Member

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    One is due out soon. Check in at www.esvbible.org

    Feel free to fire them an email question. They answer pretty well.
     
    #12 TomVols, Nov 4, 2003
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