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If you could have only one translation...

Discussion in 'Bible Versions & Translations' started by Priscilla Ann, Mar 14, 2011.

  1. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    As I was looking through my collection of bibles, I was surprised at how many different translations I have. In this country, we have such easy access to different translations; I guess we take them for granted.

    My question is this:

    If you could have only one translation, which one would you choose?

    Priscilla Ann
     
  2. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    I'd go with the NASB or ESV.
     
  3. Baptist4life

    Baptist4life Well-Known Member
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    KJV .........been using it for almost 60 years.
     
  4. sag38

    sag38 Active Member

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    I'd choose the NASB most likely. It's the translation that I have been using for several years now and don't see that I will be changing any time soon.
     
  5. Fred's Wife

    Fred's Wife Member

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    KJV for me also...been using it for 12 years.
     
  6. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    The 2011. I've been using it for ... well,I've been consulting it on-line since November. I look forward to it in book form soon.Until then its close relative the TNIV, will do quite nicely.And of course I refer to my 1984 NIV as well.
     
  7. Jim1999

    Jim1999 <img src =/Jim1999.jpg>

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    I have used my kjv since 1945. It has all my corrections noted. I think I shall stick with it, knowing what I know about translations.

    Cheers,

    Jim
     
  8. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    I think I'd probably choose my NIV 1984; I haven't seen a hard copy of the 2011 yet. The NIV is the translation from which I have memorized the most verses, and it's the translation I was reading at the time when I first accepted Christ. It's very comfortable for devotional reading; however, I realize it may not be the best for serious study.
     
  9. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    I know what you mean -- there's something special about the bible where you have written your notes. I have lots of notes in my NIV Thompson Chain Reference Bible; that bible feels like a pair of comfortable shoes!
     
  10. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    It's difficult to choose just one, isn't it? Which of those two translations reads more like our everyday English? I have heard the NASB described as rather "wooden". Do you think that's an accurate statement?
     
  11. Rippon

    Rippon Well-Known Member
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    The NASBU is not wooden. That's what was said about ther pre-95 version. I think in general the NASBU reads better than the ESV. The ESV sentence structure leaves a lot to be desired. There are some notable exceptions thankfully.
     
  12. annsni

    annsni Well-Known Member
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    Not really "wooden" but not "comfortable". It's like the KJV - sometimes it takes reading the sentence again to get it. :)
     
  13. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    I agree with you about the ESV sentence structure --seems awkward to me in some instances. Still, there are a lot of people who think it is the best translation thus far... I know that it's supposed to be a very literal translation, but I'm just not comfortable with it -- at least not yet.

    The NASB is supposed to be very good for serious study.
     
  14. Priscilla Ann

    Priscilla Ann Member

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    Exactly! I find myself having to read a sentence two or even three times. It's just not a smooth read.
     
  15. Tom Butler

    Tom Butler New Member

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    I'd go with the NASB, but I do like my NIV. Can't I have two, pleeeeze?
     
  16. InTheLight

    InTheLight Well-Known Member
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    I grew up on the KJV so my memory verses are in the KJV. I'd have to take the New King James Version because it is most similar to the KJV I know best but without the archaic words and phrases. [But could I bring the NIV also?]
     
  17. jaigner

    jaigner Active Member

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    TNIV

    I have a real affection for the NASB, though, since it's the best English language translation for serious study. It would be hard to leave that behind. I also like the NLT a whole lot.
     
  18. SBCPreacher

    SBCPreacher Active Member
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    NKJV. I've been preaching form it for over 10 years now. I still like my NIV('84), but if I had to have only one, it would be the NKJV.

    I'm also fond of the HCSB - it would be #3.
     
  19. StefanM

    StefanM Well-Known Member
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    Probably NASB.
     
  20. Amy.G

    Amy.G New Member

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    NKJV. It's literal and I understand it.
     
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