Which Version of the Bible Should You Use?

It may surprise you to know that the Bible has over 50 different versions of the Bible in English alone!  Many churches and institutions around the world have their favorite version, as do I and am sure you do as well.  For instance, I am currently reading through the NASB version, but I have read the NIV and the NKJV and grew up using the KJV.  But when it comes down to what version should you use, I think the conversation has gotten pretty crazy.  I've heard on podcasts, read on blogs, and heard it from friends alike.  "You have to use the (insert translation) Bible because it is the only true translation!"  I may be wrong - it does happen from time to time - but I think this viewpoint is pretty short sighted.  And with some of the arguments I've heard it seems that people don't really understand how the different versions came about and why they are considered to be reliable/accurate and as such they are honestly not qualified enough to make a claim one way or the other.  They are drawing 'lines in the sand' on this issue but do so out of ignorance and stubbornness.  Some of my Mormon friends/family have said that the only Bible one should read is the King James.  I tend to disagree.  I think there are other translations that are equally reliable in portraying what God wanted us to know.

So, instead of arguing and debating, I decided to just get some information about the other translations out there so you can decide for yourself.


Note 1: The Bible was not written in English.  Shocker...I know!  As such, a lot of the versions we have simply will not perfectly translate.  For instance, the Greeks had several words for "love" while English uses, basically, one.  Not to mention context of history and customs that we in the 21st Century are not familiar with makes it almost impossible to accurately translate the intended meaning and intent of the original writings.  As such, no one version of the Bible can claim to be 100% accurate.  But, with that being said, some versions are considered by scholars, pastors, educators, linguists, historians, etc. as being accurate and true to the original manuscripts.

Note 2: The pros and cons are not exhaustive, nor are they validated/recognized by both supporters and non-supporters of the respective translations.  Some people love their version and attack with great ferocity towards the other ones out there.  Just know, these pros/cons are collections from several different places.

Note 3:  Most of these translations below, with the exception of "the Voice", are considered by the Christian community to be both accurate and reliable.  This does not mean though that some versions that have not received a lot of scrutiny and animosity, because they have.  However, none of these - as far as I could see - were placed in the ABSOLUTELY DO NOT USE category of scripture.

Note 4:  I am not condoning every version of the Bible.  There are some out there that do not accurately translate God's word.  We need to be careful.  Some versions take out key issues and insert their own theology.  Be warned.


According to to the Christian Booksellers Association, the top ten Bible translations for 2014 are below.  I am going to give a brief description of the version and history, and some pros and cons, and the translation of a verse just to show you the difference.

So, lets get to it!

1.  New International Version (NIV)

• Description/History 
• The NIV was created about 50 years ago when Howard Long tried to share some scripture with a non-Christian and he thought the King James version didn't connect.  This led him on a journey to create a bible that would appeal to the people of 'today'.  Instead of just updating an existing translation, they decided to start anew and create the NIV.  Before the first publishing in 1978, more than 100 bible scholars to ensure it was without bias or fault.  Today, it still undergoes close scrutiny from a self-governing body of 15 evangelical Bible scholars known as the CBT.  
• Pros 
• Most popular choice among churches/individuals
• Modern English language
• "thought for thought" translation 
• Widely respected translation
• Cons
• It is shorter than other versions
• words &/or phrases removed
• Some say it is too "interpretive"
• Gender-inclusive language
• Gal 5:4
• "You who are trying to be justified by the law have been alienated from Christ; you have fallen away from grace"

2.  King James Versions (KJV)

• Description/History 
• In 1604, King James I of England allowed a new translation of the Bible into the English language which was completed in 1611.  The translation was performed by 47 scholars with instructions to guarantee the version would be true to the Christian theological perspectives, the structure of the Church of England, and the belief in ordained clergy.
• Pros
• One of the oldest versions written in English
• Many claim this to be the only reliable version
• Translated from Textus Receptus
• Seems to be the version all other versions are compared to
• Cons
• Archaic language
• Difficult to read/understand at times
• Not translated from the older manuscripts (Codex Sinaiticus and Vaticanus and the Dead Sea Scrolls)
• Commitment to "complete equivalence" resulting in the concepts behind literal words not being communicated adequately
• Gal 5:4
• "Christ is become of no effect unto you, whosoever of you are justified by the law; ye are fallen from grace"

3.  New King James Version (NKJV)

• Description/History
• In 1975, the Thomas Nelson Publishers wanted to create a new, modern translation while still retaining the integrity and beauty of the King James version.  So, after seven years, and the input of 130 Bible scholars, the NKJV was created.  Along with trying to stay true to the KJV, this translation also takes into account modern scientific discoveries, as well as linguistic and textual studies.  
• Pros
• Easier to read than King James
• Similar in form to the KJV
• Traslated from Textus Receptus
• Footones include the Majority Text and Critical text
• Essentially literal translation
• Cons
• Some of its translators are reported to believe that the Bible was not divinely preserved
• Not 'true' modern language/still confusing
• Has changed certain words from the KJV and lost the Bible's true meaning
• Gal 5:4
• "You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace."

4.  New Living Translation (NLT)

• Description/History 
• This is a revision of the of the Living Bible.  It is meant to convey the meaning of the ancient Hebrew and Greek texts, the NLT is based on the most recent studies of translating the Bible.  Creators wanted to have a version today that had the same impact on the ancient people.
• Pros
• Modern English language
• "Thought for thought" translation
• Huge improvement from the Living Bible
• Makes a good story book
• Cons
• Inserts text in places that address or seem to address modern issues
• Mild tendency in favor of distinctively fundamentalist teachings
• Too "interpretive" 
• Gal 5:4
• "For if you are trying to make yourselves right with God by keeping the law, you have been cut off from Christ! You have fallen away from God's grace."

5.  English Standard Version (ESV)

• Description/History
• The ESV "stands in the classic mainstream of English Bible translations over the past half-millennium" (BibleGateway.com).  Each word and phrase was painstakingly compared to the ancient languages so to avoid under-translating, or any nuance that the original manuscripts had.  The ESV was translated by a group of scholars representing a diverse group of denominations and is not affiliated with any denomination or Bible society.  
• Pros
• Use the best texts, scholarship, and techniques that are available
• Essentially literal translation
• Do not render Greek gender-specific words
• Dignified
• Modern English language
• Endorsed by many Christian leaders
• Cons
• Too literal / unelegant
• Pronouns referring to Deity are not capitalized
• OT Quotes are not clearly marked
• Stance on social issues bias
• Relatively frequent revisions
• Gal 5:4
• "You are severed from Christ, you who would be justified by the law; you have fallen away from grace"

6.  Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB)

• Description/History
• 17 Denominations and 100 scholars studied the ancient texts and translated the HCSB, while keeping true to it's original meaning and intent of each word, phrase, and nuance.  
• Pros
• Trusted "Original Translation" by academic standards
• Uses both "thought for thought" and "word for word" translation methods, where applicable
• Easy to read
• Modern English language
• No gender controversy
• Readily available
• Cons
• Young translation
• Some translated passages deemed unconventional
• Unsure of who oversees the revising of present/future translations
• Gal 5:4
• "You who are trying to be justified by the law are alienated from Christ; you have fallen from grace."

7.  The Voice (VOICE)

• Description/History
• This is a sort of different type of Bible translation.  A collaboration of scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists with the intent of creating a Bible to help believers experience God's word.  Scholars would translate words/sentences/passages and then let the artists mold it into something readable, familiar, accurate, and reliable.
• Pros
• Reads like a story
• Modern English language
• Cons
• Paraphrases scripture
• Not quite translation, but an adaptation/rendition
• Gal 5:4
• "You, and anyone else who seeks to be on the right side of God through the law, have effectively been cut off from the Anointed, circumcised from grace, and cast off from the favor of God."

8.  New American Standard (NASB)

• Description/History
• A project of the Lockman Foundation with translators from a wide variety of evangelical backgrounds.  The NASB is thought to render as close as possible to the original Greek and Hebrew texts.  It was updated in 1995 to read better and smoother than before
• Pros
• Considered the most literal translation
• Some regard it as the most accurate Bible in English
• OT quotes in the NT are in all caps
• Modern English Language
• Pronouns for deity capitalized
• Sincere effort not to function as interpretor
• Cons
• Follows Greek/Hebrew word order closely making it hard to read
• Does not fully take advantage of modern translation scholarship
• Still some archaic expressions/terms
• Difficult to read aloud
• Gal 5:4
• "You have been severed from Christ, you who are seeking to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace."

9.  Reina Valera 1960 (RVR1960)

• Description/History
• This text is the most used by the evangelical Spanish-speaking church.  It is the most loved and used because of it's traditional style of the Spanish languag
• Pros/Cons/Gal 5:4
• These items will not be discussed because this blog is in regards to the English Translations.
• I don't speak Spanish
• I still wanted to include it because it was part of the list and I didn't want to be seen as 'cheating' or 'altering' the Top Ten List.  Some people get weird when you mess with lists.

10.  New International Reader's Version (NIrV)

• Description/History
• Based on the NIV, the NIrV is basically a simpler, easier read than the NIV is.  In the process of creating this version parts of the NIV were used when it seemed to 'fit' with this particular translation.  Translators used the best and oldest copies of the Hebrew and Greek manuscripts to ensure that what is contained in the NIrV is accurate and trustworthy.
• Pros
• Deemed easiest to understand by most Bible scholars
• Modern English language
• Cons
• Has a reputation for being the Bible for readers with a below-average reading level
• Too "interpretive"
• Gal 5:4
• "Some of you are trying to be made right with God by obeying the law.  You have been separated from Christ.  You have fallen away from God's grace."

So what does this all mean?  Well, that's for you to decide.  Some swear by their KJV.  Others say they feel closer to God using the NIV.  I've heard some say that the NASB is their Bible of choice because they like knowing they have the version closest to the original languages.

For me, this is not an issue to defend to the death.  Even in writing this now, I realize that there are other versions that have done their best to accurately translate God's word into English and I am grateful I have a Bible at home to read, both in my own time and with my family.

If you are buying or looking to buy a Bible, do some research, pray, and just know what you're looking for.  Also, if you're in doubt talk to someone.  I'm sure you can find someone in your relational world that can recommend a version for you.

But that's just my two cents...and I'm broke...so...whatever.

Sources:
www.biblegateway.com/versions
gospelbiblepaths.50webs.com/index_7.html
www.biblehub.com
www.gty.org/resources/questions/QA167/which-bible-translation-is-best
www.wikipedia.com
www.jesus-is-savior.com/Bible/NIV/damnable.htm
www.chick.com/ask/articles/nkjv.asp?FROM=biblecenter
www.gotquestions.org/New-King-James-Version-NKJV.html
christianknight.wordpress.com/2010/11/06/esv-vs-nkjv (or) esv-vs-nasb
www.wels.net/sites/wels/files/Pros%20and%20Cons%20-%20Oct%2015.pdf

Title Change

The name of the blog has changed, though it doesn't seem to be reflecting that when I try to post links, so I'm sorry about that.

I realized that not every post will be about Mormonism and as such having the title "Understanding Mormonism" could be confusing.  To be honest, most of my posts will have something to do with Mormonism - whether in part or whole - so, no real change in content.  However, I may choose to blog about something that seems to transcend both the Christian and Mormon realms, so I thought it best to have a less pigeon holed title.



Also, "Understanding Mormonism" seemed to be a very intimidating.  I didn't want to come off as some guy that is attacking the LDS church.  I would rather come across as someone who is fairly knowledgeable that is just trying to get people from all religions to stop and think.  So instead of saying to the world..."This is what they believe, this is what I believe, and you should know the difference!"  I'm now saying, "Hey, here is something that I'd like to talk about.  What do you think?"  See the difference?



So anyways, just wanted to let you know.

Baptisms for the Dead

BAPTISMS FOR THE DEAD is something that the LDS church believes and practices within their temples.  Mormons view baptism as an essential ordinance to get into heaven and believe that these proxy baptisms aid those who died before they were able to complete all of their earthly work/ordinances.

I participated in this ordinance when I was 14 or so years old.  I, along with several other youth, was driven to the Los Angeles Temple.  We had our temple recommends in hand and were allowed entry into one of the sections of the temple.  We all had to change into a sort of baptism uniform, which was basically just a clean white jump suit and we were led into a very large room.

Baptismal Font in the Mormon L.A Temple

The baptismal font was, in a word, beautiful. I remember seeing 12 oxen around the base of the font and was told that they were there to symbolize the 12 tribes of Israel.  The artwork, the architecture, the magnitude of the room, coupled with what I believed I was going to be doing in that room gave me quite an 'awe' moment. 

We all stood in line and waited our turn.  One by one, we would all step into the font and met a man who would be performing the proxy baptisms.  There was a computer screen to his side that would display the name of the person that we were being baptized for.  We'd each get baptized for 10-15 people and then it'd be someone else's turn.

Now, I don't know why this particular Mormon ordinance was stuck in my head this past week, but for some reason I just couldn't shake it.  I thought about how thousands upon thousands of young men and women are doing 'work' for those people who can't do it themselves.  And even though I do not at all believe in the theology behind this practice, that's not what was speaking to me.  I wasn't focusing on whether or not performing Baptisms for the Dead is doctrinally sound or the eternal consequences of being baptized for someone else, but rather on the literal act being done.  You see, these people are performing a service for someone else.  They are doing something for someone that is unable to perform it themselves.  In that moment, I immediately thought of Jesus. 

Jesus did something for us all...something that we could never do on our own.  Defeat sin. 

God saw that we were sinners, far removed from His Holiness and could not change it.  He saw that even on our best days reconciliation is impossible.  The Bible rightly says that we are all sinners (Romans 3:10-12)...every. single. one. of us.  And so, He sent Himself, in the person of Jesus, to atone for our sins.  Just as dead people cannot get baptized, neither can we change our standing with God, no matter how hard we try.  We are always going to be sinners.  Unfortunately, that's the best fallen creatures can ever hope for...and that's failure.  And while this is a sad, depressing, tragic, and yet painfully truthful realization, our good news comes from up above!  Jesus is soooooo good and when we call on His great name, and repent of our sins, and proclaim Him as our personal Lord and Savior ALL of our sins are washed away, and we are made new in Christ.  We are no longer seen by our Father in Heaven as irreconcilable creatures but as His people!

And then I realized that this comparison is not perfect because Jesus doesn't save someone after they've done A,B,C,D....  He saves them because they can't do A, B, C, D, ...

Even with a proxy baptism salvation is not guaranteed.  The baptism performed is just one of the many ordinances needed; others may still need to be performed. [Mormon doctrine states that just having faith in Jesus Christ is not enough for salvation (Articles of Faith #3 and #4, 2 Nephi 25:23)]  But Jesus didn't come to "make up the difference" but to "be" the difference.  Baptisms for the dead is an attempt to do some of the work for you, but the Bible says that Jesus already paid it ALL.   Do you see the difference?

Biblically speaking, there is nothing you can do, need to do, are required to do, or need to have someone do for you.  There is only Jesus and faith in His unfailing love for you that was demonstrated on the cross all those years ago.