I'm all for diversifying the Bible, but do you think we run a risk of taking the "meat" from the inspired scripture with some modern versions?

What advantages/disadvantages do you find in your personal approach to your preferred version(s)?

If I'm doing a serious study of a scripture I will often pull out multiple versions. I think it's good to see how different versions will read on the same scripture. Often times it opens up thoughts I would have other wise not had by sticking to just one.

That being said - for a new Christian I'd suggest maybe NIV. KJV is a bit tough to read and maintain interest, IMO.

As far as missing the "meat" with modern versions...I can see that happening.

Good point. I think the diversity of versions we have is good when taken within the context of what was written and to see a more modern take of words on the passage(s). I do think context is key when studying the Bible so I agree.

Regarding new believers, don't you think we all have a responsibility to "teach" them, or are we leaving that in the hands of modern day versions of Bible? For example, maybe we are getting too "lazy" and are not willing to put the time and effort of "studying" and teaching the Bible to young believers? (this could be a branch of its own :) )

Let me back up real quick and just say - my preferred version would be NIV. It's what I grew up with - it's what my dad preached from - it's what I preached from.

I think giving a new believer NIV over the MSG is much better. While I enjoy reading the MSG - I do think you miss some "meat" in that translation. I think giving a new believer a KJV is setting them up for a rough time. Lazy? Mm...maybe - but we live in a generation of people who read snippets of news articles, books, and articles. Adapting to cultural preference isn't a bad thing as long as the main message of Christ stays the same.

I don't think most people have a problem with a children's bible. When kids are little, they need to read the Bible in a way they can understand. I don't know many little kids loving their KJV.

In the same way, I don't think it's detrimental for a new believer to use something like the Message. I would always encourage them to take whatever draws them in. Just like anyone serious about anything, they will eventually want more. No use in creating fear around the "right" version.

I trust the Holy Spirit will work through the Message, the KJV or the Pidgin translation! Ultimately He will lead us to truth. Sometimes that means staying in the Message and many other times it means He will lead us to other translations.

P.S. I use ESV for literal translation and supplement it with the Message for a more nuanced interpretation. I always cross reference but that's because I've been in the Word since I was 9 years old and I like to see what I've read for years from various angles.

Very good point Tony. If I may be so bold as to play devil's advocate here, there are people who have "claimed" inspiration of holy spirit and have led people astray (with Bible in hand). I don't doubt that the Holy Spirit will lead us in the path that we should walk, but I think there's that responsibility for us all to be diligent and to accurately handle the word.

With that said, I feel that this is why the NEED for discipleship is super important. We are to guide, instruct and "mentor" (ugh, I hate this word, but it fits best here) new believers.

I personally use NASV, ESV and KJV. Currently, I am enjoying the World English Bible, just because it uses "Yahweh" instead of Lord. It gives it more "oomph" especially considering that the old translations weren't allowed to use God's name so they added "Lord" instead.

I use the New American Standard Ryrie Study Bible that I have had for over 20 years and it is always the one I go back to for doing in-depth reading and studying. I use the Message for my kids since they are at different ages/understanding but it is in a language they can understand. I tend to use NIV when quoting scripture for my blog and will use the Bible Gateway site to look up other versions as well.
All that being said, I continue to go back to my Ryrie Bible as it has always helped me have a better understanding of scripture.
I think it is always good to take a look at different versions and hopefully have a better understand /wholistic view God's word.

Good points Chris. Have you considered other versions?

By the way, here's an in depth look at what questions are asked and issues considered when translating the scriptures. What do you think about this approach?

niv-cbt.org

I have and I have read them, we have about 10 different Bibles in our house and they are all different versions. I also have one at my office that I read but can't remember which version it is. I just seem to go back to my favorite one. When I got my first Bible it was a KJV, I had no clue their were other options around until after I got the Ryrie one. I do like reading other versions, maybe it's just which one speaks to us the most.

Personally, I have a hard time reading a new version since I'm so familiar with NASB that if it sounds different, it raises a flag in my mind. I have to go digging deep to see if it's accurate. It's a personal pet peeve, but one that exists in my life.

Also, do any of you fear there will be a new translation that will be revealed sometime soon that will completely go against what we have known to be accurate?

That's a really good article and I appreciated all the explanations. I have always had this fear in my mind that as we continue to change with the times we will lose the meaning of the words. I find that it is crucial to really know and understand exactly what God said and what words he meant, although I am not a Greek or Hebrew scholar. If the original words are not kept in tact that it does change the meaning and our interpretation of it. Imagine in another 20 years with Texting and social media how a new Bible translation might look. (He be weep'n, and can you imagine how many times LOL gets thrown in)

LOL good point Chris. I also fear that with newer translations we fear taking culture's approach to God instead of the truth of God's word as it stands.

Yep, agree, I would love to get my hands on a version that was the original. That would be sweet.

My brother used to clean offices and once found an abandoned KJV from 1971. He gave it to me and I have it. I love it. I don't use it most of the time, but I sometimes look through it. Very nice.

Man, a lot to say while typing on my iPhone. :).

I think there is going to be translations put out there that attempt to change the authority or power of the scripture. I think it's inevitable. We are told that things will be pretty bad before he returns. I think that's part of it.

I sense a bit of OCD in you, Moe. :) I'm no where near that. I'm opposite. For me, I know Gods word in my heart. There have been many times I've been reading something and I feel God saying,"I dunno about that". Prompting me to further investigate. I enjoy reading newer versions and I think it's an important part of our faith adapting to culture. Look at THe Catholic Church - they are so determined to be tied to their traditions that they are losing people.

That and the whole priest harming children.

I think keeping tradition while adapting to the current culture is one of the ways we (Christians) can attempt to stay relevant to the World.

LOL OCD? I get what you're saying, but we should never allow culture to dictate things that are holy. I don't think we should stick to "traditions" for traditions' sake. But I do believe that we should stand on Scripture even if it clashes with tradition. I cannot and will not bow before culture's way of doing "christianity".

OK. Only a handful of us participated. I'm going to close this conversation out, but before I do, give me your preferred Bible version.

Me: NASB

NAS

I agree with you. Culture cannot be allowed to change scripture.

NIV.