seedfieldtalk.myfastforum.org

Darthmiller · Joined: 03 Mar 2007 Posts: 27

I'm not going to throw my two pence in just yet, but I would like to know....

What is your favourite Bible and why?
Which translation is best for study?
Which is best for reading?
Should everyone read the same edition?
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Going to church no more makes you a Christian than standing in a garage makes you a car.

admin · Posted: Fri Apr 06, 2007 4:20 am Post subject: Which Bible?

Personally I like the NIV but I think its great in Bible studies when you get people using different versions. It helps you to see there are different ways of translating scripture and help you get to a consensus of meaning.
I would just like to take this opportunity of thanking you for your contributions to this forum. I don't post much as it takes me all my time to keep the website up to date but I'm really pleased people are using this facility. Smile

Love in Him - Janet R

Jannine Ebenso · Joined: 21 Dec 2006 Posts: 13 Location: Nigeria

Currently I am reading La Bible en francais courant but I suppose you mean English Bibles.

I tend to use NIV most at the moment. I was using NRSV but it has fallen to pieces and I can't find a new one at the moment. I also like NASB, but don't have a personal copy yet, usually borrow it. When I want to just read and get a different view of things I use the Message, but sometimes laugh at the Americanisms. The Nigerians think it is hysterical.

KJV - just doesn't click with me I am afraid, can't understand the poetic way it is written. (I never studied Shakesepeare at school either so could be related.) Bassey has a NKJV, but still I still can't undertstand it! (Tres stupide!)

Best for study - I don't think any one translation is best for study. I always use many different translations, not all of which are in English. ( I have 10 English translations /paraphrases on my shelf, plus 2 French translations). For study I also use the KJV (or NKJV), but struggle with it.

Best for reading - depends on my mood. Again, I mainly use the NIV at present.

Memory verses - I try to always memorise the NIV translation as I find if I mix my memory verses it becomes very confusing.

What was the last question? Oh yes...No I don't think we should all read the same version - unless you want to read in unison at a presentation or something. Same as Janet, I think the varieties of translations that we have at Bible studies make them richer.

When I worked near Liverpool we had one Bible study member who could understand NT Greek and he had a Greek NT and lexicon with him at each meeting. We used to learn a lot from having him read the original.

countrydancer · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 20 Location: any local ceilidh

I have used the NIV for a long time but recently changed to the English Standard version and am enjoying using it. I think it is good to use different versions just to read the scriptures if you are reading a chapter or through a book all at once. Also good to get insights by reading different versions if preparing a study.
Best if studying to keep to one version a translation not a paraphrase and one that keeps close to the original and doesn't make too many assumptions or interpretations for you.
Also best to keep to the same version for memorising scripture.
Best to keep to the same version for reading scripture in church (the one that is in the pews so that the congregation can follow) By the way I don't think it is helpful to put the bible reading up on the screen. It is better to encourage the congregation to handle the word of God and find their way around it and have it open for the message. If the preacher has a point to make from a different version they should bring that up in the message.
I like to look at the Desiring God website with all the messages from John Piper. The leadership at Bethlehem baptist church changed their church over from NIV to ESV for pew bibles, study and memory verses. If you look on their website under messages on the Bible you will find one on the reasons for this change.

countrydancer · Joined: 03 Jun 2007 Posts: 20 Location: any local ceilidh

Here is the web link to the article on Desiring God as to why John Piper prefers the ESV to the NIV

http://www.desiringgod.org/Resour...ation_Why_Bethlehem_Uses_the_ESV/

thequietman · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 9 Location: down in the dumps

paulvipond · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 60 Location: Bury

Try www.thebookdepository.co.uk.

Large Print Bible-Esv
ISBN-10: 1581346581
ISBN-13: 9781581346589
Format: Leather Bound
Page Number: 1488
Publisher: Crossway Books
Publish Date: 2004-10-07

£25.62 free delivery
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Make you walk in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus

thequietman · Joined: 10 Dec 2006 Posts: 9 Location: down in the dumps

Thanks, Paul. I'll get the little woman to pop into Wtaerstones and get one ordered.

paulvipond · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 60 Location: Bury

After 25 years of NASB I am now trying out the ESV. While all translations have some element of paraphrase I prefer those described as "essentially literal" to "dynamically equivalent". Although if you can get beyond the americanisms The Message is excellent for a fresh view.

I have to confess that Seedfield has the NIV because I pushed for it. I didn't think I stood much chance of getting NASB (the dreaded word American in the title). As dynamic equivalence goes the NIV is pretty conservative but it is a bit too calvinist in its judgements for me. (See Ps 51:5).

My birthday present was the New Intrepreter's Bible, a commentary which gives both NIV and NRSV which interestingly highlights the weaknesses of both in different places. At least Tom Wright's commentary on Romans does.
_________________
Make you walk in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus

paulvipond · Joined: 14 Nov 2006 Posts: 60 Location: Bury

So, Quietman, have you tried out a shiny new ESV yet?

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Make you walk in the dust of your rabbi, Jesus