I still struggle to understand the NT in the KJV

[Guido]

I don't read the Bible as much as I should, but when I read the KJV, particularly the NT, I struggle to understand each sentence or passage as a single idea. I have enough difficulty understanding its phrasing in some cases. Beyond that, I struggle to hold the content of sentences and of whole passages in memory while reading the KJV.

Reading 1 Corinthians 1 in the CEV seemed to indicate that I was way off when interpreting the same chapter in the KJV.

Is it possible for me to improve my reading comprehension to understand the KJV? Even with modern translations I would probably still have difficulty because of the way passages seem to be related to each other.

 

[Salty]

I would suggest buying a 4 translation. By its name - there are 4 translations on each page - then you can easily compare.
I have at least 2 of them.

Check out this link

 

[Ascetic X]

Try reading a study Bible that contains commentaries and notes. Your favorite Bible teacher may have one associated with him. There are many different study Bibles from which to choose. I like the NIV Study Bible and the Orthodox Study Bible.

 

[JD731]

!) Fellowship with other Christians who have no doubt about the veracity of the word of God (Iron sharpeneth Iron)
2) Pray to God for wisdom and light and receive it when he answers
3) Believe the words and allow the Bible to have context and believe it in the context it is given.
4) Do not add to or take away from the words of the Bible
5) Have enough wisdom to know that 4 different translations cannot possibly be the words of God but at best one word of God and 3 opinions of someone else.
6) Believe that God is a real person who is present with us and is smarter than any of us even though we can't see him

 

[Van]

I don't read the Bible as much as I should, but when I read the KJV, particularly the NT, I struggle to understand each sentence or passage as a single idea. I have enough difficulty understanding its phrasing in some cases. Beyond that, I struggle to hold the content of sentences and of whole passages in memory while reading the KJV.

Reading 1 Corinthians 1 in the CEV seemed to indicate that I was way off when interpreting the same chapter in the KJV.

Is it possible for me to improve my reading comprehension to understand the KJV? Even with modern translations I would probably still have difficulty because of the way passages seem to be related to each other.

Perhaps you should attend a bible study where others use the NLT or NIV? Working with others, you might grow in your understanding of God's word.

 

[Scarlett O.]

!) Fellowship with other Christians who have no doubt about the veracity of the word of God (Iron sharpeneth Iron)
2) Pray to God for wisdom and light and receive it when he answers
3) Believe the words and allow the Bible to have context and believe it in the context it is given.
4) Do not add to or take away from the words of the Bible
5) Have enough wisdom to know that 4 different translations cannot possibly be the words of God but at best one word of God and 3 opinions of someone else.
6) Believe that God is a real person who is present with us and is smarter than any of us even though we can't see him

YOUR opinion is that only the King James contains the best one word of God and that all others are opinions.

See the irony of what you say. The King James is a fine Bible. But that doesn't mean some other Bibles aren't fine also. And your opinion is making it that way.

 

[Scarlett O.]

I don't read the Bible as much as I should, but when I read the KJV, particularly the NT, I struggle to understand each sentence or passage as a single idea. I have enough difficulty understanding its phrasing in some cases. Beyond that, I struggle to hold the content of sentences and of whole passages in memory while reading the KJV.

Reading 1 Corinthians 1 in the CEV seemed to indicate that I was way off when interpreting the same chapter in the KJV.

Is it possible for me to improve my reading comprehension to understand the KJV? Even with modern translations I would probably still have difficulty because of the way passages seem to be related to each other.

Guido, I know that you have shared before about your illness. I won't mention what it is. Perhaps a parallel Bible is a good idea.

The ones with the NIV, ESV, King James, and NLT are good ones. And when you come across something you don't understand in any version, ask someone here or even better someone such as a pastor in real life.

God bless you in your endeavors to grasp the Bible.

 

[JD731]

YOUR opinion is that only the King James contains the best one word of God and that all others are opinions.

See the irony of what you say. The King James is a fine Bible. But that doesn't mean some other Bibles aren't fine also. And your opinion is making it that way.

I just have a different concept of God than you. I believe he is real and has an infinite mind. If God says the natural man cannot understand the things of God but he reveals his truths to the saved man, how does he keep one from understanding while teaching the other? They can have the same words to hear or read. Well, the words themselves must be the answer. What else could it be? Words are all we have. Jesus himself said this:

Jn 6:63 It is the spirit that quickeneth (makes alive); the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.

Both are in 1 Cor 2, the Spirit and life. It takes both. You think any words will do because these teachers know so much and are so wise. They know Greek and Hebrew and they can parse the verbs in both languages, yet the smartest ones on this web site don't even agree most times on anything, even how sinners are saved. The mysteries of the NT are hidden in words and the Spirit is the only person who can teach the saint of God how to process those words for enlightenment while making them foolishness to the worldly wise.

Try teaching these guys about the church being the bride of Christ and that Jesus will deliver her before he pours out his wrath on the ungodly. It is a mystery, Paul says. It must be revealed by the Spirit. You will get guffaws from the wise of this world. It is a mystery the Holy Spirit has not taught them. Most now have the new and improved Bibles and the world keeps getting darker with each new edition.

 

[Salty]

@ jd731 -- Just to confirm what Scarlett suggested - Are you a KJO?
If so, then why do you accept sprinkling as a substitute for immersion

 

[JD731]

@ jd731 -- Just to confirm what Scarlett suggested - Are you a KJO?

Indeed

If so, then why do you accept sprinkling as a substitute for immersion

I don't!

 

[Salty]

Indeed

I don't!

But according to the KJV - sprinkling is an acceptable mode!

 

[JD731]

But according to the KJV - sprinkling is an acceptable mode!

Where?