NLT Bible?

Get them both .

 

The NLT is essentially a paraphrase, not a good translation. It is also uses gender-neutral language. If I had to choose between the KJV and NLT, I would choose the KJV hands-down. Depending on your reading ability and length of time as a Christian, KJV may not be the best choice, though. You might want to try the New King James Version (NKJV) or the newly released English Standard Version (ESV). Both are good, faithful translations.

 

If you want something in the line of dynamic equivalence (less literal), go with the NIV instead of the NLT.

If you want something in the line of formal equivalence (more literal), the KJV is ok, but you might enjoy the NASB or ESV more.

 

Melissa, the NLT has been my favorite. It's easy to use. I use that and the NASB and KJV the most. Maybe the best thing to do is go to the store and look at the different translations to see which you would be most comfortable with.

 

I have used the NLT for my devotions at times and I have enjoyed it. But I still prefer the NASB and the NIV.

 

My main Bible's now days are the ESV and HCSB .But I always have my NLT handy !

 

The NLT is a good, easy to read translation, moreso than the NIV. It is NOT a paraphrase, as it has more than one translator, something like 3-5 per book. It is NOT gender neutral throughout, only when it pertains. It is not the best for sole Bible research, as numerous translations are best, but it does bring into light some of the harder to understand translations. It would be a great parallel Bible with the KJV or NASB.

BTW, shouldn't this be in the Bible translations forum?

 

Info on the NLT (and other translations if you go back to the home page):

http://www.bible-researcher.com/nlt.html

The NLT is a gender-neutral version, employing it in places where it does not agree with the original langauges.

 

The original poster goes to a Presbyterian church, so it has to be posted here.

I've read out of the NLT from time to time for devotional reading, but sometimes my eyebrows get a bit raised because the translation is overly interpretive at times.

 

That's because it is essentially a paraphrase.

 

Then anything besides the original text's are considered paraphrases.

 

Then think of it as a continium:

0 - Original Languages
1 - KJV, NKJV, NASB, ESV
2 - NIV
3 - NLT
4 - Living Bible

The closer you get to 4, the further you get from 0.

 

Only if the NIV and NLT are translated from the KJV, NKJV, NASB or ESV, which I don't believe is the case.

 

After all these years, I'm considering buying a parallel bible with NASB KJV, NKJV, and NLT.

 

Good buy! I have a KJV, NASB, NLT, NIV parallel I bought from e-bay in leather for $50. Great Bible.