Why The Need?

[Baptist4life]

Everyone knows I PREFER the KJV. YOU may prefer the NKJV or the NIV or maybe the NASB. My question is this: The biggest argument I get FOR the MV's is "the KJV is antiquated and hard for a modern speaking person to understand" or something close to that, so WHY does there need to be SO MANY different MV's? A local Bible website lists at least TWENTY different versions in English! If you cannot understand God's Word in an NIV, then another version won't help. The NIV puts it about as plain and simple as I've seen. I truly believe that all these versions does nothing but cause problems and fighting amongst Christians. THAT is the reason I'm against so many MV's.

 

[Amy.G]

Why?

Here's why..........................

 

[Baptist4life]

Why?

Here's why..........................

My thoughts exactly. :thumbsup:

 

[annsni]

I do think part of it has to do with money but I also do believe that those who have gone through the process of a new translation try to do it to best reflect the scholarship and understanding they have of the translation issues and want to be sure that we have a readable, accurate translation of Scripture. We all have opinions on how something should be translated - and some have the ability to follow through with that.

 

[Baptist4life]

I do think part of it has to do with money but I also do believe that those who have gone through the process of a new translation try to do it to best reflect the scholarship and understanding they have of the translation issues and want to be sure that we have a readable, accurate translation of Scripture. We all have opinions on how something should be translated - and some have the ability to follow through with that.

....as I said before, it doesn't get much EASIER or PLAINER than an NIV. I believe the NIV is one of the EASIEST, and SIMPLEST to read and understand. I just don't see much need for any more translations. I think it's causing great division in the Body of Christ! Just read some of these threads. And no matter how much people say it does, it really doesn't have much to do with the KJVO crowd, these threads are arguing over translations, really.



To me, there are just TOO many translations (in the ENGLISH language, anyway). Enough is enough already.

 

[sag38]

Please understand that some of us are secure enough in our faith to use other versions, to even explore the latest one to come out, and maybe even promote it. And, while the motive of some may be wrong, we believe that most are genuine in their efforts to further the Kingdom of God by making the Bible more and more available to anyone who wants to read it without having to have a dictionary and commentary available to understand its meaning. But, if it rocks your world to even consider the use of another version, or to accept that God uses many versions, then stick exclusively with your particular version the KJV and God bless you.

 

[annsni]

....as I said before, it doesn't get much EASIER or PLAINER than an NIV. I believe the NIV is one of the EASIEST, and SIMPLEST to read and understand. I just don't see much need for any more translations. I think it's causing great division in the Body of Christ! Just read some of these threads. And no matter how much people say it does, it really doesn't have much to do with the KJVO crowd, these threads are arguing over translations, really.



To me, there are just TOO many translations (in the ENGLISH language, anyway). Enough is enough already.

Right - I agree that the NIV is very easy to read and is a great translation. However, if you're going to be doing any kind of word studies, then it is lacking in that department since it's not a more literal translation but a thought-for-thought one instead. So that is why I use the ESV as my main Bible. I do keep my NIV next to my bed for reading at night but for study, I much prefer an ESV or a NASB. Both are very good for deeper study and I find both to be trustworthy.

 

[Baptist4life]

Please understand that some of us are secure enough in our faith to use other versions, to even explore the latest one to come out, and maybe even promote it. And, while the motive of some may be wrong, we believe that most are genuine in their efforts to further the Kingdom of God by making the Bible more and more available to anyone who wants to read it without having to have a dictionary and commentary available to understand its meaning. But, if it rocks your world to even consider the use of another version, or to accept that God uses many versions, then stick exclusively with your particular version the KJV and God bless you.

You missed my point entirely! How MANY translations are needed? Is there something easier to understand than an NIV?? Come on! It has nothing to do with being insecure in my faith! (See, little "digs" like that one are what I'm referring to). Those occur constantly when discussing different versions. I've read an NIV, NKJV, HCSB, NASB, and various others, but I just don't think there's much more that needs to be translated. ANOTHER version seems to me to be the last thing Christians need, unless it's a translation in another language, which I fully and also financially support.

 

[Baptist4life]

Right - I agree that the NIV is very easy to read and is a great translation. However, if you're going to be doing any kind of word studies, then it is lacking in that department since it's not a more literal translation but a thought-for-thought one instead. So that is why I use the ESV as my main Bible. I do keep my NIV next to my bed for reading at night but for study, I much prefer an ESV or a NASB. Both are very good for deeper study and I find both to be trustworthy.

All well and good. As I stated in my OP, there are already over 20 English versions in print! When is enough enough? Someone is just trying to make $$$$. I have read that the HCSB was started so the Southern Baptists wouldn't have to pay royalties to Zondervan for using the NIV in SS material. If you read a HCSB, it's not that much different from the NIV, only enough to avoid the fees. THAT is NOT, in my opinion, a GOOD reason for a new translation.

 

[tinytim]

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[tinytim]

Here is the reason I use many versions..
Each one brings out a brilliant facet of God's word..

For instance.. for devotions.. I use NLT, or here lately the TNIV
For deeper study I use KJV, NIV (although the NIV is a bit wooden to me) NASB, ESV or NKJV.

It all depends on how you use it.
If you use it for personal devotions.. to reflect, a dynamic equivalent is easier to use (In My Opinion)
For deeper word studies, a more word for word is better.

To soulwin, it depends.. if you are in the south where the KJV is widely used, you should probably use it.. or the NKJV.
but if you are in other areas where a multitude of translations are accepted, use a NLT or CEV... both speak to common man, and you don't have to know "biblespeak" to know what it is saying...
*biblespeak.. such as words like Justified, reconciled, salvation, that a person may not know the definition and it may complicate the situation.

I personally love esword... www.e-sword.net and over the yrs I have built up my translations on it... so that I rarely buy a new translation.

Thanks to TC I am loving my TNIV (won it off of his blog from Zondervan)

I am reading it, and understanding things I have never understood before...
Sometimes just rephrasing something brings understanding.

That is why the KJV translators encouraged the reader to use MANY different translations..

Each Translation brings a different light onto the truth...

NOW I SAID ALL OF THAT...
I also get frustrated at all the different types of Bibles.. like a bible for men, women, girl, boy, grandma, grandpa, plumber, etc... (well haven't seen the plumbers bible yet.. but give it time, and it will be out there...
Probably called "The Gospel according to Joe" lol)

And I do recognize that it is a money making business..

But as long as people USE the Bibles they buy.. I have no problem with it..
What I do have a problem with is Bibles that are not being put to use.

If you don't use them, give them away to someone who will...

 

[tinytim]

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[tinytim]

Man did I ever double post! ARGH!!!!!

 

[tinytim]

Sorry folks.... my computer went haywire!

 

[Jim1999]

During my private devotions, I try to read the Bible as if I new nothing about theology or the Bible and I am reading it for the first time. It is amazing what pops up and the spiritual values I missed before.

All through my ministry, I always use my KJV, but I have automatically changed outdated words and often paraphrased the verse as I quoted it.

The modern versions does much the same thing if we use them for that purpose. Sometimes we can be too critical as we read and hence miss the intent of the word.

I am always amazed at the preachers who insist on one version over another and then must demonstrate his vast knowledge of Greek and Hebrew before a congregation who knows nothing of Greek and Hebrew. Why not just use the NIV or some other version in the first place.

The whole point is to make the understanding of God's word simpler. I have used the kjv for too many years to change now. Also, most of my commentaries, theologies etc quote the kjv and then break into Greek, Hebrew and even German, which renders other versions unnecesary.

To each his own.

Cheers,

Jim

 

[Amy.G]

Aside from the bizillion versions, why does there have to the constant updating of the same version? For example, I have the NASB 1977 edition. About 20 years later an "update" (NASBU) came out that is certainly no better than the '77 edition, only a tad bit different in a few places. What changed since 1977? It seems this is just an attempt to keep up with the competetion and the latest and greatest version. Just marketing for profits.

 

[Alcott]

I truly believe that all these versions does nothing but cause problems and fighting amongst Christians. THAT is the reason I'm against so many MV's.

You answered your own question and justified your pathological need to fight at the same time.

 

[Baptist4life]

You answered your own question and justified your pathological need to fight at the same time.

Thank you for the kind remark.

 

[Keith M]

Sorry folks.... my computer went haywire!

And I thought you were just trying to get your point across, Tim! Just don't let it happen again. :laugh:

Seriously, I believe it's happened to many of us. No damage done.

 

[annsni]

Aside from the bizillion versions, why does there have to the constant updating of the same version? For example, I have the NASB 1977 edition. About 20 years later an "update" (NASBU) came out that is certainly no better than the '77 edition, only a tad bit different in a few places. What changed since 1977? It seems this is just an attempt to keep up with the competetion and the latest and greatest version. Just marketing for profits.

Is it that there are newer "revelations" so to speak on language translation? Or maybe something was translated somewhat clumsily and they need to fine tune it a bit? I know the ESV already has 2 "editions" and there are a few differences including one "goof" similar to one of the goofs in the KJV at one time. Genesis 30:35 is the verse:

2001 edition: "But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in charge of his sons."

2007 edition: "But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in the charge of his sons."

LOL