Best Version?

[Beachcomber]

NRSV is my choice. Crisp, clear.

Regarding the KJV only issue, here is a helpful book on that very subject: “The King James Only Controversy” by James R White, published by Bethany House. I think it’s still in print and can be found in Protestant bookstores. I’ve not seen in a Catholic bookstore.

 

[Waynec]

I have the ‘Truth and Life’ audio NT and it is very useful! I bought the cd’s when it first came out now I use the app for my IPad! I not only use it for personal reading, but I also use it for RCIA and Bible Study. Last week in RCIA, I played John chapter 6 on ‘Truth and Life’, then followed it with the ‘Catholicism’ DVD on the Mass and Eucharist (in which Fr. Barron commented on John chapter 6). I also use it for the Christmas and Holy Week readings (this is where the dramatized readings have more impact).

I have the Ignatius Press Lighthouse Catholic Media app. I did have to pay for the audio. Only thing the audio is only on the NT. I like it a lot. It reads the RSV CE and it has the foot notes and all. Again it was not free. You can check it out on the net.

 

[Isaiah45_9]

I am looking to purchase a Bible for my own reading. What in your opinion is the best version of the bible for both accuracy and ease of readability?
Also what are your thoughts on the King James Only belief espoused by some protestants? I used to hold this belief before I was convinced of the truth of the Catholic faith.

If you go for accuracy, you will lose some readability.

If you go for readability, you will lose some accuracy.

If it has to be only one translation, I’d suggest to do the following:

1. 
   *]Choose about 10-15 of your favorite verses and read them in each of the translations you are most interested.
   
   *]Take a week to read them, read them more than 2-3 times.
   
   You should have a really good idea of what translation you prefer after a week.
   
   Of course the best translation is the one we **actually **read .

 

[tvknight415]

Since you’re in Canada, the New Revised Standard Version is the one used in your lectionary. It’s in modern English and, except for a boatload of ‘inclusive language’, is considered very accurate.

If you don’t necessarily want your translation to match your lectionary, I’d recommend the Revised Standard Version-Second Catholic Edition, by Ignatius Press. It’s in modern English, but without the inclusive language. The first edition will have a little bit of older English thees/thys/thous.

Other options for you would be: New American Bible Revised Edition, New Jerusalem Bible, and the original Jerusalem Bible, in that order for accuracy (all are pretty readable). The NABRE and New Jerusalem will have some inclusive language, but neither nearly as much as the NRSV. The original Jerusalem Bible is probably the smoothest reading Bible I’d recommend.

For readability, I’d stick with a modern English translation, so no Douay-Rheims, Knox, or Confraternity editions. For accuracy, no paraphrase or simplified English translations like the Living Bible, Today’s English Version, Christian Community Bible, or New Community Bible.

Try several; the public library is your friend (Bible safaris can get expensive if you keep buying translations you ultimately won’t read). Check out a few and compare them. Spend some time with each. Then, go buy which one you feel most comfortable with. Ultimately, if you don’t actually read it, accuracy and readability really don’t mean squat.

 

[juliamajor]

I think it would be a good idea to invest in a parallel Bible where you can compare several translations at once.
It’s a win -win situation. You see different translations side by side and you have several versions for the price of one. It will also help you understand why there are multiple translations of scripture. Some verses are just not clear in the best of versions. Different takes on the same verse can clear up a troublesome line of scripture.

 

[Waynec]

For readability, I’d stick with a modern English translation, so no Douay-Rheims, Knox, or Confraternity editions. For accuracy, no paraphrase or simplified English translations like the Living Bible, Today’s English Version, Christian Community Bible, or New Community Bible.

If I might respectfully disagree–

The Douay-Rheims might be slightly and I underline slightly more difficult to read but it is beautiful and accurate.
I think that the Knox and Confraternity, which I own both of them, are very readable. I do like the Jerusalem bible but I think the DR is more accurate.

Just my opinion.

 

[CountrySteve]

You can’t go wrong with the NAB it has the honor of both being on the Vatican and USCCB website!

Pax