Criticized for my bible version choice

[LittleHalo]

Hi all, me again with my odd questions thank you for all your help and kindness

I wanted to buy a bible to study and read. I wanted it small and easy to carry, noting too elegant because I want to highlight and write notes in. I have many bibles in different versions at home and they are huge. So I will leave those on the book shelf for reading and comparing.
I searched for weeks over the different versions; how they came to be, when they were written, and why. I wanted to avoid copies of copies. I also considered if it was more literal translation or if it was written to deliver the meaning in today’s English. I came to the conclusion that NIV would be my choice. It is translated by scholars from original texts, and not old translations. It is made to be easy to read in today’s English, without straying far from the literal translation. I know there’s no apochripha but I can use my other bibles to go over those when the time comes.

My issue is that I’ve been criticized that it’s not true to the original texts like the KJV delivers. I said that it’s too complicated some times for me and I get lost what’s going on. Because of the too many there thee thoust shallith notith. I have to stop and read it a few times more to make sure I get it, then I have lost the flow of reading. And get frustrated.
I’m told that it’s more rewarding to understand KJV version because it is closer to the original translation because the English language is less today and that back then it was more accurate to original texts because the language could grasp the meaning. I said wait this version is translated by scholars of today, who might have advanced knowledge of ancient language and defined words more accurately than in the times of KJV. Translating it to old English is the same as translating it to German. It’s lust a language with its own language rules. I want it translated into the language of today’s English. But I still get looked down on for this.

I had even bought an ESV which is one version shy of being the most literal translation to compare how it’s written as I go incase there is a section that seems confusing I can see how it was written. Really there are such minor differences.

They even make a JKV and NIV comparison bible. I’ve been considering getting that but I already have my NIV study bible, I don’t need another. Help. How can I show there is nothing wrong with my choice? And I did my research before choosing bible? And the KJV is not the only bible out there?

 

[1ke]

I came to the conclusion that NIV would be my choice. It is translated by scholars from original texts, and not old translations. It is made to be easy to read in today’s English, without straying far from the literal translation. I know there’s no apochripha but I can use my other bibles to go over those when the time comes.

The NIV is not a Catholic bible and not approved by the Catholic Church. If you are a Catholic, you should be using an authorized Catholic bible.

The Catholic books of the bible that are not contained in non-Catholic bibles are not apocrypha. They are part of the Deuterocanon. You could call them deuterocanonical, but not apocrypha. Apocrypha are non-inspired books rejected by the Church as scripture.

My issue is that I’ve been criticized that it’s not true to the original texts like the KJV delivers.

The KJV is not a Catholic bible either. So, I’m not exactly sure who this is criticizing you.

But, again, a Catholic should use an authorized Catholic bible. There are pocket sized Catholic bibles. I have one.

I’m told that it’s more rewarding to understand KJV version because it is closer to the original translation because the English language is less today and that back then it was more accurate to original texts because the language could grasp the meaning.

If you want an authorized Catholic bible from that time period, then you should purchase a Douay-Rheims bible.

However, any authorized Catholic bible is perfectly fine.

I have a feeling you are not talking to Catholics if you are getting feedback that KJV is “the” bible.

They even make a JKV and NIV comparison bible. I’ve been considering getting that but I already have my NIV study bible, I don’t need another. Help.

Well, actually, you do need another. You need a Catholic bible. Approved for bible study by a Catholic bishop.

How can I show there is nothing wrong with my choice? And I did my research before choosing bible? And the KJV is not the only bible out there?

Why do you feel compelled to try to show any of this. Neither of those are Catholic bibles so you can’t argue from Church authority. That pretty much leaves “because I said so”.

 

[Bookcat]

The RSV is my favorite (and I think the best out there).

For one that is easy to carry with you (nice and small but readable)- this Pocket NT of the RSV just was published

scepterpublishers.org/collections/new-releases/products/pocket-new-testament

The full Bible is often not that “small” but Ignatius has one as do some other companies.

 

[Church_Militant]

The King James is not really as true to the original as some would have you believe. For instance it adds the doxology to the Lord’s prayer in Matthew 6:13 when it is not in the best and oldest manuscripts of the original. The fact is that it was an early church doxology that is actually only found in The Didache and apparently was added by some KJ copyists.

I think that the most important thing is to get a Bible translation that you will read and just ignore the critics unless it’s a heretical translation which, Thank God, there are few of around today.

Translations that I like…
RSV-CE 2nd
Confraternity Bible
Douay-Rheims
NAB
Jerusalem Bible

God bless.

 

[Padres1969]

Sounds like you’ve come across a KJV protestant. I’d simply ignore them. There’s no debating with them. Choose a version of the bible that speaks to you, you like and that you understand most importantly (and if you’re Catholic you might want to get the Catholic version since it has the Deuterocanonical books in it). The language in the KJV and Douay-Rheims bibles is beautiful, but sometimes it’s like trying to read the bible through a dense fog to sus out what is being said. And it’s not accurate to say those older versions are closer to the original either.

 

[Redkite]

Hello, when i first started to study to become Catholic I was advised to use the New Jerusalem Bible. I was given a copy for Christmas that year and I love it, I like the modern language and the introductions to each book. The only critiscism I have is the pages on mine are a little thin. I also bought a copy of the older Jerusalem Bible they were selling off at my church. I use them both for study and reading.
If I had any problems at first it was getting used to the format and numbering of the psalms but this was a minor issue.
I also got a copy of the Collins Catholic Bible, angliscised version which I can’t get on with and sits on the bookshelf…I don’t know if this version is an authorised bible? maybe someone on here can clear that up.
The new Jersalem bible comes in all sizes tho so you should find one to suit. I hope this is of some help.

God bless.

 

[Church_Militant]

Never heard of it Redkite, sorry.

I like the Jerusalem Bible better than the NJB, but

Like I said, it best to get one that you’ll read and it sounds like you did just that.

Sounds like you’ve come across a KJV protestant. I’d simply ignore them. There’s no debating with them. Choose a version of the bible that speaks to you, you like and that you understand most importantly (and if you’re Catholic you might want to get the Catholic version since it has the Deuterocanonical books in it). The language in the KJV and Douay-Rheims bibles is beautiful, but sometimes it’s like trying to read the bible through a dense fog to sus out what is being said. And it’s not accurate to say those older versions are closer to the original either.

Good answer…

 

[RPRPsych]

Excellent suggestions from all of you guys!

I’d also add: if you like the Jerusalem Bible but find its use of “Yahweh” for the name of the LORD off-putting or jarring, you might like the Catholic Truth Society Bible. This little gem is basically a Jerusalem Bible with (a) “Yahweh” replaced by LORD, and (b) a new translation of the Psalms which sticks to the old Vulgate numbering and is quite poetic. Add a set of notes that are modern but without being too liberal, and you have a very good Catholic Bible indeed.

 

[angell1]

The NIV is not a Catholic bible and not approved by the Catholic Church. If you are a Catholic, you should be using an authorized Catholic bible.

The Catholic books of the bible that are not contained in non-Catholic bibles are not apocrypha. They are part of the Deuterocanon. You could call them deuterocanonical, but not apocrypha. Apocrypha are non-inspired books rejected by the Church as scripture.

The KJV is not a Catholic bible either. So, I’m not exactly sure who this is criticizing you.

But, again, a Catholic should use an authorized Catholic bible. There are pocket sized Catholic bibles. I have one.

If you want an authorized Catholic bible from that time period, then you should purchase a Douay-Rheims bible.

However, any authorized Catholic bible is perfectly fine.

I have a feeling you are not talking to Catholics if you are getting feedback that KJV is “the” bible.

Well, actually, you do need another. You need a Catholic bible. Approved for bible study by a Catholic bishop.

Why do you feel compelled to try to show any of this. Neither of those are Catholic bibles so you can’t argue from Church authority. That pretty much leaves “because I said so”.

I have a related question then, back when I was first received in to the church, the priest and religious sister as well as my catechism teacher ordered a bible for me, I don’t even know from where.

anyways, turns out it was a KJV bible. it’s still the one I am using because, well, finding braille bibles is probably not that simple. either that or I have to try to read it online but I much prefer the hard copy.

I always just assumed it wasn’t really a big deal in this case but I didn’t know we were only supposed to use bibles approved by the bishop

 

[Beryllos]

Sounds like you’ve come across a KJV protestant. I’d simply ignore them. There’s no debating with them…

Exactly. If you are studying the Bible with protestants, you can expect some of that. Some of them believe that the KJV is the most accurate translation, as if the Holy Spirit would only once go to the trouble of guiding the translators, and then tell the rest of us “Hey, I told it to you once, and I’m not going to tell it again!”

The NIV is not a Catholic bible and not approved by the Catholic Church…

I myself would not be so disapproving. Once upon a time, NIV was my choice because the language was agreeable to me. I switched to NABRE so that I could have the same version as other Catholics (and the Mass readings), but I still fail to see a substantial difference in the accuracy of the translations.

I think that the most important thing is to get a Bible translation that you will read and just ignore the critics unless it’s a heretical translation which, Thank God, there are few of around today.

Agreed!

 

[adamhovey1988]

I have an array of Protestant Bibles (my father was Lutheran, and one of my great grandmother’s on the other side of the family was a Baptist Sunday School teacher). I have an NIV in my house, but I think it is actually my sister’s. Anyway, my preferred versions are RSV first and second Catholic editions. I bought my older sister an NRSV-CE Bible and the first Catholic Bible I got was NRSV-CE. I don’t despise it as much as other people, and I gave that one to my now 13 year old sister. I figured it would be easier for her to read. My 12 year old sister needs glasses, so I will probably buy her a large print Bible, if she promises to read it. Back to the topic; pick what you prefer. BUT, if you need some help
catholic.com/blog/trent-horn/which-translation-of-the-bible-is-the-best
catholic.com/tracts/bible-translations-guide

 

[FollowChrist34]

I think you should read a wide variety of Bibles. Catholic, Protestant, old, new. It is ok to have favorites. Once I decided to really read the Bible, I bought a used KJV for $2, carried it around for a number of years. Read it outside on hikes, at the library, coffee shops, home, everywhere. It is now falling apart. I have nice Bibles I would never carry in my backpack too. The bottom line is that you read it in a way that works for you - something you will actually carry through with. We dispute endlessly about translations, but they are not that FAR apart. The books, absence or movement, is a little more serious. Just learn the proper Catholic order as far as I am concerned. To me, the best Bible is still KJV, 1611 (it has the Apocrypha). No contest. (though again I did start with my mother’s Catholic Bible from my childhood - that is how I learned the order and books)

 

[1ke]

I have a related question then, back when I was first received in to the church, the priest and religious sister as well as my catechism teacher ordered a bible for me, I don’t even know from where.

anyways, turns out it was a KJV bible. it’s still the one I am using because, well, finding braille bibles is probably not that simple. either that or I have to try to read it online but I much prefer the hard copy.

I always just assumed it wasn’t really a big deal in this case but I didn’t know we were only supposed to use bibles approved by the bishop

I googled Catholic Bible in braille and found several sources to purchase the Douay or the New American Bible in braille. They are expensive. It’s not a priority, but something you should consider if and when you have the resources to get a complete Catholic bible in braille.

Don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong or sinful with owning a non-Catholic bible.

For bible study, the Catholic approved bible with Catholic footnotes and explanations are best. I would not recommend bible study from a non-Catholic source.

Edited to Add:

Aha! A Catholic publishing company for the blind:

xaviersocietyfortheblind.org/index.php/site/services/

 

[rfournier103]

Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone tell me which might be better; the Douay Rheims Bible or the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition? Looking to replace my NAB and will likely own both versions eventually, but trying to decide which to get first.

Thanks.

 

[RPRPsych]

Not to hijack the thread, but can anyone tell me which might be better; the Douay Rheims Bible or the Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition? Looking to replace my NAB and will likely own both versions eventually, but trying to decide which to get first.

Thanks.

I’d say go for the Douay-Rheims first. It’s a translation from the Vulgate, so it includes portions (such as Tobit 6) which you’ll find to be quite different in the RSV or any modern Catholic Bible. The notes by Bishop Challoner are good and orthodox. The only downside is the somewhat archaic language, but it grows on you after a point.

 

[rfournier103]

The only downside is the somewhat archaic language, but it grows on you after a point.

That won’t be a problem. I like my Bible to “sound” like a Bible… know what I mean? I own a great 1962 missal and LOVE the language of the English translations of the Scriptures.

Thank you for your (name removed by moderator)ut!

 

[Redkite]

Never heard of it Redkite, sorry.

I like the Jerusalem Bible better than the NJB, but

Like I said, it best to get one that you’ll read and it sounds like you did just that. :thumbsup:Good answer…

Hi Church Militant,
The Title of the Collins Catholic Bible is “Catholic Bible anglicized NRSV”
the ISBN is 987-0-00-741409-3

It includes the Grail Psalms, plus the vulgate psalms and Mass readings. It’s a nice Bible but contains no introductions or instructive text so I found it hard to use when studying to become a Catholic.
If you want to check it out you should find it on Amazon. I bought my copy from waterstones book store.

God bless

 

[angell1]

I googled Catholic Bible in braille and found several sources to purchase the Douay or the New American Bible in braille. They are expensive. It’s not a priority, but something you should consider if and when you have the resources to get a complete Catholic bible in braille.

Don’t misunderstand me, there is nothing wrong or sinful with owning a non-Catholic bible.

For bible study, the Catholic approved bible with Catholic footnotes and explanations are best. I would not recommend bible study from a non-Catholic source.

Edited to Add:

Aha! A Catholic publishing company for the blind:

xaviersocietyfortheblind.org/index.php/site/services/

I don’t really use my bible for bible study, just for reading at home. it would be a hassle to lug those large volumes around.

I don’t even know if mine was purchased or just borrowed. I was only around 12 at the time and a bunch of boxes just showed up.

thanks for the link. I will look in to it one day, like you said, braille in general tends to be expensive

 

[Todd977]

It seems that the NIV translators sometimes sacrificed accuracy to push their conservative Evangelical theology. Deliberate Mistranslation in the New International Version (NIV)

 

[jinglebelle]

I do hope everyone covered their face when using the word Y***h