Suggest a good Bible translation

[QNDNNDQDCE]

The most literary English translation in my mind is the Douay-Rheims Bible. I don’t think it is still in print, but you can find scans of it on Google Books.

The Neuu Testament of Iesus Christ, translated faitfhully into English, out of the authentical Latin, according to the best corrected copies of the same, diligently conferred uuith the Greeke and other editions in diuers languages: Uuith Arguments of bookes and chapters, Annotations, and other necessarie helpes, for the better understanding of the text, and specially for the discouerie of the Corruptions of diuers late translations, and for cleering the Controversies in religion, of these daies: In the English College of Rhemes.

The Holy Bible faitfhully translated into English out of the authentical Latin, diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greek, & other Editions in diuers languages: With Arguments of the Bookes and Chapters, Annotations, Tables, & other helps, for better understanding of the text: for discouerie of Corruptions in some late translations: and for clearing controuersies in Religion. By the English Colledge of Douuay.

The Second Tome of the Holie Bible faithfully translated into English out of the authentical Latin, Diligently conferred with the Hebrew, Greek, and other Editions in diuers languages. With Arguments of the Bookes, and Chapters, Annotations, Tables, and other helpes, for better understanding of the text; for discouerie of corruptions in some late translations; and for clearing controversies in Religion. By the English Colledge of Douuay.

I’ve heard the Knox Bible praised for the poetry of its language but it, so far, has failed to sweep me off my feet.

 

[Cranch]

The most literary English translation in my mind is the Douay-Rheims Bible. I don’t think it is still in print, but you can find scans of it on Google Books.

This of course is the original, pre-Challoner Douay-Rheims. Have you tried reading it? In addition to the early spelling conventions, the typography (no “w” and instances where “f” served as an “s”) really makes things interesting. Here’s a comparison:

Hebrews 1:1-2, The Rheims New Testament:

Diversely and many vvaies in times paft God fpeaking to the fathers in the prophets: laft of al in thefe daies hath fpoken to vs in his Sonne, vvhom he hath appointed heire of al, by vvhom he made alfo the vvorldes.

Hebrews 1:1-2, The Challoner D-R revision:

God, who, at sundry times and in divers manners, spoke in times past to the fathers by the prophets, last of all, In these days, hath spoken to us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the world.

For those interested, the good news is it is in print transliterated into Modern English with the spelling modernized though I believe otherwise unaltered. The complete bible can be had in four paperback volumes here for $130, more for hardcover.

If you want to go hard-core, the original is also available in print as a facsimile edition here.

 

[x1980x]

Actually, the most poetic version IS the KJV. But it’s hard to interpret because of the archaic language so I don’t usually recommend it to someone who’s looking for a personal reading bible.
…

National Geographic Magazine did an article last year on the KJV - it mentioned the extreme and long-lasting effect the KJV had on the English language and English speaking people.

The KJV is considered by many to be the superlative masterpiece of the English language.

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**CAUTION: ** There are a few “bibles” that have been translated specifically for questionable purposes… Do not use Gideon Bibles, which are commonly found in motel rooms and various places. ETC ETC.

I thought that Gideon Bibles, at least in the US, were either KJV or NKJV. Do the Gideons actually change the text?

 

[SonCatcher]

I thought that Gideon Bibles, at least in the US, were either KJV or NKJV. Do the Gideons actually change the text?

Actually, that’s what I thought, too.

I always considered the Gideon Bible to be an excellent “in a pinch” alternative when traveling specifically because it is KJV. While not Catholic, it is reliable.

 

[x1980x]

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The trouble is that English has no simple word for “young, unmarried woman who is presumed to be a virgin” which is what the Hebrew almah means.
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“Maid” or “maiden” is actually the closest in English to capturing both meanings, and a man of letters like Monsignor Knox would have been well aware of this.

“Maiden” sounds good to my ears. “Lassie” might also work, but it may be a bit too dialectal and informal. “Girl” might work, but too many people might think of the primary meaning of an underage female and assume that the writer is talking about a 10 year old, and using “girl” to refer to a grown woman may be seen by some as demeaning (though semantically valid).