Bible Translations

GhettoFabulous · 07-04-2009, 10:53 PM

With all of the religious conversations going on these days, I was wondering, why is the King James Version of the Bible the most preferred translation used.

Feel free to use any logical explanations, scripture and historical context.

Above all else, keep it respectful.

kornkobbler · 07-04-2009, 11:17 PM

Korn would also like to know the answer to that question. From what I gather, it was not the first English translation of the scriptures after all.

GhettoFabulous · 07-04-2009, 11:19 PM

I've been doing a lot of research on it lately - being a Bible student

and that is true, it in fact was preceeded by a couple of other translations, but from what I'm finding out those translations didn't edify the kings of the time, even before James.

kornkobbler · 07-04-2009, 11:30 PM

I found this kinda interesting.

Quote:

Indeed, there are several verses that seem to be missing from the NIV (partial list: Matt 17:21, Mark 7:16, Mark 11:26, Acts 8:37, Acts 9:6). There are other verses that seem much shorter in the NIV. In the KJV, John 6:47 reads, “He that believeth on me hath everlasting life.” In modern translations, the same verse reads, “He who believes has eternal life,” with the words “on me” left out. Did the NIV and NASB leave verses and portions of verses out? Well, not exactly. The earliest manuscripts found do not contain those verses and extra phrases. Those are, in fact, additions to the KJV, rather than subtractions in later translations. Some of those words and verses do appear as margin notes in some early texts, but were clearly not part of the verses.

As stated earlier, the purpose of the KJV translators was to produce a translation that was understood in the common language of the day. That is also a driving force behind many of the modern translations. This is, in fact, why we cite verses from the NIV in our articles more frequently than we cite verses from the KJV. Tests show that reading and comprehending the KJV requires a 12th grade reading level. In contrast, the NASB requires an 11th grade reading level, and the NIV only a 7.8.

Some of the words that were common language 400 years ago are not so common today. Consider the following words and phrases from the KJV: “ceiled” (Haggai 1:4), “clouted upon their feet” (Joshua 9:5), “cotes” (2 Chronicles 32:28), “sackbut” (Daniel 3:5), “brigandines” (Jeremiah 46:4), “wen” (Leviticus 22:22), “tabret” (Genesis 31:27), etc. That’s not including other KJV words such as almug, neesing, chode, habergeon, etc. Even as I write these words, my spell-checker is creating a sea of red in this paragraph!

The Truth About the King James Only Controversy

GhettoFabulous · 07-04-2009, 11:32 PM

I haven't seen that one, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the post.

kornkobbler · 07-04-2009, 11:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhettoFabulous

I haven't seen that one, I'll have to check it out. Thanks for the post.

Neither had I before tonight. I just Googled "KJV" and all kinds of things popped up, mainly the controversy that it is the only "true" version of the Bible. But of course that's kinda silly cuz the original texts weren't even written in English. I know grownups who get confused reading A Tale of Two Cities. And if the whole idea is to translate into a language everyone can understand and be able teach to others, then why would we need to dwell on archaic speech this way?

Someone please help me understand what makes this translation THE translation.

Gee Q · 07-04-2009, 11:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornkobbler

Neither had I before tonight. I just Googled "KJV" and all kinds of things popped up, mainly the controversy that it is the only "true" version of the Bible. But of course that's kinda silly cuz the original texts weren't even written in English. I know grownups who get confused reading A Tale of Two Cities. And if the whole idea is to translate into a language everyone can understand and be able teach to others, then why would we need to dwell on archaic speech this way?

Someone please help me understand what makes this translation THE translation.

good ole sydney carton

kornkobbler · 07-05-2009, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by QBONE

good ole sydney carton

"The clever one may decipher. Any less is verily deserving of whatever comes hence."

Say what, Syd???

GhettoFabulous · 07-05-2009, 12:32 AM

i read that page, but of course the minute it started casting aspersions, I quickly left. Interesting information about the translation though.

kornkobbler · 07-05-2009, 07:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhettoFabulous

i read that page, but of course the minute it started casting aspersions, I quickly left. Interesting information about the translation though.

Hey hey now! Let's keep this PG!!

GhettoFabulous · 07-05-2009, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kornkobbler

Hey hey now! Let's keep this PG!!

ha ha ha....

I also 'unearthed' that the reason for the NIV and other newer editions of the KJV were because the words they used then can be said easier now - in other words so that more can get the message. I have this version, as well as the NIV and an 8 translation Bible that I love because it lets me see the scriptures all at once. It really helps to get the meaning, especially when I'm door to door and can help others go to THEIR Bible. I guess thats why I like talking about it - if it gets people to read the word. I think there are so many self help books out there now - with a lot of the same principles that are found in the scriptures, that it's really the only self help book you need, wouldn't you say?

Either way, I hope more who use the KJV can help out here.

L0VE · 07-05-2009, 02:25 PM

I was thinking about getting the New Living Translation at the bookstore. What you think about it Korn? I've noticed that the big difference is that they use LORD instead of Jehovah. I was just browsing I wasn't able to sit down compare. I look at two scriptures and they convey the same meaning thats in my bible.

GhettoFabulous · 07-05-2009, 07:11 PM

I currently have the following translations
NWT - New World Translation
King James Version - my mothers Bible, it's also a womens study Bible.
NIV
The Eight Translation New Testament available at Amazon

Amazon.com: Eight Translation New Testament: Tyndale House Publishers: Books
Amazon.com: Eight Translation New Testament: Tyndale House Publishers: Books

The Word - 26 translation Bible. The Word - The Bible from 26 Translations

kornkobbler · 07-05-2009, 07:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xBambina

I was thinking about getting the New Living Translation at the bookstore. What you think about it Korn? I've noticed that the big difference is that they use LORD instead of Jehovah. I was just browsing I wasn't able to sit down compare. I look at two scriptures and they convey the same meaning thats in my bible.

I've never picked up a copy of it. But I do make regular use of a website which cross-references it with at LEAST five other versions including:

King James Version
New King James Version
New Living Version
New International Version
English Standard Version
New American Standard Version
Revised Standard Version
American Standard Version
Young Literal's Version

Blue Letter Bible - Home Page

I get SO sick of this claim that Jehovah's Witnesses have their OWN Bible. That's not only stupid, it's a flat out LIE. Not only are there plenty of nonwitness people using the New World Translation, there are plenty of witness people who use the King James Version, myself included. Get your facts straight, kiddies. Go attack the Mormons if you wanna say someone is writing Bibles of their own BUT GET OFF MY BACK.

kornkobbler · 07-05-2009, 07:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GhettoFabulous

I currently have the following translations
NWT - New World Translation
King James Version - my mothers Bible, it's also a womens study Bible.
NIV
The Eight Translation New Testament available at Amazon Amazon.com: Eight Translation New Testament: Tyndale House Publishers: Books
The Word - 26 translation Bible. The Word - The Bible from 26 Translations

This reference tool has been in my family for nearly two decades. Good choice.