Bible Versions

[Scrawly]

I need a new Bible. I have been thinking about which version to buy. I have narrowed it down to TNIV or the NET bible. Which would you choose, and does anyone have reason to persuade me away from either of these translations?

Thanks.

PS: Please feel free to recommend another translation you feel is superior to the two listed above.

[Obsidian]

I recommend KJV and NASB, in that order. Actual translations, not interpretations. I think NET is pretty much the worst. And if you like a really PC, feminist-friendly Bible, certainly go with the latest NIV.

[Scrawly]

..I think NET is pretty much the worst..

Why?

[RBerman]

I need a new Bible. I have been thinking about which version to buy. I have narrowed it down to TNIV or the NET bible. Which would you choose, and does anyone have reason to persuade me away from either of these translations? Please feel free to recommend another translation you feel is superior to the two listed above.

ESV enjoys broad evangelical consensus for accuracy, albeit its readability is occasionally clunky. TNIV (now known simply as NIV, because the old NIV is not currently published) has come under fire for a degree of gender egalitarianism that has the effect of obscuring some OT passages fulfilled in Christ.

[Paprika]

It depends on what you're using the Bible for. I use (and would recommend) NET for studying because at just about every interpretational juncture there's a footnote detailing other possible renderings (and why they were not chosen). These cover issues ranging from textual criticism to grammar to the English diction used.

[Cow Poke]

Have you even considered a Parallel Bible?

[robrecht]

Just learn Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. They are not as hard as people think. It takes some time, so in the meantime you can just focus on a few verses at a time. I really think this is the best way to approach the Bible. Why waste time with translations? It can be useful to consult many translations of others while you are learning to read the inspired texts, but try not to waste too much time on them. God will greatly value your faithful efforts.

[The Remonstrant]

I need a new Bible. I have been thinking about which version to buy. I have narrowed it down to TNIV or the NET bible. Which would you choose, and does anyone have reason to persuade me away from either of these translations?

Thanks.

PS: Please feel free to recommend another translation you feel is superior to the two listed above.

You may wish to check out the Holman Christian Standard Bible if you haven't already. There a numerous margin notes and the translation of the text seems to lie somewhere between the New International Version and the English Standard Version. It is a kind of compromise between dynamic and formal equivalence referred to by Holman as "optimal equivalence" (somewhat gimmicky, I know). The publishing house is Baptistic in orientation.

[The Remonstrant]

ESV enjoys broad evangelical consensus for accuracy, albeit its readability is occasionally clunky. TNIV (now known simply as NIV, because the old NIV is not currently published) has come under fire for a degree of gender egalitarianism that has the effect of obscuring some OT passages fulfilled in Christ.

I would second RBerman's recommendation for the English Standard Version. I will typically use this version of the Bible in conjunction with the HCSB. You may have noticed that I often quote texts of Scripture from the ESV on T-Web. The ESV is in the same basic vein as the NASB, RSV and the NKJV. The one thing I do prefer about the Holman is its copious notes (margin notes and bullet notes).

[mossrose]

New American Standard.

ESV would be my second choice.

[Zymologist]

I'm rather fond of my 1599 Geneva Bible, but I can't really pinpoint any particular translational reason for this. I just like it.

Otherwise, I have always been comfortable with the NASB, and heard only good things about the ESV.

[Scrawly]

Thanks for the recommendations everyone.

I am still strongly considering the NET bible for reasons cited by Paprika. I like the NASB, however, when was the last time it was updated/revised? I shy away from the ESV because I am concerned about sectarian bias, however, is this of my own imagining? The ESV also seems to be a favorite of the New Calvinists and Piper cubs, and I like to be just a bit different.

[Pentecost]

As I've heard ESV and NASB are the two most literal of modern translations, I use ESV myself, though it is a bit clunky.

[Jedidiah]

I am still strongly considering the NET bible for reasons cited by Paprika. I like the NASB, however, when was the last time it was updated/revised? I shy away from the ESV because I am concerned about sectarian bias, however, is this of my own imagining? The ESV also seems to be a favorite of the New Calvinists and Piper cubs, and I like to be just a bit different.

ESV and NASB are quite similar.

[Scrawly]

https://bible.org/article/net-niv-es...cal-comparison

So, despite the fact that no translation is flawless, I would nevertheless like to steer clear of the ESV for the above reason(s) alone.