Up until the end of 1994, I preached using the King James Version or the New King James Version of the Bible. Since then, I have regularly preached using the New International Version. I did this primarily because the King's English is just not how any of us talk. It is interesting that I still mostly quote scripture from memory in a KJV to NKJV version.
Well, after having preached from the NIV for years, I am still not quite satisfied with a few translation issues within it. Anything I have a problem with, I just adjust on the fly based on my understanding of Greek and Hebrew. SO - I am at a point of decision.
I have been looking again at the New American Standard and the English Standard Version. The English Standard Version is promoted as being a very literal translation of Hebrew and Greek into English. I have it as one of my Bible versions in PC Study Bible. However, I do not have an actual hard copy ESV Bible just yet.
The big deal is that if I change to the ESV, it sort of pushes the congregation to go in that direction. So, to change is a big deal for me. My NIV Bible that I have used for study is marked up pretty good from years of use. I would certainly keep it - but would feel that I would need to start over marking up a new copy in a different version.
Be interested to hear your thoughts and your preferences!
I have never felt compelled to have the same translation that the pastor preached from. It's a matter of personal choice (as long as it's a real translation and not just a paraphrase). I've never copied notes from one bible to another. Maybe I should go back and check some things...
Posted by: Mrs. H | May 06, 2011 at 06:25 AM