{Christians} What is the right version of the Bible ?

We actually looked at this in seminary.

There are two ideas for translation: translate the words, or, translate the meaning. Most do a bit of both.

Translating the words sounds good, but, e.g., there are 4 words in Greek that in English all come out as "love." But, which form of love? You need to explain it a bit. However, just translating the meaning of a phrase may introduce some biases from the translator. So, a balance is usually used.

The KJV was made long before there was a wide range of ancient versions available. So, it technically is not the best translation, as not only did they not have access to many versions, they made some curious choices. E.g., "unicorn." Really? It is also in really old language, which has changed enough that the means can be lost. It was designed to sound good when read aloud, which it still does, but, we did not use it for serious study in school.

Most used the NRSV, which leans towards the word for word, or, the NIV, which leans towards the essence (meaning) based translation method. While both have excellent scholarship, the NRSV is perhaps a bit more accurate, but, the NIV is a lot easier to read.

However, there are other excellent translations out there. In seminary, we read from many versions, and if we could not read the texts in their originals, we were encouraged to do so, and, we did it in class. There is no one "right" version of the Bible. All have strengths, and weaknesses.

The KJV is certainly NOT the Only Right version. Everyone who loves God's Word has their favorite. I grew up on the NIV but I discovered The Message and love it. The important idea is not which version but which attitude? Do we have a humble willing heart that seeks to invite, hear and attend His Holy Spirit when we sit down with Him? Do we want His wisdom? His instruction? Do we want to know Him better? Do we seek to draw nearer to Him? Nurture our relationship with Him? Experience His love? Know His truth and peace? We can when we seek His face in His Word.

one will be ever cautions with these books of words that have up to seven meanings attached to them and few there are who have more than 2/3keys to unlocking their meanings.

the kjv is the most accurate

The Gnostic texts.

1

All of them are the same.

What I LOVE to do is use BIBLEHUB...for key verses.

Otherwise, I like Amplified, Young's Literal, Berean.

And interlinear Greek/English

Problems With the New International Version

The New International Version (NIV) is one of the most popular English translations in the world. Efforts to produce this version began in the mid 1960’s. Sadly, it is one of the most dangerous versions available today. It is dangerous because it used by so many people and has so much error in it. The NIV is very popular with man-made churches. Many members of the Lord’s church have also selected the NIV for their main study Bible. In the Preface to the 1973 edition of the NIV, the translators state they “have striven for more than a word for word translation.” This shows the attitude of those who produced the NIV.

It is not possible to deal with all the problem passages in the New International Version in a short article. We will discuss only a few to show the dangers in this version.

PSALM 51:5

The American Standard Version correctly translates this passage: Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity; And in sin did my mother conceive me. However, the NIV translates it differently: Surely, I was sinful at birth, sinful from the time my mother conceived me.

The NIV teaches the false doctrine of original sin. This doctrine says a person is a sinner from birth. The Bible does not teach this doctrine. We are not born in sin. Babies and little children do not have sin. Jesus said: Suffer the little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for to such belongeth the kingdom of heaven (Matthew 19:14). Every person is responsible for his own sins. Ezekiel said: The soul that sinneth, it shall die: the son shall not bear the iniquity of the father, neither shall the father bear the iniquity of the son; the righteousness of the righteous shall be upon him, and the wickedness of the wicked shall be upon him. (Ezekiel 18:20).

Not only does the NIV teach the false doctrine of original sin in the Old Testament, but it does the same in the New Testament. In some passages, the NIV speaks of man’s sinful nature (Romans 7:18, 25). Man is not born in sin, but becomes a sinner when he breaks God’s law (Romans 3:23; 1 John 3:4).

ROMANS 1:17

For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith (KJV).

For in the gospel the righteousness of God is revealed—a righteousness that is by faith from first to last, just as it is written: ‘The righteous will live by faith.’ (NIV).

Many denominations (man-made churches) were unable to prove by using reliable versions of the Bible the doctrine of “salvation by faith alone,” so they have included it in the text of some of the modern translations. The NIV’s rendering “a righteousness that is by faith from first to last” seems to reflect this thinking. Truly, the only place in the Bible where faith only is mentioned is in James 2:24. James says: Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

Even though the New International Version has become one of the most popular translations being sold today, this does not mean that it is an accurate and trustworthy version of God’s Word. The wise man said: There is a way which seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death (Proverbs 14:12). Please be sure you are using a translation of the Bible that is correct and will not lead you away from the truth.

NIV NASB RSV KJV NKJV ESV

all goof

Well really to get the actual meaning, you should always read something in the original language. You can't always translate things exactly, and meaning is lost because of it. Such as the instances where the authors used words with double meanings to be significant to the verse. You can't translate that.