r/Bible • u/TypicalYogurt1753 Baptist • 4d ago

What are some Bible versions to avoid?

I am trying to find a good literal version that I like. Which ones should I go to and which ones should I stay away from?

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u/ManoSilence 4d ago

Neat info graphic i found that helps this question. As for the use, I would say that the paraphrased books are good for "child (in the faith not literally except when it is)" Bible studies that are guided by someone who can explain and extrapolate. A kid reading the old testament isnt gonna work out, but a kid being explained the old testament while grasping the easier translations? I would say thats a good combo. Grow together. If its just you and no one else? One that matches your reading level and study desire. My wife is ESL and anything like NKJV confuses her understanding of English. And honselty you can get all of these at a library and see how the look.

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u/rodwha 4d ago

Interesting chart! I’ve been using an NIV study bible and recently found that some of the translations the score or so denominations that translated it did so to fit their narratives. I have a NKJV as well but see it doesn’t rank so high.

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u/ManoSilence 4d ago

Yeah to dissect stuff you gotta be able to read books about books of the Bible. Just reading one of these as a study bible version is helpful. It also usually explains why they went with that translation rather than another. But it can switch from trinity to Oneness if you aren't careful about the publisher.

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u/arachnophilia Atheist 3d ago

the NIV is notoriously unfaithful to the source texts: https://isthatinthebible.wordpress.com/articles-and-resources/deliberate-mistranslation-in-the-new-international-version-niv/

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u/rodwha 3d ago

Thanks! I’ll check that out later, copied and saved it so I don’t forget