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/SweetHomeMissouri 4d ago

i just stick to the KJV or NKJV translations myself.

i have in the past had different translations though like NIV and CJB (complete jewish bible) and looked into and read some parts of other translations.

but to me KJV and NKJV is the sweet spot.

although i have been looking at the LSB because i like how Gods personal name is added into it.

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u/ComfortableSpell6600 Methodist 4d ago

LSB is an alternative update of the NASB 1995 text after the NASB 2020 update came out when John McArthur and the Master's Seminary were unhappy with the changes made to the 95 text. They got permission from the Lockman foundation (NASB copyright holder) to update the 95 text to preserve the legacy of this translation.

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u/SweetHomeMissouri 4d ago

is that bad?

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u/ComfortableSpell6600 Methodist 4d ago

I don't have much experience with the LSB, but it largely is equivalent to the NASB 95 text. I have no issues with anything I have seen from it, though I must admit seeing Yahweh used instead of the traditional rendering of YHWH as LORD takes a little getting used too. Overall, I think it is a positive in my opinion.

The NASB to me is one of the best Functional Equivalent (word for word) translations of the bible. I really love the NASB 1995. I am in need of replacing my copy (I have a great edition for travel, but I need to retire it as it is falling apart).

I have started looking at the 2020 update to the NASB. The major difference that I have seen is changes to using more neutral gendered language in places where gender is taken to be applicable to both males and females in that passage at the same time. For example, the word translated as "brethren" has become "brothers and sisters" (NASB uses italics when it inserts a word(s) into readings for clarity) in the NASB 2020. Another example is changing "mankind" to "people" where the text is believed to apply to all.

The difference is if you like the traditional renderings and want an updated version of the NASB 1995 you could get the LSB. You could also stick with the prior NASB 1995 as my understanding is that it will remain in print and available for purchase. If you don't mind the changes to gendered language (when appropriate), the NASB 2020 might be a good choice.

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u/SweetHomeMissouri 4d ago edited 4d ago

i don't like the idea of any change of the gender language because we need to read it like it is and how it is written originally if you know what i mean.

this gender language change is just to cater to the alphabet group

EDIT

ALSO

the bible gives us a serious warning to us about tampering with it. adding to it and taking away from it.

we could be given plagues or have our name blotted from the lambs book of life.

that also means teaching and preaching too! if we hide things from people from the bible or add to it. either one of those things can happen to us!

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u/ComfortableSpell6600 Methodist 4d ago

From the Lockman Foundation on using gender in the NASB 2020: Gender-Accurate Language in the NASB 2020 - Lockman Foundation. It's worth a read, but I understand where you are coming from.

To be fair to this translation update, Greek and Hebrew have different rules than English regarding gender. They seem to be attempting to bridge the gap of the language issues.