That’s what I thought it was re done as a thought for thought after The Living Bible but I hear some still saying it’s a paraphrase but by some of the comparisons I’ve personally made I would say it’s a translation.
Loved this video! Thank you for the information shared. I am going to purchase a NIV Bible and a NLT Bible journal and read them in parallel as I study.
Great video! I absolutely love the NLT. The translators actually call it a Dynamic Equivalence based on Thought for Thought. It's so readable and has made me fall in love with the Bible again. I don't like how some people look down on those who prefer the NLT. "NLT is for new believers (or children only)." I'm a fairly strong reader and I still prefer the NLT.
I have used the Parallel Plus app and went verse for verses with the NLT, NET, CSB, NIV, ESV, & LSB/NASB95 and they all literate say the same thing but word it differently but not in a way that takes something of value away from the text. I personally have a NLT and a ESV that I read together. I’ll read one chapter in the NLT and then read that same chapter in the ESV and I’ve found that to be a great way to use them both and so far from Acts 1-12 the NLT hasn’t misrepresented or translated anything that I’ve read yet
Great video. I've tried all 3 versions, and I agree that they all have their uses. I use the NIV because it has that mixture of word for word and thought for thought, so it's accurate and understandable at the same time.
NLT is not a Paraphrase it is a legitimate full translation fromt he ground up focusing on accuracy. A lot of the confusion people like this man have is lack of knowledge on it and researching it. It was originally concieved as a update on what WAS a paraphrase bible (The living, translation) but this idea was nixed and instead they decided to do a Full, proper, translation focusing on readability with as little sacrifice to accuracy as possible (which is a side affect of translating itself) NLT is a solid choice and is infact a real translation/Bible. Plus it has better footnotes than the NIV and ESV (it includes both majority and critical text trnaslations) which makes it more accurate than those 2, generally speaking.
Sooooo, I have 3 translations that I like for different reasons, as you talked about. 1. In general, I use my NLT the most. I do my morning devotionals with it, usually preach with it, etc. 2. If I want a bit more of that literal feel, I tend to go ESV, though I have some critiques in its theological leanings. 3. When studying for a message or just deep theology work in general, Im REALLY enjoying the new NRSVue. Specifically love the "Pistis Christou" changes, with it being one of the only translations to do so.
I use ESV, for many of the reasons that you gave. Another reason is that I was given a Bible probably 12 or more years ago now that was ESV and it’s a gift I cherish. I’ve spent a lot of time in it and it’s become familiar to me.
I totally get that, I stuck with an NIV for too long because I really cherished the physical book itself. Had to move on to something that made more sense. Luckily your cherished version is a good one 👍
@@TattooedTheist I would also add that I probably read most often in the Bible app. I use ESV, but have a bunch of others including paraphrases on tap to get different perspective on a verse in order to bring clarification if I feel like I need it. I also appreciate the utility of a guided “plan” to keep me in the word daily. That being said, I don’t like many of the plans that cherry pick verses, I generally stick to the Bible in a year type plans for my daily walk.
I use the NIV mostly to follow along in church. ESV is good only if you have the study version. I also used the Amplified to compare the wording. I have to have a study bible to check the meaning.
I disagree that the NLT is a paraphrase. It is a thought for thought translation. I use a comparison app which allows me to look at 6 translations at the same time. I have yet to find a verse in the NLT that doesn't match the exact message of the ESV, KJV, NASB, NABRE, NIV.
I speak both French, and English. I grew up speaking both. I live in the states now and still watch film, comedy and listen to music in French. I often try to translate things to my wife, and word for word is almost never accurate to the original meaning. Sometimes there’s not even an expression for it in English, let alone the differences in dialects and phrases within different regions within the language, cultural meanings as well. So I fully understand the need for both a word for word and thought for thought combination. I can’t even begin to understand what a massive amount of work it took to translate the Bible into English.
Great input from your personal experience. So many people don't understand how difficult it truly is to translate things between languages, it's a very messy game and highly misunderstood. Appreciate your input here!
I actually have found that the NLT is often essential to understand what actually is being said. I have found that it often clears up misunderstanding. Exodus 34:28 in context actually corrects the text correctly. If you read Exodus 34:1 you will understand why I say it. This isn't the only thing that they fix. I wouldn't say their approach is always perfect, as some things do need dual meaning and the NLT tends to go for 1 side. NLT isn't a paraphrase, but the NLV was.
I really like the NET, ESV, and NIV versions. The new king James version and ERV is good if you just want to have a better understanding of where language is coming from in the English language. It is more like reading the poetics of Shakespeare. It's not super accurate but it is pretty to read prose.
Many peoples story. NIV as first bible, due to its mainstream popularity! However most 'deep thinkers, or critical thinkers' move on from it as they learn more.
I use the LSB for my formal translation and the NIV for my functional. As much as I love the LSB the NIV is so much more readable especially in the Old Testament.
The LSB is about as accurate as it gets. I love it and it is always my go to, but I agree in the old testament some areas can get really tedious in any formal equivalent translation. Especially Chronicles in my opinion
That part is true about the different religions that the translations are different from like you stated the NLT, NIV, ESV, I read KJV is a little hard but I like to read different one and this figure it out which one is the truth. As long as they teach from the beginning to Revelation and our look at the scriptures and they match that's what I look for and that's my my opinion please do some videos on KJV, I would like to know more about the old English translation thank you very much!!
I am returning to faith since my teen years. Our church back then used the KJV. Since I am getting back into reading and studying again I had chosen a NLT. It is definitely more readable to me, and I do switch back and forth with the Bible app. So I will probably have a mixture of translations eventually. 😅
My go-to for most of my adult life has been the NASB. It’s word for word, highly accurate,and I find, when people are trying to explain something, they use a lot of the language in NASB. For easy general reading, I like the NKJV. Agree completely on KJV though. It pretty much sucks.
I definitely need to get an ESV, because I often find my NASB is not literal or translates things into colloquial English that doesn't make sense to me. Thankfully I read one with side notes that offer the more literal or alternative translations!
Thank you so much for this video❣️ I too grew up with the KJV. As an adult now, I want to go back with my faith to the Lord that's why I'm so confuse as I didn't know back then that there are many versions. I feel like ESV is the way to go now🙏 God bless us all!
Of course! Thanks for the positive comment, I appreciate your words here. I think you're very much on the right track, just stay true to truth rather than opinions :). If you're ever interested, come find us on discord, we have a wildly smart group of biblical students all sharing in the learning process :) mee6.xyz/i/8ZWP98sVFl
Finally, the NLT (#2) is outselling the KJV (#4). I read in multiple translations individually as well as multiple parallel (4 column) formats, and I rarely read just one translation plus study notes or commentary in a session. I agree with your sentiments. I think the CSB Study Bible, the revised NIV Study Bible, and the NET 2nd full notes edition are tremendous resouces as well. I use multiple commentaries of different types and persuasions, but it is hard to beat John Macarthur's. God Bless.
I’ve been in reading the book of Acts (I’m on ch. 12 now) and I will read a chapter by chapter. I will read a chapter in my NLT and then read that same chapter in my ESV. Just off my own personal finding so far, the NLT is pretty dang accurate and has said the same thing my ESV has said but uses more modern English. I started my journey as a KJV only person and the more I learned about bible translations, I started to branch off. I would be doing a Bible study with my girlfriend (who uses a CSB) and I would read a verse or 2 and I’d be clueless as to what I just read because I was so focused on just saying the words how they were written I couldn’t understand what I was saying at the same time so she’d have to read what hers’ said. I never would have imagined I’d loved a translation like I do the NLT. I love the ESV as well and it is a great companion to my NLT. I use the ESV for my own personal journaling/study.
NLT is my choice too. So much easier to read and actually comprehend and understand without trying to figure out how to pronounce words in the olde English format. Everyone will have their own opinion on which to read, and none of them are wrong. The main thing is we all read the word, know the word, and live the word of God, who is the word! God bless!
I have a CSB my mom got me for my last birthday but I do prefer the NSV, I have like 10 different Bibles lol. I have 3 NSVs, 1 with the Apocryphal, 2nd that is the Global Impact study; I love this one!, and the other is the McArthur study. My church uses the NIV so I need one of those.
Hahah I have a bunch of different version too, nothing wrong with that. Just cross compare and see where they differ, make sure you're getting good general concepts.
Currently reading the MEV which I understand to be a literal translation. Still need a study Bible tho… sounds like the ESV may be the route to go (this is Mike btw)
The NLT was recommended to me by a friend and so I've been looking up various opinions about it as I don't know any language other than English. A translator for the NLT said that their team was put together after the publisher wanted to revise the paraphrase of The Living Bible, but then changed their mind and decided to do a new translation instead. Are you mistakenly thinking of The Living Bible when you say the NLT is a paraphrase or do you think the translators took functional translation too far and made a paraphrase instead of a true translation? As I said, I'm unfamiliar with the NLT and am looking into it so I'm not sure what it is. One authority says it's a translation; you say it's a paraphrase: I suppose I need to do some thinking and figure out where my own line in the sand is between a paraphrase and a translation.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy of the NLT you will love it. It is a thought for thought translation (not a paraphrase). It is beautifully written and easy to understand.
I bought a Bible a few years ago just to look up things people were quoting from the Bible. It is called the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV). I can find no review of this Bible and was wondering if you knew anything about it. I now have a ESV study Bible and an American Standard Version but find the ERV very easy to read (imagine that).
I really enjoyed this video. However I have a question regarding the NIV. Did they change the meaning of certain words and pronouns to fit todays culture narrative? Also, are there verses “missing” in the NIV? I currently use my MEV Fire Bible, do you know much about the MEV and what’s your opinion on that version. Thanks, and God Bless!
The question of introducing ulterior culture into the Bible is a valid concern. I think with today’s wokeshevik culture, it’s wise to be on guard. I think the NIV is unfairly maligned, I have used it extensively (and consider myself a non-woke, conservative complementarian) and I find nothing in it that is woke. People cite the NIV using “brothers and sisters” and presenting Junia as outstanding among the apostles, but these (in my opinion) are not woke issues. If they are, then most of the early church fathers, and the KJV and NKJV, were woke, because they said Junia was a woman and an apostle as well. The NIV missed out on some nuance at times because it can be interpretive, but when I meet people who are not Bible nerds like we are, I always recommend the NIV. If I could only have one on a desert island, I’d take my NIV Pitt Minion bound in American bison ❤️
In 2001 I bought my first Bible and tried reading it. I found it so cumbersome that I put it down and not until 2012, 10 years later when I bought an NIV did I start reading and loving the Bible. Today in 2023 I am still reading the Bible everyday. I am trying to transition to the ESV but my emotional and spiritual ties to my NIV keep me going back to it, but I love them both. I have the NLT and find it too simple.
Hey man good clip and I agree with you on the NIV, ESV and NLT. I use the ESV as my major translation while reading the others for casual reading. I did want to bring a different perspective to the KJV. Yes...the KJV is archaic in its language and the KJV only people can border on being just plain weird. I wouldn't recommend a new Christian attempting to tackle the KJV as a daily reader. But there are several things to acknowledge about this translation: 1) In the early 1600's the KJV was the ESV of its day. 2) For over 300 years (wow) if you came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in the English speaking world, chances are the KJV was preached to you. 3) All the great English speaking preachers Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon (to name a few) used the KJV as their daily Bible. Regardless of its imperfections and motives of interpreters (which could be argued regarding all translations), God has used the KJV translation in a powerful way. One thing I wish the ESV interpreters had done (since it is considered a Word for Word) that the KJV, NKJV and NASB interpreters did and that is to italicize the words they took liberty to add that differed from the original languages. Just my opinion and once again GREAT video! Keep Pressin' On!
I'm reading NASB, HCSB (not the CSB, even though that one is good too to some degree), and ESV. I also really like NIV. I can't help it. I like many different translations. I dont subscribe to just one. I certainly dont put one above the other. My main goal is to learn the word of God. Somedays, I prefere a more laid back reading then others. Thats the beauty of all of the translations. There's one for every occasion. I was told NASB is the most literal word for word on the market even more so then the ESV. Looking into the LSB now. But waiting till fall 24, when Dr. MacArthur is releasing his LSB study Bible. Just found your channel. Subscribed. Any man who willing to challenge the KJV is a man I can get behind.
comm“The AV/KJB will always be the best English version of the Bible because it is tied so wonderfully to the ‘original’ ‘God-breathed’ Words. And, it is translated in such a way that it will never be surpassed because of its simplicity of phrasing, beauty of words, preciseness, accuracy, faithfulness, and method and standard of translating. There are no translational errors.” H.D. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., The King James Bible’s Accuracy & Faithfulness, p.83ent
Do you know that in both the Geneva Bible and the King James the word "you" is always plural? It is not that way in later bibles. That is a great distinction between those two bibles. I think the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE is superb!
I would love to hear a video just on the KJV Bible. I've been told my entire life by family and at church that that's the "most accurate" translation. But I always had a hard time believing that because of what was going on in history at the time it was commissioned.
Sounds interesting! I'll need to look up that video of yours as well. I've always been a bit suspicious of the KJV as I didn't grow up with it and heard that KJ wanted a Bible that supported the monarchy absolutely.
if the rsv is from the original Documents then it is the most accurate and my pastor said the kJV is the most Accurate so how do we know wich one is right
Not that I know much, but the more I learn to read and study the biblical languages, the less dogmatic I am about a specific translation. All three of these translations will serve you well. Best of all: why not use all three? :)
I agree 100%. I would hold that depending on what your purpose in reading is, there still may be a better option over others. But regardless, as long as you're seeking truth in some manner, it's a good thing :)
Great video. I disagree that the NLT is a paraphrase. The Living Bible was a paraphrase. The NLT is a thought for thought translation. The only difference between the NIV and the NLT is that the NIV incorporates some "word for word" mixed in with the "thought for thought." I think it's okay for people to not to be a fan of the NLT, but it concerns me when it is misrepresented.
Even though modern eclectic textual criticism has rejected the Byzantine text and modern translations are based almost exclusively on the text of Westcott/Horts or in his modern edition of Nestle-Aland, there is much to be said for taking as a basis the text that was demonstrably predominant in Christendom until the printing of the book and which can be represented very well. This text comes from the area in which the New Testament was created and copied. The core area of the Greek language was there and the copyists understood what they were copying (and could verify it). In the Byzantine tradition, passages long since discarded by modern scholars, such as the pericope with the adulteress and the conclusion of Mark's Gospel, have come down to us completely undisputed and beyond doubt. The main arguments against the Byzantine text form, e.g. the thesis of recension, have been introduced by Westcott/Hort, but remain unprovable and thus to be declared speculative. It is therefore desirable to revert to the text of the early Christians as the basis of modern translations and to set aside editions by editors who did not believe in Scripture as God's infallible and error- and mistake-free Word and assumed errors in the original text (e.g. Kurt Aland). Christians must also assume that God's Word did not become accessible to readers only with the late discovery of Codex Sinaiticus (one of the two main witnesses to the critical text), but that God always ensured that his Word was and remains accessible to people. Thus, the present edition of the Byzantine text is to be given preference over all others.
Right, but the Bible his how we get to know our Lord. That's why people get defensive with their fav translations. Nobody wants to hear that maybe the translation they have invested in May not be accurate in someway. It's not so much dogmantic, as it is fear. Why KJV onlyists are so ruthless aggressive with that translation. They can't handle the fact that that translation has more issues then most. Scares the pants of them. So they double down on their belief is the only true translation, all others are heretical.
The Law of Diminishing Returns definitely applies to Bible translations. You really gain hardly anything by using something like the NASB over the NLT, especially since the NLT was also done by highly qualified scholars. I believe you gain far more than you lose by using a dynamic translation over a formal translation. All of these formal translation snobs remind me of audiophiles who think they can hear so much more in their music than other people can, when in reality they’re hearing very little, if any, difference.
The ESV is pretty good for study. But if I had to choose one to listen to I would pick the KJV. But my general bible of choice and daily use, it would be the CSB. But I also love my Hebrew and Greek, also slowly dipping into Latin.
Like the makers of the KJV, the makers of the NIV also had an agenda. They reduced the masculine and increased the feminine in their translation, by reducing the number of times the word Father, Son, and Brother are used and increasing the feminine. Take a look at Mathew Everhard's video "Is the NIV a "Woke" Bible Translation?" What do you think of the NKJV and the CSB?
The NIV strikes the best balance in my opinion between literalness and readability. The ESV is a close second, also the CSB. I preach from the KJV, but at home in my personal reading I bounce around translations. When it comes to the NIV, I prefer the 1984 edition. I don't like the 2011 update. I've incorporated the NLT a little more in my personal reading because the church I've been visiting uses the NLT. I just love the Bible, period
Not familiar with Koine Greek? The king was fluent in Koine Greek. Common Greek didn't come to be until the rise of the current Greek state. The Puritans used the Geneva Bible which is biased to Calvanism.
I get your good intentioned heart. But this is really bad advice. Many translations straight up corrupt the text with intention to Eisegesis personal biases into the text. I would implore you to learn more before you give advice like this, this is potentially catastrophic for the new Christian. If you gave your advice within the realm of the ESV, NASB, NIV - major corroborated translations, then I would mostly agree. But to say the best translation is ANY translation is wildly dangerous. Much love
@@TattooedTheist Hi Ibecame believer in Jesus Christ 30 years ago i have been to bible school and i dont know what exegesis is but i read the bible every day and i am baptized whit the Holy Spirit and He knows every thing, so i guees He will teach as Jesus said in the Gospel of John and in 1 John i have aso heard about hermeneutic dont know what is, it is not in my bible and also exegesis is not in my NKJV ore NLT ore any other bible i have but i do well whit Jesus Christ Amen
I read the HalleluYah Scriptures. The Hebrew to English translation is really well done, and uses the real names of God and Jesus. Most english bibles are guilty of changing YWHW's name to Lord. The name Lord from what I have heard is a another name for Baal. The HalleluYah Scriptures has all of the original hebrew names.
Philip L. Flowers “Inadequate translations are rampant, not only in English, but all over the world, because the inspired Words of God have not been translated word-for-word. In addition, corrupted texts have been used with over 8,000 words missing that are based on corrupted manuscripts that result in corrupted translations. It is apparent that many believers are still not aware of the intricacies of Satan’s subtle attack on God’s Words. Who can honestly state that current work in translating by most groups is successfully rendering each of God’s Words into a receptor-language? No one can because corrupted texts and/or the wrong method is being used by many organizations; particularly those groups that are not tied to a local church. When the methods in any profession are not understood, the practice of the profession will fail. This is a providential maxim, but especially important for translators.” H.D. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., Word-For-Word Translating of The Received Texts
The NLT is not a paraphrase. They redid it to be an actual translation. 😊 They had 150 top scholars that worked on it. Although, I still wouldn’t use it for study. 😊 ruclips.net/video/sC18dLwUj28/видео.html
I would urge you to put a parallel of Greek/Hebrew next to an NLT - in no way is it word for word. At best, maybe the new editions are thought for thought, but I read an NLT to my daughter and it in no way translates word for word. Great translation - just not accurate 😊
@@TattooedTheist word for word doesn’t mean more accurate. 🙏 as a Spanish speaker - if we translated each word literally it would be wrong. Thought for thought is by far better translating. That’s where you begin to see the NLT being far more accurate than the ESV. I love the ESV but it’s not truly a more accurate translation. It baffles me that we have this so wrong.
@Lucas Mota San Antonio Realtor I mean, I see what you're saying but I guess I just don't agree. Of my years in Seminary, getting as close to the word for word, as well as message intention to the Greek as possible should be the goal. And the truth is that the ESV is closer to true to Greek than the NTL. I read both, I also read the Message which is very inaccurate as far as true to Greek- but I would never go to the message or the NLT if I was intending to do a word study or depth study on a concept or understanding from scripture. Much love :)
@@TattooedTheist ya you should rewatch it, Also you arguments against the KJB was cringe, Embarrassing. Very strange at the end you said we can't translate word for word Hebrew/Creek to English yet in the same BREATH you recommend a word for word translation the ESV? a Calvinist bible that has more mistakes then the NWT? Gave video a thumbs up because we need a example of what NOT to believe.
Yes. I'm in. Call the KJV guys and set up the meeting. I will bring bread to break, to solidify this monumental coming together of the two factions. We ride at dawn.
They didn’t cut anything out, they use a different manuscript source. The kings, James Bible, which is often used as the authoritative version uses the textus receptus source, manuscripts, which have extra verses that are not found in earlier manuscripts. That’s why they are not included in the NIV or the ESV or NASB translation.
By ways highways dividing the word of truth correctly not half truths with no one to challenge what you say, KJV 1769 NKJV for guide many others even shown in Bible hUb but niv missing many verses nlt paraphrase ,hard to get all versions berean peshitta but missing again heard many pros and cons over years your point about koine Greek the original texttus receptus and hebrew is the source but im not expert but what you like to read is choice research niv bad choice please research if you have not already
I just want a Bible translation that doesn't change words for the modern world to fit in for political correctness or woke. No gender neutral language and true to what was originally written.
NLT IS NOT a paraphrased Bible, not in any way shape or form. NLT is an amazing Bible for daily reading, teaching and preaching, and ESV is great for theology and deep dives, along with a concordance and some good Bible commentaries you can't go wrong with KJV or ESV. The fact that you claim to teach this stuff and don't understand the NLT translation is slightly off-putting to me, also the NIV is most closely associated with a Bible that was altered away from the original meaning and text, the NIV is full of falsifications. As far as the KJV goes, I know a lot of people say it teaches faith Only doctrine, and I disagree. I believe the KJV is very accurate and a good Bible for reading and studying, the KJV is easier to memorize than other versions, I just can't get onboard with someone saying the KJV is inaccurate. I understand why Catholics don't like it, but then again Catholics openly worship statues of saints and objects of wood, gold and silver, so their belief structure has zero impact on my decisions. As a matter of fact, it makes me like the KJV even more as a Christian who tries to avoid idolatry.
I just recently switched to the NIV and absolutely love it. I also just bought an ESV wide margin to use for my hard-core study sessions. I was a hardcore KJV only forever and the reason I switched is I started attending my local Non-Denominational Church Of Christ. They use the NIV and in a small group, the teachers use ESV. I have found that they're easy to read and understand.
The NLT is not a paraphrase, it’s father was the Living Bible that’s a paraphrase. The NLT is a dynamic equivalent translation
That’s what I thought it was re done as a thought for thought after The Living Bible but I hear some still saying it’s a paraphrase but by some of the comparisons I’ve personally made I would say it’s a translation.
I flip between NIV and NLT, but NLT is my favorite because it’s so easy to read
I have both the the ESV and the NIV and totally agree that they are good bibles to read !!
KJV
@@zinnia3684KJV + others
Loved this video! Thank you for the information shared. I am going to purchase a NIV Bible and a NLT Bible journal and read them in parallel as I study.
YES! I do that often, great complementary translations :)
Great video with some invaluable information thank you so much for sharing this with us !!!
Thank you for doing this video! Very enlightening!! 🙏🏾
Of course! Thanks for caring to dig deeper than most to figure things out :)
Great video! I absolutely love the NLT. The translators actually call it a Dynamic Equivalence based on Thought for Thought. It's so readable and has made me fall in love with the Bible again. I don't like how some people look down on those who prefer the NLT. "NLT is for new believers (or children only)." I'm a fairly strong reader and I still prefer the NLT.
I have used the Parallel Plus app and went verse for verses with the NLT, NET, CSB, NIV, ESV, & LSB/NASB95 and they all literate say the same thing but word it differently but not in a way that takes something of value away from the text. I personally have a NLT and a ESV that I read together. I’ll read one chapter in the NLT and then read that same chapter in the ESV and I’ve found that to be a great way to use them both and so far from Acts 1-12 the NLT hasn’t misrepresented or translated anything that I’ve read yet
I use multiple versions in my studies, love the video
Great video. I've tried all 3 versions, and I agree that they all have their uses. I use the NIV because it has that mixture of word for word and thought for thought, so it's accurate and understandable at the same time.
Exactly, the NIV is the best overall for those who aren't heavy academics. Definitely a solid choice, my friend.
NLT is not a Paraphrase it is a legitimate full translation fromt he ground up focusing on accuracy. A lot of the confusion people like this man have is lack of knowledge on it and researching it. It was originally concieved as a update on what WAS a paraphrase bible (The living, translation) but this idea was nixed and instead they decided to do a Full, proper, translation focusing on readability with as little sacrifice to accuracy as possible (which is a side affect of translating itself) NLT is a solid choice and is infact a real translation/Bible. Plus it has better footnotes than the NIV and ESV (it includes both majority and critical text trnaslations) which makes it more accurate than those 2, generally speaking.
Thanks for sharing!
Sooooo, I have 3 translations that I like for different reasons, as you talked about.
1. In general, I use my NLT the most. I do my morning devotionals with it, usually preach with it, etc.
2. If I want a bit more of that literal feel, I tend to go ESV, though I have some critiques in its theological leanings.
3. When studying for a message or just deep theology work in general, Im REALLY enjoying the new NRSVue. Specifically love the "Pistis Christou" changes, with it being one of the only translations to do so.
I use ESV, for many of the reasons that you gave. Another reason is that I was given a Bible probably 12 or more years ago now that was ESV and it’s a gift I cherish. I’ve spent a lot of time in it and it’s become familiar to me.
I totally get that, I stuck with an NIV for too long because I really cherished the physical book itself. Had to move on to something that made more sense. Luckily your cherished version is a good one 👍
@@TattooedTheist I would also add that I probably read most often in the Bible app. I use ESV, but have a bunch of others including paraphrases on tap to get different perspective on a verse in order to bring clarification if I feel like I need it. I also appreciate the utility of a guided “plan” to keep me in the word daily. That being said, I don’t like many of the plans that cherry pick verses, I generally stick to the Bible in a year type plans for my daily walk.
I use the NIV mostly to follow along in church. ESV is good only if you have the study version. I also used the Amplified to compare the wording. I have to have a study bible to check the meaning.
This one of the best breakdowns I’ve heard. Great job. 👏🏾👏🏾
I disagree that the NLT is a paraphrase. It is a thought for thought translation. I use a comparison app which allows me to look at 6 translations at the same time. I have yet to find a verse in the NLT that doesn't match the exact message of the ESV, KJV, NASB, NABRE, NIV.
I speak both French, and English. I grew up speaking both. I live in the states now and still watch film, comedy and listen to music in French. I often try to translate things to my wife, and word for word is almost never accurate to the original meaning. Sometimes there’s not even an expression for it in English, let alone the differences in dialects and phrases within different regions within the language, cultural meanings as well. So I fully understand the need for both a word for word and thought for thought combination. I can’t even begin to understand what a massive amount of work it took to translate the Bible into English.
Great input from your personal experience. So many people don't understand how difficult it truly is to translate things between languages, it's a very messy game and highly misunderstood.
Appreciate your input here!
@Jordan, show off..Hahahahaha
I actually have found that the NLT is often essential to understand what actually is being said. I have found that it often clears up misunderstanding. Exodus 34:28 in context actually corrects the text correctly. If you read Exodus 34:1 you will understand why I say it. This isn't the only thing that they fix. I wouldn't say their approach is always perfect, as some things do need dual meaning and the NLT tends to go for 1 side. NLT isn't a paraphrase, but the NLV was.
Thank you ❤
I really like the NET, ESV, and NIV versions. The new king James version and ERV is good if you just want to have a better understanding of where language is coming from in the English language. It is more like reading the poetics of Shakespeare. It's not super accurate but it is pretty to read prose.
I use ESV niv and nlt so this is the video for me but the niv was my first bible I ever got 17 years ago and I still have it
Many peoples story. NIV as first bible, due to its mainstream popularity! However most 'deep thinkers, or critical thinkers' move on from it as they learn more.
Yes do a video on the kjv I'd like to see it
Nlt is a great tool for study when paired with a more literal translation. Its a great tool. A faithful translation.
Agreed
I use the LSB for my formal translation and the NIV for my functional.
As much as I love the LSB the NIV is so much more readable especially in the Old Testament.
The LSB is about as accurate as it gets. I love it and it is always my go to, but I agree in the old testament some areas can get really tedious in any formal equivalent translation. Especially Chronicles in my opinion
That part is true about the different religions that the translations are different from like you stated the NLT, NIV, ESV, I read KJV is a little hard but I like to read different one and this figure it out which one is the truth. As long as they teach from the beginning to Revelation and our look at the scriptures and they match that's what I look for and that's my my opinion please do some videos on KJV, I would like to know more about the old English translation thank you very much!!
I am returning to faith since my teen years. Our church back then used the KJV. Since I am getting back into reading and studying again I had chosen a NLT. It is definitely more readable to me, and I do switch back and forth with the Bible app. So I will probably have a mixture of translations eventually. 😅
Nothing wrong with that, my friend :)
NLT is a great translation if that is the translation speaks to you.
That’s my thoughts
My go-to for most of my adult life has been the NASB. It’s word for word, highly accurate,and I find, when people are trying to explain something, they use a lot of the language in NASB.
For easy general reading, I like the NKJV.
Agree completely on KJV though. It pretty much sucks.
I definitely need to get an ESV, because I often find my NASB is not literal or translates things into colloquial English that doesn't make sense to me. Thankfully I read one with side notes that offer the more literal or alternative translations!
I use a solid mixture of ESV, NASB, NIV, NLT, and NKJV
I got a NIV and a ESV bible today switching from the KJV also whats your opinion on the New King James Version?
I use Eth cepher as my bible, cause it’s translated in a way i can understand it and the TLV too
I have a nasb nlt and lsb and niv
I like the csb translation because its easy to read.i also have nkjv and esv
Very nice, at the end of the day as long as it's good for you and is mostly accurate, it's positive.
@@TattooedTheist this is true.
I like to use the esv, niv, and the net bible
The Message is a paraphrase. NLT is dynamic equivalence, or thought for thought.
Thank you so much for this video❣️ I too grew up with the KJV. As an adult now, I want to go back with my faith to the Lord that's why I'm so confuse as I didn't know back then that there are many versions. I feel like ESV is the way to go now🙏 God bless us all!
Of course! Thanks for the positive comment, I appreciate your words here. I think you're very much on the right track, just stay true to truth rather than opinions :). If you're ever interested, come find us on discord, we have a wildly smart group of biblical students all sharing in the learning process :) mee6.xyz/i/8ZWP98sVFl
Finally, the NLT (#2) is outselling the KJV (#4). I read in multiple translations individually as well as multiple parallel (4 column) formats, and I rarely read just one translation plus study notes or commentary in a session. I agree with your sentiments. I think the CSB Study Bible, the revised NIV Study Bible, and the NET 2nd full notes edition are tremendous resouces as well. I use multiple commentaries of different types and persuasions, but it is hard to beat John Macarthur's. God Bless.
No sir,
The NLT is not a paraphrase but is a thought for thought translation. The original Living Bible was a paraphrase but not the NLT.
I’ve been in reading the book of Acts (I’m on ch. 12 now) and I will read a chapter by chapter. I will read a chapter in my NLT and then read that same chapter in my ESV. Just off my own personal finding so far, the NLT is pretty dang accurate and has said the same thing my ESV has said but uses more modern English. I started my journey as a KJV only person and the more I learned about bible translations, I started to branch off. I would be doing a Bible study with my girlfriend (who uses a CSB) and I would read a verse or 2 and I’d be clueless as to what I just read because I was so focused on just saying the words how they were written I couldn’t understand what I was saying at the same time so she’d have to read what hers’ said. I never would have imagined I’d loved a translation like I do the NLT. I love the ESV as well and it is a great companion to my NLT. I use the ESV for my own personal journaling/study.
NLT is my choice too. So much easier to read and actually comprehend and understand without trying to figure out how to pronounce words in the olde English format. Everyone will have their own opinion on which to read, and none of them are wrong. The main thing is we all read the word, know the word, and live the word of God, who is the word! God bless!
I have a CSB my mom got me for my last birthday but I do prefer the NSV, I have like 10 different Bibles lol. I have 3 NSVs, 1 with the Apocryphal, 2nd that is the Global Impact study; I love this one!, and the other is the McArthur study. My church uses the NIV so I need one of those.
Hahah I have a bunch of different version too, nothing wrong with that. Just cross compare and see where they differ, make sure you're getting good general concepts.
I used to think the rsv was boring and I never even read it. It is poetic as the kjv yet not compromised
Currently reading the MEV which I understand to be a literal translation. Still need a study Bible tho… sounds like the ESV may be the route to go (this is Mike btw)
The NLT was recommended to me by a friend and so I've been looking up various opinions about it as I don't know any language other than English. A translator for the NLT said that their team was put together after the publisher wanted to revise the paraphrase of The Living Bible, but then changed their mind and decided to do a new translation instead.
Are you mistakenly thinking of The Living Bible when you say the NLT is a paraphrase or do you think the translators took functional translation too far and made a paraphrase instead of a true translation?
As I said, I'm unfamiliar with the NLT and am looking into it so I'm not sure what it is. One authority says it's a translation; you say it's a paraphrase: I suppose I need to do some thinking and figure out where my own line in the sand is between a paraphrase and a translation.
Do yourself a favour and get a copy of the NLT you will love it. It is a thought for thought translation (not a paraphrase). It is beautifully written and easy to understand.
I bought a Bible a few years ago just to look up things people were quoting from the Bible. It is called the Easy-to-Read Version (ERV). I can find no review of this Bible and was wondering if you knew anything about it. I now have a ESV study Bible and an American Standard Version but find the ERV very easy to read (imagine that).
I really enjoyed this video. However I have a question regarding the NIV. Did they change the meaning of certain words and pronouns to fit todays culture narrative? Also, are there verses “missing” in the NIV? I currently use my MEV Fire Bible, do you know much about the MEV and what’s your opinion on that version. Thanks, and God Bless!
The question of introducing ulterior culture into the Bible is a valid concern. I think with today’s wokeshevik culture, it’s wise to be on guard. I think the NIV is unfairly maligned, I have used it extensively (and consider myself a non-woke, conservative complementarian) and I find nothing in it that is woke. People cite the NIV using “brothers and sisters” and presenting Junia as outstanding among the apostles, but these (in my opinion) are not woke issues. If they are, then most of the early church fathers, and the KJV and NKJV, were woke, because they said Junia was a woman and an apostle as well. The NIV missed out on some nuance at times because it can be interpretive, but when I meet people who are not Bible nerds like we are, I always recommend the NIV. If I could only have one on a desert island, I’d take my NIV Pitt Minion bound in American bison ❤️
Doesn’t the latest revision of the NIV also carry the same issues with it that you claim the KJV does?
In 2001 I bought my first Bible and tried reading it. I found it so cumbersome that I put it down and not until 2012, 10 years later when I bought an NIV did I start reading and loving the Bible. Today in 2023 I am still reading the Bible everyday. I am trying to transition to the ESV but my emotional and spiritual ties to my NIV keep me going back to it, but I love them both. I have the NLT and find it too simple.
Um,,,that's 11 years later.
Hey man good clip and I agree with you on the NIV, ESV and NLT. I use the ESV as my major translation while reading the others for casual reading. I did want to bring a different perspective to the KJV.
Yes...the KJV is archaic in its language and the KJV only people can border on being just plain weird. I wouldn't recommend a new Christian attempting to tackle the KJV as a daily reader.
But there are several things to acknowledge about this translation:
1) In the early 1600's the KJV was the ESV of its day.
2) For over 300 years (wow) if you came to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ in the English speaking world, chances are the KJV was preached to you.
3) All the great English speaking preachers Jonathan Edwards, John Wesley, George Whitefield, Charles Spurgeon (to name a few) used the KJV as their daily Bible.
Regardless of its imperfections and motives of interpreters (which could be argued regarding all translations), God has used the KJV translation in a powerful way.
One thing I wish the ESV interpreters had done (since it is considered a Word for Word) that the KJV, NKJV and NASB interpreters did and that is to italicize the words they took liberty to add that differed from the original languages.
Just my opinion and once again GREAT video!
Keep Pressin' On!
I'm reading NASB, HCSB (not the CSB, even though that one is good too to some degree), and ESV. I also really like NIV. I can't help it. I like many different translations. I dont subscribe to just one. I certainly dont put one above the other. My main goal is to learn the word of God. Somedays, I prefere a more laid back reading then others. Thats the beauty of all of the translations. There's one for every occasion.
I was told NASB is the most literal word for word on the market even more so then the ESV.
Looking into the LSB now. But waiting till fall 24, when Dr. MacArthur is releasing his LSB study Bible.
Just found your channel. Subscribed. Any man who willing to challenge the KJV is a man I can get behind.
I've had a lot of study bibles. NLT I feel is for new new Christians
The NLT is by far my favorite
👍
@@TattooedTheist currently, I should have said! That may change with time.
comm“The AV/KJB will always be the best English version of the Bible because it is tied so wonderfully to the ‘original’ ‘God-breathed’ Words. And, it is translated in such a way that it will never be surpassed because of its simplicity of phrasing, beauty of words, preciseness, accuracy, faithfulness, and method and standard of translating. There are no translational errors.” H.D. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., The King James Bible’s Accuracy & Faithfulness, p.83ent
Do you know that in both the Geneva Bible and the King James the word "you" is always plural? It is not that way in later bibles. That is a great distinction between those two bibles. I think the 1599 GENEVA BIBLE is superb!
Wow you surprised me on the kjv some Christians are kjv only. I tried the kjv and I can't understand it like th e NIV
I would love to hear a video just on the KJV Bible. I've been told my entire life by family and at church that that's the "most accurate" translation. But I always had a hard time believing that because of what was going on in history at the time it was commissioned.
Recorded already! Will be uploading in the next few days :) I cover all the big reasons the KJV is not reliable.
Sounds interesting! I'll need to look up that video of yours as well. I've always been a bit suspicious of the KJV as I didn't grow up with it and heard that KJ wanted a Bible that supported the monarchy absolutely.
if the rsv is from the original Documents then it is the most accurate and my pastor said the kJV is the most Accurate so how do we know wich one is right
Not that I know much, but the more I learn to read and study the biblical languages, the less dogmatic I am about a specific translation. All three of these translations will serve you well. Best of all: why not use all three? :)
I agree 100%. I would hold that depending on what your purpose in reading is, there still may be a better option over others. But regardless, as long as you're seeking truth in some manner, it's a good thing :)
Great video. I disagree that the NLT is a paraphrase. The Living Bible was a paraphrase. The NLT is a thought for thought translation. The only difference between the NIV and the NLT is that the NIV incorporates some "word for word" mixed in with the "thought for thought." I think it's okay for people to not to be a fan of the NLT, but it concerns me when it is misrepresented.
Even though modern eclectic textual criticism has rejected the Byzantine text and modern translations are based almost exclusively on the text of Westcott/Horts or in his modern edition of Nestle-Aland, there is much to be said for taking as a basis the text that was demonstrably predominant in Christendom until the printing of the book and which can be represented very well. This text comes from the area in which the New Testament was created and copied. The core area of the Greek language was there and the copyists understood what they were copying (and could verify it). In the Byzantine tradition, passages long since discarded by modern scholars, such as the pericope with the adulteress and the conclusion of Mark's Gospel, have come down to us completely undisputed and beyond doubt. The main arguments against the Byzantine text form, e.g. the thesis of recension, have been introduced by Westcott/Hort, but remain unprovable and thus to be declared speculative.
It is therefore desirable to revert to the text of the early Christians as the basis of modern translations and to set aside editions by editors who did not believe in Scripture as God's infallible and error- and mistake-free Word and assumed errors in the original text (e.g. Kurt Aland). Christians must also assume that God's Word did not become accessible to readers only with the late discovery of Codex Sinaiticus (one of the two main witnesses to the critical text), but that God always ensured that his Word was and remains accessible to people. Thus, the present edition of the Byzantine text is to be given preference over all others.
The tendency to Become very dogmatic, Jesus Christ is the center of our faith not a translation.
Right, but the Bible his how we get to know our Lord. That's why people get defensive with their fav translations. Nobody wants to hear that maybe the translation they have invested in May not be accurate in someway.
It's not so much dogmantic, as it is fear. Why KJV onlyists are so ruthless aggressive with that translation. They can't handle the fact that that translation has more issues then most. Scares the pants of them. So they double down on their belief is the only true translation, all others are heretical.
Legacy Standard Bible
The Law of Diminishing Returns definitely applies to Bible translations. You really gain hardly anything by using something like the NASB over the NLT, especially since the NLT was also done by highly qualified scholars. I believe you gain far more than you lose by using a dynamic translation over a formal translation. All of these formal translation snobs remind me of audiophiles who think they can hear so much more in their music than other people can, when in reality they’re hearing very little, if any, difference.
I have KJV, ESV, & CSB. I like all of them.
I like the Gideon because it is the same as the KJV, but it is modern text. The KJV is very hard to read at times.
Do you regret getting tattoos
The ESV is pretty good for study. But if I had to choose one to listen to I would pick the KJV. But my general bible of choice and daily use, it would be the CSB. But I also love my Hebrew and Greek, also slowly dipping into Latin.
Why KJV, our of curiosity, knowing the history of it?
@@TattooedTheist I like the old timey poetic and timelessness of old English.
Well, there is truth and then there is personal preference
I personally prefer the CEPHER or ISR bible
I’ll use the TLV and LSB
Like the makers of the KJV, the makers of the NIV also had an agenda. They reduced the masculine and increased the feminine in their translation, by reducing the number of times the word Father, Son, and Brother are used and increasing the feminine. Take a look at Mathew Everhard's video "Is the NIV a "Woke" Bible Translation?" What do you think of the NKJV and the CSB?
The NIV strikes the best balance in my opinion between literalness and readability. The ESV is a close second, also the CSB. I preach from the KJV, but at home in my personal reading I bounce around translations. When it comes to the NIV, I prefer the 1984 edition. I don't like the 2011 update. I've incorporated the NLT a little more in my personal reading because the church I've been visiting uses the NLT. I just love the Bible, period
Not familiar with Koine Greek? The king was fluent in Koine Greek. Common Greek didn't come to be until the rise of the current Greek state. The Puritans used the Geneva Bible which is biased to Calvanism.
the best translation is the one you will read and will get you going whit the Lord and then along the line you will learn if you like this and so on
I get your good intentioned heart.
But this is really bad advice. Many translations straight up corrupt the text with intention to Eisegesis personal biases into the text. I would implore you to learn more before you give advice like this, this is potentially catastrophic for the new Christian.
If you gave your advice within the realm of the ESV, NASB, NIV - major corroborated translations, then I would mostly agree.
But to say the best translation is ANY translation is wildly dangerous.
Much love
@@TattooedTheist Hi Ibecame believer in Jesus Christ 30 years ago i have been to bible school and i dont know what exegesis is but i read the bible every day and i am baptized whit the Holy Spirit and He knows every thing, so i guees He will teach as Jesus said in the Gospel of John and in 1 John i have aso heard about hermeneutic dont know what is, it is not in my bible and also exegesis is not in my NKJV ore NLT ore any other bible i have but i do well whit Jesus Christ Amen
I read the HalleluYah Scriptures. The Hebrew to English translation is really well done, and uses the real names of God and Jesus. Most english bibles are guilty of changing YWHW's name to Lord. The name Lord from what I have heard is a another name for Baal. The HalleluYah Scriptures has all of the original hebrew names.
Philip L. Flowers “Inadequate translations are rampant, not only in English, but all over the world, because the inspired Words of God have not been translated word-for-word. In addition, corrupted texts have been used with over 8,000 words missing that are based on corrupted manuscripts that result in corrupted translations. It is apparent that many believers are still not aware of the intricacies of Satan’s subtle attack on God’s Words. Who can honestly state that current work in translating by most groups is successfully rendering each of God’s Words into a receptor-language? No one can because corrupted texts and/or the wrong method is being used by many organizations; particularly those groups that are not tied to a local church. When the methods in any profession are not understood, the practice of the profession will fail. This is a providential maxim, but especially important for translators.” H.D. Williams, M.D., Ph.D., Word-For-Word Translating of The Received Texts
KJV , ESV , NLT , NKJV , NASB , TB , NRSV , GB , RSV . NIV . Catholic Bible witth 73 Books , Christian Bible with 66 Books , Orthodox Bible with 77 Books , Ethiopian Bible with 81 Books
NLT is not paraphrase. It is a thought for thought translation, not a paraphrase.
The NLT is not a paraphrase. They redid it to be an actual translation. 😊
They had 150 top scholars that worked on it. Although, I still wouldn’t use it for study. 😊
ruclips.net/video/sC18dLwUj28/видео.html
It's my favorite translation. It seems to have kept more truths than some of the other versions
I would urge you to put a parallel of Greek/Hebrew next to an NLT - in no way is it word for word. At best, maybe the new editions are thought for thought, but I read an NLT to my daughter and it in no way translates word for word.
Great translation - just not accurate 😊
@@TattooedTheist word for word doesn’t mean more accurate. 🙏 as a Spanish speaker - if we translated each word literally it would be wrong. Thought for thought is by far better translating. That’s where you begin to see the NLT being far more accurate than the ESV. I love the ESV but it’s not truly a more accurate translation. It baffles me that we have this so wrong.
@Lucas Mota San Antonio Realtor I mean, I see what you're saying but I guess I just don't agree. Of my years in Seminary, getting as close to the word for word, as well as message intention to the Greek as possible should be the goal.
And the truth is that the ESV is closer to true to Greek than the NTL.
I read both, I also read the Message which is very inaccurate as far as true to Greek- but I would never go to the message or the NLT if I was intending to do a word study or depth study on a concept or understanding from scripture.
Much love :)
Have you watch the Documentary Bridge to Babylon?
Yeah, actually, years back - why do you ask? The alterations of the bible?
@@TattooedTheist ya you should rewatch it, Also you arguments against the KJB was cringe, Embarrassing.
Very strange at the end you said we can't translate word for word Hebrew/Creek to English yet in the same BREATH you recommend a word for word translation the ESV?
a Calvinist bible that has more mistakes then the NWT?
Gave video a thumbs up because we need a example of what NOT to believe.
Can guys like this and the KJVO guys at aleast come together and agree that the passion translation needs to go away?
Yes. I'm in.
Call the KJV guys and set up the meeting.
I will bring bread to break, to solidify this monumental coming together of the two factions.
We ride at dawn.
Anytime you are reading any Bible, God is happy.
That being said, I just ordered my ESV study Bible today.
Hold up. Just looking at the story of Joseph, it's pretty close. It's not quite paraphrased like "The Message".
KJV
I refuse to recognize the NIV due to many things being cut out of it.
They didn’t cut anything out, they use a different manuscript source. The kings, James Bible, which is often used as the authoritative version uses the textus receptus source, manuscripts, which have extra verses that are not found in earlier manuscripts. That’s why they are not included in the NIV or the ESV or NASB translation.
@@felipetejeda7545 There definitely is a lot missing in the NIV. A lot of wording is changed too. More of twisting words rather than translating
If The Bible removes God's name, then I wouldn't bother with it!
LsB, NET and CSB for text comparison
What about msg translation lol
Nice for reading, bad for studying.
@@TattooedTheist I don’t think it’s good for reading
By ways highways dividing the word of truth correctly not half truths with no one to challenge what you say, KJV 1769 NKJV for guide many others even shown in Bible hUb but niv missing many verses nlt paraphrase ,hard to get all versions berean peshitta but missing again heard many pros and cons over years your point about koine Greek the original texttus receptus and hebrew is the source but im not expert but what you like to read is choice research niv bad choice please research if you have not already
I just want a Bible translation that doesn't change words for the modern world to fit in for political correctness or woke. No gender neutral language and true to what was originally written.
NASB is the best
All those so call Bibles do not bring out the pure word of God!
NLT IS NOT a paraphrased Bible, not in any way shape or form. NLT is an amazing Bible for daily reading, teaching and preaching, and ESV is great for theology and deep dives, along with a concordance and some good Bible commentaries you can't go wrong with KJV or ESV. The fact that you claim to teach this stuff and don't understand the NLT translation is slightly off-putting to me, also the NIV is most closely associated with a Bible that was altered away from the original meaning and text, the NIV is full of falsifications. As far as the KJV goes, I know a lot of people say it teaches faith Only doctrine, and I disagree. I believe the KJV is very accurate and a good Bible for reading and studying, the KJV is easier to memorize than other versions, I just can't get onboard with someone saying the KJV is inaccurate. I understand why Catholics don't like it, but then again Catholics openly worship statues of saints and objects of wood, gold and silver, so their belief structure has zero impact on my decisions. As a matter of fact, it makes me like the KJV even more as a Christian who tries to avoid idolatry.
all junk
I just recently switched to the NIV and absolutely love it. I also just bought an ESV wide margin to use for my hard-core study sessions. I was a hardcore KJV only forever and the reason I switched is I started attending my local Non-Denominational Church Of Christ. They use the NIV and in a small group, the teachers use ESV. I have found that they're easy to read and understand.