Expert: Daniel and Susan - 5/28/2005

Question
Hello Daniel !! Thank You for your quick response and the valuable info. I did not realize that their were those differences between the KJV and NLT Bibles. My reason for asking was due to my attending a Bible study class. I brought my NLT Bible. I felt somewhat intimitated by others in the class. They had the King James version. I am not bashful and recited some scripture from my NLT in reference to what we were discussing. Needless to say I felt uneasy. I know that the Bible study teacher meant no harm "but" he informed me that it would be better if I attended without the NLT version.
I will not return to that particular study class. I have been to other Bible study classes where other versions were used {NIV,REVISED STANDARD,NEW KING JAMES VERSION ETC. I purchased the NLT Bible at a Christian bookstore that is affiliated with the Calvary non denominational church. It was recommended by a church volunteer working in the store. I asked him to recommend an easy reading Bible that is as close as possible to the KJV version. He was the one who suggested the NLT.
To be honest with you. This particular version has really made the Holy Bible interesting, fun and historical to me. I have now realized that you were right when you stated the differences {i borrowed my mothers KJV} and checked the scriptures you quoted.
However, I do not feel that I should be singled out because I bring a particular version to a study class.
If I am not mistaken, all versions are translated by man and since man is imperfect than so are the many versions avaliable to us. Please understand that nothing will deter me from my goal to learn about God,s word and his plan for us. The NLT has opened my heart and eyes and I will stick with it.
"You are right on target" with your answer. There are differences that need to be looked at and thought about. Your answer has enlightend me and I Thank You for that !!
In Jesus name I pray !!
Sicerely,
Ronald
Followup To
Question -
"Hello" Daniel and Susan,
Would you please offer your opinion on the New Living Translation Holy Bible. I purchased one and totally love it.
How close in accuracy is it to the King James Version.

Thanks !! for taking time to answer !!
Ronald
Answer -
The New Living Translation (NLT) is very different from the King James Version (KJV).

Aside from the Douay-Rheims Bible produced by the Roman Catholic Church, the King James Bible was the only major English translation until about 1880.  From that time forward, many modern translations have appeared, and virtually all of these are based on “older and better” manuscripts.  These manuscripts are considered better by the modern translators primarily due to the fact that they are older, but logic tells us that manuscripts that were used much would deteriorate and not last as well as the manuscripts that were set aside.  If older manuscripts have survived due to lack of use, and if they do not agree with 95% of all New Testament manuscripts, it is likely that these older manuscripts are corrupt.  Unfortunately this logic has not stopped the inclusion of corrupt modifications in modern translations.

For example, here are some differences you can see for yourself between the KJV and the NLT:

Check out the end of Mark's gospel.  A footnote in the NLT says verses 9-20 shouldn't even be there because the early manuscripts say so.

ALSO COMPARE:

Genesis 22:8b –
KJV “…God will provide himself a lamb…”
NLT “God will provide a lamb…”

Luke 4:4b –
KJV “…It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God.”
NLT “…The Scriptures say, ‘People need more than bread for their life.'”

Acts 8:37 –
KJV “And Philip said, If thou believest with all thine heart, thou mayest. And he answered and said, I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.”
[This is just a footnote in the NLT.]

2 Corinthians 2:17a –
KJV “For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God…”
NLT “You see, we are not like those hucksters – and there are many of them – who preach just to make money.”

2 Timothy 2:15a –
KJV “Study to show thyself approved unto God…”
NLT “Work hard so God can approve you.”

I pray that this has been helpful.  Please write again.
-  Daniel

Answer
*** BEGINNING OF RESPONSE 5/28/2005 ***

I'm glad you found the research helpful.  There really are huge differences among the assorted Bible translations available today.

The King James Version is often held in high esteem by those who believe that translating every word is important (alternatively, the New Living Translation is paraphrased).  The Bible does say, "Fov ever, O LORD, thy word is settled in heaven" (Psalm 119:89), and, "The words of the LORD are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times. Thou shalt keep them, O LORD, thou shalt preserve them from this generation for ever" (Psalm 12:6-7).

Readability is important, but beware the subtle changes/omissions in modern Bible translations.  The major doctrines of the faith are intact, but important details like the cleansing blood, the virgin birth, the trinity, etc., are being changed and challenged.

Thanks for writing again.  I pray that God will open His word to you as you continue your studies.

-  Daniel

*** END OF RESPONSE 5/28/2005 ***