Version crisis

I talked with a gentleman the other day who was adamantly opposed to using anything but the King James version of the Bible. Next I got a letter from a reader of WFTD expressing the same sentiment. What’s up with this? Why is the King James the only version acceptable? The original Bible was written in Hebrew and Greek. It has been translated several times into the current day language. I know that more people probably use the King James version than any other version, and it is a good translation, but it is not the only way to study God’s Word.

I personally do not like the King James version because we do use words like Ye, thou and thee any more, and I prefer a version in more modern day language. My pastor likes the King James version because it is set more in poetry style than other versions. Quite honestly, I have never been a poetry buff. My favorite version is the Living Bible which is about as modern day as it comes. I have been told that it is not as accurate as other versions. I cannot vouch for that, because indeed I have read the Bible completely through word for word in many different versions, and I believe that it is as accurate as the rest of them and much easier to understand. I think that they may be splitting hairs.

Actually the Bible that I quote most often in WFTD is the New King James version. The one I read at night is the Living Bible, and the one that I take to church on Sunday is the International version. It is just like hamburgers and chili to me. I love that meal, but I don’t want it for “every” meal. The important thing is that we read the Bible daily.

If the King James is your bag, then go for it. If it is the Student’s Study Bible, then go for that. If you are like me and want the combo, then go for that. I am convinced that we will be blessed whichever version we study. The important thing is to read it daily. I believe that for greatest success in life the first thing that we should do each day and the last is to read the Bible. Try it you will like it!

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Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is living and
powerful and sharper than any
two-edged sword, piercing even to
the division of soul and spirit, and
of joints and marrow, and is a
discerner of thoughts and intents of
the heart.