Easy to understand Bible translation

[shawn]

Might sound like a silly question but I have never looked for anything like this.  But, I know there are Bibles translated (paraphrased?) into common, everyday language making it simpler for the reader to understand.  My wife expressed a desire to read one of these versions.  Are there any you would recommend?

[Nathan]

My favorite is the "message" translation . . .awesome way and yet they keep the continuity of what's being said.  I use "Bible Gateway" website where they have a sizable number of translations, "The Message" being one of them.

this was the first passage I read in the Message that just pulled me in . . .
KJV
37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38This is the first and great commandment.  39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The Message
37-40Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."


It's not a good study Bible at all . . .but if you just want to get a different perspective . . .it really opens things up for me.

[shawn]

My favorite is the "message" translation . . .awesome way and yet they keep the continuity of what's being said.  I use "Bible Gateway" website where they have a sizable number of translations, "The Message" being one of them.

this was the first passage I read in the Message that just pulled me in . . .
KJV
37Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.  38This is the first and great commandment.  39And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.  40On these two commandments hang all the law and the prophets.

The Message
37-40Jesus said, "'Love the Lord your God with all your passion and prayer and intelligence.' This is the most important, the first on any list. But there is a second to set alongside it: 'Love others as well as you love yourself.' These two commands are pegs; everything in God's Law and the Prophets hangs from them."


It's not a good study Bible at all . . .but if you just want to get a different perspective . . .it really opens things up for me.

It is for my wife and children mostly.  But, I am really curious myself.  When I study I also use Bible gateway.  It's what I use to read the Bible at work.

[jabcat]

there's a Modern Young's Literal Translation available on Amazon, of which I've owned a couple.  Ended up giving both of them away.  Been wanting to get another.  The Christian Bible (there's a whole thread on it, ordering info, etc.) is also very easy to read.

[WhiteWings]

The Christian Bible is  :thumbsup: but NT only so perhaps not what your wife is looking for?
It reads very well. For me that is. Perhaps because what's called mixed up word order in English is not so mixed up in Dutch  :laughing7:
So I guess best ask Micah and James. :winkgrin:

I can scan a few pages if that would help. Just tell me what chapters you prefer.... (pick the ones with tricky passages)

Another option is reading online Bibles to get an impression what's for sale as printed copies. (See free stuff link in my signature)

Just my opinion; I think the quality of the translation is most important. Then the more literal translation are the primary choice.
James mentioned YLT and TCB.
I've never it but there is also a Modern YLT: http://www.amazon.com/Modern-Youngs-Literal-Translation-Testament/dp/0965307875
It's mainly just updating words like "thou".

[Nathan]

My old standby has always been New Living Translation for years.  My Pastor back in the day originally referred it to me as well, that's what got me started on it.  If it's for your wife and kids, either of these would be good, but I still would lean toward the Message . . .

Here's another great example . . .
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

For all my growing up years, I never could grasp what exactly was being said here.  Then when I came into the New Living Translation, I really liked how it laid it out . . .

New Living Translation
12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.

That I can understand.  And then when I found the Message . . . .note that they don't give you just the verse . . .they give you  the context with it.  The whole Bible is this way.

11-15He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again:

   Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.
      Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.
   The people are blockheads!
   They stick their fingers in their ears
      so they won't have to listen;
   They screw their eyes shut
      so they won't have to look,
      so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face
      and let me heal them.


I love that!!  The natural stories that reveal spiritual truths are to actually make us thirsty.  Thsi led to my understanding of the purpose of salt.  We are the salt of the earth, old way of thinking was that we're to act as a preservative . . .that's what salt does.  But then upon looking closer into "that" aspect . . .the question arose "what" is it that salt preserves?  Dead flesh . . .I don't think that's what we're supposed to be doing . . .even though that "is" what religion does . . .preserve a doctrine or belief . . .the other thing salt does is add flavor.

Well, I struggle with that one to because then it means that the abundant life Jesus speaks of us having still needs our flesh sprinkled in it to add flavor?  Or "we" are the godly ones sprinkled among the ungodly and because of our presence, we sustain them from rotting . . that doesn't work for me either.

But when I saw this to say that as salt, our lives should make others thirsty for His . . THAT struck a chord.

Oops . . what was the question?  Oh yeah . .translations . . .my vote is still for "The Message".  But to be honest, I've not read the ones that Jabcat and WW have offered though.

[WhiteWings]

TCB
14 For whoever uses what he has, more will be given to him, and he will have abundance; yet whoever doesn't use what he has, even what he has, will be taken away from him.

[shawn]

My old standby has always been New Living Translation for years.  My Pastor back in the day originally referred it to me as well, that's what got me started on it.  If it's for your wife and kids, either of these would be good, but I still would lean toward the Message . . .

Here's another great example . . .
Mat 13:12 For whosoever hath, to him shall be given, and he shall have more abundance: but whosoever hath not, from him shall be taken away even that he hath.

For all my growing up years, I never could grasp what exactly was being said here.  Then when I came into the New Living Translation, I really liked how it laid it out . . .

New Living Translation
12 To those who listen to my teaching, more understanding will be given, and they will have an abundance of knowledge. But for those who are not listening, even what little understanding they have will be taken away from them.

That I can understand.  And then when I found the Message . . . .note that they don't give you just the verse . . .they give you  the context with it.  The whole Bible is this way.

11-15He replied, "You've been given insight into God's kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight; it hasn't been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears. That's why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight. In their present state they can stare till doomsday and not see it, listen till they're blue in the face and not get it. I don't want Isaiah's forecast repeated all over again:

   Your ears are open but you don't hear a thing.
      Your eyes are awake but you don't see a thing.
   The people are blockheads!
   They stick their fingers in their ears
      so they won't have to listen;
   They screw their eyes shut
      so they won't have to look,
      so they won't have to deal with me face-to-face
      and let me heal them.


I love that!!  The natural stories that reveal spiritual truths are to actually make us thirsty.  Thsi led to my understanding of the purpose of salt.  We are the salt of the earth, old way of thinking was that we're to act as a preservative . . .that's what salt does.  But then upon looking closer into "that" aspect . . .the question arose "what" is it that salt preserves?  Dead flesh . . .I don't think that's what we're supposed to be doing . . .even though that "is" what religion does . . .preserve a doctrine or belief . . .the other thing salt does is add flavor.

Well, I struggle with that one to because then it means that the abundant life Jesus speaks of us having still needs our flesh sprinkled in it to add flavor?  Or "we" are the godly ones sprinkled among the ungodly and because of our presence, we sustain them from rotting . . that doesn't work for me either.

But when I saw this to say that as salt, our lives should make others thirsty for His . . THAT struck a chord.

Oops . . what was the question?  Oh yeah . .translations . . .my vote is still for "The Message".  But to be honest, I've not read the ones that Jabcat and WW have offered though.

Yeah, I just purchased the Message.  I think for my wife and children...right now and possibly well into the future it's a good fit.  I like how those read.  My wife and I just had a discussion over those passages.  My children have a deep craving for the things of God.  They keep me on my toes and insist I read the Bible to them daily.  My wife has grown up in the church...but has never really had a craving for spiritual things.  But, I believe she wants to want it.  She sees that bond our children and I have through scripture and I think it has sparked interest.  She grew up in the church, confessed her sins, believes in Jesus as her Savior...goes to church, does the right things...doesn't seem to struggle nearly as much with the flesh as myself but will admit she doesn't have a deep craving for spiritual things.  She reads her Bible but struggles with understanding.  I think it's been a big block for her.  I know she is excited about getting her hands on a translation she can understand.

[Nathan]

Wow, embrace those kids man, that's a special bond to be sure.  I've got two daughters just leaving their teens . . .neither are interested either.  I've got twin boys who are 6 . . .so far, they enjoy what we do in teaching them, but a lot of it is crafts and such . .they're only 6 so we keep it simple of course. 

As for your wife . . .she interested maybe in a certain book by chance???  (let he that hath an ear . . . :laughing7:)

[shawn]

Wow, embrace those kids man, that's a special bond to be sure.  I've got two daughters just leaving their teens . . .neither are interested either.  I've got twin boys who are 6 . . .so far, they enjoy what we do in teaching them, but a lot of it is crafts and such . .they're only 6 so we keep it simple of course. 

As for your wife . . .she interested maybe in a certain book by chance???  (let he that hath an ear . . . :laughing7:)

We have gone over parts of Ground Zero together.  She seems very receptive.  It's hard for me to talk with her about my concerns without sounding judgmental.  I know she is where she is at and I accept that.  I just crave that deep bond of husband and wife embracing spiritual living on all levels.  So, I let this post give me some courage.  On the way, to my girls school (picking my daughters up...Taylors 8th birthday today) I just came out and asked her.  She was surprisingly receptive (and I say surprisingly because she tends to be quite sensitive) and stated she has a difficult time with this notion of relationship.  She knows how to go to church, stay away from sinful living but really struggles with having a relationship with God who see can not see.  She stated she wants it but doesn't know how to get there.  She did say she feels more receptive while commiting to acts of service.

As for my gals, 6 and 8...both are avid readers.  My eldest reads the Bible on her own but still prefers me to read with her.  I'm not sure how much she absorbs from reading on her own but the act alone just brings joy to my heart.  It's actually very humbling.  When I watch her crave, and search at such a young age I feel so unworthy.  Not unworthy in a bad way but unworthy in a grateful way.  My children and my wife represent the unfathomable grace of Christ given freely to me...a sinner.  It wasn't until I was delivered from my own abyss that I was receptive to UR.  I think to myself, if he is willing to save me...who is he not willing to save?

[micah7:9]

For reading...the ASV its in American english.

[Nathan]

Wow, embrace those kids man, that's a special bond to be sure.  I've got two daughters just leaving their teens . . .neither are interested either.  I've got twin boys who are 6 . . .so far, they enjoy what we do in teaching them, but a lot of it is crafts and such . .they're only 6 so we keep it simple of course. 

As for your wife . . .she interested maybe in a certain book by chance???  (let he that hath an ear . . . :laughing7:)

We have gone over parts of Ground Zero together.  She seems very receptive.  It's hard for me to talk with her about my concerns without sounding judgmental.  I know she is where she is at and I accept that.  I just crave that deep bond of husband and wife embracing spiritual living on all levels.  So, I let this post give me some courage.  On the way, to my girls school (picking my daughters up...Taylors 8th birthday today) I just came out and asked her.  She was surprisingly receptive (and I say surprisingly because she tends to be quite sensitive) and stated she has a difficult time with this notion of relationship.  She knows how to go to church, stay away from sinful living but really struggles with having a relationship with God who see can not see.  She stated she wants it but doesn't know how to get there.  She did say she feels more receptive while commiting to acts of service.

As for my gals, 6 and 8...both are avid readers.  My eldest reads the Bible on her own but still prefers me to read with her.  I'm not sure how much she absorbs from reading on her own but the act alone just brings joy to my heart.  It's actually very humbling.  When I watch her crave, and search at such a young age I feel so unworthy.  Not unworthy in a bad way but unworthy in a grateful way.  My children and my wife represent the unfathomable grace of Christ given freely to me...a sinner.  It wasn't until I was delivered from my own abyss that I was receptive to UR.  I think to myself, if he is willing to save me...who is he not willing to save?

Interesting thing happens to a jailor I believe, in the book of Acts . . . but I can't seem to find it . . .but it speaks about the fact because the jailor belived, his whole house will be saved due to "his" belief.  What's in you will infiltrait into her, and your kids . . your family "does" become affected by where God has taken you.  It's another one of those "mysteries" but I've seen it happen. 

Your wife may ask the how, but "you" are the best example as you live, she'll see how your relationship with the Father transitions from one glory to another.  It's really not about engaging in anything as much as it is "letting" the Father engage "in" us.  Your wife will see how you lay down your own preconceived beliefs, be it one at a time, or all at once, and BECAUSE OF her intimate relationship with you, she may not understand it, but she won't be so guarded against it because of her love for you, she'll consider things that you may plant or suggest that she may not accept should they come from anyone else.  God's DNA on these matters is already in her as she has an intimate relationship with you . . .it's only a matter of time  . .until then . .you are the midwife in preparation for the birthing of this new thing to manifest in her and your girls as well.

I've had to embrace the "entire household" concept more and more as my older daughters seem to become less and less interested in the things of God.  That understanding alone has been a great source of peace and patience.

[shawn]

Wow, embrace those kids man, that's a special bond to be sure.  I've got two daughters just leaving their teens . . .neither are interested either.  I've got twin boys who are 6 . . .so far, they enjoy what we do in teaching them, but a lot of it is crafts and such . .they're only 6 so we keep it simple of course. 

As for your wife . . .she interested maybe in a certain book by chance???  (let he that hath an ear . . . :laughing7:)

We have gone over parts of Ground Zero together.  She seems very receptive.  It's hard for me to talk with her about my concerns without sounding judgmental.  I know she is where she is at and I accept that.  I just crave that deep bond of husband and wife embracing spiritual living on all levels.  So, I let this post give me some courage.  On the way, to my girls school (picking my daughters up...Taylors 8th birthday today) I just came out and asked her.  She was surprisingly receptive (and I say surprisingly because she tends to be quite sensitive) and stated she has a difficult time with this notion of relationship.  She knows how to go to church, stay away from sinful living but really struggles with having a relationship with God who see can not see.  She stated she wants it but doesn't know how to get there.  She did say she feels more receptive while commiting to acts of service.

As for my gals, 6 and 8...both are avid readers.  My eldest reads the Bible on her own but still prefers me to read with her.  I'm not sure how much she absorbs from reading on her own but the act alone just brings joy to my heart.  It's actually very humbling.  When I watch her crave, and search at such a young age I feel so unworthy.  Not unworthy in a bad way but unworthy in a grateful way.  My children and my wife represent the unfathomable grace of Christ given freely to me...a sinner.  It wasn't until I was delivered from my own abyss that I was receptive to UR.  I think to myself, if he is willing to save me...who is he not willing to save?

Interesting thing happens to a jailor I believe, in the book of Acts . . . but I can't seem to find it . . .but it speaks about the fact because the jailor belived, his whole house will be saved due to "his" belief.  What's in you will infiltrait into her, and your kids . . your family "does" become affected by where God has taken you.  It's another one of those "mysteries" but I've seen it happen. 

Your wife may ask the how, but "you" are the best example as you live, she'll see how your relationship with the Father transitions from one glory to another.  It's really not about engaging in anything as much as it is "letting" the Father engage "in" us.  Your wife will see how you lay down your own preconceived beliefs, be it one at a time, or all at once, and BECAUSE OF her intimate relationship with you, she may not understand it, but she won't be so guarded against it because of her love for you, she'll consider things that you may plant or suggest that she may not accept should they come from anyone else.  God's DNA on these matters is already in her as she has an intimate relationship with you . . .it's only a matter of time  . .until then . .you are the midwife in preparation for the birthing of this new thing to manifest in her and your girls as well.

I've had to embrace the "entire household" concept more and more as my older daughters seem to become less and less interested in the things of God.  That understanding alone has been a great source of peace and patience.

That is truly humbling.  Thank you for that.

[jabcat]

Amen.  Blessed words.