VERSIONS OF THE BIBLE

There are many different English translations of the Bible from their original Hebrew and Greek texts. The earliest still in regular use is the King James (a.k.a. Authorized) Version, so called because it was authorized by King James!  It dates from 1611. Although many people love its beautiful language, it can be hard to understand. In addition, archaeologists and historians have discovered ancient Greek and Hebrew texts over the years which were unknown to the Authorized Bible’s translators, and have a much better idea of, for example, daily life in Bible times than was the case then.  These discoveries have meant that, in some cases, the Authorized Version is now not necessarily seen as the most accurate translation. Of course, English words have also changed their meanings over time, so, for example, the famous words of Jesus “suffer the little children to come unto me” might sound to modern ears as if it meant children should suffer, which is not the intention at all! In seventeenth century English, “suffer” meant “allow”. Jesus is actually telling his disciples that they should let the children, whom they are trying to keep away,come to him.

The first revisions of the Authorized Version were made in the late 19th century, but in the latter part of the twentieth century many new translations appeared. There are now a great many to choose from. Here is the opening of John’s Gospel in a number of versions, so that you can see the differences between them.

The King James (Authorized) Version - AV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God.  All things were made by him; and without him was not any thing made that was made. In him was life; and the life was the light of men. And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not.

The New Revised Standard Version – NRSV 
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being. What has come into being in him was life, and the life was the light of all people.
The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overcome it.

The New International Version - NIV
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, but the darkness has not understood it.

The Good News Bible (GNB), also called Today’s English Version (TEV)
Before the world was created, the Word already existed; he was with God, and he was the same as God. From the very beginning the Word was with God. Through him God made all things; not one thing in all creation was made without him. The Word was the source of life, and this life brought light to mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has never put it out.

The Jerusalem Bible (JB)
In the beginning was the Word; the Word was with God and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things came to be, not one thing had its being but through him. All that came to be had life in him and that life was the light of men, a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness could not overpower.

In addition to these translations there are also paraphrases like the Living Bible and the Message which give the sense of the passage (to that writer at least!) but do not stick to the words of the original texts. These versions can be useful if you want to get a quick idea of what a passage is about, but they are best used alongside a proper translation, like those above, which stick more accurately to the original Greek and Hebrew texts.
The latest addition to these paraphrases is the 100 Minute Bible – a condensed version which, as the name suggests, can be read (allegedly!) in 100 Minutes. A good idea if you want a quick overview – but really just a beginning.

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