What is (are) the best translation(s) of the bible?

[The Skeptic]

I know Skeptic's Annotated Bible uses the King James Version, which, stylistically has always been my favorite.


Is there a certain one that's a favorite among scholars today? I know my dad had to get an English Standard Version translation for his theological studies. I'd ask him what's the best one to study, but I want to know from a secular/historical standpoint rather than an apologetic Christian standpoint.

I'm highly interested in Biblical criticism and such, so I wanted to know what are the best ones to use for comparative purposes and for accuracy to the original.

Do the different sects use different translations? What do the Catholics favor? Orthodox? Mormon? I know Protestants favor NIV and KJV in Church generally.

EDIT: Also, if you recommend one, tell me why, and where I might can access it online

[Rev. Rye]

Is there a certain one that's a favorite among scholars today? I know my dad had to get an English Standard Version translation for his theological studies. I'd ask him what's the best one to study, but I want to know from a secular/historical standpoint rather than an apologetic Christian standpoint.

Well, if you're a scholar, there's some interlinear translations that use the original hebrew and Greek texts, and most any Biblical scholar worth his salt will eventually learn both languages. However, the closest dedicated English translation to one of them is the Amplified Bible (with parenthetical notes which try to give as many nuances as possible). And I'm pretty sure BibleGateway should have a copy of it.

Do the different sects use different translations? What do the Catholics favor? Orthodox? Mormon? I know Protestants favor NIV and KJV in Church generally.

Yes:
Catholics: They do their own translations. The classic is the Douay-Rheims, the one my grandparents have is a Jerusalem, and the one I used in my Catholic High School was the New American Bible.
Orthodox: An Orthodox version is currently being translated. Mostly, however, the text is usually in either Greek or (Old Slavonic) Russian.
Mormon: Strictly King James. I wasn't sure whether to be surprised or not when I learned that.

[ib.me.ub]

Edit: You will probably need to read a few of them to get an idea for yourself. Obviously, different people are going to have different perspectives on the subject.

[Minimalist]

Real scholars read it in Greek.

[The Skeptic]

Real scholars read it in Greek.

I know, but it's more of a hobby of mine. I'm working on a philosophy degree. I'd like to know what is most accurate out of all the Protestant & Catholic translations, and not one of these random Bibles that probably have purposely translated for evangelicals.

[Minimalist]

The KJV is generally considered one of the worst.

[Rev. Rye]

The KJV is generally considered one of the worst.

Well, in terms of the source material, it's one of the worst, but it's also the most poetic translation.

[Minimalist]

If its poetry you want, read the Iliad or the Odyssey.

[Godscreated]

I know Skeptic's Annotated Bible uses the King James Version, which, stylistically has always been my favorite.


Is there a certain one that's a favorite among scholars today? I know my dad had to get an English Standard Version translation for his theological studies. I'd ask him what's the best one to study, but I want to know from a secular/historical standpoint rather than an apologetic Christian standpoint.

I'm highly interested in Biblical criticism and such, so I wanted to know what are the best ones to use for comparative purposes and for accuracy to the original.

Do the different sects use different translations? What do the Catholics favor? Orthodox? Mormon? I know Protestants favor NIV and KJV in Church generally.

EDIT: Also, if you recommend one, tell me why, and where I might can access it online

Style has nothing to do with translation, I do agree that the poetic style of the KJV is wonderful to read and to listen to.
The New American Standard is at this point our best translation and the study version of this translation gives details of literial translations, even with this we still do not know all the meanings to some words in Hebrew. I do not know where you might find this online, I'm like Min I like to have the book in my hand.

[Gilligan]

I know Skeptic's Annotated Bible uses the King James Version, which, stylistically has always been my favorite.


Is there a certain one that's a favorite among scholars today? I know my dad had to get an English Standard Version translation for his theological studies. I'd ask him what's the best one to study, but I want to know from a secular/historical standpoint rather than an apologetic Christian standpoint.

I'm highly interested in Biblical criticism and such, so I wanted to know what are the best ones to use for comparative purposes and for accuracy to the original.

Do the different sects use different translations? What do the Catholics favor? Orthodox? Mormon? I know Protestants favor NIV and KJV in Church generally.

EDIT: Also, if you recommend one, tell me why, and where I might can access it online

I like Tyndale's New Testament, Matthew's Bible, Geneva Bible and KJV. I like them because they are not corrupted versions like modern ones. You can access them in the link below:

http://www.studylight.org/