I need direction on a bible

[Erikrogers22]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

 

[Free]

Welcome to the forums! It’s fantastic that you’re taking an interest in the Bible and realize your need for Jesus.

I would suggest working your way up to more than one version, just to be able to compare, but start with a study Bible of some sort, such as the ESV Study Bible. I highly recommend it, and although it’s big and heavy, it has a lot of useful notes and information in the appendices.

https://www.amazon.com/ESV-Study-Bi...9011&s=books&sprefix=esv+study,aps,223&sr=1-1

You can also get a free program, such as e-Sword, which comes with the KJV and ESV (not the study Bible), and the ability to download some free study helps (lexicons, dictionaries, etc.) or other Bible versions. Of course, you can also purchase more premium Bible sets and study books. I use e-Sword and have purchased a lot of the Bibles for it. There are other, more premium programs too, but they obviously cost more.

My main advice is to not give up. When you don’t feel like reading the Bible, read it anyway. Even one verse. Just try and get into the habit of it. I try and read a chapter every day while I eat breakfast. When you don’t feel like praying, pray anyway. It doesn’t have to be anything more than, “God, I need you,” or “God, please help me with [whatever the struggle or issue is].” Whatever you’re feeling.

 

[Fastfredy0]

Not the King James as it's english language is archaic. The ESV or ASV are fine.

The bible is difficult to comprehend as the verses on most topics are spread out here and there. I would suggest reading a Systematic Theology book. The following is reasoning for such an approach:
The Bible is to the theologian what nature is to the scientist, --a body of unorganized or only partially organized facts. It is necessary, therefore, if we are to know all the facts on any given subject for us to gather together the scattered teachings and to construct them into a logical and harmonious system. The function of systematic theology is to unfold the Bible using revelation and reason; where the former trumps the latter. It is the orderly collecting, scientifically arranging, comparing, exhibiting and defending of all facts from any and every biblical source concerning God and His works. Ideally, all facts forming a doctrine are harmonious; on occasion not all the facts are harmonious for man is finite and God is infinite. Isaiah 55:8 (AMP) “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. 9 “For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways And My thoughts higher than your thoughts. Unknown Author

If you are interested, send me a private message via clicking my image and clicking Start Private Conversation. Send me your email and I will send you a copy. There are many authors of Systematic Theology.
This will be MUCH more helpful for your understanding as the pieces of various topics are gathered together for analysis and an aid to understanding.

 

[Hopeful 2]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

Welcome to the site !
I recommend the King James Version of the bible
I have a giant print version...for my poor eyes' sake.

 

[LeviR]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

Study Bibles and Systematic Theology books are biased.
NKJV I recommend.

 

[myangelsb4u]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

If I were just learning how to navigate the bible I would go with something simple like the CEV. I personally like the ESV, Holmans and my favorite NIV 1984. I also use https://www.biblegateway.com/ if I'm on-line. I hope you find the right bible for you.

 

[Who Me]

I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no

The simple answer is what bible does your church use and get that ?
The more complex answer is are you attending church, probably not!
So check out the Christianityexplored Web site for a church in your area running this course and either sign up or try the church.

Otherwise look at the Web site biblegateway, this will let you read from any of over 20 different bible versions.

 

[WIP]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

Many have already recommended the ESV (English Standard Version) and for good reason. The ESV is known to be a good one that is easy to read, particularly for younger adults and students. I reference that one myself, although my favorite is the NKJV (New King James Version). I also use a NIV (New International Version) and find that one to be easy to read as well.

 

[TrevorL]

Greetings Erikroger22,

If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

I prefer the KJV and use it as a basis for comparing other translations such as the RV, RSV, NASB and ESV. One reason for the KJV preference is that most useful reference books use the KJV as their basis.

Kind regards
Trevor

 

[Vinny37]

I suggest for an English version, that you go for something that is gender accurate for starters. But every version has strengths and weaknesses. The NIV and the NLT are generally around the top, and personally I like to compare about 10 versions. I have read this book a few times, and you might find the final chart useful. https://archive.org/details/the-wor...ersions-2017-231024/page/202/mode/1up?q=chart Just don’t drown in detail: the journey begins with one step. Maybe just a general workhorse to start, and maybe even to finish.

As for starting points, I think the Gospels are good, and perhaps even a one-volume commentary such as an UpToDate New Bible Commentary. After all, the Bible was written in different cultures and writing styles than ours, and some help in getting into them can be handy, helping us to carry the meaning into our culture.

 

[KV-44-v1]

any NASB version EXCEPT any later than 2000. I don't really think the later NASB are accurate.

 

[Truegracer87]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

kjv bible is the only way to go

 

[WIP]

Hello. I’m a new user. I am 22 and looking for a bible that I should start with.
Since a child, I always went to church until I became old enough to say no to my mother; as the years passed, I’ve found I need Jesus more and more everyday. I’ve just not within my own self rediscovery, gotten a bible. I don’t know where to begin or what to choose. If I can get some guidance upon what bible I should get, I would greatly appreciate it, or just advice and or anything whatsoever. I appreciate it kindly.

You will find that people have their favorites. Some don't trust certain translations and may even claim some translations are biased or leave text out and things like that, even though those translations usually include footnotes to explain why certain differences exist.

When the KJV was first translated into English (Elizabethan English, which is no longer used) there were a lot fewer known transcripts in existence to work from. Over the years since then, there have been many more found and there may be some differences since the transcripts were penned by human hands. I trust that the teams working on those translations took all of that into consideration to be sure to retain the integrity of the Scriptures.

The fact is, we do not have the original transcripts penned by the actual authors and/or their scribes so literally every transcript in existence today could present some potential issues. None of the translations were done by individual persons alone but rather a whole team of sometimes hundreds of scholars, theologians, pastors, historians, etc. Most translations were done to add clarity by updating language, punctuation (KJV doesn't have any or has very little for example), word meaning, and readability.

Translating language involves using synonyms. Ask 3 people to translate a phrase from English to Spanish and you'll likely get 3 slightly different results. Are any wrong? No, just different. Personally, I am not a specialist in understanding ancient Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek so I couldn't possibly verify the translations even if I had access to them. So, I trust that God has made sure to protect His Word.

The best you can do is pick one and start reading, studying, meditating, and praying for God's guidance. Perhaps join a Bible study group where you can ask questions or talk to a pastor if you have questions.

BibleGateway.com is a good place to find online versions.
OliveTree.com is another good source. I downloaded the NKJV to my phone free and it includes many helpful tools like cross references, red letter text for Jesus' words, bookmarking, taking notes, highlighting text, and more.

Hope this helps.

 

[Prycejosh1987]

The bible is irrelevant, what matters is the context and symbolism of the verses you are reading. Any bible in your language will do. Just remember that God speaks through His word. When you fast Gods voice can be heard more clearly. Do not isolate verses and read both old and new testaments as much as you are inspired to. Inspiration comes in due time its a persistent discipline.

 

[Free]