How We Got the Bible 5: English Versions
Here is the fourth and last in this series on the history of the Bible: how we got the Bible. Although the title says “English Versions,” most of the material primarily covers the KJV. Below is the handout and PowerPoint. Please also visit the links further below as well.
Remember, that although we have studied some of the textual issues and the many mistakes in the KJV, nothing is changed in the teachings. Nothing is changed about salvation. This is important to remember. Just because some of the imperfections are pointed out within the KJV translation, please do not make this into an “us” versus “them” debate. We all want to know God’s word more accurately.
Also there should be a reminder about looking at the evidence. When looking at manuscripts and the evidence of early readings, it is important to look at the evidence objectively. When we begin to become hostile in our words and start making personal attacks then the discussion of looking at the evidence has moved into a whole different argument — thus making unclear the original intention of the discussion. There is a big difference between looking at the evidence objectively and a name-calling battle filled with emotional language. As Dan Wallace once wrote, “civility and substance will go a long way.”
Material
History of the Bible 4: English Versions (PowerPoint)
History of the Bible 4: English Versions (PDF)
History of the Bible 4: English Versions (handout–PDF)
Links for further readings, studying and browsing:
Translations
- Alexander Campbell’s The Living Oracles (New Testament translation)
- American Standard Version (1901). Or buy at Amazon.
- Revised Standard Version (RSV). At Amazon.
- New American Standard Version (1995). At Amazon.
- New International Version (NIV). At Amazon.
- New Revised Standard Version (NRSV). At Amazon.
- New Living Translation (NLT). At Amazon.
- New English Translation (NET) — browse the sidebar for the menu. At Bible.org.
- English Standard Version (ESV). At Amazon.
- Today’s New International Standard Version (TNIV). At Amazon.
There are many more translations, but here are a few representative translations. Visit the Bible Gateway for more translation choices. Please note that I am not endorsing any particular translation, nor am I encouraging one translation over another. I’m simply giving the links for your convenience to browse or study as you would like.
