Article: Which Bible?

The question of which bible to read can be challenging because there are over 50 different English translations of the bible.  Some of these are translations that have attempted to accurately translate the bible from the original languages word for word, others have attempted to translate the bible from the original thoughts using words that are consistent with the original language and others have attempted to translate the bible using modern words and thoughts.   
If you are interested in reading more about bible translation methods please visit https://www.cru.org/us/en/train-and-grow/spiritual-growth/bible-translations.html

Some commonly used translations are:
ESV—English Standard Version is more literal word for word, not gender inclusive, average reading age 15 years plus.
NRSV– New Revised Standard Version is more literal word for word, very gender inclusive, average reading age 16 year plus.
NIV– New International Version 2011 version attempts to balance staying close to the original text and communicating its meaning in a way that is easy to understand, gender inclusive, average reading age 12 years plus. 
NET—New English Translation aims to be accurate, readable and elegant in its translation staying as close to the original text in both words and meaning as possible, gender inclusive, reading age is 12 years plus.   
KJV—King James Version uses ancient English language that can be difficult for some to understand, not gender inclusive, average reading age 17 years plus
NLT—New Living Translation uses modern language so moves away at times from the original words, gender inclusive, average reading age 11 years plus.
CEV—Contemporary English Version attempts to use simple language to avoid biblical jargon, gender inclusive, average reading age is 10 years plus
The Message uses very modern language so is considered a paraphrase, gender inclusive, average reading age is 9 years plus

There are also many study bibles, which are bibles using one of the translations, with extra notes, guides and maps.  
There are 3 Lutheran Study Bibles:
Concordia NIV Study Bible, 
Lutheran ESV Study Bible.  
Lutheran NRSV Study Bible 
These are also available from Australian Christian Resources  www.acresources.com.au  phone:  1300 36 75 75.

You can also access the bible online at:
www.biblegateway.org  59 English versions plus many other languages.
www.youversion.com over 50 different versions plus studies
https://lumina.bible.org 6 versions with studies and articles.

This article was originally prepared by Pastor Richard Schwedes for Sydney Lutheran Parish (St Paul's Sydney and Redeemer Narraweena).  You are welcome to use this article with recognition, to assist people associated with your congregation.