Recently in a post I wrote the following line:
We are the only creation on the entire planet God put his breath in. The most amazing sunset can’t say that. The mountains can’t proclaim that. The deepest ocean can’t declare that.
I tweeted the first part of it, and someone disagreed with the idea. Here is what they said:
What do you think of Psalm 104:30? “When you give (animals) Your breath, life is created…” (NLT) Look at different trans too…
My first thought in response was “The NLT is what you’re using to back up a point? What?!! That’s like trying to win an argument using the Message.”
And it was in that moment I realized, “I have a secret Bible hierarchy in my head.” Maybe you do too, here’s mine:
NIV 1984 – My Go To Bible
This is my day to day, read it, trust it, love it version of the Bible. I know lots of folks who like the newer version of the NIV. But for me, I’ve got to go with 1984. (Even if sometimes I get distracted and think about George Orwell’s 1984 and the Apple Super Bowl commercial where the lady throws the hammer through the screen.) I was raised on this version, and it’s my bread and butter Bible.
KJV – The “Oh know you didn’t!” Bible
This is the version of the Bible I sprint to if I get into a disagreement with someone about theology. I think of this Bible like my grandfather. Old, wise and occasionally prone to whittling monkeys out of peach pits. If I’m ever stuck in a corner, this is where I head.
NLT – Modern Times Bible
According to Wikipedia, the NLT attempts to “translate the original texts simply and literally with a dynamic equivalence synergy approach used to convey the thoughts behind the text where a literal translation may have been difficult to understand.” Oh, when you say it that way, it is simple to understand. It’s the “dynamic equivalence synergy approach.” Gotcha. Regardless of that explanation, I still find it an enjoyable read.
The Message – Poetry & Prose Bible
I love the message because it paints a visual picture of what’s going on in the Bible. It also, as I’ve said before, reads like the lyrics of a John Mayer song, which is nice too.
Douay-Rheims Bible – Makes me sound smart Bible
Though I’ve never actually cracked open this edition of the Bible, every now and then I will mention it in a conversation just so I seem smarter than I really am. “Oh, you haven’t read the Douay-Rheims Bible? You must! You really must! I personally find it to be a fantastically accurate translation of the Latin Vulgate.”
That’s my hierarchy of Bibles, or “canon” if you will. I certainly left plenty amazing versions out, but the Internet only has so much available space, and I’m trying to conserve some room for other bloggers.
What’s your favorite version of the Bible?
