Bibles

Made something of a survey of different bible translations and editions - something of a survey because it is physically impossible for a single human to conduct a thorough survey of bible editions and translations...there is every possible type out there andnew possibilities are opening up everyday.

Here are some results. First, I found that the NASB is the most accurate version of the Bible in English when looked at from a literal translation POV. I like the idea of an accurate literal translation - I know that task is another impossibility. Still, impossible though it may be, the attempt should be made. Certailny I can find nothing to praise in an inaccurate translation...

Behind the NASB is the ESV. Both texts are quite elegant though the ESV is, if I recall correctly, based on the KJV and so has an edge in the elegance department since it carries a greater weight in resonating power. I bought the NASB and have been reading it with pleasure - the edition is from Crossway and cost something like $6.99. I'll probably spring for the ESV in a year or three when I've gone through the NASB.

After the ESV is the RSV in accuracy and the KJV it is based on. To my surprise, the NIV and the Oxford Study (Revised English) bibles are not that accurate and rely more on a thought for thought rather than a word for word approach. In fact, As I'll explain, the Oxford was a true shocker for inaccuracy.

Another thing I've looked into is Robert Alter's translations of the Pentateuch (first five books including Genesis and Exodus) and of the Psalms. Absolutely astounding work there. I'm hoping he gets to work on Job. In my recent (relatively speaking) read through Genesis, I compared his translation to Everrett Fox's translation. Both have wonderfully terse translations and great commentaries - Alter's is greater. Both are light years ahead of the Oxford which seems to flub just about every crux. And the more I read of Alter's pretty profound commentary, the more I realized the Oxford version was lame.

When I am done with the Alter translations I have now, I intend to move on to his version of the story of David. Ought to be grand.

Looked, briefly, into the Apologetics Study Bible. Three comments: 1 - It is the CSB version which I can't say I gave a thorough test of so I'll reserve judgment. 2 - The articles I read in the the aisle at Borders seemed adequate for beginners and might have a few nuggets that would be useful to a more advanced reader, but the problem with apologetics is that there is never a definitive answer to every question so trying to do a good job in a finite number of pages is a task indeed. 3 - The presentation of the text was absolutely awful. I've never seen any book more poorly presented on the page. Not only was there significant bleed through, most of the articles were presented on paper that had grey designs on it. Imagine black ink words on paper that is varying shades of grey and with the words from the next page fighting their way through (and winning). Terrible. I wanted to get the book until I looked inside. The ideas might be useful, but it's a struggle to get at them.

I have not yet been able to take a peek inside the Reformation Study Bible - it's wrapped in plastic at the store and I've got plenty of reading to do with the Alter.