First, Let Me Tell You My Version

So on the message board I frequent, there has been a recent discussion on versions of the Bible. Specifically, whether certain versions are less accurate due to faulty sourcing or unscrupulous translators. I've found it interesting, as I've never really given much thought to the matter. I still have my Student Life Application Bible (New Living Translation) that I got when I was, what, 11 or 12? To me, that is "The Bible", and it actually feels kind of strange studying with another Bible. Even my little metal Bible that I take to church is NLT.

I thought it was interesting that many people said they enjoyed the NLT for casual reading, as it is written in more common language and therefore easier to understand, but they use the NASB or ESV for serious study as they impart more meaning. And then there's the whole wing of KJV and NKJV only, but while I think the KJV is linguistically beautiful, I find its archaic language to be more of a hindrance than a help for study or casual reading.

I found this Translation Comparison Chart useful, as I've never compared versions head to head. I have never really considered the word-to-word versus thought-for-thought aspect of Bible translations, but upon further thought I suppose it does make a difference, and you might look to opposite ends of the spectrum depending on your purpose for reading. So, tell me your thoughts. What translations do you prefer, and why? Do you like a different version for casual reading than study?

All around the mulberry bush, the monkey chased the weasel, the monkey thought twas all in fun...

You know the rest.