#English Standard Version Bible

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Blessed Are the Forgiven

A Maskil of David.

1 Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered. 2 Blessed is the man against whom the Lord counts no iniquity, and in whose spirit there is no deceit.

3 For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. 4 For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. Selah

5 I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord,” and you forgave the iniquity of my sin. Selah

6 Therefore let everyone who is godly offer prayer to you at a time when you may be found; surely in the rush of great waters, they shall not reach him. 7 You are a hiding place for me; you preserve me from trouble; you surround me with shouts of deliverance. Selah

8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you. 9 Be not like a horse or a mule, without understanding, which must be curbed with bit and bridle, or it will not stay near you.

10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked, but steadfast love surrounds the one who trusts in the Lord. 11 Be glad in the Lord, and rejoice, O righteous, and shout for joy, all you upright in heart! — Psalm 32 | English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Cross References: Genesis 19:16; Genesis 24:48; Exodus 15:1; Leviticus 26:40; Judges 5:1; Ruth 1:13; Job 30:11; Psalm 7:10; Psalm 18:16; Psalm 22:1; Psalm 25:8; Psalm 31:10; Psalm 46:1; Psalm 64:10; Matthew 6:12; John 1:47; Acts 13:11; Romans 2:9; Romans 4:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:19; James 3:3; 1 John 1:9

#sin #blessing #confession #forgiveness #penitence #Psalm 32 #Book of Psalms #Old Testament #ESV #English Standard Version Bible #Crossway Bibles #Good News Publishers

[quotesfromscripture]

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?

Mark 8:36-37 ESV (2016)

#bible verse #christianity #words of Jesus #the soul #psyche #soul: psyche #debt #the world #worldliness #cosmos #surrender #sacrifice #payment #mark 8 #mark 8:36 #mark 8:37 #english standard version

[lost-onpurpose]

I find it kind of funny that the same people who stood outside of our local planned parenthood and called everyone entering the parking lot a murderer are the same ones supporting the slaughter of children in their homes and in the streets of their home country.

"Oh but Jasper doesn't the Bible say you're supposed to stand with the nation of Israel? So you're not being a very good Christian to say they're wrong for their actions."

"Hence, the Hebrew term for “nation” (pronounced something like “ahm”) is linguistically related to the preposition meaning “with,” and a verb form meaning “to be associated with,” “to belong to.” The Israelites understood themselves to have originated from a common set of ancestors: Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Gen 11-35)."

Definition from Bible Odyssey

Nations in the Bible were not the physical locations or governments in control of the land. The nations are the people. And governments are run by people and people are not perfect, far from it. People in power are easily swayed and pressured to perform in ways to showcase their power and control of everything and everyone around them. This often comes at the expense of innocent people.

"But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" Matthew 5:44 ESV

My heart and soul just want to see an end to the violence for everyone's sake. There are innocent people being injured and killed and families are being torn apart for no reason.

"Then Jesus said to him, "Put your sword back into its place. For all who take the sword will perish by the sword." Matthew 26:52 ESV

Anyone guilty of war crimes or crimes against humanity should be held accountable for their actions.

#lost onpurpose #religion #Christianity #Israel #Palestine #ceasefire #politics #Bible Odyssey #toxic christianity #english standard version

[theenglishnook]

Early Modern English: Shakespearean Era to the King James Bible (1500-1700 AD)

Early Modern English is the linguistic epoch that spans roughly from the late 15th century to the late 17th century. It represents a significant transitional phase in the evolution of the English language, bridging the gap between the Middle English period and the modern form of the language that we use today. During the Early Modern English period, several key developments profoundly influenced…

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#Cultural exchange in language #Early Modern English history #education #English #English language evolution #English vocabulary enrichment #english-language #english-learning #Exploration and language evolution #Grammar changes in Early Modern English #inglés #King James Bible influence #King James Version impact #language #Language during Renaissance #language-learning #languages #learn-english #learning #Linguistic developments 1500-1700 #Printing press influence #Renaissance language transition #Shakespearean era language #Standardization of English #William Shakespeare vocabulary

[christianity-crucible]

Hoping to find an article I had but lost track of talking about how messed up the evangelical-favored English Standard Version (ESV) of the Bible is, especially compared to the version it was cribbed from, the Revised Standard Version (RSV), which at least according to one telling tried to make it translation as accurate as possible. By contrast, the changes made in the English Standard Version were very political and were LESS linguistically accurate, though more political convenient for evangelicalism.

If I can find that article again, I'll post a link here.

#Christianity #evangelicalism #Bible #Revised Standard Version #RSV #English Standard Version

[goodjohnjr]

Reading An English Standard Version (ESV) Bible | Playing Soccer & Basketball & Necklaces

Silver Rope Chain Initial Necklaces For Men Letter Pendant Initial Necklace For Men Boys Women Chunky Initial Necklaces For Mens Jewelry Mens Gifts Dream 1 All that I can remember of this dream is that I was reading a large print Bible (Christian Bible) in the English Standard Version (ESV) translation. The Hope and Purpose of the ESV Translation Even though I have not read from this bible…

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#Basketball #Bible #Classmate #Doorbell #English Standard Version #ESV #Family #Goalie #Large Print #Miami Cuban Link Chain #Reading #Rope Chain #Soccer #Sweeper

[kellyis4jc]

ESV Preaching Bible!!!

We need to encourage our pastors to become stronger preachers. We can do this by giving them the "ESV Preaching Bible" which will show them how to speak God's truth in a biblical way. Give your pastor a preaching Bible they can rely on when they preach!!!

In the Body of Christ today, we need to look up to our pastors for preaching the Word of God and seeing people get saved through the power of Jesus. As we look up to our pastors, we need to show them how much we appreciate them. To show them our appreciation, we can give them the “ESV Preaching Bible” to help them become stronger preachers of the Word of God. The “ESV Preaching Bible” gives…

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#English Standard Version #ESV #ESV Preaching Bible #Preaching #Preaching Bible

[wanderingmind867]

I wasn't active on social media/in online circles for a long time (so correct me if I'm wrong), but I think I've noticed that generally the Abrahamic Faiths tend to be more protected than the polytheistic and/or archaic ones. Like, take my proposal for making a version of the Bible told in fun, clear, simple English (with the feel of Harry Potter or Percy Jackson or something). That proposal did seem to make one person a little upset online (I'm still sorry if it did), but I feel it'd do even worse irl. If I actually did that and made a Percy Jackson style version of the Bible, the "moral majority" folks would kill me. But when they write books like that about ancient Greek, Roman, Norse or Egyptian mythology, I see nobody raising a big fuss (but again, please correct me if I'm wrong about that).

Anyways, I'm saying I see a double standard here. I only want a version of the Bible told like Percy Jackson because that's the only way I could ever read it. It's otherwise a dry book full of old english, and that's something I can never sit through. And I'm surely not the only one like that. So really, writing a version of the bible like this might actually help the book reach more people. And besides all that, it's just a double standard. Oh, when it's ancient religions it's okay but not when it's your modern cultural majority religion? Double standard, I say. Double standard.

#my thoughts #my ideas #percy jackson #religions #double standards #pjo #pjo hoo toa #rick riordan #pjo series #I hate old english #It's impossible to understand #but a solution like this probably makes the devout mad #even though they turn an eye to ancient religions #hypocrisy #autism #asd #neurodivergent #adhd #percy jackson and the olympians #percy jackon and the olympians #greek mythology #rick riordan presents #riordan universe #percy jackson series

[bible-word-counter]

I'm super-new to this, how many english translations are there? Which one should I read as a first-time reader? I'm sorry if people've already asked you this

There are over a hundred translations of the Bible into English and over three thousand total for all languages.

The most common ones used are

King James Version (The one I use)

New International Version

New Revised Standard Version

As far as which one to start with? I would say the one that you can understand the best. Though it is fun to read KJV out loud because you sound like a Shakespearean actor

#not a bible word count #ask #clerk427

[tajcox]

“How art thou fallen from heauen (o Lucifer) thou faire mornige childe? hast thou gotten a fall euen to the grounde, thou that (notwithstondinge) dyddest subdue the people?”

-The Coverdale Bible 1535

“How art thou fallen from heauen (O Lucifer) thou faire mornynge childe? how hast thou gotten a fall euen to the grounde, and art become weaker then the people?”

- The Great Bible 1539

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning? and cut down to the ground, which didst cast lots upon the nations?”

-Geneva Bible 1560

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations!

- King James Version 1611

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low”

-English Revised Version 1885

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O day-star, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, that didst lay low the nations!”

-American Standard Version 1971

“How you have fallen from heaven, morning star, son of the dawn! You have been cast down to the earth, you who once laid low the nations!”

-New International Version 1973

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! How you are cut down to the ground, You who weakened the nations!”

- New King James 1982

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Day Star, son of Dawn! How you are cut down to the ground, you who laid the nations low!”

- English Standard Version 2002

Be careful!! God had made the Bible to be understood plainly. Overtime men had changed words and or phrases thinking that it’s a necessity to be more plain, while in reality their mystifying that which is plain due to traditions. Gods word as a whole, is a perfect chain, one portion linking into and explaining another. True seekers for truth need not err, for not only is the Word of God plain and simple in declaring the way of life, but the Holy Spirit is given as a guide in understanding the way to life therein revealed.

#seventhdayadventist #jesus christ #bible verse #christianity #christians #god #religion #scripture #biblical #god's love #love #faith in the lord #faith in jesus #faith in god #keep the faith #christian faith #faith #faithinchrist #bibleverse #bible reading #biblestudy #the bible #bible scripture #bible quote #bible study #bible #bibleprophecy #10 commandments #holy bible #christian bible

[impunkster-syndrome]

I've decided to make a post explaining the difference between purity culture and cultural christianity. I'm writing this from the perspective of someone from the US and was raised fundamentalist (southern and northern) baptist/nondenominational christian and a survivor of purity culture as someone who was raised female. I'll be talking about my own upbringing and sexual trauma in the purity culture section.

TL;DR of under the cut: Purity culture is a specific form of religious abuse mostly experienced in fundamentalist religions that prioritize virginity as the worth of an assigned female at birth person before marriage and treats anyone raised female as property of men in their lives. Cultural christianity is the widespread assumption that (often fundamentalist) christian values should be held by a whole culture and must be held in order to have a moral society even if people are not christians. Use "sex negativity/negative" and "anti kink" to accurately describe the stigmatization of sex and kink. The use of "purity culture" to mean "stigmatization of sex on a systemic scale via cultural norms" ignores that this is a term for a specific kind of religious abuse often experienced by children waters down the original term and there is a better term for you to use.

Content warnings for under the cut: Fundamentalist christianity, misogyny, rape and martial rape, incest, grooming and indoctrination, sexual abuse, christofascism

Just so everyone is on the same page, I'm going to explain fundamentalism and how the US' party on the political right is now defined by the views of fundamentalist christians. It's relevant, I swear. I added wikipedia links to terms that people may need more information on if they did not grow up as a fundamentalist through the information below.

The name "Fundamentalist" (often shortened to "fundie" by snarkers and ex-fundamentalists) comes from a collection of essays called The Fundamentals. These essays are the foundations of the present Religious Right. For the people who don't want to read, here's a list of common fundamentalist beliefs:

The Bible is to be read as a literal interpretation and is the inerrant word of God. (Typically the King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, and English Standard Version are all used as common translations of the Bible.) Yes. This means creationism and believing the world was literally created by God in six days. It views the Bible as a historical text that we know is 100% accurate.

Complementarianism, the view that men and women are inherently different. The "separate but equal" view of gender. This often results in women being unable to hold leadership positions over men, especially in the church. Women are viewed as homemakers and to be submissive to men, while men are pushed to be the leader of the family and church and always be strong. Also trans people do not exist according to this view, neither do nonbinary people. They break the gender roles seen as inherent to one gender based on their birth and being made in God's image.

Conservative lean politically. This is especially after the 1980s and the creation of The Moral Majority despite The Fundamentals being published between 1910-1915. They did include that, but over time the Religious Right became dominated by Jerry Falwell Sr and his kind, to become what it is currently.

The reason why this is important is that these are all a basis for cultural christianity and purity culture, with both being connected to christofascist ideas.

Purity culture is more than the popular misconception that it is merely having negative attitudes about sex, kink, fetishes, paraphilias (the umbrella term for any attraction deemed abnormal, but not all paraphilias can fit into kinks or fetishes and there is more nuance to that topic while still being impacted), and NSFW media. It often includes indoctrination and grooming from a young age to teach that sex outside of specific contexts is bad, that sex is a chore you are obligated to do for your husband or you are not fulfilling your role as a wife, and more. As a child, your father is made out to be the person that holds the most love for you out of your family, and in some cases even attend special father/daughter bonding ceremonies and events intended to show subservience to your father and to God. When you hit puberty, your parents may not even teach you about sex or how to have safe sex. Your own anatomy is an alien world that you aren't sure how it works. If they did tell you about sex, it was likely in a way to try to scare you out of having sex through talking about STDs and physical pain during sex (Which, vaginismus is a very common result of purity culture and makes your vaginal muscles try to contract to protect you, making intercourse painful). Both ways, you are forced into complete abstinence. You may or may not be told that masturbation is even a thing. If you are a CSA, COCSA, or SA victim, you will likely be battling with the trauma and feelings of shame at this point. Not being able a chance to recover by reclaiming your own body or learning about it. As you get older, the sexual and/or romantic repression from the common part of your father needing to approve of your partners, possibly being required to have a chaperone on dates, the rhetoric of "dating with purpose"/courting, and the years going by while you are in a religion that expects you to marry young and date as little as possible, it all starts to take a toll on you. When you do marry, the wedding night is often hyped up to the point where the expectations skyrocket past what it will likely be in reality, but you can't get a divorce if things don't get better in your sex life. Some groups even teach that martial rape is not real and that the wife is the one in the wrong if she refuses sex. This isn't even getting into the idea of the "Jezebel spirit" that is a boogeyman to claim that women who talk back or act/dress "provocatively" need to be put in their place and act submissively to not tempt men.

Purity culture, is at its core, long-term sexual abuse and grooming justified through religion. Often church news that a pastor or other leader in the church was finally caught after exploiting their power over those they could abuse only scratch the surface of the normalized abuse and isolation. Even if you escape it, the trauma and indoctrination can lead you into abusive relationships after if you do not start working on that trauma and start deconstructing.

For my own experience, I am a survivor of incest. My biological father raped me as a child at least once and also exposed me to porn and his own privates at least once before the age of five. I never had the chance to be "pure." I even knew this as a child, moreso in middle school. My sexual trauma was one part of my sex repulsion and complete lack of interest in sex as I was going through puberty. In sixth grade I broke down crying due to a sex ed class triggering me so much. My family started going to my friend's church. Her older brother who hadn't even graduated high school at the time was already courting a girl and planned to marry her. I was going to her youth group, where I was taught that all anger towards my rapist was immoral, that I as a child could tempt my spiritual brothers to stumble through how I dressed. Men were made out to be monsters that were always out to take advantage of me while women were made out to be the "safe gender." Eventually I learned my friend was telling others the trauma I told her, trusted her enough to tell her because I felt so broken due to the fact that I was supposed to be pure. She said it was my sin. That it was my fault and that I had tempted my biological father as a toddler. That was the end of that friendship. I get my first purity ring and promise my stepdad to not have sex before getting married also in middle school. With that on my left ring finger, that was already broken through no choice of my own. I stopped wearing it out of shame and feeling like it just constantly reminded me that I was not pure. I knew I wasn't ready for any relationships, but I also forced any thoughts of romance out of my thoughts lest they make my mind impure. Fast forward to ninth grade. My interview to get into the school features me feeling spiritually broken and distant because of all my trauma and I cry during it. I'm attending a private school that is fundamentalist. A teacher accepts questions about God each week and has assignments about letters to God. The week he answered my question of when divorce was okay (The answer was only in cases of adultery and abuse, but with a mandatory marriage counseling before and needing to do anything to stay together with divorce as only a last resort), he stopped me after class and asked me if I was okay due to sexual trauma and feeling so spiritually broken due to that and abuse I was at the time going through. I attended a group called My First Love from my church that was about getting ready for dating and staying pure in dating with knowing God should be the first man in your life always. My mentors I got assigned all would talk about staying pure while knowing that I wasn't able to. Then I got touched inappropriately by my step uncle, and so did my little half sister in the same night. Another nail in the coffin of my purity. I get a bracelet of "firsts" (First kiss, first hug, first "I love you," etc) that I am supposed to give all the charms to partners to, showing that those firsts are special and should only go to the "right" person and another purity ring from my parents. In tenth grade to eleventh I am in an abusive relationship with a transgirl who is telling me that sex would fix me and forcing her tongue into my mouth despite me saying no. I'm groped several times and she blames it on me and how I dress, but I do not dare stay angry for long when she is around or tell anyone because everyone else would know that I'm being more and more tainted by someone who is telling me that she wants to marry me and loves me while pressuring me to undress and touching me when she knows I have trauma. She got most of the charms on that bracelet. An abuser was the person to take all those firsts from me and show that to others. I only learned what masturbation was at 17/18 years old, when I had been doing it compulsively since before puberty due to CSA. It took me until I was 21 to buy a external vibrator and start trauma work.

Even more nails in the coffin like the one that youth group forced me to nail shut for any anger being immoral and how so many people supported that. Stay quiet, stay modest, stay submissive, and hopefully someone will save you one day and fix everything. But you know that won't happen. You're the princess in the tower, the sleeping beauty to keep locked away for the right time, but anyone who does get in may actually violate you and you cannot defend yourself.

Now, I'm hypersexual and probably have vaginismus. Masturbating is triggering to me at times though I need to do it because of being compulsive from trauma. The message that sex is bad has ingrained itself into my body enough to control my muscles to try to protect me involuntarily. This term is not for your fandom discourse. This trauma and long term abuse for most of my life has altered my body's muscle contractions without my knowledge. There are better terms for you to use. Sex negativity, cultural christianity, anti kink. All those are better than stealing and misusing a term for normalized sexual grooming and abuse in a religious setting.

If you are describing the idea that the culture is largely considered to have christian values despite not everyone being religiously christian, use the term cultural christianity. There is a legitimate problem with this, especially in the US. While fundies see the problem as people not being religious enough for their standards, there is a big problem with christian norms being viewed as the default to have a "moral" society. It leads to christofascism. Christianity is so baked into the US that once you start digging and trying to confront it, you end up in weird rabbit holes. Like how we have the Christian Science denomination to thank for religious exemption laws for medical care because of their beliefs. Just take a look at US history and how all that impacts things we deal with today through the lens of what someone's religious beliefs here.

If you are describing views that are stigmatizing sex or kink, use sex negativity or anti kink. Those are more accurate descriptors of the behavior.

My trauma is not the word for your online discourse. Stop hijacking terms and ignoring what trauma survivors tell you. Both sides do it or use us as your scapegoats for why you believe xyz. Knock it off. You're being ableist.

For further reading/listening (If one is paywalled, DM me for a way to view it, please! Information should be free):

The Thing About Purity (Article)

The Botkins - Vision Forum's royal family (Youtube video)

Purity Culture Is Rad - ically Dangerous (Youtube video)

The impact of Christian purity culture is still being felt - including in Britian (Article)

The Flaw at the Center of Purity Culture (Article)

@deconstructingpurityculture on instagram

The Elephant in the Closet: A Male Perspective on Purity Culture (Article)

My First Kiss at the Altar & Vaginismus After Having Sex for Marriage | Purity Culture (Article)

'Purity' Culture: bad for women, worse for survivors of sexual assault (Article)

Surviving purity culture: How I healed a lifetime of sexual shame (Youtube video)

There is plenty more out there to illustrate the harmful impacts of purity culture and how it is traumatizing.

#madpunk #neuropunk #traumapunk #purity culture #proship #antiship #long post

[officialyourdailyinspiration]

Jesus Makes Us Into His Followers

34 And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. 35 For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. 36 For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? 37 For what can a man give in return for his soul? 38 For whoever is ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, of him will the Son of Man also be ashamed when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.” — Mark 8:34-38 | English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Cross References: Matthew 8:20; Matthew 10:33; Matthew 10:38-39; Matthew 16:24; Matthew 16:26; Mark 13:26; Luke 9:26; Luke 17:33; John 12:25

#Jesus #following Jesus #hardships #sacrifice #life #saved #lost #take up your cross #the Gospel #Mark 8:34-38 #Gospel of Mark #New Testament #ESV #English Standard Version Bible #Crossway Bibles #Good News Publishers

[quotesfromscripture]

The Son of Man came eating and drinking, and they say, 'Look at him! A glutton and a drunkard, a friend of tax collectors and sinners!' Yet wisdom is justified by her deeds.

Matthew 11:19 ESV (2016)

#bible verse #scripture #life of Jesus #son of man #drinking #gluttony #accusations #tax collectors #taxes #jesus friend of sinners #wisdom #justification #matthew 11 #actions speak louder than words #english standard version #words of Jesus

[counter-culture-christian]

Scriptures About The Lusts/Desires Of The Flesh:

1 John 2:15-17 (World English Bible)

"Don’t love the world or the things that are in the world. If anyone loves the world, the Father’s love isn’t in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, isn’t the Father’s, but is the world’s. The world is passing away with its lusts, but he who does God’s will remains forever."

Galatians 5:16 (World English Bible)

"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you won’t fulfill the lust of the flesh."

Romans 13:14 (World English Bible)

"But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, for its lusts."

James 1:14 (English Standard Version)

"But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire."

Galatians 5:24 (English Standard Version)

"And those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires."

Ephesians 2:3 (English Standard Version)

"among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind."

James 1:15 (English Standard Version)

"Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death."

Ephesians 4:22 (English Standard Version)

"to put off your old self, which belongs to your former manner of life and is corrupt through deceitful desires,"

#lust #desire #bible scripture #scripture #bible verse #christblr #christianity #christian #christian doctrine

[forhisgrace]

Studying the Bible Effectively: A Beginner's Guide

Studying the Bible can seem daunting at first, but with the right approach and tools, it can allow so much spiritual growth!! Whether you're new to the faith or a seasoned believer, having a structured method can improve and ease your experience. Here's a straightforward guide to help you get started on your Bible study journey!

Choosing a Translation

One of the first decisions to make when studying the Bible is choosing a translation that suits your needs and preferences. There are several translations available, each with its own approach to translation. Here are the three categories they fall into.

1. Word for Word Translation: These translations, such as the King James Version (KJV) or English Standard Version (ESV), aim to follow the original texts as closely as possible, offering a literal rendering of the words and phrases. They are great for detailed study and analysis of the text.

2. Thought for Thought Translation: These translations prioritize clarity and readability, conveying the original meaning in modern language by updating language to be mor relevant to modern readers. They are ideal for easy comprehension, especially for beginners or those looking for a straightforward understanding.

3. Paraphrased Translation: These translations capture the essence or gist of the message rather than focusing on precise wording. They are often easier to understand and are suitable for new believers or younger children. However, they are most likely to stray from the original text and can sometimes be slightly inaccurate.

When I am reading to spend time with God (such as my daily reading) I use NLT, which is a thought for thought translation and therefore easier to understand. However, during bible study it is advisable to keep a word for word translation on hand (I use the KJV translation in the YouVersion bible app alongside a physical copy of the NLT).

Establishing a Study Routine

1. Prayer: Before sitting down to read, it's essential to prepare yourself spiritually and mentally. Begin your study session with a prayer, asking God to open your mind and heart to His word and guide you in your understanding.

2. Reading the Passage: Start by reading the passage without taking notes or annotating. Try to grasp the overall message and what God is communicating to you.

3. Annotation and Reflection: Read the passage again, this time making notes of any observations, questions, or insights that come to mind. Consider who is involved, what is happening, why, when, and how. Reflect on the message God is conveying through the text.

4. Consulting Study Tools: Dive deeper into the passage by using study tools such as Bible commentaries, online resources, or cross-referencing different translations. This helps gain a broader perspective and insight into the text. They often also include historical context and reasons for writing.

5. Application: Reflect on how the passage applies to your life. Identify one or two key messages and think about how you can incorporate them into your daily life. Is the scripture challenging you to change certain behaviours, draw closer to God, or strengthen your faith? Pray for guidance on how to apply these insights. Personally, I like to make an extra effort to apply these in the upcoming week.

Conclusion

Studying the Bible is not just about acquiring knowledge but also about cultivating a deeper relationship with God and living out His word in our lives. By choosing the right translation, establishing a study routine, and seeking guidance through prayer and study tools, you can embark on a fulfilling journey of spiritual growth and understanding. Remember, consistency and patience are key, so keep seeking God's wisdom as you delve into His word.

#christian bible #christian #christian blog #bible #bible study #guide #how to study #how to guide #christblr #christian faith #christianity #jesus christ #faith #bible verse #christian girl #christian theology #forhisgrace #christian living #pink aesthetic

[tanadrin]

The KJV is a bad translation?

the kjv is, as i understand it, a particularly poor translation for the modern english speaker. and probably not a great translation even for its day.

some of this is a historical problem. the kjv is a lightly edited revision of the bishop's bible; by the time it was put into print its language was already a hundred years out of date.

some of this is a time marches on problem: our understanding of the source texts and the number of manuscripts available to us to analyze is simply much better now than it was back when the kjv/bishop's bible/other early vernacular bibles were printed. not to mention our understanding of the historical context of those texts as furnished by, e.g., archeology.

some of this is a language marches on problem: "tabernacle" is from a Latin word meaning "small hut," which was probably a fine way to translate the hebrew word used for the dwelling place of god back in the sixteenth century, but now, thanks in part to its use in translations of the bible, basically only has a specialized religious meaning that obscures more than it illuminates when used in conservative translations of the bible. there are english-language turns of phrase in the kjv that are now consistently misunderstood just because standard english usage has changed sufficiently in the intervening centuries to alter the fundamental meaning of some passages.

and some of this is a dogma problem: there are passages in the bible that religious publishers with an agenda will insist on mistranslating because the plain meaning of the text is awkward for their particular dogmas. because of the role of the kjv in the second great awakening and american protestantism's fixation on this version of the text, there is the particular pathology of the "kjv-only" movement in american protestantism which insists that the kjv is not only fine, but is actually the best and only good translation of the bible and all the other english translations are corrupted by the devil or something, idk.

what translation of the bible is best probably depends on what you want to use the bible for (devotional purposes vs critical understanding of hte new testament vs critical understanding of the hebrew bible, etc.), but one can definitely do better than a translation published in the seventeenth century.