In the English language, my favorite translation is the King James Version (JKV), also known as the Authorized Version (AV). It towers over other translations in fidelity and beauty of language. However, from time to time there are other translations who render a better meaning than the KJV does. Thus, the benefit of studying the Holy Scriptures with a number of translations. The art of translation is a difficult one, seldom doing justice to the language of the original. Many words have equivalent meanings in both languages, but others do not. At times a word may have several significations, adding to the richness of the original. Translators are then forced to choose only one word or meaning, or place a footnote (e.g., AV, ASV) or parenthetical comment within the translation (e.g., Amplified). In the latter instance, the translation takes the form of a targum (or paraphrase) of sorts. Beside the normal challenges of translation, most modern versions have corrupted the meaning of the original Hebrew either by design (in an attempt to remove from Scripture passages that are Messianic in nature) or lack of understanding.

When I first prepared this page, I had another dozen versions (than what I have here) that I was going to suggest as sources of useful comparison. As I looked at the two sample verses, Isaiah 7:14 and Zechariah 13:6, I began to systematically eliminate more and more of them, mostly for the way Zechariah 13:6 was translated (see page, Integrity of the Holy Scriptures). So, what did I end up with, namely the KJV, since the KJV is a revision and update of the Bishops' Bible and Geneva Bible. In terms of Spurrell and Webster, I did not have the opportunity to look closely at other verses, so I do not wish to imply endorsement of these versions, either. From time to time, I prefer the Bishops or Geneva rendition over the KJV. After the first list below, I include a second list of Bible versions I find useful in that they sometimes render a better translation than the KJV. There is yet a third list, but I have not included these here, and those who are interested can send me a note and we can converse about these versions. Prayer and guidance of the Spirit are essential in our study of the Holy Scriptures.

2. Second list

3. On-line Bible from Logos

Verse:
Isaiah 7:14; Zechariah 13:6

Keyword:
Salvation, Jesus, Gospel

With Operators:
AND, OR, NOT, “ ”

Online Bible by Logos

4. Bibles available on the Web (mostly free through
e-Sword but need to download free eSword program first.).