Who uses

[Penny]

Who uses the Amplified version of the Bible?

[dolfan]

Lotsa folks

[Penny]

Lotsa folks

lol I am looking at one thinking on getting...

Just wanted to hear what the smart people here say about it.

Like-- don't like

[dolfan]

Well, I'm disqualified on both counts, but it is a good study tool. I wouldn't have it as my primary bible because it is like the Living Bible in a sense. It is not an attempt to translate words as much as it is an attempt to explain ideas. And, that's nice, but it is also confining if it is your primary source. In my opinion, it limits you to the ideas of the interpreter(s) who put that work together. With translations such as KJV, NIV, NASB, you get some of that, too, of course, but there are words you can trace back to manuscript texts and compare meanings, and research historical contexts on and all that, if you're going to get elbow-deep into study.

Get you one, but keep your regular bible nearby to compare readings on. It'll only make you a better bible reader.

[Penny]

I wouldn't have it as my primary bible because it is like the Living Bible in a sense.

that what i wanted it for.

I have KJV here. The one I have I had for years, I been looking for a Bible for a while. I wanted one that had notes that went along with the verses. Maybe I am looking in the wrong places, I not really seen a KJV bible with this.

Where I live there are 2 stores.. Wal mart and a book store.

In some ways I have a longing to learn more, and I thought this may be a good way. (but I do not know much) to get a different version.

Up intill a little while ago, I would have NEVER looked at anything but a KJV.

I never knew there was so many choices in a Bible.

[dolfan]

You'll get as many opinions here as there are bibles! But, look, I think we can probably all agree here, broadly speaking, that the Amplified Bible is a fine tool that simply opens up old words and phrases in more up-to-date language. Sometimes, no doubt, it does not do a good job of it, just like there are places even in the KJV where the translators could have done a better job.

I would recommend that you get a Bible that is your primary one but in a different translation. I like the NIV alright, and it is probably more widely used now in the US than the KJV. Probably. But, the New American Standard Bible (NASB) is also highly, highly praised as being a better translation if not a slightly easier read. The thing I like about the NASB is you feel like you're reading the KJV in a way. That's just me. Both are fine -- but I'd get me one or the other and your Amplified. If not, do keep that KJV handy and don't forget about it. Read them both.

[RamboPreacher]

The AMP, like the Message, is a paraphrase Bible - these are the "far left" versions; if conservative is the more directly translated.

I have and use the AMP for comparative. it can be a bit wordy for "just reading comprehension" - and personally, I believe the Message has a more readable version. The AMP can stress information that may not really have been intended.

Good luck making a non-KJV selection.

BTW - I use NASB for my primary. I really only use KJV for instances when I am ministering with a group that is known to be KJV-only, or might otherwise be offended at another version being used from the pulpit.

In fact, if I have a long set of scriptures and am in teaching mode (which is usually the case), I may read it upfront from the Message, and then break it down using the NASB and original languages.

[DeWayneTN]

At the conference I attended this week, translation was a big topic. The NIV is celebrating 30 years and it is the bestselling translation (they celebrated by taking a bunch of us to Epcot ). Two scholars in a workshop I attended suggested everyone use more than one, because they said translation is not exact and is pretty fluid.

I have all types, but read the Message and NKJV (The Word of Promise audio) for leisure and NKJV and NIV for study since I have those that have been given to me.

[Pastor Bill]

If you're wanting this as a secondary resourse, take a look at some of the parallel bibles, I believe there is a couple that have Amplified as one of the 4 all together in one binding.

IF you are wanting just the notes/commentary, you might want to look at a "Life application" Bible, they come in many translations (KJV, NIV, etc.) and could serve as your main bible as well.

Personally I prefer less commentary and more referencing so my main bible is a KJV Thompson Chain Reference that I have had for years, but I also consult other translations and things (actually have been reading from NIV most of the time lately from the pulpit/projector, but that just depends on which translation seems most clear and easy to understand in that particular passage)

[Pastor Gary]

I have an Amplified, but just never quite got into the flow of reading/using it. It is awkward for me.

I probably have real, bound versions in a dozen or more translations/transliterations, including some just for reference (New World Translation -- Jehovah's Witnesses, Book of Mormon, etc.) -- I find I most often read from and preach from my NIV, mainly because it is the most familiar and most widely used here, and most often referenced in my seminary classed. I love The Message just for casual reading and as a way to make a point really plain-language, but would never base doctrine upon it.

In my Logos/Libronix Bible software I have loads of versions, and can display the same passage in side-by-side comparison in multiple translations... very useful for making sure one doesn't run off down a rabbit trail with a distorted interpretation of a phrase or passage.

I grew up with a Thompson Chain Reference KJV, and still have it, but use it less than others now. Did I help, or just muddy the waters?

[one love]

my main bible is a KJV Thompson Chain Reference

I love thompson chain, very good.
Now my computer program is like PG's it has all the versions that I have ever heard of. I can say many are phrase to phrase transilations, so you get the opinion of the translator more. Verses word for word...