When I first started blogging, I spent a lot of time worrying about SEO and what search terms were going to get readers to my blog, with little success as far as I was able to tell. However, over time, it seems that the Googlers or Yahooers I was hoping would find there way here have. (There just aren’t millions of people searching for “ancient hebrew pictographs,” yet, go figure.)
But, from time to time, I get a surfer who washes ashore here from an interesting search string. I think this is the most interesting so far:
If you were stuck on a desert island which…
Huh? That’s as much of the search string as I was able to retrieve, but I am curious how it ended. In July, I wrote a post wherein I mentioned that if I were stuck on a deserted island with only two Bible translations, I would take my NASB and King James Version, but I don’t recall ever writing about desert islands or being stuck on one otherwise.
Assuming someone did actually ask:
If you were stuck on a desert island, which Bible translation(s) would you take?
I now ask you to help this lone Googler out and advise him or her which Bible translation(s) you would take if you were stuck on a deserted island and why.
And don’t list seven, that would defeat the purpose. I won’t put any limits, but be reasonable, you would be traveling afterall.
#1 by Lynn Mosher on February 19, 2009 - 10:35 pm
Hmmm…let’s see. I’d probably want to have my Amplified and NKJV, which I would probably be taking on vacation and, unfortunately, got stuck on the island. However, if I really had my druthers, I’d take my interlinear Greek/Hebrew/English Bible. Fun question! Thanks! Be blessed…
#2 by Scripture Zealot on February 19, 2009 - 11:07 pm
If you’re meaning translations as opposed to a specific Bible I own, it would be HCSB and NLT, in alphabetical order. If I could take one particular Bible it would be my NRSV because that’s where all the notes and highlighting are. That may be my other choice for a translation too, again in alphabetical order.
Jeff
#3 by Scripture Zealot on February 19, 2009 - 11:19 pm
I didn’t say why. HCSB is fairly formal but with a little less archaic language than some. NLT puts things in more contemporary language while as far as I have read from others, stays fairly true to the original languages. The NRSV is also somewhat formal but different from the HCSB. I have quite a bit memorized from the NIV so that would be in my head.
Jeff
#4 by nothingman on February 20, 2009 - 8:07 am
NLTse for a functional translation as it is more focused on translating meaning and the NRSV (or NASU) for a formal translation for comparison.
#5 by petermlopez on February 20, 2009 - 11:20 am
Lynn, thanks. That’s a great combination to take.
Jeff, you’re right, it’s a fair distinction. I should have been clearer, but I suppose the ambiguity allows for additional answers. I also agree that I would take one of my Bibles that is all marked up, it also happens to be my NASB, so I would be killing 2 birds with one stone, but I also like your combination of choices. I think the HCSB is underrated and underexposed.
Nothingman, also a nice choice. It seems a combination of readability and formality is ruling the day. I appreciate you commenting.
#6 by Simply Stated with C. Nick on February 21, 2009 - 10:36 pm
The first choice would be King James. The second choice would either be the Amplified or the Message.
#7 by petermlopez on February 23, 2009 - 12:54 pm
I’m with you on the KJV, and, actually, I would like to have an Amplified Version too. I’m not terribly experienced with it, but it’s on my to-do list.
#8 by hiscrivener on February 22, 2009 - 9:04 pm
I’m a theology dork, and a seminarian of the highest order.
As for me and my volleyball-talking self (I think that was in a movie once), I would steal a plume out of Lynn’s hat and smuggle my interlinear Hebrew/Koine Greek/Latin/English version.
I was once told by a savant masked as a pastor who said something I will never forget, “It’s not the WORD of God that saves the soul, but rather the WORDS of God.”
Etymology is a powerful tool that keeps your sword razor sharp. Gimme that in a KJV66 wrapper, and I’m good.
Peace,
HiScrivener
#9 by petermlopez on February 23, 2009 - 12:35 pm
Classic scrivener. I don’t have the H/KG/L/E version, sounds like I need one though.
#10 by Pastor Eric on March 11, 2009 - 10:06 am
Ahhh — I’m really in a translation mess lately. I’ve been exploring and experimenting with the best translation to preach from and I just don’t think I can get away from the NIV due to its readablity and my personal familiarity. But for the desert island I have a really neat copy of a NRSV/ Greek Interlinear New Testament that could serve as a Bible, cutting board, plate, and possible oar.