What is the best version of the bible?

>>8335375
For what?

There are two versions you could read, but for different reasons: KJV or NIV.

>NIV
This is the version you should skim read before you do anything, no matter what (Note: if you ignore this and jump straight into the KJV bareback, I strongly suggest Matthew Henry's commentary)

This NIV you the story in pretty easy to digest English. This is also probably the only version you need if you're a Christian looking for comfort and consolation in the text.

And in that case you should read it all. Every last word of that sweet sweet bible.

>KJV
Essential reading from a literary perspective. Doesn't matter if you're an atheist, a Jew, a Mudslime or you follow the Old Gods, you can't approach the English Canon without starting with the book of King James.

It is pretty essential reading for understanding Chaucer, Shakespeare and almost every canonical "tough old bearded man" writer - from Hemingway to Milton.

>The bible is long and cumbersome, how should I read it for literary value?

The Pentateuch (Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronom), Psalms, the Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John) and the Book of Revelations. In that order.

>>8335375
please don't listen to this idiot >>8335518


NIV is one of the worst translations. It's derisively referred to in many circles as the "Newly Invented Version." Just because it's ubiquitous doesn't mean it's good.

KJV is the most "literary"
ESV is the most literal/accurate
NLT is the most descriptive

I wouldn't suggest any version outside of those 3.

>>8335375
King James with Joseph smith translation as a companion.

>>8335529
>>8335518
>>8335531
i hear you, but which version is the best? kind of like when Jean-Claude Van Damme won the Bloodsport 'Kumite' tournament, he was the best. he also defeated Tong Po in an underground kickboxing match, so that makes him the double best.

>>8335375
Skeptics Annotated Bible.

>>8335529
>>8335518
>>8335531
>>8335568
The bible I have is the Revised Standard Edition. Is that any good?

>>8335672
No

>>8335636
Is that annotated?