Reading from two translations

[Mor Ephrem]

This may be a stupid question, but I will ask it anyway.  Lately, I've toyed with the idea of reading from two different translations of the Scriptures for my private, devotional reading.  The two translations are close enough that I think it is sorta silly for me to have issues with the mixing, but the reason I'd have to mix is that one translation has the deuterocanon and the other has not translated it.  Is reading from two different translations for this purpose less preferable than sticking with one?  Has anyone had any positive or negative experiences with this sort of arrangement? 

[SakranMM]

I don't see a huge problem with it...I use both the RSV and NKJV in my personal studies.  I said this in a similar post yesterday:  all translations are going to have certain issues and problems.  But I cannot read the original Greek, so I have to rely on what is available in English.  As long as the translations are good, standard, and respected versions, and as long as your interpretation is guided by the Traditions of our Holy Orthodox Church, there shouldn't be a problem in cross-studying between two standard versions.  That's my 2 cents.

In Christ, Who was Born of a Virgin,

Michael

[Fr. George]

I wouldn't see a problem of using two translations.  I've got 2 or 3, and I find it helpful in understanding others when they speak of scripture, because sometimes they will form different opinions than I about something soely based on the difference in translations.

[BJohnD]

I see no problem with this either.  I have a number of different translations of the Scriptures, purchased over the course of years (including several NRSVs from my Episcopalian days   ).  I also have a collection called The Precise Parallel New Testament, which lays out 8 different versions side-by-side-by....  If memory serves, it contains the "most accepted" Greek text, the Amplified Bible, KJV, Douay-Rheims, NASB, NAB, NIV, and NRSV.  Very handy for comparisons, though as you can see it is geared more toward Evangelical and Mainline readers.  Too bad they didn't include my favorite, the NKJV.

[Fr. George]

I also have a collection called The Precise Parallel New Testament, which lays out 8 different versions side-by-side-by....  If memory serves, it contains the "most accepted" Greek text, the Amplified Bible, KJV, Douay-Rheims, NASB, NAB, NIV, and NRSV.  Very handy for comparisons, though as you can see it is geared more toward Evangelical and Mainline readers.  Too bad they didn't include my favorite, the NKJV. 

Is this edition widely available?  I think it would be helpful for my studies.  And as for the "most accepted" Greek, I'm assuming that it's the Nestle-Aland, no?

[BJohnD]

I'm not sure which Greek text is used, as the book's not near at hand.  I found it on Amazon, "like new" for a mere $75.  Whew.  I think I paid about $40 for it in the mid-late-90s.  I also recall seeing a complete parallel Bible (probably sans the deuterocanonical books) that contained 4 or 5 translations.

[Fr. George]

Thanks BJohn for the info... maybe I'll pinch my pennies and get it soon.

[Matthew777]

But I cannot read the original Greek

How about the original Aramaic? 

I've been looking for a traslation of the Peshitta that isn't the Lamsa Bible. Does anyone know of one available?

[BJohnD]

Thanks BJohn for the info... maybe I'll pinch my pennies and get it soon.

You are most welcome. ÂÂ

BTW, I pulled my copy off the shelf and checked the Greek text.  It is the fourth edition of the United Bible Societies' edition ("UBS4"), which the introduction says is identical to the third except for certain variant reading and documentation.  It also says the third UBS version (and hence, UBS4) is practically identical to the 26th edition of Nestle and Aland, again except for variants and documentation.

Modifying note:ÂÂ  The jacket of my copy says, "$34.95 until December 31, 1995."

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