Pauline Phillips
As a Bible taught church we use the NKJV (New King James Version) to teach our followers. In English, Bible translations exist on a scale from what is called formal equivalence ("word for word") to dynamic equivalence ("thought for thought").
Usually it's best to have a formal equivalence and dynamic equivalence side by side for comparison. The formal equivalence will always give more exact wording but sometimes it takes a dynamic equivalence translation to cross the language barrier and get a point across.
Here area few of the most used versions:
Formal Equivalence: NKJV, KJV, NASB, ESV
Dynamic Equivalence: RSV, NRSV, CSB, NIV
For more serious study the NKJV and RSV will be closest to the "standard" manuscripts.
Keep in mind that even when you use the "best" translation you can still come to the wrong conclusions if you aren't letting the teachings of God guide you. Likewise, even the "worst" translations will be perfectly adequate when we follow the instructions of God.
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