Interaction: Which Bible version should we use?
Which version is best for
a) An adult congregation
b) A Christian youth group
c) A non-Christian who doesn’t know anything about the Bible
(all the following Bible versions and many more are available at ww.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_Biblical.htm
apart from The Street Bible/ The Liberator)
Birth of Jesus announced – Matt.1.18-20
Young's Literal Translation (1898) (YLT)
18 And of Jesus Christ, the birth was thus: For his mother Mary having been betrothed to
Joseph, before their coming together she was found to have conceived from the Holy
Spirit,
19 and Joseph her husband being righteous, and not willing to make her an example, did
wish privately to send her away.
20 And on his thinking of these things, lo, a messenger of the Lord in a dream appeared
to him, saying, `Joseph, son of David, thou mayest not fear to receive Mary thy wife, for
that which in her was begotten is of the Holy Spirit.
King James Version (1769 revision) (KJV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ was on this wise: When as his mother Mary was
espoused to Joseph, before they came together, she was found with child of the Holy
Ghost.
19 Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not willing to make her a publick
example, was minded to put her away privily.
20 But while he thought on these things, behold, the angel of the Lord appeared unto him
in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son of David, fear not to take unto thee Mary thy wife:
for that which is conceived in her is of the Holy Ghost.
English Standard Version (ESV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been
betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child from the
Holy Spirit.
19 And her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved
to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a
dream, saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that
which is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
18 Now the birth of Jesus Christ took place in this way. When his mother Mary had been
betrothed to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child of the Holy
Spirit;
19 and her husband Joseph, being a just man and unwilling to put her to shame, resolved
to divorce her quietly.
20 But as he considered this, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream,
saying, "Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary your wife, for that which is
conceived in her is of the Holy Spirit.
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
18 This is how the birth of Jesus the Messiah came about: His mother Mary was pledged
to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be pregnant
through the Holy Spirit. 19 Because Joseph her husband was a righteous man and did not
want to expose her to public disgrace, he had in mind to divorce her quietly. 20 But after
he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, "Joseph
son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is
conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit.
The Message
18 The birth of Jesus took place like this. His mother, Mary, was engaged to be married
to Joseph. Before they came to the marriage bed, Joseph discovered she was pregnant. (It
was by the Holy Spirit, but he didn't know that.) 19 Joseph, chagrined but noble,
determined to take care of things quietly so Mary would not be disgraced. 20 While he
was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God's angel spoke in the dream: "Joseph,
son of David, don't hesitate to get married. Mary's pregnancy is Spirit-conceived. God's
Holy Spirit has made her pregnant.
The Street Bible/ The Liberator
So, how’d it happen? Baby Jesus. The Liberator? You ready for this? I’ll tell you: his
mum, Mary, is engaged to Joe. They’d not had sex yet – but – weird! She’s pregnant.
And it’s courtesy of the Holy Spirit.
Pull focus onto Joe – a good guy, trying to do the right thing, and he’s desperate to keep
this news off the grapevine channels. The locals would come down so hard on her. He’s
working out how best to deliver the “sorry, but it’s off” speech – without the gossip
grapevine crashing from overload.
Finally he drops off to sleep and God downloads a dream. An angle’s saying:
“Joe Davidson, don’t bottle out of making Mary your wife. I’ll tell you why. ‘Cos it’s the
Holy Spirit’s baby.”
Interaction: Which Bible version should we use?
Which version is best for
d) An adult congregation
e) A Christian youth group
f) A non-Christian who doesn’t know anything about the Bible
(all the following Bible versions and many more are available at ww.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_Biblical.htm
apart from The Street Bible/ The Liberator)
The Beatitudes – Matt. 5.3-9
Young's Literal Translation (1898) (YLT)
3 `Happy the poor in spirit--because theirs is the reign of the heavens.
4 `Happy the mourning--because they shall be comforted.
5 `Happy the meek--because they shall inherit the land.
6 `Happy those hungering and thirsting for righteousness--because they shall be filled.
7 `Happy the kind--because they shall find kindness.
8 `Happy the clean in heart--because they shall see God.
9 `Happy the peacemakers--because they shall be called Sons of God.
King James Version (1769 revision) (KJV)
3 " Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. "
4 " Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted. "
5 " Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth. "
6 " Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness: for they shall be
filled. "
7 " Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy. "
8 " Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God. "
9 " Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God. "
English Standard Version (ESV)
3 “Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 “Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 “Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 “Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 “Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4 Blessed are those who
mourn, for they will be comforted. 5 Blessed are the meek, for they will inherit the earth. 6
Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. 7 Blessed are
the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. 8 Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see
God. 9 Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.
The Message
3 "You're blessed when you're at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and
his rule.
4 "You're blessed when you feel you've lost what is most dear to you. Only then can you be
embraced by the One most dear to you.
5 "You're blessed when you're content with just who you are - no more, no less. That's the
moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought.
6 "You're blessed when you've worked up a good appetite for God. He's food and drink in the
best meal you'll ever eat.
7 "You're blessed when you care. At the moment of being 'careful,' you find yourselves cared
for.
8 "You're blessed when you get your inside world - your mind and heart - put right. Then you
can see God in the outside world.
9 "You're blessed when you can show people how to cooperate instead of compete or fight.
That's when you discover who you really are, and your place in God's family.
The Street Bible/ The Liberator
3 “I’ll tell you who’ll laugh last: the people who don’t think too much of themselves; who know
their spirituality scores and poor- their ticket to heaven’s already in the post.
4 “ I’ll tell you who’ll still be laughing: the people who know about grief, who don’t shove the
mess behind the sofa, but face it. God himself is going to put his arm around them.
5 “I’ll tell you who’ll laugh the longest: the modest, gentle types who don’t go round grabbing –
they’ll be given the world.
6 “Who’ll be laughing? The people who only want to do the right thing, like it’s their food and
drink – their ‘good news in-tray’ will be piled high.
7 “Who’ll be laughing? The people who don’t hold grudges, who forgive and forget – they’ll get
treated likewise.
8 “Who’s laughing deep down, already? The pure people who aren’t polluted with stuff that
mugs the heart – they’ll get to see God.
9 “Who’s laughing, deep down? The people who stop fights and start friendships, who turns fists
into high fives – they’ll be known as God’s children.
Interaction: Which Bible version should we use?
Which version is best for
g) An adult congregation
h) A Christian youth group
i) A non-Christian who doesn’t know anything about the Bible
(all the following Bible versions and many more are available at ww.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_Biblical.htm
apart from The Street Bible/ The Liberator)
The Lord’s Prayer – Matt. 6.9-13
Young's Literal Translation (1898) (YLT)
9 thus therefore pray ye: `Our Father who art in the heavens! hallowed be Thy name.
10 `Thy reign come: Thy will come to pass, as in heaven also on the earth.
11 `Our appointed bread give us to-day.
12 `And forgive us our debts, as also we forgive our debtors.
13 `And mayest Thou not lead us to temptation, but deliver us from the evil, because
Thine is the reign, and the power, and the glory--to the ages. Amen.
King James Version (1769 revision) (KJV)
9 " After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy
name. "
10 " Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. "
11 " Give us this day our daily bread. "
12 " And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. "
13 " And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom,
and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen. "
English Standard Version (ESV)
9 Pray then like this:
“ Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name.
10 Your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread,
12 and forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from evil.
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
9 Pray then like this: Our Father who art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
10 Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, On earth as it is in heaven.
11 Give us this day our daily bread;
12 And forgive us our debts, As we also have forgiven our debtors;
13 And lead us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil.
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
9 "This, then, is how you should pray:
" 'Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 10 your kingdom come, your will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us
our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13 And lead us not into temptation, but
deliver us from the evil one. '
The Message
9 With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in
heaven, Reveal who you are.
10 Set the world right; Do what's best - as above, so below.
11 Keep us alive with three square meals.
12 Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
13 Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You're in charge! You can do anything
you want! You're ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes.
The Street Bible/ The Liberator
“I’ll give you a template for when you’re talking to God…
‘God in heaven, you’re our Dad.
We respect everything you stand for. We want others to stand up for you too.
Please bring Heaven of Earth: people living life your way, like the angels do.
Please bring us what we need to keep us going each day.
Please acquit us, as cancel our grievances and throw them all away.
Please pull us back from the edge of evil, stop it from sucking us in.
‘Cos you’re all that matters; you’re able to do it and you’re to take the credit.
You’re on your own.
It’s your throne.
Absolutely!’
Interaction: Which Bible version should we use?
Which version is best for
j) An adult congregation
k) A Christian youth group
l) A non-Christian who doesn’t know anything about the Bible
(all the following Bible versions and many more are available at ww.tyndale.cam.ac.uk/Tyndale/links_Biblical.htm
apart from The Street Bible/ The Liberator)
New wine and Old wineskins – Matt. 9.15-17
Young's Literal Translation (1898) (YLT)
15 And Jesus said to them, `Can the sons of the bride-chamber mourn, so long as the
bridegroom is with them? but days shall come when the bridegroom may be taken from
them, and then they shall fast.
16 `And no one doth put a patch of undressed cloth on an old garment, for its filling up
doth take from the garment, and a worse rent is made.
17 `Nor do they put new wine into old skins, and if not--the skins burst, and the wine
doth run out, and the skins are destroyed, but they put new wine into new skins, and both
are preserved together.'
King James Version (1769 revision) (KJV)
15 And Jesus said unto them, " Can the children of the bridechamber mourn, as long as
the bridegroom is with them? but the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken
from them, and then shall they fast. "
16 " No man putteth a piece of new cloth unto an old garment, for that which is put in to
fill it up taketh from the garment, and the rent is made worse. "
17 " Neither do men put new wine into old bottles: else the bottles break, and the wine
runneth out, and the bottles perish: but they put new wine into new bottles, and both are
preserved."
English Standard Version (ESV)
15 And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is
with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then
they will fast.
16 No one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away
from the garment, and a worse tear is made.
17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins. If it is, the skins burst and the wine is
spilled and the skins are destroyed. But new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both
are preserved.”
Revised Standard Version (RSV)
15 And Jesus said to them, "Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is
with them? The days will come, when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then
they will fast.
16 And no one puts a piece of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch tears away
from the garment, and a worse tear is made.
17 Neither is new wine put into old wineskins; if it is, the skins burst, and the wine is
spilled, and the skins are destroyed; but new wine is put into fresh wineskins, and so both
are preserved."
Today's New International Version (TNIV)
15 Jesus answered, "How can the guests of the bridegroom mourn while he is with them?
The time will come when the bridegroom will be taken from them; then they will fast.
16 "No one sews a patch of unshrunk cloth on an old garment, for the patch will pull
away from the garment, making the tear worse. 17 Neither do people pour new wine into
old wineskins. If they do, the skins will burst; the wine will run out, and the wineskins
will be ruined. No, they pour new wine into new wineskins, and both are preserved."
The Message
15 Jesus told them, "When you're celebrating a wedding, you don't skimp on the cake and
wine. You feast. Later you may need to pull in your belt, but not now. No one throws
cold water on a friendly bonfire. This is Kingdom Come!"
16 He went on, "No one cuts up a fine silk scarf to patch old work clothes; you want
fabrics that match.
17 And you don't put your wine in cracked bottles."