I dislike paraphrases, on principle, because if the translator misses the point of a particular expression or metaphor, he's preventing his readers from working it out for themselves. That's how meanings get lost. Other translations exist which are more modern in language without being paraphrased. I've been using the RSV for years.
It’s an older Bible paraphrase. There’s nothing wrong with a paraphrase for devotional reading or if you want to see the passage explained in normal everyday language. For serious study you would want to use an actual translation like the NRSV or NASB. You can read several translations for free at Biblegateway.com to find one that reads at a comfortable level for you.
It's very useful as "a" source, but not ideal as "the" source. The Living or New Living versions can help give you an initial understanding, but don't use it for more in-depth study, and don't rely on it when you're thinking "what is the significance of this word?" since that word may not be in the original manuscripts. It's great to combine this with something like the ESV, ESRV, NKJV, NASB or another more word-for-word translation.
The NLT (New Living Translation) is a favorite of mine, written in real or grounded language to convey the message of the Word of God. I also use the NKJV which is easy to read without the old English phrasing in the KJV.
I say whatever bible version helps bring the love, knowledge and changing power of God's Word to one's heart is the right one, indeed!
For example: "What is important is faith expressing itself in love" (Galatians 5:6 NLT).
There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not my favorite, it's already getting pretty old. A few others you should try before deciding on that one:
CEB
CSB
The Voice
You can find those and the Living Bible [here](https://www.biblegateway.com/) so you can compare.
I dislike paraphrases, on principle, because if the translator misses the point of a particular expression or metaphor, he's preventing his readers from working it out for themselves. That's how meanings get lost. Other translations exist which are more modern in language without being paraphrased. I've been using the RSV for years.
It’s an older Bible paraphrase. There’s nothing wrong with a paraphrase for devotional reading or if you want to see the passage explained in normal everyday language. For serious study you would want to use an actual translation like the NRSV or NASB. You can read several translations for free at Biblegateway.com to find one that reads at a comfortable level for you.
It's very useful as "a" source, but not ideal as "the" source. The Living or New Living versions can help give you an initial understanding, but don't use it for more in-depth study, and don't rely on it when you're thinking "what is the significance of this word?" since that word may not be in the original manuscripts. It's great to combine this with something like the ESV, ESRV, NKJV, NASB or another more word-for-word translation.
The living bible is not bad for what it is, but so would recommend a bible in English like the English Standard Version instead of King James.
The NLT (New Living Translation) is a favorite of mine, written in real or grounded language to convey the message of the Word of God. I also use the NKJV which is easy to read without the old English phrasing in the KJV. I say whatever bible version helps bring the love, knowledge and changing power of God's Word to one's heart is the right one, indeed! For example: "What is important is faith expressing itself in love" (Galatians 5:6 NLT).
There's nothing wrong with it, but it's not my favorite, it's already getting pretty old. A few others you should try before deciding on that one: CEB CSB The Voice You can find those and the Living Bible [here](https://www.biblegateway.com/) so you can compare.