The Holy Bible: New Century Version, Containing the Old and New Testaments

This was the first Bible translation I ever had, given to me by my mom when I was very young. I alternate reading this and the God's Word translations. I love the way things are simply put and not complex or hard to understand, if I need more elaboration I grab out three or four translations. Otherwise, I believe God will use any translation to speak to you - and this is wonderful for kids and adults.

This version is very accessible to people who are learning English, a bit more so than Today's English Version (Good News for Modern Man) since it tends to avoid idiomatic expressions in favor of plain, vanilla words. I'm sorry that the cheaper leather-like paperback version has gone out of print. But I highly recommend the NCV if you are doing Bible studies in English with non-native speakers, especially if you are not in an English speaking country. As for the slight discrepancies and little bones that people pick with this version? As people come to faith they can be directed to a Bible in their native language; as they grow in their English ability, you could direct them to your current favorite translation. But in the meantime, this serves the Word very palatably!

Finally the Word of God in clear, concise, everyday language that makes the text come alive. Understandable for readers of all ages and reading abilities, one will definitely find joy in discovering how the Bible can guide and direct one's life.

It's topical concordance is great, also the red letters identifying Jesus words. It's english is clear and precise. However, I disagree on part of the preface that states "Following in the tradition of other english versions, the New Century Version indicates the divine name YHWH, The Tetragrammatton, by putting Lord, and sometimes God, in capital letters. This is to distinguish it from Adonai, another hebrew word that is translated Lord" The Tetragrammaton or the divine name "Jehovah" should be translated properly following the example of the American Standard Version otherwise how can you understand Isaiah 42:8, Psalms 110:1 and other scriptures. Revelation 22:18-19 clearly states:"you should not add or take away words" with warnings of disasters. Jesus condemmed traditions or teachings of this nature. The divine name is not in the bible more than 6800 times for us to ignore. Overall it is a refrehing Version.