The Christian Booksellers Association recently released its list of the top ten selling Bible translations for December 2014. The CBA actually provides two lists: one by dollar sales; and the other by unit sales.
Top Ten Translations Based on Dollar Sales
- New International Version
- King James Version
- New King James Version
- New Living Translation
- English Standard Version
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- The Voice
- New American Standard
- Reina Valera 1960
- New International Reader’s Version
Top Ten Translations Based on Unit Sales
- New International Version
- The Voice
- King James Version
- English Standard Version
- New King James Version
- New Living Translation
- Holman Christian Standard Bible
- Reina Valera 1960
- Nueva Version Internacional (Spanish)
- New International Reader’s Version
What is your preferred Bible translation? What do you think about these two lists? Let me hear from you.
Posted on December 10, 2014
With nearly 40 years of ministry experience, Thom Rainer has spent a lifetime committed to the growth and health of local churches across North America.
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175 Comments
I have examined this issue from every angle over the past few years. Pertinent points are made on both sides of the argument. Here is my two cents based on my findings and much prayer; I’m now settled in my spirit and it is no longer an issue for me. In light of the previous, personally I believe textual criticism is valid. Even still, I prefer the Textus Receptus (TR) over the Critical Text (CT) for more reasons than one. But, I’m not King James-only or TR-only for that matter. The New King James is my version of choice. Of the CT versions, the Christian Standard Bible is my favorite as I have preached from it on multiple occasions.
Finally, some posit the the KJV is unintelligible – I disagree. It can be mastered with much study, education, the right tools, prayer and the Holy Spirit. As stated earlier, I prefer the NKJV, but I have ZERO doubt that the KJV is indeed the Word of God. If someone wants to use the KJV as their primary or even exclusive Bible version then that’s a personal choice and I respect that.