The Bible in Spanish?

[Josh]

At Church this weekend, Martha was asking Sarah and I for a recommendation on Spanish versions of the Bible. I'm assuming all the major translations have Spanish versions, but not speaking the language, I'm curious if those who do (or know those who do) have favorite versions? Also, she was interested possibly in a parallel English- Spanish translation.

Any insight or advice on this?

[meghan]

I wish I had words of wisdom. I went to Christian supply and basically just went with the selection they had. I have a paperback NIV version (Spanish and English). It does me just fine. I'm not actually studying the Bible in Spanish, I use it more for seeing what the translation might be for the same words out of curiosities.

I don't know how well that works, though, because I don't know if they've translated the Spanish from the English or from the original language, and how that would change throughout the versions.

[meghan]

Oh- My church in Mexico- EVERYONE has the same version, but it's not NIV. I can't remember which version it was, but I think more King James like.

[Josh]

Thanks, Meghan. I've got a couple options on the table now for her.

[Douglas]

The version that is most used here in Costa Rica is the Reina Valera which is the Spanish equivalent to the King James. They are starting to move away from it because the language is so out dated. The NVI Nueva versión internacional is very popular and much more updated. Others less popular one are "La Biblia de a las Américas" and "La Biblia en Lenguaje Sencillo." I think the last one is probably the most easy to read.

I do not recommend the Reina Valera just because the language is so different from what they speak that it can be very confusing for English speakers trying to learn Spanish.

[Josh]

thanks, guys!