If you have ever shopped for a new Bible, you know what a daunting task it can be.  Unless your church or a friend has recommended a specific one, the first question you are faced with is, "Which Bible version should I use?"  It seems impossible that there could be so many different choices of the same Holy Book.

So why are there so many different versions?  The answer is in the translation.  The King James Version, New King James Version, New International Version, American Standard Version, the Living Bible...the list goes on and on and each was translated by different people.  While many modern churches teach from the New International Version, there are strong adherants to the King James Version as the only accurate translation.

Unless you are fluent in the classical languages and have access to the original documents, it is impossible for the average layman to truly know which version is most accurate.  We have to place our trust in the experts, their abilities and their attention to accuracy.  Within each translation, you also have the choice of the style of the Bible: a study Bible, expanded Bible with commentary, women's Bible, men's Bible, military Bible, etc.  Each of the different styles uses a standard translation but with added footnotes, pictures, daily study texts, and other lessons to help you better understand the Holy text.