Bible Translation Recommendation

Dr. Couch, what Bible translation do you recommend? ANSWER:   I'm often asked about the NIV. It is more of a freewheeling or almost a paraphrase, and therefore I do not recommend it. I prefer the NAS because, as I translate from the Hebrew and Greek, I find it the closest to the original languages, and therefore the best and the most reliable. For Christmas gifts one may consider an NAS version with the Scofield Notes. This really can be helpful for new, young Bible students.    Thanks for asking.    Dr. Mal Couch (September 2009)