Best Bible Translation for Memory Verses

I believe the way I worded my post was muddled. I didn’t mean to sound like I was saying that the Holman is paraphrased because I am aware that it is not; which is why I chose it for their early Bible version.

We just don’t use it anymore. However, if I had to choose between a Holman or a KJV, I’d prefer it over the KJV for a more accurate translation due to the reasons you mentioned above. Plus, I do recommend it as a Bible for any Christians asking what I think, such as the OP.

It’s a decision that’s very personal as said before and requires a lot of research and prayer, IMO.

Also, like Linda, I use additional resources for study along with the CJB for study and memorization.

There are other ways of preparing children to understand Shakespeare and other literature that uses the King’s English besides using the KJV.

Though I add, there is no other version of Psalm 23 that I like better than the KJV version. It’s just beautiful.

After scanning through these posts, I just thought I’d add my method. We read the KJV and the NIV, primarily. When we choose a verse to memorize, we read the entire section (whether it’s a chapter, a portion of a chapter, many chapters, etc) to determine the context and gain understanding for the meaning of the verse. Then we look it up in many different translations, using our hard texts at home and online resources, normally blueletterbible.org

After we read about it and look at the many translations, we choose the one that feels the best: meaning it is understood, keeps the meaning of the passage, and flows in our minds.

This does mean that all of our memorized verses are not in the same translation. I originally thought that it was important to stick with one translation. After memorizing several verses and coming across some that “felt” better in a different translation, I realized that knowing the word is what’s important. When I’m sharing the gospel in my own town or on mission in other places, I don’t find the translation to be important, so I don’t stress over it. I do find it important when I’m studying because some of them can really change the meaning or context of portions, so I’m not saying it doesn’t matter at all. I just don’t think memorizing one particular is necessary.

Also, as a side note, I do agree that the old English style is beautiful.