A good spanish Bible translation?
Anyone have a recommendation for a good Spanish Bible translation? Maybe a bi-lingual with English?
5 Answers
I get the impression that the Reina-Valera is the most respected translation in español amongst the traditional folks, much like the King James version is in the USA. If you're planning missions work, that might be good to keep in mind.
The original RVR was done in 1569, with several updates along the way. Bible Gateway has 3 editions of the RVR: The 1569 Reina Valera Antigua, the 1960 edition, and the 1995 edition.
On Amazon.com they have a parallel ESV - RVR. I'm not sure which version the RVR is, but I'm betting it is 1995. I was sorely tempted to get that one, but I was afraid the English and Spanish wouldn't agree closely enough, and at this point in my Spanish education, I wanted the two columns to be as close as possible. My fears may have been totally unfounded, but I didn't have an easy way to tell.
That left me with two choices:
There is an NIV paralleled with the Nueva Version Internacionál. They basically come from the same place, so I'm sure they agree closely.
And then there is an NASB paralleled with La Biblia de la Américas. Like the NIV/NVI version, the NASB/NBLA version are "cousins". Since NASB has been my translation of choice for 25 years, that was my pick. I've read quite a bit of it, seen my Spanish grow by leaps and bounds, and not found much at all about it that I don't like.
I really don't think you'd go wrong with any of the parallel versions I've mentioned above. I'd suggest that you pick the one that's already coupled with your English translation of choice and go with it.
Come back and let us know what you decided. 
Reina Valera is the most common one. I use the 1960 or 1995 update because they are easier to understand I also use the Nueva Versión Internacional because it closer to the one I use in English. I would look at all of the translations and find one that easiest to understand for you.
Hi Scott,
I just use the Reina-Valera, which lines up with my New King James. I don't have a bilingual Bible, although I keep meaning to get one.
I have found that by bringing my Spanish Bible to church and forcing myself to follow along, that I have learned quite a bit. In fact, in some cases, I have noticed that some of the Spanish vocabulary is more descriptive than the English.
During the week, I read a portion in English first and then immediately follow it with the exact same passages in Spanish. This also, has been very helpful.
Try this link it has several Spanish versions.
I have a bilingual Bible with the KJV and the Reina-Valera 1960. I lead the scripture memorization at my hispanic church and that is the version we are learnng as a church.
Dios te bendiga Sharon
