If you really want precision going back to the Greek and Hebrew is good. Also, what issue do you have with other English versions? My old Bible teacher who I greatly respected, essentially recommended the ESV.
Unfortunately I do not speak either of those languages, and similar to how different versions of the same language can create wielly different interpretations of the same verses, I imagine the same issue must exist with Greek and Hebrew too. Even then, translation tools may also use specific, incorrect words that give different translations from the original so...
Regarding other English versions, there were two even older variants (Great Bible and Bishop's Bible) that are gone, but the Bishop's Bible was the foundation for the KJV translation. It mostly comes down to one thing: autism.
ESV:
KJV:
The three words of note are: "Sojourn" (1), "Stranger" (2), and "Dwelleth" (3).
In ESV, (1) replaces (3), and (1) and (2) are used seemingly interchangeably.
In KJV, (2) is more of a specific demarcation, and (1) and (3) are not the same thing hence (3) being used. (3) emphasises a (2) who is dwelling with you I.E. living under your roof. Due to the former's use of (1) and (2) interchangeably, the extant of how you regard (2) has now been made too broad. The ESV version can be interpreted regarding with love
all strangers, whereas the KJV version is specific to those who "dwelleth" with you. Essentially, to make it easier to read, it loses precision. Now I know people aren't going to interpret it 1:1 the bizarre way I have but simplification allows for altered interpretation. Using "Stranger" and "Sojourn"/"Sojourner" interchangeably also means the specific context of either of those words becomes muddied.
This is a very small nitpick right, but consider the use of "sojourner" in the vineyard verse, but then the subsequent use of "stranger" below. Now, I know that you know that the "sojourner" and the "stranger" are the same thing, but in isolate, a "sojourner" is simply someone who stays somewhere temporarily and couple be used for anybody, such as a family member or invited guest. Pairing "Stranger" with "Sojourner" is specific.
I think the easiest/specific example to demonstrate potential theological differences is with Genesis 12;7
The former uses "offspring" whereas the latter uses "seed", with the former specifying Abraham's children whilst the latter emphasises a continuity beyond Abraham's immediate descendants, which is rather important. Here's how it alters Galatians 3:16.
"Offsprings" is not used in the ESV version of what Paul is referencing, God says "offspring". In the ESV version Paul has to pluralise "offspring" so his interpretation make sense, whereas "seed" does not have that issue.
Edit: forgot to include the clunkiness of offspring at the end of Galatians 3. Left = KJV Right = ESV
It also has Mark make an assertion that is incorrect, versus the KJV which is more broad in who he's quoting.
(Isaiah did not say that, it was Malachi in 3:1)
So when it comes to inconsistencies present in
newer versions, the older version which may possess its own warts is preferable. I have no skin in this game because I'm not religious but I think for analysis, doctrine, etcetera, KJV is probably better.
(
This is criticisms of a specific translation/version of the bible not a criticism against the content itself. I've seen online people who take the words in their preferred version as being more gospel/doctrine than other versions. You can find people coping on behalf of Mark quoting the wrong prophet/book.)
