Why are there so many different Bible versions?

Because it's a translation of a translation of a compilation of many different source texts.  And since it was all transcribed and translated by hand, many times, there is a lot of opportunity for inconsistency.

Everyone wrote their own.
The queer King James had the whole thing remodeled.
Plus, there is more money in running your own scam, instead of following other rich preachers for their droppings.
It's divisions prove it to be not true, nothing true is so scattered and contradictory.

There are "versions" in which the text has been changed, made to conform to the teachings of some manmade religion like Jehovah's Witnesses or Mormons, which therefore are not actually the Bible. And there are also many very accurate translations of the Bible, made so that people of all languages will be able to read it.

Here the answer: https://www.jw.org/finder?wtlocale=E&docid=2017210&srcid=share

People who don't understand the bible, writes down what they think it means, and call it a new version.

If an omnipotent benevolent god had created us and wanted us to know so, it could simply have us born with the knowledge of its existence, and what, if anything, it wants from us.

This does not affect free will, because:
1) Even people who are 100 percent sure of their religion (the vast majority of people who have ever lived) still commit what their religion considers sins
2) The deity could still give us free will anyway, otherwise it wouldn't be omnipotent

It would not use humans as prophets to get its message out, since clearly that channel of communication results in contradictory messages, and cannot be distinguished from messages that are not from the deity but only from the prophet (lies and insanity). The fact that there are many contradictory religions proves this beyond doubt.

From this reasoning, I conclude that either
a) we were not created by a deity at all, or
b) we were created by one that is not omnipotent, omniscient, and/or benevolent, or
c) we were created by a deity that doesn’t care if we know it created us and has no demands of us.
I believe a) is correct.

Words have different or alternate meanings.

The fox ran fast, while the rabbit held fast, thus ending the fast of the fox.

Fast can mean:

Move very quickly
Not to move at all
To stop eating.

When it comes to translating anything, including God's word. The translator must choose the correct word in its proper meaning.

Also some words cannot be translated with a simple word for word translation.

Then there are 'idioms' that don't carry the literal meanings of the word.

Also the meaning of words change over time.  What was a proper translation in 1611 English, is not the correct English in the 21st century.

Then to top it off, you have the bias or belief of the translator getting in the way.

Having said this, most translators have rendered accurate translations in most instances. 

With the variations of wording.  One translation says: difficult, another says: critical

Both English words have similar meanings, so neither words are wrong.

The reality is, there are very few verses that are disputed as to the proper translation of those verses.

Can we rely on God's word?  YES.

Can we find an accurately translated edition of God's word?  YES.

I would recommend you read, "Truth in Translation" by Dr. Jason BeDuhn and then decide for yourself.
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Romans 14:1-23: Some of the followers in Rome believed that it was wrong to eat meat, and others were saying that certain foods should only be eaten on certain days. Paul says that there will be differences among God’s people, but that all of the believers need to be accepting of one another and not judge each other.

all are interpretations of the original

Since understanding only comes from God then you only need one good, accurate translation.

So the many translations must be because people do not obtain or want understanding from God, nor hear Him.


 For the LORD giveth wisdom: out of his mouth cometh knowledge and understanding.