We are constantly being asked about the virtues and limitations of different Bible translations. The following section contains an evaluation of the major English translations and paraphrases that are used today.

KING JAMES VERSION

History

When Elizabeth, Queen of England, died in 1603, her crown went to James I. Soon after his ascendancy to the throne, James brought church leaders to Hampton Court to discuss the state of the church.

From their meeting a notable resolution was adopted:

"That a translation be made of the whole Bible, as consonant as can be to the original Hebrew and Greek; and this to be set out and printed, without marginal notes, and only to be used in all churches of England in time of Divine Service."

This resolution set in motion the most successful of all English translations of the Bible, the King James Version of 1611, also known as the Authorized Version.

Purpose

The purpose of the King James Version can be found in the preface, "The translators to the reader: Truly, good Christian Reader, we never thought from the beginning that we should need to make a new translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one; ... But to make a good one better, or out of many good ones one principal good one.

The basis for the new translation was the Bishops Bible (completed in 1568).

Unique Features

The flowery dedication to James I, still printed in many editions, is a unique part of this translation. Many mistakenly think that James I was one of the translators when, in fact, he merely organized and approved the translation.

One unexplained feature is the cessation of the paragraph marks after Acts 20:36. For some unknown reason they stop at this point.

In the history of the printing of the KJV, some unique mistakes arose. In the 1631 edition, the word "not" was omitted from the commandment, "Thou shalt not commit adultery." This led to a fine of 300 pounds against the King's printers. The 1795 translation of Mark 7:27 read "Let the children first be killed" (rather than "filled").

Value and Limitations

The King James Version is unsurpassed in its sheer beauty and literary value, a masterpiece of the 17th century English language in which it was written. Unfortunately, this 17th century language is the language of a bygone era.

Many words found in the KJV are obsolete today, while others have a totally different meaning than they did then. Moreover, discoveries have been made in the last 350 years in the field of linguistics, history and archaeology that justify further translations of the Bible.

Indeed the King James Version was itself a mere revision of the Bishops Bible, not a new translation. As new knowledge came to light, and the English language changed, the church felt obligated to produce a more accurate translation of the Word of God. Revision and correction of past translations was thought not only desirable, but absolutely necessary to communicate the Word of God.

REVISED VERSION

History

The publication of the King James Version of 1611 did not mark the end of new translations of the Bible. Sixteen years after the release of the Authorized Version, a 5th century Greek manuscript (Codex Alexandrinus) was brought to England.

This manuscript was centuries closer in time to the writing of the New Testament than the handful of manuscripts used to translate the Authorized Version. Moreover, the Greek Codex Alexandrinus was different in certain respects than the text, which was used to translate the King James.

During the next two and one half centuries, a great number of other new manuscripts were discovered, some dating as early as the middle of the 4th century (Codex Vaticanus, A.D. 325; Codex Siniaticus, A.D. 350).

With these discoveries and a refining of the science of textual criticism, it was inevitable, and even desirable, that voices would cry out for a revision of the King James Version. The work of revision began February 10, 1870, with the stated intention of updating and correcting both the text behind the KJV and the translation from that text.

Purpose

The purpose for this revision was revealed in a report Submitted on May 3, 1870 by the Canterbury Committee:

"1 That it is desirable that a revision of the Authorized Version of the Holy Scriptures be undertaken.
"2. That the revision be so conducted as to comprise both marginal renderings and such emendations as it may be found necessary to insert in the text of the Authorized Version.
"3. That in the above resolutions we do not contemplate any new translation of the Bible, or any alteration of the language, except when in the judgment of the most competent scholars such change is necessary.
"4. That in such necessary changes, the style of the language employed in the existing version be closely followed.
"5. That it is desirable that Convocation should nominate a body of its own members to undertake the work of revision, who shall be at liberty to invite the co-operation of any eminent for scholarship, to whatever nation or religious body they may belong."

It is important to note that this work was to be a revision of the King James Version, not a new translation. Any changes from the King James were to be done only when absolutely necessary. Moreover, any alteration of the text was to be indicated in the margin.

If such evidence warranted a change, the approval of at least two-thirds of the revisers was required before it would be incorporated into the text. The actual number of changes far exceeded the original expectations of the committee, but most of the numerous changes were merely grammatical (i.e., word order, sentence structure).
The task of revision was completed with the publication of the New Testament in 1881 and the complete Bible in 1885.

Unique Features

The most striking fact about the Revised Version is not the translation but that the revisers departed from the Greek text used by the King James translators. They substituted a modified text based upon the principles developed by Brooke Foss Westcott and Fenton John Anthony Hort.

The use of the Westcott-Hort text led to the omission or relegation to the margin of not a few familiar passages, including Mark 16:9-20, John 5:3, 4, Acts 8:37 and I John 5:7. Naturally, as one would expect, there was a certain amount of public out-cry concerning these alterations of the King James Version. The opposition to the revision was led by John Burgon, Dean of Chichester, who wrote vociferously against such changes and omissions (The Revision Revised, London 1883).

Value and Limitations

The great value of the Revised Version is that it set a precedent for further translations which could incorporate the latest manuscript and linguistic and historical evidence into their versions.

No single translation is perfect, and as new discoveries come to light improvements can and should be made, The Revised Version has limited value in the fact that it does not have the advantage of the great linguistic advances and manuscript discoveries of the 20th century. Moreover, the revisers leaned too heavily on the Westcott-Hort theory of textual criticism which has been seriously challenged in the 20th century. Although upon its release the Revised Version enjoyed immediate popularity, it is not commonly used today.

AMERICAN STANDARD VERSION

History

While the revision committee in England was busily going about its work on the King James Version, in America a group of 30 men was selected in 1871 to review the work of the English revisers and offer constructive suggestions. Any suggested change made by the American committee was to be considered by their British counterparts. However, only those which received a two-thirds vote of approval were incorporated into the text. The remaining suggestions were put into an appendix.

While some unauthorized translations appeared soon after the publication of the Revised Version which incorporated some of the suggestions made by the American contingent, there was no such immediate translation from the American committee.

This was based upon an agreement with the British revisers that no authorized translation would appear for at least 14 years. Thus in August 1901, after the agreed time had elapsed, the American committee produced its own translation which became popularly known as the American Standard Version.

Purpose

Several factors led to an independent American translation: "The need for the American committee to publish a version containing their suggestions became apparent, especially since in 1881-1883 two unauthorized editions of the New Testament were published in (America) by incorporating the readings suggested by the American committee which were put in the appendix of the English Revised Version" (Our English Bible in the Making, Herbert Gordon May, p. 72). Moreover, the American Standard Version was more than a mere transference of their suggested changes contained in the appendix of the Revised Version.

In the preface to the American Standard Version, the translators make it clear that the appendix was in need of revision due to its hasty preparation. Furthermore, the British Revised Version contained only some of the American committee's suggestions in their appendix justifying an independent translation.

Unique Features

Several unique features set apart the American Standard Version from its English counterpart. The American Standard Version translated the divine name, rendered "Lord" in both the King James Version and Revised Version, as "Jehovah" throughout the translation. It also uniformly changed "Holy Ghost" to "Holy Spirit" clearing up this inconsistency of the King James Version, page headings were added, and marginal notes improved.

Value and Limitations

The American Standard Version was the product of the best American scholarship of its day. It had the advantage of being published 20 years after the New Testament of the Revised Version, enabling the translators to evaluate and improve the Revised Version.

Limitations exist, however, because the American Standard Version is still a product of its own time, not having the advantage of the wealth of discoveries and advances made in the 20th century. As was the case with the Revised Version, the language was not modernized, leading to such archaic ways of stating things as, "The abjects gathered themselves together against me" (Psalm 35:15), and "He assayed to join Himself to the disciples" (Acts 9:26).

Nevertheless it was the best translation of the day and served as the basis for two other revisions, the Revised Standard Version and the New American Standard Bible. Although the American Standard Version is somewhat uncommon today, its positive contributions were widely enjoyed through these two revisions.

REVISED STANDARD VERSION

History

The history of the Revised Standard Version is neatly summed up in its preface:

"Because of unhappy experience with unauthorized publications in the two decades between 1881 and 1901, which tampered with the text of the English Revised Version in the supposed interest of the American public, the American Standard Version was copyrighted, to protect the text from unauthorized changes.
"In 1928 this copyright was acquired by the International Council of Religious Education, and thus passed into the ownership of the churches of the United States and Canada which were associated in this Council through their boards of education and publication.

"The Council appointed a committee of scholars to have charge of the text of the American Standard Version and to undertake inquiry as to whether further revision was necessary. For more than two years, the Committee worked upon the problem of whether or not revision should be undertaken; and if so, what should be its nature and extent.

"In the end the decision was reached that there is need for a thorough revision of the version of 1901, which will stay as close to the Tyndale-King James tradition as it can in the light of our present knowledge of the Hebrew and Greek texts and their meaning on the one hand, and our present understanding of English on the other."

Purpose

The Revised Standard Version, the accomplishment of American scholars, is an authorized revision of the American Standard Version of 1901. In the history of the English Bible there have been several authorized translations preceding the Revised Standard Version including the Great Bible (1539), the Bishops Bible (1568), King James Version (1611) Revised Version 1881-1885), and American Standard Version (1901). The Revised Standard Version is a revision, not a new translation as stated in the preface:

"The Revised Standard Version is not a new translation in the language of today. It is not a paraphrase which aims at striking idioms. It is a revision which seeks to preserve all that is best in the English Bible as it has been known and used through the years. It is intended for use in public and private worship, not merely for reading and instruction.

"We have resisted the temptation to use phrases that are merely current-usage, and have sought to put the message of the Bible in simple, enduring words that are worthy to stand in the great Tyndale-King James tradition. We are glad to say, with the King James translators: Truly (good Christian Reader) we never thought from the beginning, that we should need to make a new Translation, nor yet to make of a bad one a good one ... but to make a good one better. "
The New Testament was finished in 1946; the entire Bible in 1952.

Unique Features

One of the problems with the Revised Version and the American Standard Version resulted from the limitations restricting the language to that of the Elizabethan age. The Revised Standard Version had no such restrictions. The translators were given-and took-the freedom to modernize the language.

This included replacing the final "th" with "s" in the ending of verbs in the third person singular of the present tense. Thus "goeth" became "goes"; "cometh" became "comes," and "saith" was rendered "says." Other archaic expressions were updated including "it came to pass, " "would fain, " "peradventure, " and "holden. " English words that had changed meaning through the centuries also were modernized, bringing the language up-to-date.

Value and Limitations

The value of the Revised Standard Version lies in the fact that the language was brought up to current usage. The biblical story was made much more understandable to the masses. Also the translators had the advantage of the great discoveries in the study of comparative languages.

Near Eastern religious texts unearthed in the 20th century shed much light on the meaning of certain Hebrew words, and the unearthing of Greek papyri demonstrated beyond all doubt that biblical Greek was not some unique Holy Ghost language but rather the common vernacular of the first century.

But the Revised Standard Version is not without problems. Many of the Old Testament passages which prophesy the coming of the Messiah are obscured in this version. For example, Psalm 45:6 is rendered, "Your Divine throne endures for ever and ever," rather than the better translation, "Thy throne, O God."

In Isaiah 7:14 the Revised Standard Version has, "Behold, a young woman shall conceive," rather than the better translation, "Behold, a virgin shall conceive." Since the New Testament cites both those passages as referring to the Messiah it would have been better for the Revised Standard Version to acknowledge the unity between the Testaments. These inconsistencies take away from an otherwise good translation.

PHILLIPS TRANSLATION

History

The Phillips Translation had its beginning in London around the time of World War 11. Pastor J.B. Phillips was frustrated because his youth group could not understand the King James Version. Consequently, he made his own translation of Paul's letters, published with the title, "Letters to Young Churches" (1947).

Eventually, he translated the Gospels (1952), Acts (1955), and the Book of Revelation (1957). The complete New Testament was published in 1963, and revised in 1973. Phillips also translated the four prophets (Amos, Hosea, Isaiah 1-35, and Micah) in 1963.

Purpose

The Phillips Translation attempts to modernize and update the language of the New Testament in order to communicate with contemporary man. This rendition attempts to make the New Testament read as a freshly written work, composed in the 20th century and dealing with current needs. Phillips himself believed that a sign of a good translation was that it did not sound at all like a translation.

As Phillips indicated in his foreword, he also desired to imagine himself in the place of the biblical writers:

"Perhaps a few words about the kind of technique which I have adopted may be introduced here. I have found imaginative sympathy, not so much with words as with people, to be essential. If it is not presumptuous to say so, I attempted, as far as I could, to think myself into the heart and mind of Paul, for example, or of Mark or of John the Divine. Then I tried further to imagine myself as each of the New Testament authors writing his particular message for the people of today."

Unique Features

The format of the Phillips Translation is unique for modern editions of the Scripture. There are not any verse numbers, and each paragraph has a heading explaining its contents.

It is also a meaning-for-meaning translation rather than the traditional word-for-word translation. Phillips believed that this method was justified as he stated in his foreword regarding words and their context. In doing this, he also exposes his view of Scripture:

"For the most part I am convinced that they had no idea that they were writing Holy Scripture. They would be, or indeed perhaps are, amazed to learn what meaning are sometimes read back into their simple utterances!

"Paul, for instance, writing in haste and urgency to some of his wayward and difficult Christians, was not tremendously concerned about dotting the i's and crossing the t's of his message. I doubt very much whether he was even concerned about being completely consistent with what he had already written.

Consequently, it seems to me quite beside the point to study his writings microscopically, as it were, and deduce hidden meanings of which almost certainly he was unaware. His letters are alive, and they are moving-in both senses of that word-and their meaning can no more be appreciated by cold minute examination than can the beauty of a bird's flight be appreciated by dissection after its death. We have to take these living New Testament documents in their context."

Value and Limitations

The Phillips Translation is valuable because it restates the New Testament in a fresh, readable way that provides new insights into the New Testament for even the most knowledgeable reader. The readability is enhanced by the format which contains headings for each section and omits verse numbers. The layout of this work lends itself to easy reading.

But easy reading does not necessarily signify something desirable. Phillips, contrary to the claim, presents, a paraphrase, not a translation. His revised edition has improved somewhat on this weakness, but his work is still interpretive and highly questionable at points, reflecting his inadequate view of Scripture.

British expressions which sound peculiar to American ears also limit his edition in some places.

The Phillips New Testament, like The Good News Bible and The Living Bible is a fine way to introduce someone to the biblical story. But it should not be relied upon for critical study.

THE MODERN LANGUAGE BIBLE

History

The history of The Modern Language Bible dates back to 1945 with the publication of The Berkeley Version of the New Testament. Unlike many other major translations, The Berkeley Version New Testament was the work of one man, Gerrit Verkuyl. Under Verkuyl's direction, the Old Testament was completed in 1959.

In 1969, after Verkuyl's death, The Berkeley Version was extensively revised and published under the title, "The Modern Language Bible-The New Berkeley Version in Modern English." Although the title has been changed, the publishers insist (in the preface) that The Modern Language Bible is still The Berkeley Version:

"This is still The Berkeley Version. It rests upon the foundation Dr. Verkuyl laid. Nevertheless, the numerous changes in the New Testament text, explanatory notes, and headings warrant calling this 1969 edition The Modern Language Bible-The New Berkeley Version in Modern English."

Purpose

The original purpose for The Berkeley Version was to provide the English-speaking world with an up-to-date translation in modern language:

"This is not just another revision; it is a completely new translation. We have turned to the original languages of both Testaments, assured that holy men from God spoke as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit. Neither is this a paraphrase, for that leads so readily to the infusion of human thought with divine revelation, to the confusion of the reader. Instead of paraphrasing, we offer brief notes, related to, but apart from the inspired writings, to clarify and to give a sharper view of the message.

The Modern Language Bible, appearing in 1969, sought to revise and update The Berkeley Version:

"Approximately 25 years have passed since The Berkeley New Testament first appeared in 1945. During this quarter century, the need for its revision has become evident. As is inevitable with any Bible translation-and perhaps most of all with a one-man version diosyncrasies and other matters requiring correction have come to light."

Unique Features

One of the unique aspects of The Modern Language Bible is the extensive notes that accompany the text. These notes are not only highly instructive, they also are devotional. Verkuyl, along with the subsequent translators, were evangelicals who had a high regard for the Scriptures, and this is reflected in the quality of the notes.

Value and Limitations

The Modern Language Bible has many commendable features, not the least of which is its faithful rendering of the Messianic prophecies of the Old Testament (as stated in the preface to the 1959 edition):

"We are in tune with the Authorized Version' of 1611 in fidelity to the Messianic Promise, first made as soon as man had sinned, renewed to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, narrowed to Judah's offspring and later to David's descendants. This promise remained the hope of the worshiping Hebrews, whose prophets stimulated their faith, and Jesus reminded the Emmaus pilgrims of it, 'starting from Moses and through all the prophets ... in all the Scriptures that referred to Himself. 'To be faithful to this everlasting Evangel we needed to be faithful to the original Scriptures." (This is in contrast, to the Revised Standard Version which, unhappily, is inconsistent in translating prophecies referring to Jesus.)

Another good feature of the Modern Language Bible is the accomplishment of its desire to be a literal translation of the Greek and Hebrew, rather than an interpretive paraphrase. The result is a faithful rendering of the original. However, in places it is too literal to be completely readable.

The notes, a product of the highest evangelical scholarship, provide great benefits to the reader. The Modern Language Bible is an excellent translation done with the highest reverence for the, Scripture and can be of great value to anyone who desires to read and study the Word of God.

THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE

History

In 1965, The Amplified Bible (in one volume) appeared in print. It was the culmination of several separate volumes including The Amplified Gospel of John (1954), The Amplified New Testament (1958), and The Amplified Old Testament (in two parts: 1962, 1964).

Purpose

The Amplified Bible, far from being another translation, purports to do something no other edition has ever done:

"From the days of John Wycliffe and the first English Bible down to the present time, scholarly translators have worked diligently on English versions designed to faithfully present the Scriptures in contemporary language! The Amplified Bible is not an attempt to duplicate what has already been achieved. Rather, its intent is to progress beyond the point where the others have stopped.

"Its purpose is to reveal, together with the single word English equivalent to each key Hebrew and Greek word, any other clarifying shades of meaning that may be concealed by the traditional word-for-word method of translation. Now, possibly for the first time, the full meaning of the key words in the original text is available in an English version of the Bible."


Unique Features

The unique nature of The Amplified Bible is that it adds to, explains, and attempts to clarify the words of Scripture. No other edition of the Scripture attempts to bring out these expansions of the text and shades of meaning. Other editions use the margin or footnotes to accomplish this feat while The Amplified Bible puts it directly into the text.

Another unique feature of The Amplified Bible is the fact that the leading figure in compiling this work was a woman, Frances E. Siewert.

Value and Limitations

The value of The Amplified Bible lies in its ability to expand the meaning of the original texts. Its service is more that of a commentary than a translation.

Although The Amplified Bible can be helpful in bringing out some of the meaning of words and expressions, several weaknesses limit its effectiveness. For example, in some of the passages it is difficult to follow the thought of the writer. This is due to the added, expansive words put into the text. In this sense, the amplifications are a hindrance rather than a help.

For example, in the Sermon on the Mount, the repetition of amplifying the word "blessed" (Matthew 5:3-11) is not only unnecessary; it is monotonous.

Furthermore, The Amplified Bible suffers from the same problems as paraphrases: It is highly interpretive. The theological bias of the amplifier cannot help but show through when the meaning of words and expressions are given. Although the preparers of The Amplified Bible have a high view of the Bible, many of their amplifications" are totally subjective and open to argumentation.

The Amplified Bible should be used only alongside a good translation, never studied by itself.

THE JERUSALEM BIBLE

History

The Jerusalem Bible has an interesting history. Its genesis is found in La Bible de Jerusalem, a French translation made in Jerusalem by the Dominican Ecole Biblique et Archeologique. This authoritative translation was completed in several volumes with extensive notes. In 1956, this French edition appeared in one volume with an abridgement of the notes. The Jerusalem Bible in English contains these notes translated from the French, with the translation itself based upon the original biblical languages.

Purpose

The editor of The Jerusalem Bible lists in his foreword two reasons for this new edition of the Holy Scriptures:

"Now for Christian thinking in the twentieth century two slogans have been wisely adopted: aggiornamento, or keeping abreast of the times, and approfondimento, or deepening of theological thought. This double programme must be for the Bible too. Its first part can be carried out by translating into the language we use today, its second part by providing notes which are neither sectarian nor superficial."

Thus, the desire of the translators is to put The Jerusalem Bible in understandable language for modern man. As a further aid to Bible understanding, many explanatory notes accompany the text.

Unique Features

Two things make The Jerusalem Bible unique. First, The Jerusalem Bible is the first complete Catholic Bible translated into English from the original biblical languages (The New American Bible, published after The Jerusalem Bible, also is translated from the Hebrew, Greek and Aramaic).

Before the publication of The Jerusalem Bible, all previous Catholic Bibles were translated from a translation, the Latin Vulgate. The Jerusalem Bible bypasses the Vulgate and translates directly from the original languages.

Its second unique feature is the extensive notes provided by the translators. The notes include introductory material for the different sections of the Bible, notes on the text itself, and a variety of helps, including maps and a table of weights and measures.

Value and Limitations

The value of The Jerusalem Bible, besides being an easy-to-read translation, is in its extensive notes. These are a helpful aid to better understanding the Bible. However, it must be emphasized that this is a Catholic Bible. As such, the notes have definite leanings toward Roman Catholicism.

Although the notes are not as objectionable to Protestants as have been notes in other Catholic Bibles, they still contain teachings with which Protestants respectfully disagree. These include the Doctrine of Purgatory, the Primacy of Peter, and the Perpetual Virginity of Mary (for example, notes on 1 Corinthians 3:15, Matthew 16:19, and Matthew 1:25). Hence, in most cases Protestants will not find this translation satisfactory, although Roman Catholics would receive it wholeheartedly.

THE GOOD NEWS BIBLE

History

The background of The Good News Bible is succinctly stated in its preface:

"In September 1966 the American Bible Society published The New Testament in Today's English Version, a translation intended for people everywhere for whom English is either their mother tongue or an acquired language. Shortly thereafter, the United Bible Societies requested the American Bible Society to undertake on its behalf a translation of the Old Testament following the same principles.

"Accordingly the American Bible Society appointed a group of translators to prepare the translation. In 1971, this group added a British consultant recommended by the British and Foreign Bible Society. The translation of the Old Testament now appears together with the fourth edition of the New Testament."

While the Old Testament was the work of several different individuals, the New Testament was the product of one man, Dr. Robert G. Bratcher. The original title to the New Testament portion was Good News for Modern Man: The New Testament in Today's English Version. The Good News Bible was completed in 1976.

Purpose

The idea behind the Good News Bible was to make a readable English rendition of the Bible that all English speakers could comprehend. As the preface reveals, "This translation is intended for all who use English as a means of communication; the translators have tried to avoid words and forms not in current or widespread use; but no artificial limit has been set to the range of the vocabulary employed.

"Every effort has been made to use language that is natural, clear, simple and unambiguous. Consequently there has been no attempt to reproduce in English the parts of speech, sentence structure, word order, and grammatical devices of the original languages."

Unique Features

The Good News Bible, like The New English Bible, employs the concept of "dynamic equivalence" in its translation. Instead of using the usual method of translating what the author actually said, the concept of "dynamic equivalence" attempts to bring out what the author truly meant. The goal is to have the reader experience and feel the same things the original readers felt.

Another unique aspect of this work is its simplified vocabulary changing such things as "centurion" to "army officer," and "publicans" to "tax collectors."

The Good News Bible also is illustrated with line drawings that help illuminate the biblical story.

Value and Limitations

One of the great values of the Good News Bible is its ability to put the Word of God into understandable English. Those who know English as a second language will find the Good News Bible easy to follow. The simplification of technical terms also will be of great benefit to those who have no background in Christianity.

Moreover, the translation is aided by the many line drawings by Mlle. Annie Vallotton which accompany the text. The message is graphically portrayed by both the effective drawings and the clear simple English contained in the translation.

However, there are serious limitations in this work. The concept of "dynamic equivalence" is a highly questionable way of translating the Scriptures. By giving the meaning of the text rather than a translation of what it literally says, the translator goes beyond his role and becomes an interpreter.

Accuracy is sacrificed at the altar of readability, and the reader is left with the false impression that the "dynamic equivalent" rendering is what the text actually says. The idea of simplifying expressions is fine. But sometimes it can be made too simple. Furthermore, the Good News Bible, in its interpretations, sometimes renders a verse totally wrong.

A classic example is 2 Corinthians 5:21 which reads, "Christ was without sin, but for our sake God made Him share our sin." This statement is in no way accurate, for God put our sins upon Christ on the cross. He did not in any way share sin with us.

The Good News Bible, like The Living Bible, is a good way to introduce someone to the basic story of the Bible. But it should not be used as a study Bible or as a source of establishing Bible doctrine.

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE

History

On September 30, 1943, Pope Pius XII issued his encyclical letter concerning the Scriptures. It read, "We ought to explain the original text which was written by the inspired author himself and has more authority and greater weight than any, even the very best, translation whether ancient or modern. This can be done all the more easily and fruitfully if to the knowledge of languages be joined a real skill in literary criticism of the same text."

This set the stage for a new translation of the Scriptures as the preface to the New American Bible states: "Early in 1944, in conformity with the spirit of the encyclical, and with the encouragement of Archbishop Cicognani, Apostolic Delegate to the United States, the Bishops Committee of the Confraternity of Christian Doctrine requested members of the Catholic Biblical Association of America to translate the Sacred Scriptures from the original languages or from the oldest extant form of the text, and to present the sense of the biblical text in as correct a form as possible."

Purpose

As was the case with The Jerusalem Bible, this translation would also break with tradition and be based upon the original languages instead of on the Latin Vulgate. As the preface stated:

"The first English Catholic version of the Bible, the Douay-Rheims (1582-1609/10), and its revision by Bishop Challoner (1750) were based on the Latin Vulgate. In view of the relative certainties more recently attained by textual and higher criticism, it has become increasingly desirable that contemporary translations of the sacred books into English be prepared in which due reverence for the text and strict observance of the rules of criticism would be combined."

Unique Features

The New American Bible, in one sense, is the American Catholic response to the English Jerusalem Bible. It is written in American English without the British spellings and idioms contained in The Jerusalem Bible. It is not, however, a revision of The Jerusalem Bible (as the American Standard Version was of its English counterpart the Revised Version).

It is a completely new translation, the first complete American Catholic Bible translated from the original languages. An exception to this is that the text used for translating the Psalms was not the traditional Hebrew Masoretic text but the Latin Liber Psalmorurn. The footnotes reflect traditional Roman Catholic doctrine, although not as pronounced as other Catholic translations, including The Jerusalem Bible.

Value and Limitations

The value of the New American Bible is its readability for Americans. The English is clear and easy to understand. Please exercise caution in the use of this translation for two reasons. First, the notes found in the introduction to each book are liberal in tone, accepting some of the higher critical theories with regard to date and authorship of certain books. Second, although not blatant, the notes do reflect Catholic theology, aspects of which Protestants find highly questionable.

NEW ENGLISH BIBLE

History

In October 1946, delegates from a variety of church traditions including the Church of England, Church of Scotland, Congregational, and Methodist Church-resolved to undertake a new translation of the Old Testament, New Testament, and Apocrypha.

The meeting was the result of a suggestion made by the Church of Scotland at their annual meeting. In 1948, other church traditions, including the churches in Wales and Ireland, were invited to appoint representatives to the translation committee.


Purpose

The history of the Bible in English is the story of one revision after another. The translators of the New English Bible, however, felt it was time for a completely new translation. This was to be in a "timeless English," avoiding both the archaic language of yesterday and the modern slang of today.

The translation was intended to be clear to the average person, removing any language barriers between God's Word and English speaking people, and providing an authoritative translation suitable for public reading and worship. The translators were to take advantage of the most recent textual, linguistic and historical evidence in rendering their work.

Unique Features

The New English Bible has several striking features. The method of translation differed from the traditional. Translators always had attempted a literal word-for-word rendering of the Hebrew and Greek text into English. Instead, the New English Bible attempts to provide a meaning-for-meaning rendering.

As C.H. Dodd, general director of the project, stated, "We have conceived our task to be that of understanding the original as precisely as we could (using all available aids), then saying again and again in our own native idiom what we believed the author to be saying in his" (Introduction to the New Testament, p. vii).
Moreover, the translators departed from the Westcott-Hort tradition in establishing their Greek text. They employed what is known as the eclectic method. That is, they were not bound to any one type of Greek text. Consequently, in several instances they incorporated questionable readings.

That the New English Bible translators did their own textual criticism is revealed in the introduction: "There is not at the present time any critical text which would command the same degree of general acceptance as the revisers' text did in its day. Nor has the time come, in the judgment of competent scholars, to construct such a text, since new material comes to light and the debate continues.

"The present translators therefore could do no other than consider variant readings on their merits, and having weighed the evidence for themselves, select for translation in each passage the reading which to the best of their judgment seemed most likely to represent what the author wrote . . ." (p. v).

Value and Limitations

The prime value of the New English Bible is its literary style which makes for interesting reading. The printing also is attractive. However, the limitations far outweigh the values. Attempting to reproduce a meaning-for-meaning translation usually results in a paraphrase, and that is the case with the New English Bible.

There is entirely too much interpretation as opposed to translation. Moreover, Americans, though finding the New English Bible colorful, will find the British words and expressions quite difficult. For example, 1 Corinthians 16:8 reads, "But I shall remain at Ephesus until Whitsuntide (Pentecost)."

Also, some words and expressions do not meet the intended purpose of communicating to the common people: "I broke the fangs of the miscreant" (Job 29:17), "Not for him to swill down the rivers of cream" (Job 20:17), "and they laid an information against Paul" (Acts 24:1). With its British flavor and interpretive translation, the New English Bible will not enjoy much popularity among Americans.

LIVING BIBLE

History

The history of the Living Bible goes back several decades to an idea conceived by Kenneth Taylor, then Director of the Moody Literature Mission of Moody Press. Being acutely aware of the need for an understandable rendition of the Bible in modern English, Taylor decided to use his commuting time on the train to and from work each day to produce a modern speech edition.

In 1962 the New Testament letters were published under the title, "Living Letters." Following this was the release of Living Prophecies (1965), Living Gospels (1966), Living New Testament (1967). Living Psalms also was published in 1967, followed shortly thereafter by Living Lessons of Life and Love (1968), Living Books of Moses (1969) and, in 1970, Living History of Israel. In 1971, the complete Living Bible was published.

Purpose

The Living Bible is not a translation but rather a paraphrase, written to communicate the thoughts of the biblical writers to modern man. This idea was expressed in the preface of the first edition of Living Letters: "A word should be said here about paraphrases. What are they? To paraphrase is to say something in different words than the author used.

"It is a restatement of an author's thoughts, using different words than he did. This book is a paraphrase of the Old and New Testaments. Its purpose is to say as exactly as possible what the writers of the Scriptures meant, and to say it simply, expanding where necessary for a clear understanding by the modern reader."

The goal is to simplify words and expressions into a language that speaks to contemporary man. Amplification also is employed to technical terms such as "justification," "redemption" and "saints" so that the reader may more fully appreciate the meaning of each term. This was done to make the Bible more understandable, with the ultimate goal of bringing the reader into a deeper and more intimate relationship with God.

Ken Taylor was well aware of the problems of paraphrases, as he notes in the preface of the first edition of Living Letters: "There are dangers in paraphrases, as well as values. For whenever the author's exact words are not translated from the original languages, there is a possibility that the translator, however honest, may be giving the English reader something that the original writer did not mean to say.

"This is because a paraphrase is guided not only by the translator's skill in simplifying but also by the clarity of his understanding of what the author meant and by his theology. For when the Greek or Hebrew is not clear, then the theology of the translator is his guide, along with his sense of logic, unless perchance the translation is allowed to stand without any clear meaning at all. The theological lodestar in this book has been a rigid evangelical position."

Unique Features

The most unique thing about the Living Bible is that it is the most readable and understandable rendition of the biblical story available today. It is a simplified paraphrase of the Scriptures which can be understood by people of all ages and educational backgrounds.

Value and Limitations

The Living Bible has experienced tremendous circulation since its initial publication in 1971. Its great value lies in the ability to communicate the message of the Bible in an understandable fashion. It is an excellent way to introduce someone to the story of the Bible.

There are, however, factors regarding the Living Bible which readers need to be aware of. For one thing, it is not a word-for-word translation but a paraphrase or commentary. A paraphrase is interpretive by nature, and in certain passages, the Living Bible differs from other versions in its interpretation. Sometimes things are either added, omitted or stressed by Taylor in order to clarify a particular passage. The basis for this is his own understanding of what that passage means. Therefore, the paraphraser's personal theological views may be reflected in the paraphrasing of a passage. Consequently, the reader should avoid drawing theological or doctrinal conclusions based on a paraphrase without additionally consulting and comparing the original texts or a word-for-word translation.

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE

History

The New American Standard Bible resulted from the determination to revise the American Standard Version of 1901. It is the work of the Lockman Foundation, a nonprofit Christian corporation formed in 1942 to promote, among other things, translations of the Bible.

The Foundation already had produced the Amplified Bible (completed 1965). It produced the Gospel of John in 1960 and continued until the entire Bible was completed in 1971.

Purpose

The New American Standard Bible was produced to acquaint the public with the virtues of the American Standard Version of 1901, as the translators state in their preface: "Perhaps the most weighty impetus for this undertaking can be attributed to a disturbing awareness that the American Standard Version of 1901 was fast disappearing from the scene.

"As a generation 'which knew not Joseph' was born, even so a generation unacquainted with this great and important work has come into being. Recognizing a responsibility to posterity, the Lockman Foundation felt an urgency to rescue this noble achievement from an inevitable demise, to preserve it as a heritage for coming generations, and to do so in such a form as the demands of passing time dictate."

Although the Revised Standard Version, like the New American Standard Bible, revises the American Standard Version of 1901, the translators of the New American Standard Bible seem to have felt less than satisfied with some of the anomalies of the Revised Standard Version.

So the translators of the New American Standard Bible attempted to bring the American Standard Version up to date, to be as faithful to the original languages as possible, and to present a clear and readable style based upon current usage.

Unique Features

The translators of the New American Standard Bible paid special attention in their rendering of the Greek tenses (making careful distinction in English, for example, between the Greek aorist tense and the Greek imperfect tense) in order to clarify the meaning of the writer.

Also, the New American Standard Bible retains the familiar "Thou " "Thee" and "Thy" forms of the personal pronoun only in reference to Deity, replacing these archaic forms with the modern "you" and "your" when referring to those besides God. The divine name was rendered Lord, as in the King James Version, discarding the 1901 American Standard Version "Jehovah."

Value and Limitations

With the helpful cross reference system, and the painstaking efforts made by the translators to bring out the distinction between the Greek tenses, the New American Standard Bible is an excellent study tool for the serious student of Scripture. Although it is not as readable as some translations, its accuracy is second to none. If one desires to study the Scripture, the New American Standard Bible is perhaps the best Bible available.

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

History

The preface to the New International Version reveals the background to this newest of the modern translations: "The New International Version is a completely new translation of the Holy Bible made by over a hundred scholars working directly from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek tests. It had its beginning in 1965 when, after several years of exploratory study by committees from the

Christian Reformed Church and the National Association of Evangelicals, a group of scholars met at Palos Heights, Illinois, and concurred in the need for a new translation of the Bible in contemporary English. This group, though not made up of official church representatives, was transdenominational. Its conclusion was endorsed by a large number of leaders from many denominations who met in Chicago in 1966."

Purpose

As the translators state in the preface, the goals for the New International Version were an accurate and clear translation of the Scriptures, "suitable for public and private reading, teaching, preaching, memorizing and liturgical use."

Another goal of the translators was to present the thought and meaning of the biblical writers rather than to simply present a word-for-word translation. The language would omit the archaisms found in other translations such as the traditional pronouns "Thou," "Thee" and "Thine" used in referring to God. Their intended result was a modern-speech translation that would be faithful to the meaning of the Scriptures inasmuch as each translator shared the conviction that the Bible was the authoritative and infallible Word of God.

Unique Features

The New International Version is the most recent of all modern speech translations. Moreover, it is, as its title indicates, international in its composition, being the work of scholars from America, England, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. These scholars represented many denominations: Anglican, Assemblies of God, Brethren, Lutheran, Nazarene, Presbyterian, and a number of others. This was to safeguard against incorporating the traditions of any one denomination.

Value and Limitations

The value of the New International Version can be found in its readability. The goal of the translators for clarity and literary quality has been accomplished. This is confirmed by the fact that the Gideons now are placing the New International Version rather than the King James Version in hotels and other public places.
The New International Version, however, is not without problems. This translation is an attempt to bring out the thoughts and meaning of the biblical writers. When this is attempted, the possibility of paraphrasing becomes great. In too many instances, the New International Version is guilty of trying to get across the meaning of the author rather than directly translating what the writer said. When this is done, the reader is locked into the meaning provided by the translators (which may be the correct meaning, but also may be an incorrect one).

The reader, moreover, has no way of knowing what is merely the translator's interpretation and naturally assumes everything to be part of the sacred text. While some degree of interpretation is necessary, the job of translators is not to use the text to tell the reader what is meant. Margins or footnotes are better suited for such commentary. The text should be a translation of what the writer says.

Even difficult expressions are to be translated accordingly, or the product becomes a commentary instead of a translation. Some readability may be sacrificed in avoiding paraphrasing, yet accuracy always should take precedence over readability.

The task of translating the Bible is not easy, and in spite of the problems mentioned above, the New International Version will continue as a popular and readable translation.