First, see Joel’s post here.
Oct 12 2009
5 Version Readability Study
David writes,
I am going to do a readability study of 5 versions using the first nine verses of Mark 10. The five versions are the New International Version, the New Living Translation, the Message, the New American Standard Version, and the English Standard Version. I chose this passage because it appeared today in my daily NRSV bible reading email. I am not going to be engaging in textual-critical matters except where I must, but I will be concerned with accuracy as well, relying on formal translations (NASB/NKJV/NET) primarily to determine this.
He also makes the point:
The point being, if you are intending to read as opposed to studying, you will either be slowed down or given the illusion that you get it when you don’t. And that means less opportunity to reflect on the truths of the Bible and more time spent picking through words or just plain being wrong until you realize your mistake.
Oct 12 2009
Examining God’s Word – Romans 5.1-11
This week, we are examining God’s Word Translation in regards to the a literal and a thought for thought translation. I am using the NASB which is highly literal and the NLT which is my preferred choice, and somewhere between thought for thought and literal. I will take different chapters or passages, prooftexting, and put then against recognized versions. I ask my readers to participate, showing me what they like or don’t like.
Sep 22 2009
Differences between Translations – NLT Blog
Mark Taylor, one of the bloggers at the NLT blog has a 3-part series on the differences between bible translations
I have numerous times stated my preference for the NLT, especially the NLT Study Bible:
Continue reading “Differences between Translations – NLT Blog”
Sep 22 2009
More on the NLT Mosaic – Black Lettered Edition
Click to Order
Doug started a series on the ‘red-lettered heresy’ by many modern Evangelicals.
Peter Kirk has posted his thoughts on this as well. He quotes Don Carson who refers to:
Continue reading “More on the NLT Mosaic – Black Lettered Edition”
Sep 22 2009
NLT Thoughts: Bitsy Griffin
Thinks to Bitsy for this submission:
Why do I like the NLT? It’s readable without the hiccups of more literal translations. It feels like a story unfolding before you. Not being a Hebrew or Greek scholar, I can’t tell you how words and phrases line up across the pages. I can’t tell you how accurate every jot and tittle is. What I can tell you is that the plain text has made me do a double take many times. “I didn’t remember that!” or “that seems different somehow” leads me back to other versions like the NASB for comparison. Wording may be different, but intent has always been the same. AND I think the reason some verses stand out more is because they are written plainly and not in a stilted manner.
I don’t have a Mosaic, but I do have a Chronological NLT. If you don’t have one of these, they aren’t very expensive (they come in hardback and paperback), and I love having Scripture from the same period presented together instead of separated by books. Granted, it’s not a good Bible for Sunday morning pastor following because it may take you longer to find the verses used for reference, but it’s great for reading. Just reading. From beginning to end or any section in between.
Sep 22 2009
Cutting through the fog of language with the sword of conjunction
Thanks to Damian for this Submission.
Oftentimes, reading our bible is like looking at a scene through fog. It takes a lot of effort to make out the overall picture, let alone the details. In order to get to the meaning, we have to first pass through the language, and through the cultural context. A good translation helps us see through that fog, by minimising the amount of decoding we have to do before we begin interpreting: It lets us pass through the barrier of language seamlessly.
An example: The other day, reading through 1st Corinthians in the TNIV, I came to a passage (5:12-13) which made absolutely no sense to me. It just jarred, and ruined the flow of thought:
What business is it of mine to judge those outside the church? Are you not to judge those inside? God will judge those outside. “Expel the wicked person from among you.”
I read it again once or twice, and began to understand the meaning. But it was simply a messy way of putting it, and in that form, I struggled with the passage. The next handy bible I had was the NRSV (an aging Catholic children’s version):
Continue reading “Cutting through the fog of language with the sword of conjunction”
Sep 22 2009
Word Study: Are we really Peculiar? From the New Living Translation
I am 31 years old, and until two years ago, I thought that the Church was supposed to be odd, or as the KJV says, peculiar -
- characteristic of only one person, group, or thing : distinctive
- different from the usual or normal: a: special, particular b: odd, curious c: eccentric, queer
Continue reading “Word Study: Are we really Peculiar? From the New Living Translation”
Sep 22 2009
Reprobation in the New Living Translation
We will be discussing several passages today, to see if the NLT measures up in understanding (mine or Paul’s?) reprobation – in which someone is cast away from God. The word itself, absent doctrine and dogma, is an important word, and carries with it a deep meaning, often lost through lost in translation.
Continue reading “Reprobation in the New Living Translation”
Sep 22 2009
My Video Review of the New Living Translation Study Bible
New Living Translaton Study Bible
When the NLT Study Bible first came out, I was assured that it was a worthless translation, given to the art of diluting the word of God. I was wrong of course, as once I gave the NLT a chance – due to my daughter – I really came to enjoy the translation.
From Amazon:
- Hardcover: 2528 pages
- Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (September 10, 2008)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1414324472
- ISBN-13: 978-1414324470
Continue reading “My Video Review of the New Living Translation Study Bible”
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