Clear evocative language makes Bible even more alive

books:


	• The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language : Numbered Edition NavPress Publishing Group, 2005 - 1723 pages average customer review:based on 20 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

A remarkable addition to the God seekers tool chest

The Message translation is a spectacular rendition of God's word in today's vernacular. I conclude this after 3 years of using it. After seeing only a hand full of reviews for it on Amazon, I must comment that this translation deserves much greater recognition than it appears to be getting.

I've spent much time as a novice translator for reference purposes. I try to get as close to the original message as I can get. ... there is a lot to be learned deep in the text. We know that words change through time. Biblical words translated in contemporary contexts seem particularly mutable as language changes (`charity' being a particular favorite as a lost, true meaning in our vernacular). Words mutate and mean `more than' or `less than' their authors in time and place intended. Deciphering these nuances of words, intention and context is important for gaining an extended appreciation for the magnitude of the Bible. Our language is living and our translations logically need to keep pace. The Message does the job admirably.

Some familiar Bible words take on new forms in the Message. Memorized passages will be seen from a slightly different angle. This might disturb some. I initially wrestled with the Lord's Prayer, Psalms and the like. After revisiting them several times now, I've come to enjoy the Message change up. The Message expands the context that was memorized and actually adds more meat to those memories.

I'm convinced that the Message is consistent with other translations at critical interpretational points and supported by current scholarship of word usages found outside the Bible texts to add nuance to the Message. I have tracked several of the uses in the Message through the etymologies and context. I believe that Peterson has done a superb job at capturing the socio-contextual meaning of the original Greek. The Message demonstrates a skill in contemporary word selection that is not easily accomplished. I move between several translations in my study and have included the Message in that deeper look. Peterson is not a liberal revisionist. All the miracles, prophecies and words of God are straight up in modern language direct from the originals.

For pure reading, the Message is the best. If you swear by the KJV and you've tried others, this may not be your be your cup of tea. Then again, you may surprise yourself and be fascinated by the extreme readability of this rendition.

If you have not read the Bible cover to cover, this is the right translation to give it a try. Enjoy it.

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The words flow off the pages.

I think it is important to study different translations of the Bible to grasp the more subtle shades of meaning in its text. Among my favorites are the New English Bible, Amplified Bible, and the good old King James Version, each of which have their place in my study.

The Message is the most recent addition to my library, and I am really enjoying its refreshing straight-to-the-point style. This is a Bible for the modern reader. By departing from more formal English, and presenting the text in the way most of us use the language, the stories and characters really come alive. This is a Bible for both casual browsing and extended reading. Where many translations often get bogged down in formality or tedium The Message flows easily, with great clarity.

Many years ago I read the entire King James Version from cover to cover. Fascinating as it was (and I learned a lot), much of the reading was pure drudgery. The simplicity of The Message has inspired me to begin reading it from Genesis to Revelation once again. This time I am picking up so much more detail in the stories than I ever have before, and I find I don't want to put it down.

The Message cannot replace other Bible translations, but it is a great place to start. More experienced readers will find it a great way to review well-known passages and give them a fresh perspective. I would give The Message five stars, but on occasion I find the words seem a bit trite, such as the use of the phrase "oh, yes!" for "amen."

This version of The Message has the largest type face of any version I have seen in stores, though it is still fairly small. The inclusion of verse numbers is important for making comparisons with other translations. Of all the versions of The Message I compared, this one seemed to offer the best value for the money. The publisher even provides a lifetime replacement guarantee on the binding.

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Study Aid

This is not, nor does Peterson intend it to be, a primary translation of the Bible. It is, however, a great study aid, that should be used in parallel with one or more of the modern, scholarly translations, such as the RSV, NRSV, Jerusalem Bible, etc. It brings a fresh way of reading the Bible and helps open up the meanings. It would also be a good choice as an evangelistic tool for someone who does not, or has not read the Bible, because the core message is there in plain, easy-to-read language. After all, the purpose of evangelism is to open the Word to those who have not heard the Word. Hopefully, a person who has read this paraphrased version might be moved by the Spirit of God to delve deeper.

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Excellent accompaniment to The Holy Bible

I am in a Bible Study group which weekly assigns "homework", or rather, weekly research into the scriptures. The Message, is a Cliffs Notes for scripture; written in easy to understand common language. It does not deviate from scripture, and when both; The Holy Bible and The Message are read together, the passage that might be confusing comes alive!

Clear evocative language makes Bible even more alive

I'm not usually into popular Christian trends - I often find them trite. I also have been very leery of paraphrased versions of the bible, preferring translations, which have basis in scholarship. But the Message transcends both categories and is much more accessible to someone new to Bible reading and study.

For those with many years of Bible study under their belt, this is a great tool to highlight nuances present in the original text that are literally lost in translation. Some of the renderings seem a bit, well, over the top, but by and large, I am very impressed with the Message.

Two notes. DO get a version with numbered verses! It will be labeled. Even then, they are numbered in paragraphs, not individual verses. But that is enough to help you find your place.

BETTER STILL is a parallel version, preferably with NASB. I used to heavily favor NIV, but recently have felt it's scholarship to be lacking in certain areas. I have seen several NASB/Message parallels and this will probably be my next Bible purchase.

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reviews: page 1, 2, 3, 4

The Message: Numbered Edition - It's more than just verse numbers! The completely redesigned Message Numbered Edition now comes in six attractive styles including this edition with a padded hardcover in Navy. Improved style, size, and added study features make the completely redesigned Message Numbered Edition the contemporary translation of choice. These new features, combined with the everyday language of The Message, deliver a Bible-reading experience that is relatable, energetic, and amazingly fresh.

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