-
Clarity and accuracy in translation are helpful
Over the years I have done a very bad thing in the eyes of scholars. I have drifted more toward translations that work to make the text more readable. For ESV, NASB, NRSV, and RSV lovers… I am a heretic. For KJV only people, I’ve been apostate for years. I still use “word for word” translations, but for preaching and…
-
How’s your forehead look?
Translation fun. The literal use of a word, which the ESV uses in Jeremiah 3:3 is, um, not helpful. Here is a comparison at Biblegateway. Strengths and weaknesses of translations are a key reason I like having so much available either online (like Biblegateway) or digitally (like Olive Tree or Logos). Just watch out for your forehead!
-
Translation comparisons of Matthew 5:17
17 “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose. (NLTse) Mat 5:17 17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them. (ESVST)…
-
Liking the Common English Bible Bit by Bit
Teaching a New Testament class on some of the “general epistles” I keep several translations with me. I will use my Nook and the Olive Tree Bible Reader to compare, take notes, etc. While the Common English Bible certainly has a lower reading level than more “literal” translations, what continues to impress me about the CEB is it is truly a…
-
The Standard of Measure
24 He said to them, “Listen carefully! God will evaluate you with the same standard you use to evaluate others. Indeed, you will receive even more. 25 Those who have will receive more, but as for those who don’t have, even what they don’t have will be taken away from them.” (Mark 4:24-25, CEB) 24 “Consider carefully what you hear,”…
-
The Beautiful Obligation
16 If I preach the gospel, I have no reason to brag, since I’m obligated to do it. I’m in trouble if I don’t preach the gospel.(1 Cor. 9:16, CEB) 16 For when I preach the gospel, I cannot boast, since I am compelled to preach. Woe to me if I do not preach the gospel! (1 Cor. 9:16, NIV)…
-
Is He Indignant or Moved by Compassion?
I am a confessed translation junkie. As I read the Common English Bible and the NIV, I come across different ways certain phrases are turned. Mark 1:41 is a good example. The leper comes to Christ and says, “If you are willing you can make me clean.” The response is so interesting. CEB: 41 Incensed,[a] Jesus reached out his hand,…
-
From Sorcerer to Magic Arts to Drug Users
The end of Revelation is one of my favorite places to camp. I honestly love the entire Book of Revelation if I can read through it without the voices in my head. (You know: Tim LaHaye, Jack VanImpe, Hal Lindsey, etc.) In Rev. 22:15 I noticed different ways translations have tackled the Greek word pharmakos over the years. Last night…
-
James 2:1 in the CEB and the NRSV
I looked at James 2:1 in the Common English Bible and found it to be interesting because the phrase “deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ” was not in the NIV or ESV. Is the connotation there? If we are showing favoritism, are we denying the faithfulness of Christ? My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the…
-
Comparison of CEB on James 2:1
Here is James 2:1 in the CEB: 1 My brothers and sisters, when you show favoritism you deny the faithfulness of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has been resurrected in glory. The NIV: 1 My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. The ESV: 1 My brothers,[a] show no partiality as you hold the faith in our…
Tag: ESV
