·
New King James Version (NKJV)
o
Strengths:
§
Provides a modern King James Version for people
who love the King James Version
o
Weakness:
§
Includes passages latter added by scribes into
the Biblical text in order not to hurt sales.
§
Cowardly approach to such passages as 1 John 5:7
o
Format: Word for Word – a revision of KJV
o
Reading Level: 7th Grade
·
New Living Translation (NLT)
o
Strengths:
§
Reads very smoothly
§
Excellent for reading large sections of the
Bible
§
Good translation for new Christians, people with
low grade level reading, like children.
§
Good paragraphing
o
Weaknesses:
§
Not a good verse by verse study bible
o
Format: Dynamic equivalence or though for
thought.
o
Reading Level: 6th Grade
·
English Standard Version
o
Strengths:
§
From the KJV tradition of translation
§
More theological work, does not sacrifice
author’s intent for inclusive or gender neutral language.
§
Excellent Translation for a serious student of
bible and theology
o
Weakness:
§
Use of theological works like propitiation may
be confusing for young believers.
§
The ESV’s use of “wife” as a translation of γυνή
in 1 Corinthians 11 is very questionable. This passage is about the status and
behavior suitable to womankind, not just of wives.
§
Some of the faults are quite annoying. But
mostly they are the kind of minor faults that may be observed in any version.
o
Format: Word for Word following the RSV
tradition of translation
o
Reading Level: 10th Grade
·
Holman Christian Standard
o
Strengths:
§
Readability- smooth reading great for use in a
local church
§
Good Paragraphing and Designation of Poetry
§
Only minor move towards thought for thought
format
o
Weaknesses:
§
inconsistent way in which YHWH is translated
within the Old Testament (sometimes by Yahweh, sometimes as LORD)
§
tendency toward colloquialisms, and its
utilization of an "optimal equivalence" translation method which
occupies a position part way toward dynamic equivalence from formal
equivalence—representing a small movement in the direction which eventually
leads to paraphrase.
o
Format: Balanced approach between thought for
thought and word for word, although I believe it leans more towards word for
word.
o
Reading Level: 7th Grade
·
The Message
o
Strengths:
§
Stimulating devotional literature
o
Weaknesses:
§
Long and formal sounding words replaced with
punchy phrases.
§
Often portrays scripture more colorful than the
original.
§
Has a psychologizing tendency, never to be a
stand-alone read for a believer.
o
Format: Extreme colloquial. It is not be
understood to be a bible but rather a paraphrase for a devotional supplement
only.
o
Reading Level: 4th Grade
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