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Romans: Greek-English Interlinear Paraphrase Study Notes
180 pages, Paperback
Published January 29, 2025
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9 people want to read
About the author
Michael F. Bird
87 books159 followersDr. Michael Bird (Ph.D University of Queensland) is Lecturer in Theology at Ridley Melbourne College of Mission and Ministry. He is the author of several books including Jesus and the Origins of the Gentile Mission (2006), The Saving Righteousness of God (2007), A Bird’s-Eye View of Paul (2008), Colossians and Philemon (2009), Crossing Over Sea and Land: Jewish Missionary Activity in the Second Temple Period (2009), and Are You the One Who is to Come? The Historical Jesus and the Messianic Question (2009).
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
January 29, 2025
Sometimes our interpretation of Scripture can be hampered by an over-familiarity with our favourite English translation of a particular text, and our assumptions about what the text is saying. The book of Romans, with its dense discussion about theological issues surrounding salvation, certainly can fall victim to this issue. However, Michael Bird has put together a “special type of textual project” (x) that can help facilitate fresh readings of this familiar text.
Bird’s purpose is not a commentary or just another English translation, but sets out to provide a reading aid to be used alongside other translations and commentaries. There are three main parts. First, Bird provides a Greek-English interlinear translation where he seeks to help the Greek feel “distant and weird” (x) so that, while it renders the Greek language accurately, it “draws readers away from their assumption about the text is talking about, that tests their traditions, fractures their familiarity, and exposes the propensity to assume that their world of cultural Christianity is basically same as the first-century world” (xi–xii). Second, on the opposing page, Bird provides a creative paraphrase that makes the language and message of the text clear to a modern perspective. Third, both of these translations are aided by footnotes that address issues in the Greek text and textual criticism, background information, connections to other passages in the OT and NT, and also a few explanations of Bird’s translational choices. While these are not extensive or exhaustive, they do provide further help in reading this ancient letter.
For anyone who is wanting to study the book of Romans deeper, this is a great resource. Both the interlinear translation and the paraphrase offer fresh readings of this text that will help illuminate what Paul was saying to the church in Rome. It is a bit cumbersome to read through this book from start to finish because of the two different translations and then the footnotes. It may be beneficial to read through the interlinear translation, and then go back and read the footnotes, and finally read the paraphrase. However, this book will serve as a great aid to you as you study the text (or parts of the text) alongside commentaries and other resources.
*Disclaimer, I received a free copy of this book, but I was not required by the publisher to provide a positive review. I genuinely appreciated what Bird has offered the church here, and am glad to have it part of my library.
Bird’s purpose is not a commentary or just another English translation, but sets out to provide a reading aid to be used alongside other translations and commentaries. There are three main parts. First, Bird provides a Greek-English interlinear translation where he seeks to help the Greek feel “distant and weird” (x) so that, while it renders the Greek language accurately, it “draws readers away from their assumption about the text is talking about, that tests their traditions, fractures their familiarity, and exposes the propensity to assume that their world of cultural Christianity is basically same as the first-century world” (xi–xii). Second, on the opposing page, Bird provides a creative paraphrase that makes the language and message of the text clear to a modern perspective. Third, both of these translations are aided by footnotes that address issues in the Greek text and textual criticism, background information, connections to other passages in the OT and NT, and also a few explanations of Bird’s translational choices. While these are not extensive or exhaustive, they do provide further help in reading this ancient letter.
For anyone who is wanting to study the book of Romans deeper, this is a great resource. Both the interlinear translation and the paraphrase offer fresh readings of this text that will help illuminate what Paul was saying to the church in Rome. It is a bit cumbersome to read through this book from start to finish because of the two different translations and then the footnotes. It may be beneficial to read through the interlinear translation, and then go back and read the footnotes, and finally read the paraphrase. However, this book will serve as a great aid to you as you study the text (or parts of the text) alongside commentaries and other resources.
*Disclaimer, I received a free copy of this book, but I was not required by the publisher to provide a positive review. I genuinely appreciated what Bird has offered the church here, and am glad to have it part of my library.
February 8, 2025
For those interested in this book, I would highly recommend it. It is structured simply, and there is not much clutter page to page, so it is approachable. On the lefthand page, Bird has his very literal/functional equivalent interlinear, and on the righthand page is his paraphrase/interpretation. This series is called Lexham Interpreter’s Translation, but the actual translation is called a paraphrase. I’m not sure which is more accurate to what the product is, but it probably lies somewhere in-between the two. It is much closer to the original text than say the Message, but it is not trying to hide the interpretive nature as some other big translations try to do.
This book is an incredibly unique offering in the world of Greek commentaries. You cannot go into this expecting the Baylor HGT or the Baker EGGNT. Going back to some more ancient works, Michael Bird’s goal for this text is “about moving beyond a basic comprehension and test stops short of offering an actual commentary” (pg. xiii). In other places Bird elaborates on this in greater detail. He is attempting to offer a very literal interlinear that causes the reader to consider the distance in the cultures of the reader and the author, Paul. Second it is to show how the text can be interpreted that closes that gap. Bird’s paraphrase and literal translation were somewhat jarring at first, which is exactly what he was working towards. As I moved through this book, however, I began to appreciate more and more what he was doing, so much so that if I ever preach or teach through Romans I will make sure to use this book as a resource! One caution: if you do not know much Greek, this work may not be as helpful. It is easy to just take what someone is saying if you cannot read it for yourself, and since his goal is interpretation and not commentary, that could be somewhat misleading. It is, however, much more approachable than the Baker EGGNT series. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to see the letter of Romans in a different light that may help jar them into seeing it afresh, and in so doing will glorify God even more!
I was given this book for free from Lexham to review, but they are not requiring any kind of positive review nor will they get to proofread (although maybe that would help with any mistakes I may have made!).
This book is an incredibly unique offering in the world of Greek commentaries. You cannot go into this expecting the Baylor HGT or the Baker EGGNT. Going back to some more ancient works, Michael Bird’s goal for this text is “about moving beyond a basic comprehension and test stops short of offering an actual commentary” (pg. xiii). In other places Bird elaborates on this in greater detail. He is attempting to offer a very literal interlinear that causes the reader to consider the distance in the cultures of the reader and the author, Paul. Second it is to show how the text can be interpreted that closes that gap. Bird’s paraphrase and literal translation were somewhat jarring at first, which is exactly what he was working towards. As I moved through this book, however, I began to appreciate more and more what he was doing, so much so that if I ever preach or teach through Romans I will make sure to use this book as a resource! One caution: if you do not know much Greek, this work may not be as helpful. It is easy to just take what someone is saying if you cannot read it for yourself, and since his goal is interpretation and not commentary, that could be somewhat misleading. It is, however, much more approachable than the Baker EGGNT series. I would recommend this book for anyone wanting to see the letter of Romans in a different light that may help jar them into seeing it afresh, and in so doing will glorify God even more!
I was given this book for free from Lexham to review, but they are not requiring any kind of positive review nor will they get to proofread (although maybe that would help with any mistakes I may have made!).
January 29, 2025
Romans by Michael F. Bird is the first in a new series, The Lexham Interpreter’s Translation, that combines a literal translation with a paraphrase and notes. Combining all three of these elements is unique outside of technical commentaries but even then, there is not typically a full translation by the author. Being such a unique approach there are two ways to look at it. First is the format, and second is the actual content.
The book's format is very helpful whether you know Greek or not. On the left page of the book is the Greek text with a very literal translation. Often this is awkward and stiff, but this is by design. Seeing this rough translation gives an understanding of how hard it is to translate, and why there are so many different translations. On the right-hand page is the author’s paraphrased translation. Even this is not a true paraphrase as it adds additional content to help the reader understand the original author’s intent. At the bottom of the pages, author notes are given explaining different aspects of the text and justifications for decisions that were made.
Whether you agree with Dr. Bird or not is probably going to determine if you like his paraphrased text or not. That decision will be left to you. Even if you do not like Dr. Bird, his translation makes you slow down and pay attention to what the text is saying and this is always a good thing. One aspect I appreciated about this paraphrase is that it adds reminders of what Paul’s point has been. An example of this is found on pages 142-143.
The original text reads, “Therefore, welcome one another, just as the Anointed One has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Dr. Bird’s paraphrase reads, “Therefore, even with your differences of opinion in disputable matters, embrace one another with gusto and enthusiasm just as the Messiah has embraced you and accepted you as his own.” Someone coming to these verses without taking into account what came before is now reminded that Paul is speaking of accepting differences of opinions.
As a pastor I found this book to be extremely useful and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dig deeper in Romans. I look forward to future books in this series. I was provided a free copy of this book by Lexham Press for the purpose of providing a review but I was not required to give a positive review. All views are my own.
The book's format is very helpful whether you know Greek or not. On the left page of the book is the Greek text with a very literal translation. Often this is awkward and stiff, but this is by design. Seeing this rough translation gives an understanding of how hard it is to translate, and why there are so many different translations. On the right-hand page is the author’s paraphrased translation. Even this is not a true paraphrase as it adds additional content to help the reader understand the original author’s intent. At the bottom of the pages, author notes are given explaining different aspects of the text and justifications for decisions that were made.
Whether you agree with Dr. Bird or not is probably going to determine if you like his paraphrased text or not. That decision will be left to you. Even if you do not like Dr. Bird, his translation makes you slow down and pay attention to what the text is saying and this is always a good thing. One aspect I appreciated about this paraphrase is that it adds reminders of what Paul’s point has been. An example of this is found on pages 142-143.
The original text reads, “Therefore, welcome one another, just as the Anointed One has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Dr. Bird’s paraphrase reads, “Therefore, even with your differences of opinion in disputable matters, embrace one another with gusto and enthusiasm just as the Messiah has embraced you and accepted you as his own.” Someone coming to these verses without taking into account what came before is now reminded that Paul is speaking of accepting differences of opinions.
As a pastor I found this book to be extremely useful and highly recommend it to anyone wanting to dig deeper in Romans. I look forward to future books in this series. I was provided a free copy of this book by Lexham Press for the purpose of providing a review but I was not required to give a positive review. All views are my own.
March 3, 2025
This volume by Bird from Lexham Press is designed to facilitate deeper engagement with the biblical text. It presents the SBL Greek text alongside a literal English interlinear translation. Complementing this is Bird's interpretive paraphrase which articulates the flow of Paul's discourse into contemporary English with an eye toward the rhetorical force of the Greek text. This gives a reader an immediate sense of both translational directions (overly wooden & creatively paraphrastic).
An added feature of this little volume is the study notes. These notes include insights into the Greek text alongside explanations of translation choices. They also address OT citations, NT parallels, and text-critical issues. This combination of interlinear translation, paraphrase, and detailed notes makes the work a valuable resource for those seeking a more nuanced understanding of the text of Romans.
I normally do not recommend interlinear volumes (for those who do not know the languages, they imply a mistaken level of linguistic correspondence; for those who do know the languages, they are relatively redundant). However, the quality aesthetic of this volume (very slick!), Bird's interpretive paraphrase, and the notes throughout make this a very helpful resources for those wanting to have quick access to some of the most important textual features that need consideration. Good stuff!
An added feature of this little volume is the study notes. These notes include insights into the Greek text alongside explanations of translation choices. They also address OT citations, NT parallels, and text-critical issues. This combination of interlinear translation, paraphrase, and detailed notes makes the work a valuable resource for those seeking a more nuanced understanding of the text of Romans.
I normally do not recommend interlinear volumes (for those who do not know the languages, they imply a mistaken level of linguistic correspondence; for those who do know the languages, they are relatively redundant). However, the quality aesthetic of this volume (very slick!), Bird's interpretive paraphrase, and the notes throughout make this a very helpful resources for those wanting to have quick access to some of the most important textual features that need consideration. Good stuff!
February 8, 2025
Michael Bird's doesn't disappoint. This resource is one that I will keep close to whenever I am working in the Book of Romans. The book provides a helpful interlinear translation on the left page, a translation on the right page, and the bottom portion of each page includes helpful notes and commentary. These notes include critical textual information, historical background for various interpretations, and useful commentary. These notes are also clearly marked to tell you what kind of information is being communicated.
I also like that there is room on each page for the reader to add their own notes and interact with Dr. Bird's work.
If you are a beginner in Greek, this is a really helpful resource.
Reading through Dr. Bird's transition pages reveals a very readable paraphrase.
Bird's writing style also makes it quite easy to follow his notes. Imagine reading with an Australian accent.
One thing I would like is for this book to lie flat when open. The binding is very tight and holding it open while doing research with other texts would be kind of annoying.
The publisher provided me with a review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.
I also like that there is room on each page for the reader to add their own notes and interact with Dr. Bird's work.
If you are a beginner in Greek, this is a really helpful resource.
Reading through Dr. Bird's transition pages reveals a very readable paraphrase.
Bird's writing style also makes it quite easy to follow his notes. Imagine reading with an Australian accent.
One thing I would like is for this book to lie flat when open. The binding is very tight and holding it open while doing research with other texts would be kind of annoying.
The publisher provided me with a review copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review.
January 17, 2025
I am currently preaching through Romans and I am very much enjoying using the Lexham Interpreter’s Translation of Romans by Michael F. Bird. It is a focused and fresh way to study the book of Romans.
The small size of the book makes it convenient to carry around. I have kept it in my backpack so I can study on the go.
It allows me quick access to the Greek-English interlinear, and the focused study notes are helpful without being overwhelming. I am most interested to read Bird’s paraphrase as a fresh, personal, and novel touch to an academic study.
I received a media copy of Romans and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow @diveindigdeep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter at diveindigdeep.com.
The small size of the book makes it convenient to carry around. I have kept it in my backpack so I can study on the go.
It allows me quick access to the Greek-English interlinear, and the focused study notes are helpful without being overwhelming. I am most interested to read Bird’s paraphrase as a fresh, personal, and novel touch to an academic study.
I received a media copy of Romans and this is my honest review. Find more of my book reviews and follow @diveindigdeep on Instagram - my account dedicated to Bibles and books to see the beauty of the Bible and the role of reading in the Christian life. To read all of my book reviews and to receive all of the free eBooks I find on the web, subscribe to my free newsletter at diveindigdeep.com.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews