Amplified Holy Bible (2015 Text): Captures the Full Meaning Behind the Original Greek and Hebrew

by Zondervan

You’ve trusted the Amplified® Bible to deliver enhanced understanding of all the rich nuances and shades of meaning of the original Bible languages. For this kind of in-depth study, no working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew is required—just a desire to know more about what God says in his Word. Now the updated edition of the Amplified Bible is even easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. It includes more amplification in the Old Testament and refined amplification in the New Testament. Additionally, the Bible text has been improved to read smoothly with or without amplifications, so that the text may be read either way. It’s the same feel and style of study material that you love, now with even clearer wording for deeper understanding.

Available in a portable size, the Amplified Holy Bible is perfect for your on-the-go lifestyle. Whether you’re heading to class, church, a coffee shop, or a trip around the globe, the Amplified Holy Bible can travel with you.

This Bible features other study tools to help you to more clearly understand God’s Word:

A unique system of punctuation, italics, references, and synonyms to unlock subtle shades of meaning as found in the original languages
An Introduction that explains the powerful study features in the translation, making the Bible easy to use
Double-column format
Presentation page for gift-giving
Ribbon marker
Gilded edges

Genres: Christian, Religion, Reference, Nonfiction, Christianity, Faith, Theology

1409 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 27, 1965

About the author

Zondervan is an international Christian media and publishing company. Zondervan is a founding member of the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association (ECPA). They are a part of HarperCollins Christian Publishing, Inc. and has multiple imprints including Zondervan Academic, Zonderkidz, Blink, and Editorial Vida. Zondervan is the commercial rights holder for the New International Version (NIV) Bible in North America.

Reviews

[Charles van Buren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review of the Kindle edition
Publication date: July 2, 2013
Publisher: The Lockman Foundation
Language: English
ASIN: B00DR782Y4

I have marked this as read in order to post a review. Of course it is not read in the sense of finished. It will never be read in that sense.

Greek and Hebrew, as with many other languages, can not be translated word for word into English. Among other things, this translation explains the full meaning of the words. For instance, Exodus 20, book 13, instead of, "Thou shalt not kill, " is, "You shall not commit murder.". A much easier to understand command. If it were literally, Thou shall not kill, even vegetarians would have trouble eating. Any farmer can tell you about animals killed incidentally in the production of crops as well as those killed deliberately to protect the crops and the harvest.

Here is an explanatory note from the preface:

"The Amplified Bible is not an attempt to duplicate what has already been achieved, nor is it intended to be a substitute for other translations. Its genius lies in its rigorous attempt to go beyond the traditional "word-for-word" concept of translation to bring out the richness of the Hebrew and Greek languages. Its purpose is to reveal, together with the single English word equivalent to each key Hebrew and Greek word, any other clarifying meanings that may be concealed by the traditional translation method. Perhaps for the first time in an English version of the Bible, the full meaning of the key words in the original text is available for the reader. In a sense, the creative use of the amplification merely helps the reader comprehend what the Hebrew and Greek listener instinctively understood (as a matter of course).

A most helpful study Bible even if it does not have the poetry of the King James Version.

[ALLEN · Rating 4 out of 5]

The original Amplified Bible dates to 1965 and was compiled by Zondervan, a Christian publishing house now owned by the News Corp. People often disparage the "AMP" for being a "bad translation" or "unnecessarily wordy" but to say so misses the point. All modern bibles are translations of one kind or another; The Amplified Bible was translated with the understanding that a word in the original text may not be adequately translated with just one word of English. If one word or phrase is adequate, that's what the AMP will show -- if not, there will be more.

Here's an example of a passage that is virtually indistinguishable from other modern bibles:
Judges 12:6 Amplified Bible (AMP)
6 "They said to him, Then say Shibboleth; and he said, Sibboleth, for he could not pronounce it right. Then they seized him and slew him at the fords of the Jordan. And there fell at that time 42,000 of the Ephraimites."

Here is the same verse in the popular New International Version (NIV):
6 they said, “All right, say ‘Shibboleth.’ ” If he said, “Sibboleth,” because he could not pronounce the word correctly, they seized him and killed him at the fords of the Jordan. Forty-two thousand Ephraimites were killed at that time.

At the other extreme, note how much more elaborate the AMP Version is from the NIV version of the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew 5:3-5 (NIV):
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit,
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 Blessed are those who mourn,
for they will be comforted.
5 Blessed are the meek,
for they will inherit the earth."

Amplified Version (AMP) of same:
3 "Blessed (happy, [a]to be envied, and [b]spiritually prosperous--[c]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the poor in spirit (the humble, who rate themselves insignificant), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven!
4 Blessed and enviably happy [with a [d]happiness produced by the experience of God's favor and especially conditioned by the revelation of His matchless grace] are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted!
5 Blessed (happy, blithesome, joyous, [e]spiritually prosperous--[f]with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation, regardless of their outward conditions) are the meek (the mild, patient, long-suffering), for they shall inherit the earth!"

This approach leads the way to more interpretations of a key passage of the New Testament, but there's no denying it LOOKS a great deal like an insurance contract.

Finally, here's an intermediate situation, a section of Psalm 139 in which the AMP offers some extra information:
5 You have enclosed me behind and before,
And [You have] placed Your hand upon me.
6 Such [infinite] knowledge is too wonderful for me;
It is too high [above me], I cannot reach it.
7 Where can I go from Your Spirit?
Or where can I flee from Your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, You are there;
If I make my bed in Sheol (the nether world, the place of the dead), behold, You are there.

Compare it to the New Revised Standard Version of the bible (NRSV), which has it:
5 You hem me in, behind and before, and lay your hand upon me.
6 Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
7 Where can I go from your spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence?
8 If I ascend to heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, you are there.

Of course, Psalms are supposed to read well, but I appreciated the extra information the Amplified Version offers.

The AMP is not so much a reader's bible or one written with literary quality in mind, but consulting it will give any bible reader or scholar an insight that is often not to be found without consulting several other bibles. Mass-market paperbacks are available, even used, and can be quite cheap. A few 'Parallel Bibles' (usually bibles that show four different translations side-by-side) sometimes include the AMP. Of course, readings from the Amplified Bible can be very helpful, but they can also come cross as fragmented or even legalistic. Nonetheless, I definitely recommend this paperback to people who would like to get a feel for the AMP without necessarily making it their primary bible.

Reviewer's Notes: This book's listing notwithstanding, the Amplified Bible is not really "Anonymous" either in heritage or translation. Many people wrote the 66-book Protestant Bible; sometimes we even know who exactly! Also, the Amplified Bible was based on a 1901 translation called the American Standard Version.

[Sonya · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite Bibles. I adore the richness. I just have to share a sample of what I mean.

For the general public of the United States (where I live) the beginning of the 23rd Psalm is one of the most familiar quotations from not only The Bible but from *any* book: "The Lord is my shepherd" Those words are rich, powerful, meaningful to many people in many circumstances.

Here are those same words "amplified": "The Lord is my shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me]"

When I read the Amplified Bible, I am less likely to rush through the verses and passages that are most familiar to me. I am more likely to pause, to reflect, to meditate and pray. I am more likely to recognize the guidance that I am receiving. I am brought nearer to the One who is always closer than my hands and feet but whose presence I take for granted much too easily. I am more likely to let the Light shine through me.

[BJ Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is not a review of the Bible. After all, what right can I possibly have to review the Bible? No, the way this really works is that I let the Bible review me? How deeply am I hiding it in my heart? How closely am I following its precepts? Unfortunately, there is no way that I could rate 5 stars. Yes, I am growing, but I've still got a long ways to go.

This is now my 63rd time reading the Bible through cover to cover. Each time I find that there is more to learn. More change that needs to take place in me. God willing, I am getting there. One day, on the other side, I will arrive.

[Diana Biggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

#1 forever and always. The amplified version is my favorite but I do also love King James Version, NIV and NLT.

[Mikey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've read the Amplified version three times from cover to cover (2002, 2005, 2008)

Basically representative of a literal "word-for-word" translation drawing on various previous English translations such as Wycliff and Tyndale as well as Bible dictionaries, lexicons, commentaries, etc. for amplification. Based on the American Standard Version of 1901.

The Amplified version says of itself:

"Not an attempt to duplicate what has been achieved by previous translators nor is it intended to be a substitute for other translations. Rather it's an attempt to go beyond the traditional "word-for-word" concept to bring out the richness of the Hebrew and Greek languages. Its purpose is to reveal, together with the single English word equivalent to each key Hebrew or Greek word, any other clarifying meanings that may be concealed by the traditional method."

I like the Amplified version because I love word studies. Unfortunately I only know one language… but I try to know it well. I enjoy reading dictionaries and thesauruses. I like looking up words and then looking up the synonyms to get a broader understanding of what the word means. I especially like etymology to understand what the word literally means as derived from other languages, as well as how it came to mean what it means today. I assume somewhat of a connection with Frances Siewert in that respect. What I mean by that is I really like the concept for the Amplified Bible and find myself applying it in my own writing when I look up words in the original languages and I believe others could benefit from a broader understanding of any given word.

Besides all that, in a group study when one reading from one translation and another from a different they say, “mine says...such and such” the amplified often has both synonyms. However, when I read aloud I usually skip over what is in brackets or parenthesis to make it track closer with other translations. I also don't find the bracketed items as far as "justified clarifying words not expressed in the original", to be of much use and I am at times even annoyed by them. I do wish there were more bracketed meanings of Greek and Hebrew names as I do find that very interesting and useful and is also very difficult to track down.

The Amplified version is not without problems or controversies, as most modern English versions. Most notably is it used as a reference Westcott and Hort's Greek New Testament of the Bible which was very obviously corrupted. Westcott and Hort followed the assumption that the Alexandrian manuscripts were better because they are older but also followed the Gnostic Heresies of Alexandria and the allegorical teachings of Origen. They denied Jesus’ deity, his virgin birth, his sinlessness, the literal and bodily resurrection, heaven, the Creation story; they supported Darwin, Denied the ‘fall’, the atonement, etc. Their Greek NT differed from the majority in 8,413 places. (Some minor additions but mostly using subtle deletions throughout that either change the meaning or basically strip them of any real significance on these major issues). Irenaeus in 156 AD wrote about the Gnostics who had their headquarters in Alexandria,” Wherefore they and their followers have betaken themselves to mutilating the Scriptures which they themselves have shortened.”

All that being said, I can't stand the arguments of the "King James or Authorized Version Only" crowd though. Don't get me wrong I love the King James Version and intend to study it diligently throughout my life but those that take such a hard stance in this regard seem to be of a very different mind then the dedicated and godly devoted individuals that undertook that work in the first place. In their original preface they stated regarding other previous translations,

"that we do not deny, nay we affirm and avow, that the very meanest translation of the Bible in English, set forth by men of our profession (for we have seen none of theirs of the whole Bible as yet) containeth the word of God, nay, is the word of God. As the Kings Speech which he uttered in Parliament, being translated into French, Dutch, Italian and Latin, is still the Kings Speech, though it be not interpreted by every Translator with the like grace, nor peradventure so fitly for phrase, nor so expressly for sense, every where. For it is confessed, that things are to take their denomination of the greater part; and a natural man could say, Verum vbi multa nitent in carmine, non ego paucis offendor maculis, &c. A man may be counted a virtuous man, though he have made many slips in his life, (else, there were none virtuous, for in many things we offend all) also a comely man and lovely, though he have some warts upon his hand, yea, not only freckles upon his face, but also scars. No cause therefore why the word translated should be denied to be the word, or forbidden to be current, notwithstanding that some imperfections and blemishes may be noted in the setting forth of it."

Again they say regarding notating variations in readings in the margin:

"They that are wise, had rather have their judgements at liberty in differences of readings, then to be captivated to one, when it may be the other."

Granted this is talking about very difficult areas that are clearly uncertain not about differences in doctrines and heretical views. However, the translators of the Authorized Version were not silent on this either. It just strikes me as very ironic when people supposedly honor the work of the translators of the Authorized Version so highly yet come across in their demenor sounding so much more akin to the detractors of this effort when it was originally undertaken. When they talk about wanting to burn every NIV such as here: Why Would Anyone Use the NIV or calling everyone that uses other translations idiots or deceived of the Devil on this page: Amplified Exposed, I wonder how they receive this from the original preface to the Authorized Version

"So, by the story of Ezrah, and the prophesie of Haggai it may be gathered, that the Temple built by Zerubbabel after the returne from Babylon, was by no meanes to bee compared to the former built by Solomon (for they that remembred the former, wept when they considered the later) notwithstanding, might this later either haue bene abhorred and forsaken by the Iewes, or prophaned by the Greeks? The like wee are to thinke of Translations. The translation of the Seuentie dissenteth from the Originall in many places, neither doeth it come neere it, for perspicuitie, grauitie, maiestie; yet which of the Apsotles did condemne it? Condemne it? Nay, the vsed it, (as it is apparent, and as Saint Hierome and most learned men doe confesse) which they would not haue done, nor by their example of vsing it, so grace and commend it to the Church, if it had bene vnworthy the appellation and name of the word of God. And whereas they vrge for their second defence of their vilifying and abusing of the English Bibles, or some pieces thereof, which they meete with, for that heretikes (forsooth) were the Authours of the translations, (heretikes they call vs by the same right that they call themselues Catholikes, both being wrong) wee marueile what diuinitie taught them so. Wee are sure Tertullian was of another minde: Ex personis probamus fidem, an ex fide personas? Doe we trie mens faith by their persons? We should trie their persons by their faith. Also S. Augustine was of an other minde: for he lighting vpon certaine rules made by Tychonius a Donatist, for the better vnderstanding of the word, was not ashamed to make vse of them, yes, to insert them into his owne booke, with giuing commendation to them so farre foorth as they were worthy to be commended, as is to be seene in S. Augustines third booke De doctrina Christiana. To be short, Origen, and the whole Church of God for certain hundred yeeres, were of an other minde? For they were so farre from treading vnder foote, (much more from burning) the Translation of Aquila a Proselite, that is, one that had turned Iew; of Symmachus, and Theodotion, both Ebionites, that is, most vile heretikes, that they ioyned them together with the Hebrew Originall, and the Translation of the Seuentie (as hath bene before signified out of Epiphanius) and set them forth openly to be considered of and perused by all. But we weary the vnlearned, who need not know so much, and trouble the learned, who know it already.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Psalm 19: 1-2

1 The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.
2 Day after day pours forth speech, and night after night shows forth knowledge.



Ephesians 2:10

10 For we are God’s [own] handiwork (His workmanship), recreated in Christ Jesus, [born anew] that we may do those good works which God predestined (planned beforehand) for us [taking paths which He prepared ahead of time], that we should walk in them [living the good life which He prearranged and made ready for us to live].

[Martha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Too many stars! Best read of 2024 😉

"In the end it's always Jesus"

[Caleb · Rating 3 out of 5]

The AMP is a good translation of the Bible, one which I used extensively for over a decade. The main idea of the AMP is to try to remove translator bias by providing alternative meanings of key words throughout the text. Though this additional information contained within the text itself can be helpful, especially when interpreting specific passages, it also severely hampers the overall readability of the translation; and, in today's age is completely unnecessary because of our easy access to resources such as the "Blue Letter Bible" app. In addition to being a more difficult text to read, it could be argued that the addition of alternative meanings within the text actually increases translator bias, because they are the ones who choose which words are expanded on, and how.

Overall, though I like this translation, and it will always hold a special place in my own Christian walk, I do not recommend this translation. Instead buy several translations (such as the NASB and CSB), or download the "Blue Letter Bible" app.

[Matt Maples · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amplified Bible is a great text to use if you're doing in-depth Biblical Study. I am currently trying to determine if I want to use this version or the NASB as my literal translation text. I haven't been able to decide for sure, so I'm using them both. But I'm glad that I have added this version to my consistent versions that I use for Bible Study.

[Christine Meunier · Rating 5 out of 5]

I learned a lot more in the Old Testament with this translation.

[Ariel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hard to memorize scripture from, but excellent amplification.

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hopefully, the "Amplifying" work will continue. The Amplified Bible is awesome in the way of bibles. I own over a dozen versions and this is one of my top 3 favorites. Tens of thousands of hours into the original Greek and Hebrew meanings of words went into making this version of the bible.

As you are reading, the meanings of the words are in parenthesis right behind the words. Examples: Samuel [heard of God] or vain [empty, futile] or abide [live, remain, walk]. It tells right in the text and footnotes the meanings of names (favored one, close friend) and takes into consideration that the English language often lacks a single word to describe a Greek picture word, so explanation is given within the text for that too. That's nice. I always thought vain meant standing in front of a mirror or primping. Now I see that lots of things are vanity, and it opened up what it means to "take God's name in vain" to me.

That being said, I hope the work for revised editions continues, as one of my favorite novels is East of Eden. The major premise of that Steinbeck work is based on the Hebrew word Timshel (thou mayest, not thou will or thou must) in regards to the oldest battle of all time between humans. Cain and Abel and being marked by our sin.

Hopefully this review will help anyone interested in this version of the bible. I recommend investing in a new version of the bible every year or two because it's interesting and it makes us discover new gems in old caves by not having those comfortable hi-lites to draw our attention to.

[Wade]

"The Book" is the worlds greatest Book!

Unfortunately whoever perpared this e-book edition did a particularly poor job in its presentation.

From the contents we should be able to "tap" a book and jump to that book. We should then be able to "tap" a chapter number and jump to the chapter number. It would also be extremely good to be able to then have a list of the verse numbers and be able to "tap" a number and go to the verse.

It would be absolutely super IF there were a "search" option, to be able to search for a book, chapter and verse, or a word or phrase.

Unfortunately this e-version, provides NONE of these so necessary features.

To get from the "contents" to a verse is a painfully slow process of page turning, scrolling. Then turning more pages and more scrolling.

Unfortunately, this all time best selling Book is presented in a woefully inadequate manner in this e-version.

Not worth the cash I had to lay out for it. I have downloaded better "free" editions from the internet.

[Kristy · Rating 5 out of 5]

No, I still haven't managed to read through the entire Bible from cover to cover...most of it, but still having some trouble with Leviticus. :P Anyway, unlike any other book, this is obviously something you keep reading and reading, and you're never done with it. I love the Amplified version; a friend suggested it once and I tried it out just to see if I would agree (was a die-hard NIV fan before), and I do. Very good; I love the extra definitions in parenthesis...it really helps. And I love the cover art!!

[Kevin Driskill · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Amplified Bible can be very daunting to read for some because it gives explanation in the text. It is a dynamic equivalent so it tells you what the bible means as much as what it says. The great benefit of this lies in the fact that biblical languages very rich in meaning so the idea is that nothing is lost in the translation. Very good for supplementing understanding of a passage, but I would not recommend this as your only bible.

[Deborah Allen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I prefer the King James version - and for accuracy and study would recommend KJV above any other.
That said, I see the value of reading different translations - this one is a helpful tool but I have found that all those synonyms can actually distort the meaning in places, and make the flow of reading a bit odd.

[Bri Malan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am learning about how God works in the hearts of men. I am learning what ways things are taught, learning about the ten commandments, and the golden rule, and the blessings that we get from following the words of the Lord. It is a blessing to me in my life. I love it!

[Chris brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

a good "go to" bible, more than just a read threw like the NIV, but with actual and correct words that can correspond right back to the greek and hebrew. which helped (me at least) get an Ideal of what was originally written (unlike the JKV which i grew up with and now can not stand)

[Toni · Rating 4 out of 5]

I find the Amplified Bible very helpful when studying the Word of God. It lists the different word translations so you can get a good picture of scripture meanings.

[Mitzi Rochelle Huddleston · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes I still read this version of the Bible when I want to take a break from reading the KJV.

[Ethan · Rating 2 out of 5]

In an attempt to be all things to all people, this version does nothing well. Highly lamentable.

This is no critique of the Bible as such: the Word of God is great and powerful.

The Amplified Bible would attempt to be a generally formally equivalent, word-for-word translation, with many expansions of meanings and explanations written within the text itself.

There are a few times when this process genuinely works: the expansion/explanation works well within the text and provides some more clarity and extra dimensions where a straight formal translation might lead to vagary.

But for the most part the expansiveness creates complications. It is not always immediately apparent when the text is expanding and where it is not. It makes for a very hard to read translation: there is no flow or symmetry in the translation because of the expansions.

Most of the translation is defensible and the expansions and explanations within the text at least understandable. There are a few times when the translator makes highly questionable choices: preferring strange variants or choosing definitions more by preference than lexical likelihood. It is apparent that this was a New Testament version that later decided to append an Old Testament; the OT has far fewer expansions in many of its books, even in places where it might have been more helpful to have some. Certain Dead Sea Scroll notes are made; others are not; it is possible this is due to the fact that a lot of the information about the DSS was coming out around the same time as the translation itself.

If the translation itself is questionable, its notes, at least in this particular edition, are even more so. Most of the OT notes provide very little background to the text but seem to project a certain kind of mid-20th century anxiety about whether the reader is going to be able to really accept the inspiration of the text or not. To this end most of the notes are really quotes from various 19th and early 20th century expositors seeking to commend the historicity and inspiration of the text. The notes are very much a creature of that time and place. Some of them, as on the Kushites in Amos, are clearly prejudiced and of that time and place. The NT notes tend to reference the various lexical and exegetical sources the translator is using, and they very much are of that time and place, overly reliant on pre-20th century resources.

Perhaps this version had its time and place before the age of computing and easy access to multiple translations and other resources. It does fulfill one purpose: it demonstrates that a Bible translation/version cannot, and should not, try to be all things to all people. A Bible translation/version should not try to provide every or even many nuances of translation for any given verse or passage; it should give a straightforward reading, make notes about important variants, critical explanations, or certain idiomatic tendencies, and then leave the craft of nuance and providing greater depth and definition to the text to exposition. Consider, in contrast, the NET Bible with full notes: it is Mishnaic/Talmudic in perspective, with the notes well exceeding the text itself, in its attempt to provide that depth and definition.

This version should not be one's primary study Bible. This version might be a reference work to consider at times, but whatever one would gain from it can be seen by consulting a multiplicity of other versions. Not quite sure where the Amplified has value in our present context.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: In the beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned,) and created the heavens and the earth. The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the very great deep. The Spirit of God was moving, (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light; and there was light.

This was my first time to read through the Amplified cover to cover. I read the New Testament last year. I skimmed the New Testament this time around. This is not the newest edition of the Amplified, but the first edition that published both Old and New Testaments together. I do not how know how this text edition differs to those published in the 80s and beyond.

The Amplified translation turned out not to be my favorite or best. I found it awkward at times--going a little too far. However, I tried to keep in mind the original audience(s) that would have only had the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version. I thought about how the translation might have helped bridge the gap in terms of understanding and comprehension. Probably most readers were not looking for a total and complete replacement, just an additional resource or aid for helping understand difficult passages. Maybe. That is pure speculation on my part. At the very least, I am reminded that translators wear the second hat of COMMENTATOR as well. It isn't always super obvious in most translations, but in the case of the Amplified that becomes clearer and clearer.

From the foreword: "Its intent is to progress beyond the point where the others have stopped. Its purpose is to reveal, together with the single word English equivalent to each key Hebrew and Greek word, any other clarifying shades of meaning that may be concealed by the traditional word-for-word method of translation. Now, possibly for the first time the full meaning of the key words in the original text is available in an English version of the Bible....In a sense amplification merely helps the English reader comprehend what the Hebrew and Greek listener understood as a matter of course."

I do think as a resource on the side, it has its place. I found it tiresome to read Genesis to Revelation.

[michael prado · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite version of Holy Scripture—and for a Catholic that is saying a lot!


In general, I’m a huge fan of the in-text rhetorical devices that are uniquely employed in this translation (a special system of parentheses, brackets, capitalizations, etc.) and have even adopted the style for my own personal writing.

The parenthetical synonyms and bracketed elaborations of the text are naturally designed to flow seamlessly into the reading experience with minimal digression [obviating the need to employ tangential footnotes—an aspect of Biblical translation I universally detest], ensuring greater of access, understanding and clarity, as well as enhancing the flow of passages containing more awkward literal translations.

In addition, given that the translator has liberal [though clearly-demarcated] freedom to expand on the semantic meaning of the original text within adjacent parentheticals, the language employed for the translation itself is able to remain simple and straightforward, similar in fact to Sarah Ruden’s remarkable translation of the Gospels [which I also really enjoyed and recommend].

The particular version I have is the leather-bound “Amplified Reading Bible” with large paragraph-style text [also like Ruden’s]; it’s the most readible version of the Bible I’ve yet encountered, it’s easily available for purchase on Amazon, and I highly recommend it!

[Caroline]

Though at times the Amplified version includes explanations that are debatable (often without noting so), it's great being able to learn more about the historical context, geography, and original languages of the Bible. Here are a couple of examples, just from the final week of reading it in 2020:

The AMP footnote for Revelation 1:11 says that the seven churches were mentioned in the order in which they would be visited by a messenger traveling northward on the imperial road from Ephesus to Laodicea, all in Asia Minor (now Western Turkey). What vivid details we, being so far removed, wouldn't have known as readers/hearers did in that time and place.

The AMP also notes for Revelation 5:7 that the original Greek is the present perfect "has taken", which checks out in the online Greek Interlinear Bible. No other version I've found uses nor makes mention of that tense in the verse - and it's significant!

[Kristina · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading the Bible in its entirety in this translation and I loved it! I've read the whole Bible many times before, but this version provides so much clarity to the meaning of the verses. I also appreciate the historical/geographical context given in the footnotes. Doing a 90 day Bible challenge (I finished in 86 days) with this version was a great experience that I'll gladly do again in the future.

This review is purely for this translation, not the Bible itself because words are not adequate to truly describe the amazingness of the Bible.

[Amy and Iain Waddell · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very disappointed 😞

I chose and just bought the AMP version on the recommendations of those who had given the book a positive review. I was fed up reading Bibles that are PC. Sadly this version has gone the same way and altered the txt to suit the PC "snowflakes" Gal 2:12 The scripture should "men" this translation has (gone down the Zondervan route) of substituting the word man for "persons" sad. Stick to the original wording please.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am trying to read the Bible in a year this year by following a specific reading plan that divides the reading into three parts. I have a bunch of different Bibles with different translations but I find this one the most comfortable to read. It is easy for me to understand and has lots of helpful footnotes. This translation is not one of the "official translations" accepted by my denomination but that doesn't bother me. I am very happy reading this version and would recommend it.

[Lilly Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Amplified Bible is praised for its detailed approach to translation, providing expanded insights into the meaning of the text through amplification of words and phrases. It's a valuable resource for those who appreciate a more in-depth exploration of the biblical text. However, some find it complex and prefer more straightforward translations. If you enjoy delving into the nuances of scripture, the Amplified Bible could be a beneficial addition to your collection.

[Roxane Lapa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've spent a while reading a chapter a day and just finished this particular version of the Bible.
I've enjoying reading the AMP version. It's unique selling point is that where translated words might be ambiguous, there's extra words/explanation in square brackets, so it's almost like a mini Strongs built in.

I actually didn't use the paperback version though, I read this version of the Bible via the YouVersion app.