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The Message Devotional Bible (Hardcover): Featuring Notes and Reflections from Eugene H. Peterson
Find Your Way in Scripture.
Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson's faith-filled reflections open the door.
The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey--call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path--devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
Open the door between Scripture and your world.
From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
9 neighborhood-themed articles
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles
Scripture is another world. One we find our way into. And one that finds its way into us. Steeped in Scripture, Eugene Peterson's faith-filled reflections open the door.
The Message Devotional Bible invites you on a journey--call it practicing resurrection, call it eating this book, or call it simply a long obedience in the same direction. From the pastor who translated the entire Bible, The Message Devotional Bible sets you on the right path--devoted not just to the Bible but to God, who, in Jesus, became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood.
Open the door between Scripture and your world.
From Eugene . . .
Over 600 scriptural insights
52 contemplative readings
9 neighborhood-themed articles
Introductions to the books and genres of the Bible
Plus . . .
More than 400 reflection questions
9 neighborhood-themed articles
1600 pages, Hardcover
Published October 2, 2018
689 people are currently reading
1692 people want to read
About the author
Eugene H. Peterson
432 books1,006 followersEugene H. Peterson was a pastor, scholar, author, and poet. For many years he was James M. Houston Professor of Spiritual Theology at Regent College in Vancouver, British Columbia. He also served as founding pastor of Christ Our King Presbyterian Church in Bel Air, Maryland. He had written over thirty books, including Gold Medallion Book Award winner The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language a contemporary translation of the Bible. After retiring from full-time teaching, Eugene and his wife Jan lived in the Big Sky Country of rural Montana. He died in October 2018.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 3, 2024
Note: This is a review specifically of the translation and not of the Bible broadly.
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, The Message was incredibly enjoyable to engage with. A labor of love on his part, this is a unique lens to view and consume the Bible. The Message shines in OT narrative, the gospels, and in Acts. At its best, it is beautiful and insightful. I had trouble with the translation in the poetic works and the epistles. Particularly, looking for familiar verses and instances of scripture quoting scripture were difficult to find.
Overall, I’m happy to have read and engaged with this text. While I wouldn’t recommend the Message as a primary translation, I would definitely recommend it as a secondary or supplemental translation as it can be genuinely insightful!
Eugene Peterson’s paraphrase, The Message was incredibly enjoyable to engage with. A labor of love on his part, this is a unique lens to view and consume the Bible. The Message shines in OT narrative, the gospels, and in Acts. At its best, it is beautiful and insightful. I had trouble with the translation in the poetic works and the epistles. Particularly, looking for familiar verses and instances of scripture quoting scripture were difficult to find.
Overall, I’m happy to have read and engaged with this text. While I wouldn’t recommend the Message as a primary translation, I would definitely recommend it as a secondary or supplemental translation as it can be genuinely insightful!
December 30, 2019
Thank you to my sister Lori-Louise for suggesting the idea of reading the ENTIRE BIBLE insuring the month of November (actually, she mentioned that she was doing it, and after initial scorn at the very idea I got excited about the idea; using The Message translation may have been my idea). Took me more than 30 days, but not that much longer. I really, really enjoyed Peterson’s take on the Hebrew scriptures. Not so much the NT, although it had its moments. The best part was putting together pieces I had never connected, by virtue of a quick, front-to-back reading. Enlightening, energizing experience, and quite restorative for me, as I’m in the Bible so much it can lose a sense of freshness, discovery, and both intellectual and devotional impact. If any of my friends want to give it a whirl (maybe over 60 or 90 days this time), I’m in!
December 22, 2020
"And all this time those old biblical languages, those powerful and vivid Hebrew and Greek originals, kept working their way underground in my speech, giving an energy and sharpness to words and phrases, expanding the imagination of the people with whom I was working to hear the language of the Bible in the language of Today, and the language of Today in the language of the Bible."
I have been wanting to do an annual read-thru of Scripture in Eugene Peterson's The Message for some time now, and was not at all disappointed. There tends to be two extreme assessments of The Message: 1) A love for The Message as an easy, flowery, actually enjoyable, less rigid/boring translation of the Bible, or 2) a disdain for The Message as a whimsical farce of a biblical translation made up by an unaccountable, biased, and academically inferior pastor. Neither assessments, of course, are the case, though I have functionally agreed with both at different points over the last 15 years.
Eugene Peterson sought to combine 30+ years of rich pastoral experience with his extremely sharp knowledge of the biblical languages to offer a translation of sorts, a close paraphrase, to a subset of the Church that could benefit spiritually and intellectually from a presentation of Scripture in language they could actually understand. This pastor-scholar's unique gift to the Church is not a blueprint for all biblical translations, assuredly, but neither should it be so easily dismissed or scorned. With the proper caveats (which he himself makes in the introductions to most publications), anyone interested in experiencing Scripture anew can benefit from a straight read-thru or a survey of major chunks (I suggest the Prophets or the OT historical books).
I have been wanting to do an annual read-thru of Scripture in Eugene Peterson's The Message for some time now, and was not at all disappointed. There tends to be two extreme assessments of The Message: 1) A love for The Message as an easy, flowery, actually enjoyable, less rigid/boring translation of the Bible, or 2) a disdain for The Message as a whimsical farce of a biblical translation made up by an unaccountable, biased, and academically inferior pastor. Neither assessments, of course, are the case, though I have functionally agreed with both at different points over the last 15 years.
Eugene Peterson sought to combine 30+ years of rich pastoral experience with his extremely sharp knowledge of the biblical languages to offer a translation of sorts, a close paraphrase, to a subset of the Church that could benefit spiritually and intellectually from a presentation of Scripture in language they could actually understand. This pastor-scholar's unique gift to the Church is not a blueprint for all biblical translations, assuredly, but neither should it be so easily dismissed or scorned. With the proper caveats (which he himself makes in the introductions to most publications), anyone interested in experiencing Scripture anew can benefit from a straight read-thru or a survey of major chunks (I suggest the Prophets or the OT historical books).
October 14, 2020
This has got to be the very best contemporary idiomatic English translation of the Bible. In fact the book defies any real categorisation and is one of a kind in the long list of translations one can find. It is a translation from the Hebrew and the Greek. It dispenses with standard verse numbering Eugene peterson's deft hand with the poetic and the gritty make this an absolutely for me a compelling read. there is the possibly in the style of writing and one can always hear eugene's clear voice. He will sometimes give you a great deal more than you'd find in any word-for-word translation.
February 6, 2021
I've always enjoyed the Message translation (and, no, it's not a paraphrase: it is an idiomatic translation). Still, when it comes to more in-depth bible study, I usually turn to the Oxford Annotated edition of the NRSV or REB. This edition of the Message, though, is not a study bible per se. It's a devotional bible, loaded with Eugene Peterson's insights into the text and questions to ask yourself as you read. I think, between those insights and the dynamic, bracing nature of the translation, the Message Devotional Bible makes an excellent daily devotional companion. The font is easy to read, the format is well organized and clear, and the design of the cover is really attractive. Eugene Peterson's decades as a pastor show in this wise, warm, and spiritually nourishing edition of the Message.
February 3, 2022
What is it a translator translates? Words? But word for word translations are not comprehensible. What to do with idioms? One review insists this is not a translation but a paraphrase, but as far as I'm concerned, paraphrase is a kind of translation. For example, Peterson has mourners in the New Testament bringing casseroles. That's not the behavior in the ancient text, but it is was mourners do today. It's a legitimate translation into modern idiom.
Which is not to say it's without errors or beyond dispute. Never read a translation that was. But if you want to understand the spirit of these ancient teaching, Peterson is about as good as you're likely to find. That said, no one should read only one translation.
Which is not to say it's without errors or beyond dispute. Never read a translation that was. But if you want to understand the spirit of these ancient teaching, Peterson is about as good as you're likely to find. That said, no one should read only one translation.
April 25, 2022
Unusual translation, but very easy to understand. Very good for someone just getting started in Bible reading.
July 20, 2022
about half way. some of the "regular language" isnt so regular to me.
December 31, 2025
First, this isn't a devotional Bible, in the sense that it has daily devotions. As the byline states, it features notes and reflections by the author. Reading this, during 2025, has been a beautiful journey. I gained new perspective, as I do with whichever version of the Bible that I read through.
The Message was not written to ever take the place of a reliable translation of Scripture that is, preferably, also a study Bible.
Having been a Hebrew and Greek scholar for 15 years teaching post graduate students, Eugene Peterson changed careers and began pastoring a smaller church, where he continued for the next 30 years. He was shocked to discover that the average Christian church-goer was basically scripturally illiterate and disinterested in study and digging deeper into the Bible, the foundation of their faith. He was accustomed to teaching students eager to know more and dissect Scripture.
Peterson realized he needed to relay the message of CHRIST simply, in the vernacular, to his parishioners. Hopefully, they would begin to hunger for the Word and true transformation then ensues, portrayed in good works, love, and concern, etc. These would, then, spring forth.
Out of this, a desire to translate the actual Scripture into a manner of everyday speech to relate to our society, came forth. He relied on the Hebrew and Greek scholarship he had embraced for himself. There were also oversight boards for each testament, composed of a variety of biblical scholars. The Message was written during a ten year time period. All of this history is relayed in the back portion of this grand Bible.
Call it a paraphrase or translation, but pick up this particular one, the devotional one. I will admit that 20 years ago, I purchased a regular copy of The Message. I did not like it and was, perhaps, slightly offended by it. Now, after the experience of reading it through, I totally understand why Peterson translated it in this manner. Frankly, I have grown spiritually and as an everyday in knowledge and understanding in my daily living. This Bible has been a valuable experience to read and think and meditate upon, after 30 plus years of reading various translations through, year after year, and attending several years in seminary.
My Recommendation: Get this. Read with marker and pen in hand and push through, even if it sounds foreign to you. Many of us from Christian homes came up with attitudes from authoritative figures such as "King James Version" or hell.: ) I didn't commit myself and life to Christ until around age 19, even though being raised in church. After so doing, I immediately purchased three other translations. I remember staying up most of the night devouring the Word while I sat on my King sized waterbed (70's 80's flashback sand sl Upton that for the next 25 years!!!) I suppose I was an undercover Christian. But after a year or so, I was unable to keep it to myself, as I was growing in faith through the Word not King James Version haha).
No more Rabbit Trails in this review (whew). Try this out whether you believe or do not believe. It is rich.
The Message was not written to ever take the place of a reliable translation of Scripture that is, preferably, also a study Bible.
Having been a Hebrew and Greek scholar for 15 years teaching post graduate students, Eugene Peterson changed careers and began pastoring a smaller church, where he continued for the next 30 years. He was shocked to discover that the average Christian church-goer was basically scripturally illiterate and disinterested in study and digging deeper into the Bible, the foundation of their faith. He was accustomed to teaching students eager to know more and dissect Scripture.
Peterson realized he needed to relay the message of CHRIST simply, in the vernacular, to his parishioners. Hopefully, they would begin to hunger for the Word and true transformation then ensues, portrayed in good works, love, and concern, etc. These would, then, spring forth.
Out of this, a desire to translate the actual Scripture into a manner of everyday speech to relate to our society, came forth. He relied on the Hebrew and Greek scholarship he had embraced for himself. There were also oversight boards for each testament, composed of a variety of biblical scholars. The Message was written during a ten year time period. All of this history is relayed in the back portion of this grand Bible.
Call it a paraphrase or translation, but pick up this particular one, the devotional one. I will admit that 20 years ago, I purchased a regular copy of The Message. I did not like it and was, perhaps, slightly offended by it. Now, after the experience of reading it through, I totally understand why Peterson translated it in this manner. Frankly, I have grown spiritually and as an everyday in knowledge and understanding in my daily living. This Bible has been a valuable experience to read and think and meditate upon, after 30 plus years of reading various translations through, year after year, and attending several years in seminary.
My Recommendation: Get this. Read with marker and pen in hand and push through, even if it sounds foreign to you. Many of us from Christian homes came up with attitudes from authoritative figures such as "King James Version" or hell.: ) I didn't commit myself and life to Christ until around age 19, even though being raised in church. After so doing, I immediately purchased three other translations. I remember staying up most of the night devouring the Word while I sat on my King sized waterbed (70's 80's flashback sand sl Upton that for the next 25 years!!!) I suppose I was an undercover Christian. But after a year or so, I was unable to keep it to myself, as I was growing in faith through the Word not King James Version haha).
No more Rabbit Trails in this review (whew). Try this out whether you believe or do not believe. It is rich.
November 2, 2020
This has been a very rewarding reading for me. The translation was fresh and insightful; the commentaries nearly always gave additional useful insights for further reflection. The introductions to each book gave me themes to watch for and invited me into meditation and prayer.
Highly recommended.
Highly recommended.
December 27, 2022
An excellent modern translation that breathes fresh life into the words of scripture. This particular devotional version is approachable and encouraging. It is filled with short musings and prayers that will help to center you on the words you read and bring practicality to those wanting to apply them. Terrific!
June 28, 2023
It’s the Bible. That said Peterson took some liberties and there were places where what he said simply isn’t in the Bible. But overall God’s word is inspired and dependent on the Spirit not the translator.
January 2, 2025
For Traci's Chronological Bible Group. I enjoyed this contemporary translation/paraphrase much more than I thought I would. Even Bono is a fan of Patterson's psalm translations, though I found some of the poetry of the KJV was lost.
August 23, 2020
Kindle version keeps freezing, shutting down
Love the content, love the author's work, but the Kindle version keeps freezing and shutting down when a link is tapped.
Love the content, love the author's work, but the Kindle version keeps freezing and shutting down when a link is tapped.
December 31, 2020
Surpreendente em cada linha! Versão magnífica de um livro que encanta em cada linha, traço e palavra. Ainda pretendo ler a versão de estudos.
November 24, 2021
Doing it in a year required me to speed up which I didn't enjoy so much. Will maybe do it again in chronological order next time but with a more relaxed timeline.
October 21, 2022
God so good Corking
February 21, 2025
Yeah…it only took me three years to read it. ☺️
November 27, 2020
Just won this. Wow. Excited to get the copy in the mail. Thank you.Review coming soon, just won the book and added it to my library
May 25, 2025
The Message translation of the Bible is written in very easy to understand and remember and truly apply what you are reading and learning. I love the message and reccommend this version to friends and family. It is truly phenomenal at helping what you are reading truly sink in and it helps you understand life better and make more biblically based decisions so you can be your best self and you can share Jesus with everyone.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews