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The Book of Isaiah: The Vision
The book of Isaiah is a collection of prophecies that is more than a historical record or teaching. It is the overarching vision of the heart of God revealed to his prophet. It spans the ages and touches every nation on earth, becoming a collective overview of all that God has planned.
The message of Isaiah is one of victory, hope, comfort, and restoration. The themes of its prophecies are unrivaled in all of Scripture. With panoramic insight, Isaiah preaches the virgin birth of Christ, the bride of Christ, and the New Jerusalem. These prophecies also present a description of the cataclysmic judgments, the survival of a holy remnant emerging in Zion, and the canopy of glory that is coming to earth.
It was because of our rebellious deeds that he was pierced
and because of our sins that he was crushed.
He endured the punishment that made us completely whole,
and in his wounding we found our healing.
Isaiah 53:5
The message of Isaiah is one of victory, hope, comfort, and restoration. The themes of its prophecies are unrivaled in all of Scripture. With panoramic insight, Isaiah preaches the virgin birth of Christ, the bride of Christ, and the New Jerusalem. These prophecies also present a description of the cataclysmic judgments, the survival of a holy remnant emerging in Zion, and the canopy of glory that is coming to earth.
It was because of our rebellious deeds that he was pierced
and because of our sins that he was crushed.
He endured the punishment that made us completely whole,
and in his wounding we found our healing.
Isaiah 53:5
- GenresChristian
288 pages, Paperback
Published March 1, 2022
527 people are currently reading
111 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 2, 2020
If I could give it zero stars I would. This is not a reliable translation by a committee of experts in Biblical languages and ancient history as accurate translations are normally compiled. It is the work of a single man who has no proper training to translate from Hebrew, Greek or Aramaic. He alters the original message so much that it cannot be called a Bible or even a paraphrase because the meaning of the text is changed.
If you love the word of God do not buy this!
If you love the word of God do not buy this!
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November 29, 2025My note here is on the Passion Translation of Isaiah, not the book of Isaiah itself. After studying Greek enough to know I don’t want to be trusted with translation, I have some thoughts I wanted to put down from this study…
The Passion Translation describes itself as a “heart-level translation” designed “to trigger inside every English-speaking reader an overwhelming response to the Truth of the Bible.” This goal requires a high degree of interpretation, which is why Dr. Simmons’ (I presume) notes are so extensive….and so necessary. They certainly helped me discern the difference between when a nuanced Hebrew word or phrase is being explained, versus when the translation itself may be making an interpretive stretch.
Again, as someone not particularly interested in immersing myself Hebrew or translation, I appreciated this “interpretive journal.” Some notes are tremendously helpful. For examples, we are alerted to Isaiah’s four servant songs (useful when wading through the longest book of the bible), we are told to look out for the nine occurrences for the Hebrew word “everlasting,” and we learn that the Hebrew word for “branch” (netzer) in Isaiah 11:1 roots the word “Nazarene”(Christ is - even etymologically - both the root and offspring of David!)
The notes in chapters 44-45 provide more examples of valuable context: Dr. Simmons explains that Isaiah’s prophecy was literally fulfilled when Cyrus took Babylon (spoiler alert), provides additional historical background on Cyrus king of Persia, clarifies that a certain Hebrew idiom (in 45:1) means “disarming” or “dethroning” (which is exactly what happened when Babylon fell in one night and the Chaldean king was killed…would I have made this connection so clearly on my own?), and even references Josephus’ writings about how these prophecies were fulfilled.
But here’s the tension: while translation always requires interpretive decisions, I find that TPT much more often crosses from contextual explanation into devotional application.
Isaiah 42 illustrates this well. Dr. Simmons introduces the passage as a servant song revealing Christ…but then immediately outlines Isaiah 42:1-4 as “four qualifications for ministry.” Sure, Christ’s qualities should be imitated by his servants, but that’s application, not translation.
When the interpretive framework moves from “this reveals Christ” to “here are ministry qualifications,” we’ve made a homiletical leap that shouldn’t be confused with what the text itself is saying.
The work of translation is difficult and nuanced, and I enjoyed reading the TPT of Isaiah. But it’s important to remember this is the work of an individual (or group of individuals), and therefore comes with his (their) interpretive lens & devotional applications. This is part translation, part commentary. Treating it in this way will allow you to benefit from these insights while still doing your own work with the text.
The Passion Translation describes itself as a “heart-level translation” designed “to trigger inside every English-speaking reader an overwhelming response to the Truth of the Bible.” This goal requires a high degree of interpretation, which is why Dr. Simmons’ (I presume) notes are so extensive….and so necessary. They certainly helped me discern the difference between when a nuanced Hebrew word or phrase is being explained, versus when the translation itself may be making an interpretive stretch.
Again, as someone not particularly interested in immersing myself Hebrew or translation, I appreciated this “interpretive journal.” Some notes are tremendously helpful. For examples, we are alerted to Isaiah’s four servant songs (useful when wading through the longest book of the bible), we are told to look out for the nine occurrences for the Hebrew word “everlasting,” and we learn that the Hebrew word for “branch” (netzer) in Isaiah 11:1 roots the word “Nazarene”(Christ is - even etymologically - both the root and offspring of David!)
The notes in chapters 44-45 provide more examples of valuable context: Dr. Simmons explains that Isaiah’s prophecy was literally fulfilled when Cyrus took Babylon (spoiler alert), provides additional historical background on Cyrus king of Persia, clarifies that a certain Hebrew idiom (in 45:1) means “disarming” or “dethroning” (which is exactly what happened when Babylon fell in one night and the Chaldean king was killed…would I have made this connection so clearly on my own?), and even references Josephus’ writings about how these prophecies were fulfilled.
But here’s the tension: while translation always requires interpretive decisions, I find that TPT much more often crosses from contextual explanation into devotional application.
Isaiah 42 illustrates this well. Dr. Simmons introduces the passage as a servant song revealing Christ…but then immediately outlines Isaiah 42:1-4 as “four qualifications for ministry.” Sure, Christ’s qualities should be imitated by his servants, but that’s application, not translation.
When the interpretive framework moves from “this reveals Christ” to “here are ministry qualifications,” we’ve made a homiletical leap that shouldn’t be confused with what the text itself is saying.
The work of translation is difficult and nuanced, and I enjoyed reading the TPT of Isaiah. But it’s important to remember this is the work of an individual (or group of individuals), and therefore comes with his (their) interpretive lens & devotional applications. This is part translation, part commentary. Treating it in this way will allow you to benefit from these insights while still doing your own work with the text.
August 16, 2019
Great job! Dr Brian Simmons!
When I gave my heart to Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit told me not to persu man's interpretation of the Word, but search for the original meaning. What a joy it is to read and understand the true meaning of the Word. Thank you!
I would recommend this translation to anybody,, but especially to someone who is just starting out in reading the Bible.
When I gave my heart to Jesus Christ the Holy Spirit told me not to persu man's interpretation of the Word, but search for the original meaning. What a joy it is to read and understand the true meaning of the Word. Thank you!
I would recommend this translation to anybody,, but especially to someone who is just starting out in reading the Bible.
January 26, 2021
I enjoy reading various translations because each one approaches the original text from a slightly different view. I read this with my NIV study Bible alongside so that as I found verses that I particularly liked the wording, I could note it in the margin of my NIV (my go-to).
May 6, 2019
My favorite translation of one of my favorite books of the Bible.
December 17, 2019
Super lovely new translation.
April 28, 2020
It is Fantastic! Completely opened up Isaiah for me!
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June 4, 2020Excellent
October 26, 2020
As usual, I really loved the footnotes. The treasures brought out of darkness for us through the exposition of why the translator made the choices he did are incomparable.
October 31, 2020
Awesome translation! Opened up the Word of God in new and exciting ways!
March 28, 2021
Another part of the Passion Translation. Excellent work! So many ideas and connections to the other parts of the Bible. Can hard wait to read the completed translation
May 10, 2021
I loved the introduction that presented the book in such a unique and refreshing manner, and provided helpful context to the book. This translation is rich and the footnotes are particularly amazing!
December 18, 2024
I love The Passion Translation, but I am very disappointed in the recent changes with their notes. I’m reminded of old saying, “ If it ain’t broke don’t fix it.”
July 25, 2020
Amazing translation. Very readable and with excellent footnotes that give life and background to the text. Highly recommended!
December 22, 2022
This is a book I'll be reading again, and again.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews