The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: *How They Were Developed *Understanding Their Differences *Finding the Right One for You

by Ron Rhodes

Given the wealth of English translations of the Bible available today, how can anyone know which is the right one for them? The options seem overwhelming. Biblical scholar Ron Rhodes provides an easy-to-read guide that takes the guesswork out of choosing a Bible. He critiques the prominent theories of translation, lets readers in on the debate about gender-inclusive language, and thoroughly covers the major English translations from the King James Version to the New Living Translation and everything in between, including the two most recent Bibles for Catholics. His examination of each version includes A unique feature is Rhodes' look at secondary factors to keep in mind when choosing a Bible, such as the type size, the quality of the paper, the existence and placement of cross references and other study helps, and the types of bindings. The result is an indispensable guide to help readers through the maze of choosing the translation best suited for them.

Genres: Christian, Reference, Theology, Religion

272 pages, Paperback

First published February 23, 2009

Reviews

[Ben · Rating 5 out of 5]

A while back I had a (sadly habitually necessary) renewed interest in reading the Bible more regularly. Realizing that my own copy of the Bible was whatever had been given to me as a teen, I thought that perhaps a sexy new format would engage me better. Having never actually bought a Bible for myself, I quickly found I had never given much consideration to translation options. After much fruitless time on Amazon, instead of a Bible, I ended up with The Complete Guide to Bible Translations by Ron Rhodes.

The Amazon rating does not lie, this a great book. Rhodes has given the work perfect proportions in breadth and depth alongside a nice balance of cover-to-cover readabilty and reference book formatting. I enjoyed the wisdom displayed in exploring deeply theological ramifications of translational nuances given right alongside the practicality of a discussion on binding quality. I personally appreciated that, while Rhodes gave a generally even-handed presentation of the debatable issues, he avoided staunch objectivity and let his opinions and preferences show through. I can often find purely impartial books (and conversations for that matter) wearisome when they leave you begging for something more than just cold hard facts to ruminate on.

In the end I have actually been interest-piqued by several translations that I now want to incorporate into my reading times. Cheesy as it is, I must also admit that I welcomed a renewed awe for the saga of how God's word has made its way to me and then all to often to just be taken for granted.

[Ian Stewart · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not complete. No mention of the best New Testament by JB Phillips. Reasonable but not outstanding discussion of include translations. Seems to subtly criticise KJV for its archaic language, but that’s actually not correct. The thees and ye’s were not in common use in Elizabethan times. They were used to clarify whether singular or plural was intended-ye was plural and thou singular. Read a major prophet eg Isaiah and kjv is way ahead of others.

Ignores John 8:24, and fact some translations like nlt add “who I claim to be “, with a weird footnote that the words aren’t in the Greek (if it claims to be accurate translation of the Greek, why add words?? Theological bias! Here KJV italicise he, to show not in original, and to show the reader he was just referring to the I am, which everyone has rather than himself. ESV which he says is one of the most accurate translation doesn’t italicise the word! Not accurate!

So biased.

[Danny Proffitt · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wouldn't call it complete. He covers the popular transitions of the time. Worth reading.

[Victor · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are looking for a helpful, easy to read introduction to the background of the most popular English language Bible translations, this is the book for you. I will definitely be referring back to this volume.

The Good
The major issues surrounding Bible translation are covered in this book (translation philosophy, textual basis of each translation covered, gender-neutral language issues). The historyical context that caused each translation to be undertaken is provided. And, several benefits and cautions are provided for each translation.

The Bad
There is not much to complain about in this book. The author offers his own opinions, but they are measured

[Cello · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book explained the difference between word-for-word and meaning-oriented Bible translations and paraphrases. There is an interesting appendix describing 'cultic' translations and why the author considers them as such. I understood differences in thinking and approach among Christian denominations better after reading this book, and why different translations of the Bible have appeared over time. I recommend this book to all who are interested in Biblical hermaneutics.

[Mark · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very balanced & yet solidly evangelical look at Bible translations - history, background, comparisons - aimed at the non-seminarian. There are great discussions of gender-neutral language & dynamic equivalence/formal equivalence without the usual snide "my way is better than your way" digs that seem to infect these discussions.

Highly recommended.