The Bible: James Moffatt Translation (Hardcover)

~ James Moffatt (Author) "THIS is the story of how the universe was formed..." (more)
Key Phrases: five yearling male lambs, reckoned clan, saucer weighing, God of Israel, Jesus Christ, Lord Jesus (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Once called the original modern-language Bible, Moffatt's translation began the trend of popular English translations geared toward the general Christian reader.

About the Author

James Moffatt (1870-1944) Born and educated in Glasgow, Scotland, Moffatt spent the early years of his career as a pastor in the Free Church of Scotland. In 1911 he became Professor of Greek and New Testament Exegesis at Mansfield College, Oxford, and subsequently served at the United Free Church College, Glasgow, and at Union Theological Seminary, New York, as Washburn Professor of Church History. Moffatt took a leading role in the preparation of the Revised Standard Version (1946) as well as writing numerous books on biblical textual criticism. Moffatt is best remembered, however, for single-handedly translating the Bible. His New Testament was printed in 1913, followed by the Old Testament in 1924. Both translations were revised and reprinted together in 1935 and popularly known as Moffatt's Bible.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 1536 pages
• Publisher: Kregel Classics; 2 Reprint edition (April 28, 2004)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0825432286
• ISBN-13: 978-0825432286
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5.1 x 2.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.8 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (12 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #52,765 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

51 of 52 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Eye-Opening Translation, August 18, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bible: James Moffatt Translation (Hardcover)

Perhaps one of the best translations I have ever read. It reads like newsprint, and yet never seeks to corrupt the grandeur and majesty that is the Word of God. Like all translations, it has its problems, but I have long abandoned seeking perfection in any particular translation.

This translation distinquishes itself from others by translating the Hebrew consonants YHWH (pronounced by some as "Yahweh") , which signifies the name of God in Hebrew and from which we get our modern term "Jehovah", as "Eternal" instead of "Lord." The practice of translating YHWH into "Lord" comes from an early Jewish practice in which the Jews were afraid to utter the name of God and thus used the Hebrew term "Adonai" (meaning "Lord") instead. The term "Eternal" seems so much more fitting to me, as some modern scholars believe that YHWH is a term referring to God's eternal self-existance, much like the name God gave to Moses: "I AM".

While some more traditional Bible-enthusiasts may object to the devices used by the translator(s) involved, I find it to be one of the more exiting discoveries I have ever made in the world of Scripture translations. This is a must-buy for any Christian. It gives more insight into our Great God--His Majesty, His Glory, and His Nature as a whole. I think you will be pleasantly surprised by what you read

41 of 42 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A different and provocative translation., November 7, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Bible: James Moffatt Translation (Hardcover)

Moffat has been very bold in his approach to the translation of the texts, which were done in the early 1900's. Unlike many more recent translators Moffatt did not have access to the comprehensive critical apparatus that some modern translators have had the benefit of. Nevertheless he attempts to convey meaning rather than just the literal word by word approach and is not afraid to "correct" what he regards as later interpolations in order to preserve the sense of the passage. In this he is refreshingly different to many modern translators, although by so doing he has made some foes among the traditionalists.Nevertheless I found no instance in which any of these changes had made any significant difference to Biblical truths, as commonly understood. I would reccomend Christians to read this translation as a refreshing alternative to their regular one.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of Our Treasures., February 9, 2007

By	Kohtaro Hayashi "Isayah" (Itoh Japan) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

There is an opinion that a not so good translation of the New Testament comes from a failure edition of the Greek. Indirectly, it seems to aim to Moffatt's. But I do not agree to this opinion.
First; It belongs to a different situation between the skill of translation and a failure edition. Second; So far as the Moffatt's New Testament, his translation is the most refined English among the other English translations except great Tyndale's.

For instance, in Greek [ STRAPHEISA ], he has translated "(She) started round" --John 20:16. Tyndale shows "(She) turned herself" is exactly correct, but Moffatt is very delicate and more dramatic at that scene. Also he has used "Logos" for the Word, --John 1:1, "Nations" for Gentiles, --1 Timothy 3:16. An interpolation of "Enoch" is quite right, --1 Peter 3:19. Undoubtedly, his translation has a poesy, and is elegantly rhythmical (an example --Hebrews 1:1~5); and also is familiar but not so simplified like as Phillips'; is vivid but not so strong like as Goodspeed's; and is more delicate than Lattimore's.

Even if he has been fallen into some unavoidable pits by H.F.von Soden's Greek edition, we should not be detracted his contributions for our faith. He deserves to be honored to this splendid and dignified translation of the New Testament which has been giving the Truth to many people on our earth.

I recommend this book sincerely.