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

Ron Rhodes (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: March 1, 2009

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

• the story behind the translation
• the translation theory used
• the intended readership
• pluses and minuses
• comparisons with other translations

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.

Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: Harvest House Publishers (March 1, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0736925465
• ISBN-13: 978-0736925464
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.4 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #530,389 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Dr. Ron Rhodes received his Th.M. and Th.D. degrees in systematic theology from Dallas Theological
Seminary, graduating with honors. He is currently the president of Reasoning from the Scriptures Ministries, an apologetics organization located in Texas.

The author of more than 50 books, Dr. Rhodes is a keynote speaker at conferences across the United States and Canada. He also teaches cult apologetics at a number of seminaries, including Dallas Theological Seminary and Veritas Evangelical Seminary. He has been a guest on many national and regional radio and television programs produced by CNN, CBN, Trinity Television, FamilyNet Television, Cornerstone Television, Worship Television, Crossroads Christian Communications, LeSea Broadcasting, Salem Communications, USA Radio, Moody Radio, and others. He and his wife, Kerri, live in Texas with their children, David and Kylie.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Introduction To Bible Translations Today!, June 27, 2009

By 

Dr. Bradley W. England (Springfield, Missouri) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: *How They Were Developed *Understanding Their Differences *Finding the Right One for You (Paperback)

Dr. Ron Rhodes is the president of Reasoning from the Scriptures
ministry, and a prolific writer with a nationwide radio audience.

Rhodes has penned an excellent non-technical volume which is lay-
man oriented on the subject of Bible translations. With precision,
accuracy and skill, he analyzes the 20 most popular translations
available today. From the KJV (1611), through the English Standard
version (2001), to the recent additions of the Holman Christian
Standard version (2004) and Today's New International version (2005),
Ron Rhodes guides the reader in choosing the best possible translation
for the individual.

For each analysis Dr. Rhodes gives the story behind each translation,
its philosophy (word for word or thought for thought approach) and
procedure. He then offers the reader a "sampling" of familar Bible
verses in each translation to compare. He ends each section with
a discussion of the pros and cons of each translation.

Rhodes also has an excellent chapter on the texual basis of each
modern translation that is superb. He also comments on the gender
inclusive language debate in another well written chapter, where
he rightly asserts the need to clarify rather than to abolish
gender distinctions.

Don't start your study of Bible translations with Metzger or Bruce,
read Rhodes and then progress from there.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An absolute "must-have" for church libraries, July 16, 2009

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: *How They Were Developed *Understanding Their Differences *Finding the Right One for You (Paperback)

Biblical scholar Ron Rhodes presents The Complete Guide to Bible Translations, a straightforward, easy-to-follow guide that literally lives up to its title. Chapters help the reader choose which English translation of the Bible best suits their needs, summarize the most prominent theories of translation (such as word-for-word versus phrase-for-phrase translation), examines the ongoing debate about gender-inclusive language, and most importantly, compares and contrasts the eighteen English translations of the bible from the King James Version to the New Living Translation. The analysis of each translation includes the history of its origin, its intended readership, advantages and disadvantages, and how it matches up to other translations when put side-by-side. An absolute "must-have" for church libraries and any individual of any background interested in a serious study of the Holy Bible - since before one begins to study, one needs to determine which translation one is using and how this choice affects the sacred text!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars SUPERB!, January 19, 2010

By 

Rick Moore (Virginia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Complete Guide to Bible Translations: *How They Were Developed *Understanding Their Differences *Finding the Right One for You (Paperback)

I've always wanted to acquire a working knowledge of Bible translations. This book is absolutely the perfect solution! The author employs a very systematic approach, giving the reader concise information on translations in current use. With this book you can quickly determine the type of translation, grade reading level, date of publishing, and purpose for each translation. I developed an easy-to-read graph chart showing the strengths and weaknesses of the various translations from the info in this great book. I love that it keeps it simple. Frankly, I think Christian bookstores are doing their customers a disservice if they do not have an in-store copy of this book for customer use (located conveniently at their Bibles section)as they try to shop for the right translation for their specific need. Every church should be equipped with this book as a reference tool. I highly recommend this book for anyone who loves the Word of God and wants to know more about the various translations. The author should be commended for creating such a valueable tool. Masterfully done! <)))><