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

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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.

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!

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! <)))><

This book unfortunately isn't just about translations, but about Protestant vs Catholic (very eighteen century) which need not have been part of a book in modern times regarding Bible translations. I found the author's claims to be quite one-sided and erroneous.

The 1st KJV included all the books that Protestants now call 'Catholic'

The books that the author argues shouldn't be included are also part of Jewish belief (such as Maccabees) and these books were Not 'added' in the 1500s (as the author mistakenly claims) since Jerome dealt with them in his time (about 400s). It was because of protestant protest against these books (and some parts of the Bible that were also cut (like Daniel and Ester), that these were Reviewed again and given, again, a firm decision in the sixteenth century as to there belonging on the regular list of books of the Bible.

Also, if you read those Bibles called 'catholic' next to those called 'protestant' one finds interestingly enough that it is more by century, and more recently by decade, that wording/translations are most alike or different, NOT so much by whether they are considered catholic or protestant. (try Douay with KJV for a starting sample of similarity more than differences)

Also protestant and catholic scholars have worked together on some Bible translations.

I feel that it is authors like these that fuel the arguments that try to divide christianity (yet Jesus prayed for unity as the proof of authenticity) and protestants are beginning to read these 'contested' books - I personally would recommend: Tobit, Judith and First Maccabbees (very interesting and easy reading - more story like then much of the Bible).

Recommend:

The Parallel Apocrypha

(which includes the KJV, Amplified and Greek)

(I tried to include a link but only Kindle books come up not regular books)

While this book provides a good introduction to the subject of English Bible translations, it does not go into enough depth or cover enough translations. One of the major lackings in my opinion is the failure to cover early translations. If you are interested in Tyndale, the Geneva Bible ore even the RV or ASV, this book will bo of little use to you.

Interesting for me to look back on my reading to determine why I liked some translations better than others.

I probably have at least 10 bibles - 6 or 7 translations - most with study guides. This book makes me think

through attitudes, etc. If you are a "studier" - get this book.

This book will explain how and why the different translations were written, and he gives the pros and cons of each translation. Some passages from the OT and NT are compared for each version. The author does not tell you which translation you should buy. This book is useful for those wanting a literal version, a liberal version, or something in-between.

Ron Rhodes knows this subject well and presents it in a most understandable and useful format.

This book covers the gist of the subject matter and in a conservative way, but I found numerous errors and would recommend one that covers so much more YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE Self-Education of the Bible Made Easy

YOUR GUIDE FOR DEFENDING THE BIBLE HAS IT ALL:

* A Preface and Introduction

* A section on Biblical Hermeneutics, with 11 chapters

* A section on Inductive Bible Study, with 7 chapters

* A section on a Book Study Program, with 4 chapters

* A Section on Bible Difficulties, with 6 chapters

* A section on Basics of Textual Criticism, with 4 chapters

* A section on Basics of Bible Translation, with 4 chapters

* A Section on Understanding Our Imperfections, with 6 chapters