Differences Between Bible Versions [Paperback]

Gary F. Zeolla (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: June 1, 2001

Discusses translation principles, Greek text types, and KJV "Onlyism". Advocates a literal or formal equivalence translation method and the use of the "Textus Receptus" or Majority Greek Text for translating the New Testament. Over 30 Bible versions compared and evaluated.

Product Details

• Paperback: 344 pages
• Publisher: 1st Book Library; Updated and expanded edition (June 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0759625018
• ISBN-13: 978-0759625013
• Product Dimensions: 8.1 x 5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (14 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,006,477 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

53 of 60 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Most well rounded book on this issue, May 13, 2002

By 

Jerry Slate (Powder Springs, GA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differences Between Bible Versions (Paperback)

I have read a great deal on the subject of Bible translations, and I have found that it is nearly impossible to find anyone who is balanced in their viewpoint. Those who promote a "reasoned eclectic" or "critical text" approach to the New Testament generally demonstrate a rather obvious prejudice against the Byzantine family of texts, though this text represents somewhere in the neighborhood of ninety percent of all extant textual evidence. On the other extreme, however, are the "King James Only Advocates," who have a tendency to speak more from emotion than from fact. Their criticisms usually are translational rather than textual, and they usually demonstrate a good deal of lexical ignorance.
Gary Zeolla's fine work is simply the most balanced treatment of this complex subject that I have come across. He skillfully demonstrates the weaknesses of the modern "critical" viewpoint, but then he turns his guns on the straw men of the KJV-only crowd. He defends the Byzantine-Majority text and correctly points out how KJV-only advocates often try to claim that the Received Text is superior to other texts by "riding on the coat tails" of Majority Text argumentation. His ample bibliographical information and critique of numerous Bible translations clearly show the depths to which he has gone in studying his subject. I hardily recommend this work to any brother or sister in Christ who has endeavored to wrestle honestly with this perplexing issue.

33 of 39 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Confirms my own research, August 22, 2001

By 

Reese Currie (Charlottetown, PE Canada) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differences Between Bible Versions (Paperback)

Perhaps every Christian has had pause to wonder, why are there so many Bible versions? Which one should I use? Should I use more than one? Perhaps most people simply standardize on the same Bible version their church uses. I think it is very important for a person to have a personal stake in choosing a Bible or a number of Bibles to use, based on their reading comfort levels, and a number of the textual issues and translational issues discussed in this book.

Gary Zeolla is a superb writer for taking complex concepts and relating them in ways that the layman can easily pick up on and understand. He makes the principles of translation and textual choices accessible for any Christian. He presents his viewpoints and logically details his reasons for having them. I personally came to the same conclusions Mr. Zeolla has in advance of reading this book, but having the additional information he provides solidified me in my view.

The Bible is the most important book in the world for any Christian. I personally use over ten different versions including Mr. Zeolla's excellent Analytical-Literal Translation. Knowing the differences between them is key to having them all work together for you. Gary Zeolla takes research that would take years to compile and presents it in a compelling, interesting way that will not go over the heads of the average believer. This book is a must-have for those who want to understand the whole spectrum of English Bible versions available.

45 of 55 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A Very Good, Balanced Approach, May 21, 2002

By 

S Donahue (United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Differences Between Bible Versions (Paperback)

Gary Zeolla's latest work on Bible Translations provides a good, balanced approach to a very volatile subject, from his standpoint of being a Majority Text/Textus Receptus supporter, plus being an ardent advocate of the NKJV translation. He takes a position that will draw the ire of the KJV-only crowd, as he prefers the Majority Text and the various updates of the King James Version, while not discarding the KJV. He will displease the Modern Critical Text folks, as he stands squarely for the Majority Text,and the Textus Receptus. He also discusses lesser known translations, such as The Modern King James Version, the Literal Version of the Bible, and the World English Bible. The chapters are well laid out and readily understood. He explains thoroughly the KJV-only position and refutes it in a non-abrasive manner. Of the many works that have been published over the last five years that support the Textus Receptus or the Majority text, this is one of the most logical and accurate.