Customer Reviews

Differences Between Bible Versions

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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.

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.

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.

This book handles a touchy subject very well. You can tell he wasn't pushing a Bible version that he *wanted* to be right. He looked into the subject for himself and his findings lead him to a very educated decision. I also like that fact that he doesn't insult or personally attack anyone or any organization. I highly recommend it.

Gary F. Zeolla is the founder and director of Darkness to Light, a ministry dedicated to explaining and defending the Christian faith. However, early in his Christian walk, he found himself bewildered by all of the different Bible versions that were available. And so, as he studied the Word, he studied what was behind the various versions, and how we got them. This book is the fruit of Mr. Zeolla's labor.

Overall, I found this to be a fascinating book. The author does an excellent job of explaining what is behind the various Bible versions, and what makes them different. Now, he does come to his own conclusions, expressing his preference for the New King James Version and the Literal Translation of the Bible. But, in spite of that, I think that he does do a good job of explaining the basis of all translations.

So, if you want to understand what makes all of those versions of the Bible different, then get this book. It is one of the most interesting and informative books that I have read in a while, and I highly recommend it to all Christians.

Gary Zeolla does a great job handling the Bible version debate. He shows a different side of the debate that most KJV Only church members are probably not familiar with. For those who have been taught KJV Only, he supports the superiority of the Textus Receptus over the CT. His reasoning is well described, as he discusses problems with Dynamic Equivalence, and Textual Criticism. KJV only believers should support these conclusions.
However, he makes it clear the TR is not the same thing as the Majority Text (a common error taught in the KJV only circle).
He also explains that the KJV is only a translation and that just because another version reads differently, does not mean it is wrong. He then points out many areas where the KJV does not translate some words as accurately as possible. He then does several verse comparisons between the KJV and NKJV. He discusses common verses that KJV only advocates use to attack NKJV, and shows why the NKJV translators use the word which they do, and why they differ from the KJV. Many times the NKJV gives the more literal translation. Many times the KJV gives an equally or more literal translation. The result is that the reader (hopefully KJV only folk) sees the arguments and logic used by KJV Only teachers is flawed and in some cases flat out lies.
Zeolla does prefer the NKJV, but does not discredit the KJV. He also believes that a Christian would benefit by studying many translations. This is so different than what KJV only advocates teach. KJV only believers should read this book with an open mind and in prayer that God would help them realize the truth.

I have several books on the bible version issue, but this is by far the best. Simple, objective,well researched,and to the point, it helped me understand the issue so much better. Most appreciated is the author's humble spirit and non-bias.

Mr. Zeolla is to be commended for a thoughtful, thorough, yet easily read summary of bible translations. He states his preferences clearly and backs them up with sound reasoning. It's important to remember that most Bibles of any quality will agree 98% of the time; it's always that last 2% that gets us :). I agree with the author that for serious Bible study, one should consult several Bible translations, preferably of different types.
One comment about another review here criticizing the NKJV as a "works for salvation" bible - I hardly think that's fair, especially as two of the leading Reformed study bibles (Reformation, Macarthur) use the NKJV.

I have not read this particular book, but that is not what my warning concerns. Sharif Biggs' review is more than contrived and slanted. I am not KJV only advocate, nor am I particulary attached to any one version. I also have ThD in Biblical Languages and am trained in many other ancient languages as well. I am quite well versed in the manuscript debates, as I teach Manuscript Evidence. This is all stated to let you know that I am not a hack or one looking to pick a fight. Instead, I would like to plainly state that Sharif's attack of the inclusion of Mark 16:9-2 in the MT is completely unfounded, as are his other remarks, such as the CT was around before the MT. They were concurrant, at least as early as the 3rd Century. Which is more reliable IS the debate, and both sides have the right to present their views. It matters not to me which you choose, but at least be aware of Sharif's obvious flaws and bias.

Discussions over different Bible versions can become very heated. The first thing to note about this book is that it is level-headed. The author never falls into name-calling or hurling unsubstantiated accusations or questioning the motives of authors/translators. He remains calm and focused when discussing the issues surrounding the textual bases of various translations.

Second, Zeolla has a nack for presenting fairly complex issues, normally the province of highly educated scholars, in an accessible way. This means that readers who do not know Biblical languages (Greek and Hebrew) can begin to comprehend the issues involved. This is a rare gift and Zeolla deserves much credit for being able to speak to the ordinary interested reader without talking down to them.

Third, Zeolla is very balanced; for example, though he has a very high opinion of the King James Version, he does not adopt a King James Only position. On this issue he is a welcome presence. Similarly, his other conclusions regarding various translations of the Holy Scriptures are all arrived at thoughtfully; Zeolla has clearly spent a lot of time and taken a lot of care in writing this book.

You may or may not agree with Zeolla's conclusions, but even if you do not agree I think anyone interested in the foundational differences between different Bible versions will benefit from this book.