Differences Between Bible Versions: Translation Principles, Greek Text-types, and KJV-onlyism [Kindle Edition]

Gary F. Zeolla (Author)

Book Description

This book answers such questions as: Why do Bible versions differ? Why does the same verse read differently in different versions? Why do some versions contain words, phrases, and even entire verses that other versions omit? Which Bible versions are most reliable?
This book contains extensive discussions on why the author believes either a literal or a formal equivalence (“word-for-word”) translation principle is the best method to use for translating the Bible. These principles of translating are contrasted with the dynamic equivalence (“phrase for phrase”) and paraphrase methods seen in many modern Bible versions.
This book includes detailed discussions on why the author believes the Majority Text is the most accurate of the three Greek texts used in Bible translation.
This book also contains an extended section critiquing the claims of “KJV-onlyists.”
In addressing these various issues, Differences Between Bible Versions compares forty different versions of the Bible.

Product Details

• File Size: 515 KB
• Print Length: 368 pages
• Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
• Language: English
• ASIN: B004RQ6I7W
• Text-to-Speech: Enabled
• X-Ray: Not Enabled
• Lending: Enabled
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #246,585 Paid in Kindle Store (See Top 100 Paid in Kindle Store)

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars A comprehensive treatment January 8, 2013

By JON A SCHMIDT

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

When reading the Bible, most American Christians likely give little thought to the philosophy and decisions that produced a particular translation, let alone the even more fundamental choice of a Greek text to serve as its basis. This book outlines the relevant approaches, and although the author certainly has (and states) strong preferences, it will be helpful to anyone who wants to gain a better understanding of why such a bewildering array of alternatives is available and then make an informed selection from among them.

Bible versions may be classified into five general categories: literal (every single word), formal equivalence (word for word), dynamic equivalence (thought for thought), expanded (bringing out nuances), and paraphrase (reworded and simplified). Each has its advantages and disadvantages, but not surprisingly, the author comes out in favor of literal versions like his own Analytical-Literal Translation: Third Edition (ALT3, available separately) and formal equivalence versions like the KJV, NKJV, NASB, and ESV. He is clearly not a fan of the more colloquial paraphrase (Living, Phillips, Message), expanded (Amplified), and dynamic equivalence (NIV, NLT, NEB, NAB, NRSV, HCSB, CEV) versions.

The KJV and NKJV both follow the Received Text, which is now widely recognized as relatively late and unlikely to reflect the autographs in many places. Virtually all other versions come from the Critical Text, which has been prepared in such a way that many of its readings cannot be found in any extant manuscript whatsoever. There is now an important third option: the Majority Text--more properly called the Byzantine Textform--as published in 2005 by Robinson & Pierpont, which with few exceptions (none major) is consistent with the vast majority of extant manuscripts. A version based on it is not yet available from any major publisher, but it is what the author used for the ALT3.

One chapter compares three of the most popular versions--KJV, NKJV, and NIV. Five chapters are devoted to the remarkably persistent view that the KJV is the only version that correctly conveys God's Word in English. Ten chapters address several other versions, including three chapters specifically examining the ESV. An appendix provides a convenient summary outline of the entire book.

Personally, I have used the NIV for nearly my entire life, supplemented by the NASB when I was seeking a more literal rendering for careful study. A couple of years ago, I switched to the ESV as my primary Bible, and recently I also started referring to the ALT3. Given this background, I am not as disenchanted with dynamic equivalence as the author, and I have yet to find any passages where my previous understanding from the NIV has been significantly altered by how it is rendered in the NASB, ESV, or (so far) ALT3. At the same time, I agree with him that every individual word of Scripture is inspired by God, and that this principle should ultimately be honored in any translation methodology. From that standpoint, this book is an excellent introduction to some important issues.

4.0 out of 5 stars Good Book to have a Understanding of Translations May 10, 2013

By Richard Young

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

Its a gives a nice broad view of all the translations and even of translation that are not well know or common to people.
Pretty well researched and balanced analysis no bias

3.0 out of 5 stars Very technical March 2, 2013

By Judy Anderson

Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase

This book is very specific in it's coverage. I don't feel it is a book for beginning seekers. The price is reasonable.

More About the Author

I graduated from Penn State in 1983 with a B.S. degree in Nutrition Science. I attended Denver Seminary from 1988-90. I was working towards a Master's degree in Philosophy of Religion, but due to health problems I had to drop out before graduating.

I became a Christian in the mid-1980s. I founded Darkness to Light ministry in July 1991 (www.dtl.org). I started Fitness for One and All on July 12, 2003 (www. FitnessforOneandAll.com). I established a personal Web site on May 5, 2009 (www.Zeolla.org). It contains an extended autobiography and links to all of my writings.

My first book was published in 1994. I have now written numerous books on both Christian and fitness subjects. Some are in their second or even third editions, and all of them are available in multiple formats.

I thank the LORD that I have accomplished all of the above despite dealing with many health problems throughout my life and still on a daily basis.