Customer Reviews

Experiencing the Word New Testament (Holman Christian Standard Bible)

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Being in the ministry and also an avid reader, I'm always looking for new stuff to read. I found this one purely by accident as I was doing some research on the internet. A few days later, I ordered me a copy at a Christian website. It was probably the best investment I made in 2002.

I agree with the reviewer named Ken in what he said regarding the NIV. Being a pastor I can shed some insight. Even though the NIV is a popular version of the Bible and I do own one, there are some problems with it. The probelms are all with the translation of the text. When the translators put the NIV together, they were not sure what to do with many of the words. So, in the process, many of the words sound odd in the NIV. The average layman wouldn't notice it unless they read a different version of the Bible. Then, many questions would soon arise.

Why is this version different? The HCSB New Testament is what the NIV would've sounded like if it were taken straight from the Greek and was in modern English. All of the language & wording are made simple enough so that there's no question as to what the translators meant. And unlike the King James Version, you don't need a dictionary or have to understand Shakespeanian English to understand it. This version is really that understandable and that direct.

But there are a couple of added features to this version. Henry T. Blackaby adds thought provoking questions and comments in the margain. His comments are all based on a passage that's on that particular page. Mind you, his comments & questions don't change any of the content of the Bible. But what he says will make each page & passage more direct and personal to you. Some of his comments & questions include, "What has God called you to?" "God is still in control of things." "Let your light shine for others to see." As I read through each passage, I get the sense that his comments are divinely inspired.

The other thing that's different about this translation is that he includes many Greek words from the original Greek New Testament. He translates and explains them and tells how they were & still are relevant to the gospel. Since I'm a pastor that hasn't been to the seminary, this has been very helpful to me.

I'd recommend the HCSB New Testament to anyone who needs a more accurate version of the New Testament that they can understand. I'd also recommend this to anyone in Bible college, the seminary, or in any type of Christian leadership.

Kudos to Henry T. Blackaby!