Customer Reviews

NIV/The Message Parallel Bible (New International Version)

5 star:		(12)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(2)

 

 

This parallel version of both Bibles is helpful. The NIV side has chapter and verse notation while The Message side does not. The Message version is very easy to read and understand. I like having them side by side because I can easily compare how one relates to the other. Reading The Message has helped me understand the meaning of some verses that have been tricky in the past.
However, it can be bit easy to get confused with which side you are reading when you turn the page and then you have to back track to get in the correct spot. The pages are very thin and it can be visually distracting to see backwards letters through the page.

For the bad reviewers here - the purpose of the Message is to get people reading the Bible who normally would not. It is not intended to be a stand alone Bible, or a Bible for intense study - although The Message is a great companion translation to study with. I find that it makes me think about a passage in more depth instead of assuming I already know what it means.
Also, for the reviewer who believes we should learn English better and use the KJV and RSV - who's English? That of King James in the 17th century or the English we actually speak today? If you want to seriously study the Bible you should learn Greek and Hebrew - the languages that the Bible was originally written in. That's what Eugene Peterson did, and anyone who takes issue with his translation should not simply compare The Message to other English translations, but compare the message with the Greek and Hebrew Bible.
The Message is getting people into the Bible more than before - and that is good.

T Bauer suggested doing a comparative reading of Psalm 63 in order to see the "danger" of the Message Bible. I took him up on the challenge and would encourage others to do the same. I read Psalm 63 in the KJV, ESV, NIV, and Message. Each of the "translations" was slightly different, but held true to the text. To be honest, the Message was the worst. It remained true to the text, although a couple of the interpretations were fairly loose. However, I need to point out that the Message is a "paraphrase," not a word-for-word or even thought for thought translation. Also, as others have pointed out, the Message Bible's weakness appears to be in its rendering of the Psalms, which are much more poetic.

We must remember that Jesus said that when he left, he would send the Comforter, who would guide us into ALL truth. No matter which Bible we use, it is the Spirit that brings the Word to life and uses it to perform spiritual surgery on our hearts. In fact, he rebuked the religious leaders who studied the scripture, thinking that in them they would find eternal life. The Bible, no matter what version you use, simply points you to the life giver. We must not become so smug as to think that having the "most accurate" translation (whichever one that might be), somehow increases our spiritual stature even one iota. I remember when I was so arrogant as to think that if it wasn't the KJV, then you weren't really reading the Bible--until I realized that the KJV was only a translation itself.

So, having said all of that, I have no problem with the Message Bible, because I have an unswerving trust in the promised Holy Spirit to teach me what I need to know. As someone said once, "the best version of the Bible is the one that you will read."

Lastly, I will say that this Bible is a parallel Bible. The text of the NIV and the Message are laid out side-by-side so that a reader can do an easy comparison. This method is a valuable aide to Bible study. I would defintely recommend this Bible both as your primary study Bible (since it contains an actual translation) or as a study aid to add to your library.

I am absolutely loving this bible. It gives me the opportunity to use a translation that I grew up on (NIV), and a translation that makes me feel like I am sitting next to Jesus on a streetcorner talking things over with him (the message). This is a great bibile for just about anyone who is interested in God's word. It's like getting two bibles for the price (and a low price at that) of one. The only downside I see is that it doesn't have any study footnotes.

This Bible is one of the best I have used. I like being able to see both translations side by side. Sometimes I like the NIV translation especially in Psalms but the Message speaks in terms I recognize and relate to. It speaks clearly and there is no misunderstanding the message.

I am very happy with this Bible, because the NIV is my favorite translation and The Message is a favorite paraphrase. It is so convenient to have them side-by-side for comparison purposes.

This book offers a very convenient way to compare the NIV with The Message which is written in modern English and is not in verse form, because the two versions appear side by side. I like to check the new King James version, too, if I'm really trying to determine meanings and am puzzled, but the two in this book often give me a better understanding of what is being taught.

I knew the bible was used, I just didn't expect it to be written in. It had been given as a gift, and the inscription was still on the front inside cover. These details should be disclosed.

I love this Bible! To have both the NIV and the Message side by side is wonderful! Its great for quick reading or clarification of any verse! I would recommend it as one of your resource Bibles or even a great gift to a friend!

I love both versions of NIV and Message. I am giving to my granddaughter to give her true value in her life and two versions I believe a 21 year old will adore.