Customer Reviews

NASB/The Message Parallel Bible

5 star:		(7)
4 star:		(7)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

It took me several years to get drawn to the Message style (the book of Romans is particularly a MUST read in this heart-opening translation!), and I am much too "into" precision to read the Message without a literal translation by its side (I would consider the Message a paraphrase--highly useful but not appropriate as a stand-alone for serious study). So it was definitely God's perfect timing that I found myself looking for a copy of the Message Bible just when this parallel was available for pre-order. In recent years, I'd come to use the NASB as my "base" translation, typically finding it more accurate than others when I investigate the Hebrew or Greek (though with some verses I'm more impressed by the NKJV, which I would also gladly commend as a readable and beautiful "base" version for those who are "into" words). So I eagerly anticipated receiving the Message with my base translation side by side. And I have not been let down save one quibble: Namely, it would be enormously helpful for me if the Message text was also numbered. Even with the passages side by side, it often takes a long while to figure out what portion of the Message corresponds to which verse in the NASB. (Although the translator intended the Message not to be broken up by the verse numbers you find in most translations, there ARE numbered versions of the Message now available, but they are not parallels). Generally the Message is wordier, causing the corresponding NASB to fall on quite a different part of the page, and in those books of the Bible in which the authors hearken back to the same ideas a lot, figuring out just what corresponds to the NASB verse can slow me down enormously.

I just love The Message. Of course it's not a literal translation, but the author has an amazing grasp on the heart of the Revealed Word. The Message leans heavily on metaphor to convey the intent of the text, and the metaphors used in nearly all cases ring true. Some are so true they draw tears to my eyes (probably because they just hit me right between them). They make understanding the intention unavoidable, and are very compelling.

The introduction is stand-out priceless. Here is a bold assertion: the introduction to this version makes it a useful starting-point, maybe as a gift for someone who ordinarily wouldn't want to sit down and read a Bible for whatever reason. It cuts right through the usual arguments of skeptics by setting the terms of the discussion from the beginning, laying out plainly (and endearingly) what the Bible is and why it is what it is. It makes it easier to see it on its own terms, aside from a million rumors.

The NASB on parallel is good. It is said to be the most literal. I have not researched who says it is the most literal, but there you have it. It makes a good companion to the Message, and I think I like this pairing better than, say, the NIV, for instance. I originally looked for a KJV parallel but found none, and now I can see the reason for this. Its translation is close enough to the KJV to be able to be followed easily but the idiom is more current and broadly accessible. (I am raised Southern Baptist at a time when all memorization was done in KJV and the nuances of the idiom were still commonly understood. We all started in choir as soon as we could read, too. Obviously, those days are gone -- and won't come back no matter how tenaciously we hold onto our thees and thous and 'the way we were'.) Back to the NASB -- it seems to shed light on some obscurities. It creates other obscurities but that is the nature of translations, right?

The introduction is more of a scholarly work, which is informative if not inspiring. It lays out what I think of as it's short-comings, and I really like that. It's the caveat emptor part, so you should read it. I don't really see the version to be less valuable for that, but I am not speaking for everyone.

For the most part, the Message goes beyond expectation in clarity, in impartation of truth, and readability. There are places where it doesn't seem to quite grab the essence, but hey, the KJV misses the point occasionally, too, sometimes badly -- that doesn't make it less magnificent. Rather reminds us how sweet we have it because the Primary Reference Source is interactive, has an intuitive interface, and is always at hand.

Yes, very glad that the Author lives in me as a personal consultant -- wouldn't want to try to sort through it without Him, would miss the best bits -- insight into the delightful nature of the Author, capacity to make the intended personal application -- really optimizes end-usability -- all quite refreshing benes. Would happily refer anyone who finds themselves in a frustrated, argumentative bog over one or all of the translations of this text on an ongoing basis.

I am thrilled with this pairing. It has breathed new life into my study.

This Bible brings one the most literally-word-for-word translated version and the most liberally spirit-of-the-text modern reading. A wonderful, wonderful reading Bible.

I recommend anyone that's a Christian, no matter if you are new or seasoned, to purchase this Bible! Not to say that any other Bible you choose isn't good, because all Bibles reveals God's message to us, but I found this one to be so helpful in my understanding of God's Word. The Message is a really good tool to summarize or help explain any verse that may be confusing. I read this Bible along with my NKJV Bible (the Extreme Word Bible just in case you wanted to know) everyday, and I enjoy every minute of it!! If you do purchase this Bible, I hope that it is a blessing to you as it is to me.

Many Blessings to you and yours and Have a Wonderful Day! :-)

The only concern is for the small font size necessitated by two translations in a side-by-side layout. It is becoming a bigger issue as my "age related" macular degeneration continues to progress.

This Bible is great if you want to have a couple different translations at your finger tips. It definitely helps to get a better grasp on the word. My Pastor references the Message Bible often, so to be able to find his exact quote word for word really helps me alot. I would and have recommended this Bible to a friend.

New to the Word my sister wanted a Bible that would help her better understand what she was reading. I sent her this Bible and she called to tell me it was perfect. Just exactly what she'd needed.

Have enjoyed the Bible (especially like having Message right there next to good, reliable translation like NASB).

Product was shipped/received in timely fashion.

Only complaint is that name was clipped from cover (understand why, but this was not advertised).

I actually have been reading the Message with my 12 year old, and then doing an inductive Bible study in a separate Bible. It's great to read, and see where we've marked together. Great Bible!

I love having both translations side by side. I can use the Message for everyday reading and helping me grasp an idea and use the NASB for deeper study. Well worth the purchase price.