Customer Reviews

New Testament Recovery Version, Burgandy Edition

5 star:		(51)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

My first copy of this translation was given to me by a friend at dinner. I was particularly grateful for the gift for it was the $80.00 burgundy leather bound edition. His comment to me at the time was, "Danny, you have a gold bar in your hands!" I listened with amused but knowing disposition.

Over the next few weeks and months as I tested the translation, I was careful to keep with me my copy of Nestle's 27th edition of the Greek Text and to compare the translation with other formal equivalence translations that I already trusted (like the New American Standard Version), and even a more dynamic equivalence translation (New International Version). I must say that it met the test well. To be sure, the translation can be stiff, but it is entirely accurate, reading much like a slightly updated American Standard Version or Revised Version.

Occasional oddities of option in translation got my attention (e.g. 'believe INTO Christ" rather than "believe in Christ"; ). But in considering the copious footnotes explaining choices for translation and giving a general mini-course in "Recovery" theology, every deviation from typical translations was within the range of reasonable lexical options, so much so that I would not tag the translation as aberrant. Actually, I am quite comfortable with using the translation exclusively, if not preferentially over other formal equivalence translations.

It is the notes to the text, however, that make the bible as valuable as it is (A paperback edition can be ordered from Living Streams Ministries for about $17.50. Amazon.com doesn't carry that one [hint, hint], so one will have to settle for the $56.00 hit to your Visa card.) Obviously competent scholars in the "Local Church" led formerly by the now deceased Witness Lee, a direct disciple of Watchman Nee, are responsible for the translation. Lee wrote the notes. This group has been tagged as cultic in the past, particularly by Walter Martin's Christian Research Institute, but the Local Church pursued legal remedies and, as best as I can tell, the current edition of the new CRI president's Kingdom of the Cults (by Hank Hanegraf) has expunged any mention of the body of believers, although in one telephone conversation that I had with representatives at CRI, the group is yet considered aberrant.

The notes clearly bring out a central doctrine of the church about the Triune God, their preferred terminology over that of Trinity per se. The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit are one and three. Consider carefully the notes at John 7:37ff; 1 Cor. 15:45; 2 Cor. 3:17-18; and even Rev. 1:6 (or so,) where we find, all in all, that Jesus, spoke to his disciples of a time when the Holy Spirit would flow from within them; that he himself IS the last Adam now become the life giving Spirit; he, Jesus, is indeed The Lord Spirit, now sevenfold intensified to be able to effectively enter others born again to become literal sons of God as was Jesus. I.e. as Jesus, who was divine took on humanity in his incarnation and became a God-Man, so do we have a hope of a future as literal sons of God with the divine nature within us. In that light, our hope is to be like Jesus, the man in the heavens, now as God-men (so to speak), although not the Almighty God (Check notes at Philippians 1:6; 3:21; 1 Thess. 5:23-24; and 1 John 3:1-2).

I don't think you can go wrong to have this translation with the notes at least to read along side whatever might be your favorite translation for insightful comparison. Witness Lee will make your spirit reflect deeply even if, for the soul of you, you do not initially agree with what he has to say. I think, for me, the initial problem was in the precision of terminology Lee uses in his explanations (pay extremely careful attention to prepositions both in the translation as well as in the notes), which are likely to grow on you in time. I'll give it five stars since these are all that are allowed.

As a christian, we should read the bible. But as a christian who seeks the Truth, I tell you, you should have this Recovery version. I had other bible versions but for me, this version is the most accurate, most balance, most understandable and FULL OF LIFE. Truly, Christ's word is spirit and life. It changed my view when it comes in studying the word. The footnotes stress the divine thought of the Word itself, that becomes supply for me as Grace and Life not merely dead black and white letters. But it points the DIRECT central thought of God. I can't stop reading, enjoying, studying, drinking and eating the Living word of God. It seems that this version is like the bread that fell down from heaven with butter in it as footnotes. The more I read this version, the more LIGHT and LIFE I received. I thank the Lord that His words through this recovery versions are now more edible and available to all God's seekers.I PRAISE HIM.

The Recovery Version Bible (RcV) is one of the best modern English translations I have encountered. I currently enjoy using this version (along with others) during my personal devotional reading and independent study as well as in group Bible studies.

On occasion, comparing the RcV text with my Greek-English Interlinear translated by Brown and Comfort, I have seen that it accurately communicated the original meaning of the New Testament Greek by providing the literal English translation. Because of this some words and phrases are better translated in the RcV than in other versions. The literal translation of the Greek preposition `eis' as `into' in certain verses is a great improvement. As explained in the notes, using `into' instead of `in' plays a critical role in understanding the spiritual significance of certain verses, such as John 1:12 and 3:16. Also, in the Gospel of John, chapter 1, verse 14, the RcV reads, "And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us..." This translation is significantly different from my KJV which reads, "...and dwelt among us." After conferring with the Greek text it was clear that the original meaning was literally "tabernacled". Using this verb form of the noun "tabernacle" (God's temporary habitation among the children of Israel) is a clearer description of who Christ was in the flesh: "The Word, by being incarnated, not only brought God into humanity but also became a tabernacle to God as God's habitation on earth among men" (Note 3). Other such cases where the literal translation is used are very helpful in understanding the original meaning.

The cross-references and notes found throughout the RcV make it an excellent study Bible. Similar to those of the Thompson Chain-Reference Bible (I also recommend), the cross-references are most helpful in displaying the relationship between various portions of the Bible such as Old Testament prophecies and types and their corresponding New Testament fulfillments and realities. The notes function on two levels, providing both a basic understanding of Biblical and historical facts and an intrinsic understanding that allows the reader to appropriate the truths in the Word. Included in these notes (which are at times quite extensive) are introductions and conclusions that give an insightful overview of each of the 27 books of the NT. Among these, Matthew 1:1, note 1; Romans 16:27, note 1; 2 Corinthians 13:14, note 2; and 2 Peter 3:16, note 2 are most impressive.

I highly recommend the Recovery version to anyone looking for a good Bible translation and study Bible.

My wife and I operate Amana Christian bookstore in Berkeley next to the university. We sold more of the Recovery Version than all the other versions combined.

When our prospective customers seriously compare the Recovery Version with other study Bibles, they invariably purchase the Recovery Version. The text is in accurate, easy-to-understand, modern English, yet it is not paraphrased. The footnotes open up the understanding of the word. The reference system on the side is a good in-depth study guide. The outline at the beginning of each book gives the overview so that the readers do not get lost.

The Recovery Version is good for both beginners and serious Bible students.

Because of the extensive and useful footnotes which accompany many of the verses here, some people would criticize this translation as one which simply promotes the theology of one man - the writer of the footnotes. Don't be fooled! Even without the footnotes, this is the most up-to-date and correct translation of the Bible. There is no paraphrasing and no italicized words added which unnecessarily change the meaning of the verse(s). While the most modern and most accepted Greek texts have been used, the team of translators also reviewed and analyzed many current translations to ensure the validity of their own. As for the footnotes, they are honest and practical. While they point out other Biblical verses which can be used to expound the current passage, they also shed light on the practical help a believer can get from the passage which s/he is currently reading. So, take my advice: don't fall victim to second-hand evaluations of this translation such as this one. :-) Read it for yourself and you be the judge!

The New Testament; Recovery Version is by far the richest source of supply God has provided to His children. Witness Lee has indeed interpreted and expounded the Scriptures not merely according to the letter but according to all the riches of God's divine life to man as revealed in God's Word. It is not an exposition of the New Testament according to human concept or philosophy, but according to God's heart desire and "His good pleasure"(Ephesians 1:9). It is utterly in line with the divine revelation as unveiled in the Scriptures. Indeed all those who have truly read it(including myself) would conclude that not only is it the best translation of the New Testament, but the footnotes and cross-references ushers the reader into a deeper and much richer understanding of God's word. Indeed one of the things that I have enjoyed the most is that my appreciation and enjoyment of Christ has become so much richer from studying the New Testament; Recovery Vesion. I would recommend footnote 6 of Philipians 3:8, among many other footnotes which truly shows how wonderful our Lord Jesus is to us. I strongly recommend this book to all those who seek to "come to the full knowledge of the truth"(1 Tim. 2:4).

...and profitable for teaching (2 Timothy 3:16). The Recovery Version of the New Testament provides the best translation available today. I'm happy to have been reading it for many years. The understanding and help I have received by having the footnotes is so great. If you would like to understand the Bible in the way of life, truth and reality, this is the best choice.

Note: First of all, the Bible is beyond rating. It is infinitely good. The rating applies to the translation, clarity, readability, outlines and footnotes relative to other available versions.

This exceptional version is simply a glory to God and not to man. I absolutely recommend it to every person seeking to know God and His purpose.

I have 3 main Bible versions that I use: The King James Version, the Darby Version and the Recovery Version. I use the King James version for the beauty in the language and for correct pronunciation of words using phonetic symbols. The Darby version is very readable and has footnotes to names to describe their meaning, thereby enhancing the Bible narrative. Most important of all, I use the Recovery version for its clarity, accuracy and unsearchably rich outlines and footnotes that open up God's word.

While the outlines and footnotes clearly demonstrate the scriptural soundness, genuine quality and depth of the ministry of Witness Lee, they serve primarily (and I believe is the intention of the author) to help bring us closer to God and inspire us to love the Lord Jesus and His church absolutely and in a manner worthy of Him. God, Christ, the Spirit, the believers, the church and even the New Jerusalem become not just something objective but real and very practical in our lives.

The New Testament Recovery version is certainly one of my most prized possession.

This Bible has given me more life than any other Bible that I have ever read. The footnotes give me further understanding for my body, soul, and spirit. I truly recommend this for only the ones who have a open heart for the Lord. We need to read the Bible with more that just our mind. In the past I collected many different Bible versions, once I found the Recovery version, I stopped and have recommended it and bought them to my family and friends. I don't like to say that I love things but I can honestly say I love this one! The footnotes in this Bible are very helpful and enjoyable! Why don't you find out yourself?

This translation, along with its footnotes and outlines, is exceptional. More than just a study Bible or exposition, the notes contain light and insight into the Bible and the purpose of God and of man.

The footnotes were especially unique. They are rich in content (not doctrinally dry) and many times I sensed a stirring of greater love for the Lord in reading them.

For this, I am grateful to both the author and the publisher.