Customer Reviews

The Source New Testament With Extensive Notes On Greek Word Meaning

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

A friend recommended this book to me, so I began looking for it in bookstores, etc., only to find out that it was basically banned in most Christian bookstores and largely ballyhooed by many "scholars" in a number of Christian denominations. The reasons for this action are that she does not follow the strict historical Greek definitions used by most, if not, all Biblical scholars. That got my attention, so I ordered the book.

I found Dr. Nyland's treatment of the biblical texts and the more current papyri to be loving, gentle, and very scholarly as she seeks to find the truest meanings of these writings. Biblical Greek is a language unto itself as it seeks to meet the definitions that bear out many of the critical doctrines and theologies of the evangelical world. As a linguist and a 40-year student of scripture, I can tell you that this is about as backwards a way of studying a language as you can get.

In her Glossary and Introduction, Dr. Nyland makes it very clear how she approached her study of the New Testament, as well as some of the newer documents. Given this approach, which is far more in keeping with good practice in linguistics and anthropology, I felt the texts come alive in ways I had never known before.

The Source New Testament with Extensive Notes on Greek Word Meaning by Dr. Ann Nyland is a valuable asset. It is the only version of the New Testament using information from recently discovered papyri to update the traditional translations. For those who do not know Greek as well as scholars it provides clarification on words and phrases previously translated as an educated guess. The notes should be used as a basis for an accurate concordance. Personally, I want to know what was really said, not someone's opinion or bias. If that is your desire, buy The Source.

Rev. Pat Joyce

How anyone can give this incomparable New Testament translation anything less than five stars, amazes me. True, as one reviewer commented, the book's rather cramped lay-out is unattractive, even off-putting. But the text's appeal is to the mind, rather than the eye. And if the text were laid out with more spacing, maybe we would not read it with the attention it deserves? Dr Nyland has courageously dared to challenge the authority of all the traditional translations that most Christians erroneously accept as "God's word!" Mind you, with the exception of Fundamentalists, most churches actually teach their followers that only the original Greek -- not any of the English translations -- can be regarded as "inspired by God". But this message -- whether because of half-hearted delivery or deliberate obfuscation -- has certainly not reached the hearts and minds of 99% of Christian churchgoers. In 522 pages of closely-packed yet vastly illuminating text, I found only one word that I would totally disagree with. In Matthew 6:11, Dr Nyland follows "The Gospel According to the Hebrews" by translating the mysterious Greek word, "epiousios", as "tomorrow". However, I side with Saint Jerome, who tells us that the word actually means "super-substantial". Epiousios is a slang term referring to the "super-substantial" ration of food that an overseer or foreman might receive. So I would translate the verse -- as I have in More Bible Wisdom for Modern Times: Selections from the Early New Testament -- this way: "Give us today a super-substantial portion of all the bread we need to satisfy our hunger." Perhaps, as I note in the book, the phrase, "really generous", would more accurately reflect what Our Lord actually said.

I am a studier of the Holy Bible. I don't just study English translations, but from the Hebrew and Greek. I am often surrounded by language dictionaries for the Hebrew and Greek when I study God's Word. I find many English words have their roots in the ancient Greek. Dr. Nyland's version has a more rich understanding of the Greek. Dr. Nyland had access to Greek Papryi and Greek meaning of words, not known before. Some Greek words have been totally miss translated in the past and Dr. Nyland's work brings a new and better translation to numerous Greek Words. I would recommend this to the pastor, Bible College and Seminary educator. I also recommend this New Testament Translation to anyone who is really serious about their Bible study.

This is a top-notch translation from an expert in the Greek. Other translations are merely tweaked copies of the original KJV; they do not utilize papyri contemporary to NT times to the extent that Dr. Nyland has. Prepare to do some work and extra study with this, as the notes and references are amazing--you'll not be spoon-fed with this one as with other translations. Complaints that this work is gender-inclusive are unfounded; this is a gender-ACCURATE translation.

I appreciate The Source translation by Dr. Nyland mainly because it bypasses the usual flaws of most translations of the New Testament due to theological biases or religious traditions. It is a very readable version and the numerous
commentary and footnotes is extremely helpful in appreciating the New Testament
text. The historical notes dealing with contextual issues is a strong plus for
using this translation. The scholar is to be commended for such a worthy and
objective work in an excellent translation of the New Testament texts. I value
this translation as one of the best I own. Thank you Dr. Nyland

I've found Dr. Nyland's translation to be fantastic! The only thing I don't like is that she doesn't include extensive notes on the meaning of hilasterion, which has become a very contentious word in some parts. However, everything else is exhaustively documented and very illuminating. An absolutely fantastic resource and a must have for EVERYONE who is serious about God's Word. Check your preconceptions at the door.

This translation of the New Testament is a must have for everyone who claims to take the Bible seriously--bibliophiles, translators, scholars, seminarians, and anyone who seeks a translation of the New Testament that reflects the original Greek and not denominational prejudices. Dr. Nyland's exegetical work is nothing short of phenomenal. She includes both extensive footnotes on the original Greek and devotes space when necessary to orient the reader to the historical context within which the texts were written. It's a tad expensive, but worth every dollar!

Justin R. Cannon
Editor, Sanctified: An Anthology of Poetry by LGBT Christians
Author, The Bible, Christianity, & Homosexuality

Based on the findings of the Papyri, that were discovered in the 1880's, then again in the 1970's, that allowed scholars the opportunity to translate the New Testament, Dr. A. Nyland demonstrates an in-depth look into this key material using today's language.
Unlike the Dead Sea Scrolls, the Papyri provided translation of many uncommon words into everyday language, thus bringing new light to the Word. Dr. A. Nyland has captured the realization of these writings and compiled them into a masterpiece of skillfully written study material that is easy to read and understand.
I recommend this book to any Preacher of the Word looking to improve his or her knowledge of these rarely used findings and data overlooked by Bible translators, which gives new insight to the true meaning of the Word.
A must-read for those who study several versions of the Bible to discern the translator's interpretation. Complete with a glossary of terms, Dr. A. Nyland's translation eliminates the need to cross-reference several books for discernment, and is written for the scholar in all of us.

I'm a Pastor and Biblical Scholar that believes in the infallibility of God's Word, but not to the point of becoming complacent and stuck in my limited understanding or current interpretations. The Source New Testament sheds illumination and revelation into the Holy Scriptures void of agenda, social pressure, political stance or denominational slant. It's just a fresh, in your face, "deal with it" version that, if you read with an open heart and mind, will enhance your faith and bless you. This Bible should come with a warning ... please do not read if you can't handle the TRUTH! God bless Dr. Nyland. The Source New Testament is definitely one of the tools we need to communicate and share the Lord Jesus Christ in this Twenty-first Century. Pastor CB Murray, Kingdom Of God Ministries, Jersey City, New Jersey; Kingdom Churches Worldwide, [...], author "Prosperity of the Soul:The Evolution of Man"Prosperity of the Soul: The Evolution of Man