Further proof that we’re living in a crazy world: one of the most outspoken critics of modern Bible translations has some nice things to say about the New Living Translation:
it’s a pretty good translation. i have two ‘test passages’ for any translation – jeremiah 25, and romans 8.
if translators can do justice to these two passages (both of which are very significant) then more than likely they’ve done a good job throughout. but if they bungle these two sections, chances are pretty good they will bungle most.
so, that said, the nlt handles those test texts well enough.
This week while away from my Contemporary English Version I’ve been reading the NLT and have enjoyed it so much that I considered pinching the copy I found at our office. Fortunately the book is so big that it won’t fit in my luggage and so I won’t be guilty of stealing a Bible.
10 Comments
well dave if you’re going to steal, steal the bible!
I preferred Jim’s comments about the REB… ;>
that’s a fantastic rendering, but for americans who dont read greek or hebrew the nlt is very useful.
As did, ElShaddai.
I’m just having a hard time reconciling the e.e. cummings’ capitalization…
David, I like the way your mother’s mother tongue makes you giggle:
http://lingamish.com/2008/12/the-bucket-bible-translation/
You’re just trying to get me in trouble with E, E and J because of my comments about the REB
I’m not particularly impressed with the NLT or the CEV translation of Jeremiah 25 (as I discuss here), because they both introduce new ideas in 25:6-7. The CEV starts off with “I don’t want to harm you,” which the Hebrew doesn’t say. And the NLT ends with “bringing on yourselves all the disasters you now suffer,” which the Hebrew likewise doesn’t say.
-Joel
Oh, you’re already in trouble with me, David Ker.
Also, I stand by comments on your earlier post linked above by Kurk!
I’m at a loss as to why Jer 25 stands out as key to anything. It is the usual “I’m going to smite” stuff. What, pray tell, makes it a key passage?