The Message Remix (Bible in Contemporary Language)

The Message Remix (Bible in Contemporary Language)

4.39 of 5 stars 4.39  ·  rating details  ·  2,954 ratings  ·  254 reviews
The Message//REMIX is distinctive because the text is shaped by the hand of a pastor, Eugene H. Peterson.

It features expanded introductions to each book of the Bible that explain the purpose of the book, who wrote it, and for whom it was written. The introductions help set the stage for the book and help you understand each book's unique message.

A reading Bible in contempo...more
Hardcover, 1856 pages
Published July 1st 2008 by Message (first published 2002)
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Community Reviews

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Jenn
There is a lot of (unfortunate) debate about the validity of this translation of the Bible. Some refuse to call it any more than a paraphrase. Living in a foreign, non-Western culture (and having worked on some translation myself) helped me better understand the importance of context, the influence of culture, and the shortcomings of literal translations in writing. As I read Peterson's translation of the Bible, I am mindful that it is not a literal translation but am more than satisfied with th...more
Lee Harmon
I love this contemporary Bible! It’s not the most accurate translation—it’s really not fair to even call it a translation, but rather a paraphrase betraying Peterson’s religious convictions—but I just find it enjoyable to read. It’s poetic and beautiful. Do not use it as a study Bible, but as an inspiring read.

I chose the book of John to highlight some of the translations, so you can get a feel for the wording. These aren’t my favorite passages, but they do highlight what I mean by a “paraphrasi...more
Alan
I admit that I didn't read this cover to cover. But I have read significant sections of this Bible and wanted to leave a review.

First, The Message Bible needs to be viewed in perspective. As Mr. Peterson notes, this is not a study Bible. It is not meant to be used to get deep down into doctrine. Instead, this is a reading Bible. Mr. Peterson's goal in his translation was to bring the same feelings to the modern reader that that were experienced by the original audiences to the Bible's message.

Th...more
Nancy Snyder
This paraphrase of the Bible is arranged to pair a reading from the New Testament w/a section from the Old Testament. Each section is followed by some reflective questions. At times the sections go together, at other times they don't. The chapters do no necessarily follow the sequential order of the "regular" Message by Peterson or the regular order of the books of the Bible.
I have been able to finally read the Bible through this translation, to think about what I am reading, and to relate wha...more
Stacey Dee
Oct 26, 2009 Stacey Dee is currently reading it  ·  review of another edition
I love this transliteration of the bible! It's not a word for word translation but instead it conveys the meaning and essence of the writings in colorful and impacting language.
If you've never read the Bible before this is a cool way to get the gist.
If you have read the bible before (especially if you've read it a lot) this is a great way to get a fresh perspective and break you free from stale thinking.
LOVE IT!
Sage
Okay... I don't even know how to begin a review of a Bible. By the way I was given this book for Confirmation so I only read what was necessary to write a decent blurb.
Let's start with the name. "Remix"? Really? This is a modernization of the Bible not a Britney Spears song featuring Ke$ha and Nicki Minaj.
I'm probably really biased about this because in general I feel like something is lost in modernizations or abridged versions of anything. Reading Les Mis and seeing "is it ok with u bro" inst...more
Steve Miyamoto
Have to love a Bible translation that says stuff like:

God went for the jugular when he sent his own Son. He didn't deal with the problem as something remote and unimportant. In his Son, Jesus, he personally took on the human condition, entered the disordered mess of struggling humanity in order to set it right once and for all. (Romans 8:3a)
Legsoffury
I would only consider it appropriate for somebody well-acquainted with a respectable translation of the Bible to read this. What do I mean by respectable; well I mean a translation that has stood the test of time and that is respected by a large majority of Bible scholars and Greek/Hebrew linguists. This is NOT a translation, but an interpretation. There is a big difference. This to me is more of a supplemental curiosity rather then a Bible I could actually make reference to.

As it is, there were...more
Mark
Have you ever longed to read the Bible but were put off by your memories of its language? This is your solution: an absolutely faithful translation in modern language. It almost makes Chronicles readable.
Heather's Mum
Maybe not the most acurate, word for word translation, but oh so easy to just sit and read for inspiration and spirtual nurture. NOT a "study" Bible, but a "reading" text.
Michael
The only thing worse than the text of the message is this production of it. It was like Cheese whiz served on stale crackers of irreverence.

Wowy-kazowy as we say.
Seth
I was recently given the recommendation to read the introductions to each of the books of the Bible that Peterson writes for The Message. I was reluctant to do so because every time that I read his contemporary translations of Scripture, I find myself feeling like I am not able to see the Scripture as I ought. I did, however, take the advice. Peterson has written some powerful summaries of each f the books of the Bible. His ability as a good writer is at its best here. I find sentences hanging a...more
Jonathan
Absolutely fantastic. The Word of God in contemporary language without losing the true import or meaning.
Sarah
The Bible in contemporary language. Very long. I learned a lot of things I did not previously know. A bit difficult to rate the content, so this rating primarily applies to the translation. A lot of the Bible is very boring, and I do think that the translation made it less boring and much easier to read. The biggest losses, I think, are in the lyrical or speechworthy passages that are better known in their traditional form, and sound awkwardly and unnecessarily modern here, e.g. Psalms (23 for a...more
Rebecca Lewitt
Not a translation--a paraphrase. But life altering for me. The modern language really pulls you up short and makes you think about what is being said. Even when I dispute a word choice (or phrase choice or paragraph choice), it has still made me THINK about it. And frequently, when I read it along side my translation of choice, it enhances the meaning 10-fold for me. Shouldn't be your only Bible, but well worth the read. I especially like it for Proverbs (the practical book put plainly and simpl...more
Lawrence Carriere
I chose this translation for my first go at the Bible via the M'Cheyne (http://j.mp/f1zWmP) reading plan. The Bible is not something that is easy to read like a novel or short story. The Bible is something that we're supposed to study and live by. Having said that, if you just want to read the Bible once in your life time or, as I did, give it a cover to cover read to get familiar with the stories, the Message Remix is a good choice.

Eugene Peterson does a masterful job of taking the most intens...more
Anita
I've read different versions of the Bible, but I love The Message and it's easy-to-understand passages. I especially love to read The Sermon on the Mount and the book of James in this translation. Psalms loses a little in my opinion, and I like to read them in the NIV and the New King James Bibles. I would recommend The Message to anyone who has put off reading the Bible because they have problems understanding it or if you want something new in your Bible reading. The passages come alive.
I hav...more
Beth
Jan 21, 2011 Beth is currently reading it
I looked through this translation of the Bible a few years ago and initially disliked it. But recently I've been reading Praise Habit, by David Crowder, and he uses this version on his rumination of the psalms and I really liked the language. There's a sense of urgency and a poignancy that resonates with me now that didn't when I initially tried out this translation. So I'm reading this version in my goal to read through the Bible in one year. So far so good, however I don't think it's going to...more
Joey Reed
This Bible is a must-have for anyone who has ever struggled to understand their King James Bible. Written in easy to understand modern English, the reader is encouraged to hear the authors' voices in a whole new light while retaining the integrity of the Message itself. But don't be fooled into thinking that this is a Study Bible. This is a reading Bible, meant to steep the reader in the depths of the meaning of the words. You would not do well to parse this Bible. Instead, read it in long stret...more
Siobhan Parker
Synopsis: Called a "Bible in contemporary language," The Message is a paraphrase that updates the antiquated, archaic language found in most translations, whether the 1611 KJV or the 2010 NIV. This audio version features narration from experienced voice actor Kelly Ryan Dolan, as well as popular contemporary Christian music artists ranging from Steve Green to Janna Long (Avalon) to TobyMac reading selected passages, it's God's Word as you likely have never heard it before!

Production Values: 3.5/...more
Tori
I did it!!!!! My goal was to read the Bible in a year, so I followed a schedule and just finished this translation of the Bible today! Whew! I had chosen The Message because it was in contemporary language. Previously, I had read Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in here, and had been impressed with the images Peterson chose. Well - I am glad I read the whole Bible now, because over all, I felt cheated. Part of this, I'm sure, is because I am so used to reading the King James version. Yes, some of th...more
Chris Suleske
When Peterson's original Message transliteration was published, I eschewed it, taking my direction from critics who cherry-picked passages with which they took issue. By the time this version had been released, I'd mellowed in my take on such things. More than that, I'd come to appreciate Peterson's style of writing. It is easy to take passages with which we are accustomed and contrast them with the Message, producing instant dissonance. Psalm 23 is Psalm 23, in the KJV translation. Best to hear...more
Elizabeth  Holter
December 2010: Every year I read at least one classic book, and this year decided on the oldest book continuously in print. I picked this version because it is in contemporary language,from a translator who knows Greek and Hebrew. Halfway through, now, I find myself perversely comforted by the fact that, while human nature has not changed a bit over the last few millenia, there is a gradual upward movement in the way men view the world and their gods. It's enough to keep me going.
July 18, 2011:...more
Sarah
Oct 23, 2011 Sarah added it
The Youth at our church challenged everyone to read the entire New Testament by Lent. I am way behind on the "schedule" suggested, but working away nonetheless. I think I read the Gospels through as part of my confirmation back in high school, but otherwise I am really not sure that I have ever read the Bible through as a book (i.e., not just a smattering of verses here and there at a time). Needless to say, it gives you a different picture this way!

So far the translation is a little choppy to...more
Angela
Read online (biblegateway.com) over the last year. This was an interesting version (more of a paraphrase than a translation) of the bible. And biblegateway was very useful for easily comparing certain passages with other translations.

One of the big advantages of reading a paraphrase version, for me, was that it forced me to actually pay attention to what was being said, rather than just zoning out to the passages that I've heard so many times before.
Markus
This is probably my least favorite version of the Bible, because it's not really not a translation, but Peterson puts the Bible in his own words for common people who struggle reading the Bible. Unfortunately, this means he used alot of cliches and I found myself thinking, "Is this in the Bible?" but when I looked at real translations, it said something entirely different.

Nonetheless, if you haven't read the Bible or are afraid of the difficult text, it's a good first time reader's Bible.
Apryl Anderson
(21.03.1994), This was an enjoyable version of the New Testament. Not that the others aren’t, but its third grade vocabulary sure made it easy to understand. I thought that the slangy phrases were a little weak. It’s unfortunate that Peterson couldn’t avoid them. I don’t know if he kept them on the theory that the Gospels were slangy [colloquial] to begin with, or if he can’t distinguish between simple English and slang. I didn’t find much difference in the letters, but this version of the Gospe...more
Linda Lazzeroni
Dec 31, 2011 Linda Lazzeroni rated it 5 of 5 stars Recommends it for: all
Recommended to Linda by: Nancy
I ordered this for several young people whom I know. I encouraged them to choose a few books like the Psalms, Song of Solomon and Ruth in the Old Testament. Then, Luke and Romans in the New Testament.
If one were to read the Message Bible with the idea of a history book filled with amazing stories I think it would be more enjoyable as well as more useful. (As compared to the King James version, specifically.) Therefore, I recommend this book highly.
Adam Lockhart
I know that Peterson says this is a literal translation, but to me it seems to read more like a paraphrase. Either way, I would not discourage anyone from reading this version of the Bible, but I would not encourage them to use it as their only Bible either.

It is well written and has helped out more than one friend who doesn't believe in Christ. It bridges cultural gaps that some other translations just can't do.
Christopher
I prefer to treat this as a contemporary commentary on the Bible rather than as a legitimate translation of the Bible, and I take it that is what Eugene Peterson intended it for since he says in his introduction to The Message that it was not intended to replace standard study Bibles, but unfortunately it is not marketed that way at all. It is helpful at times and obscures with goofiness or inappropriate light-heartedness at other times.
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The Message: The Bible In Contemporary Language, Burgundy Bonded Leather (Leather Bound)
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The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (Hardcover)
The Message Remix 2.0: The Bible In contemporary Language (Hardcover)
The Message Bible: Complete Bible (Audio)

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(Matthew 5:14, The Message)”
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“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish; no one can snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all; no one can snatch them out of my Father's hand.I and the Father are one.

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