Books can be attributed to "Anonymous" for several reasons:
* They are officially published under that name * They are traditional stories not attributed to a specific author * They are religious texts not generally attributed to a specific author
Books whose authorship is merely uncertain should be attributed to Unknown.
I got this Bible free in the Olive Tree Bible Study app on my iPad. (Love that app, by the way.)
The translation was crowdsourced, which explains why it's inconsistent in places.
The editors show a propensity toward cliches, e.g., Isaiah 64:11, "all our prized possessions have been destroyed," where a note indicates the alternate translation as "all that we valued has become a ruin." Given the choice between the two, why would an editor prefer the hackneyed old set phrase "prized possessions" over something plain, simple, and more literal?
Other times, though, the translators appear to be needlessly striving for originality. In Habakkuk 2:14, for example, they write: "For recognition of the Lord s sovereign majesty will fill the earth just as the waters fill up the sea."
The footnote shows the literal translation: Heb. "for the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord, just as the waters cover over the sea." The poetic meter of the original has been eradicated in the translation, and for no good reason I can discern.
The translators have a journalist-like aversion to metaphor. Deuteronomy 26:8 reads, "Therefore the LORD brought us out of Egypt with tremendous strength and power(a), as well as with great awe-inspiring signs and wonders." Note (a) then says, "Heb. 'by a powerful hand and an extended arm.' These are anthropomorphisms designed to convey God's tremendously great power…They are preserved literally in many English versions (cf. KJV, NAB, NIV, NRSV). Well, yeah. I suppose that's why those translations are among the most widely used. I'd rather have the literal translation with an explanatory footnote than the other way around.
Diction choices are very odd indeed. There seems to be an excessive concern about helping "modern" readers understand the text, which results in pointless things like Jeremiah 13:1 describing his "linen shorts." I trust that modern readers are not so dense as to be unaware of what a loincloth is. Elsewhere, the plans for the temple are called "blueprints," a whopping anachronism.
The translators' notes are copious, almost overwhelmingly so. But I do like seeing the thought process.
The notes often highlight occasions when the translators have taken liberties with sentence structure. The notes will cite a verse or verses and then note that they are "one long sentence in Hebrew. The translation divides this into two sentences for stylistic reasons."
In one place, they have left what they consider a "long" sentence, with this explanation: "The length of this sentence runs contrary to the normal policy followed in the translation of breaking up long sentences. However, there does not seem any way to break it up here without losing the connections." The sentence in question is Jer. 15:4 -- "I will make all the people in all the kingdoms of the world horrified at what has happened to them because of what Hezekiah's son Manasseh, king of Judah, did in Jerusalem.” Now, is that really so long? It's not unwieldy.
This aversion to long sentences and the anachronistic diction choices lead me to believe that this translation is aimed at readers with lower skill levels, e.g., young people and those for whom English is a second language. Yet the notes are highly scholarly, often delving deep into fine points of Hebrew and Greek grammar.
For example, here's the note on Jer. 31:19 -- "For this meaning of the verb see HAL 374 s. v. ידע Nif 5 or W. L. Holladay, Concise Hebrew and Aramaic Lexicon, 129. REB translates "Now that I am submissive" relating the verb to a second root meaning "be submissive." (See HALOT 375 s. v. II ידע and J. Barr, Comparative Philology and the Text of the Old Testament, 19- 21, for evidence for this verb. Other passages cited with this nuance are Judg 8:16; Prov 10:9; Job 20:20.)"
I have no idea what half of that even means, and I'm a pretty skilled reader. But not in Hebrew.
The notes are sometimes written so much for those with a seminary education that they are out of reach of ordinary laypersons. For example, on Mark 1:31, "...the fever left her and she began to serve (a) them," where note (a) says, "The imperfect verb is taken ingressively here." Not knowing Greek, either, I have no idea what an ingressive verb is or why it matters.
So I'm not quite sure what to make of the NET. As a Bible study leader, I find the scholarly notes helpful, albeit over my head at times. But because of the tendency of the text toward oversimplification and paraphrase, I'm not likely to use it in class.
Best Bible translation available! Unlike other modern Bibles, this is not a revision of a previous translation--but new from the ground up by specialists across the world. Although similar to (but better than) the NIV in its dynamic translation, the bulk consists of various note types like the Text Critical, which gives a strict/literal rendering as alternative. Detailed notes explain the reason why each verse was translated as it was, clues you in to linguistic, scholastic, and theological issues, and lets you decide for yourself how best to understand it. It therefore functions both as an easy-reading and hard-core study Bible. Plus full color satellite maps of the Holy Land! I didn't give it 5 stars because the pages stick due to the gold spray on the edges and the printed edition doesn't come with the Apocrypha.
About the Binding & Cover This edition is made from smooth finished Cromwell Premium Bonded Leather, with a Premium Smythe sewn binding. The cover has a smooth leathery feel, and rich color. Bonded leather is made from tiny bits of leather reformed together with latex binders to create one sold sheet of leather. Depending on the quality bonded leather is composed of 80% to 100% leather fibers. Bonded leather doesn't last as long as Genuine Leather, but does certainly out lasts other types of covers. Smythe sewn binding is considered the highest quality binding, the pages are sewn and glued to the spine of the Bible. The benefits are a long lasting Bible that can be read and reread for years without falling apart. Books with Smythe sewn binding will stand up to more abuse than regular glued binding, and can be read on a flat surface. For these reasons many textbooks, picture books and Bibles that are designed to stand the tests of time use Smythe sewn binding. Smythe sewn book printing and binding gets its name from its inventor, an Irish-American named David McConnell Smythe (1833-1807). A pioneer of modern day bookbinding, Smythe took a bold leap forward over the centuries old methods of binding by producing the first technology and methods for sewing book pages to the spine to create a book of superior quality and appearance. Smythe-sewn Bibles are durable, but they may be heavier and less flexible than glued Bibles. That said if you want the best, then you want Smythe sewn binding. Size: 6.75 x 4.5 in
What’s inside? This Bible is printed on Premium Bible paper, the text is clear 8 point type, the translators' notes are 5.5 point type text. The lay out of this Bible is double column format, black letter edition, with paragraph/subject headings. Features include 7,722 condensed translators' notes, glossary of terms, Concordance with over 6300 entries/references covering more than 1000 key biblical terms, detailed table of contents, Bible Answers to Life Questions, On Prayer section a resource that lists more than 25 passages about prayer, Scripture Memory Verses, NET Bible Maps six Old Testament Maps, four Journeys of Paul Maps and two brand new New Testament Maps. This edition has gold gilded page edges. Along with this Bible is included a bonus Companion CD which is a very well featured program.
1. Preface to the Compact Edition 2. Introduction to the Compact Edition 3. The NET Bible Team 4. Books of the Bible in Canonical Order
In the Back
1. Glossary of Terms 2. Compact Concordance 3. Principles of Translation 4. Bible Answers to Life Questions (Preview at http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id... ) 5. On Prayer (located online at http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id... ) 6. Scripture Memory Verses 7. Detailed Table of Contents 8. Index to NET Bible Maps-Black and White New & Old Testament Maps
Contents of the Companion CD NET Bible
* HTML version like the one online * HTML Help version - searchable (windows only)
History of the English Bible Articles
* Part I: From Wycliffe to King James (The Period of Challenge) * Part II: The Reign of the King James (The Era of Elegance) * Part III: From the KJV to the RV (from Elegance to Accuracy) * Part IV: Why So Many Versions?
Making of the NET Bible Articles
* Innovations in the Text and Translation of the NET Bible, New Testament * An Open Letter Regarding The NET Bible, New Testament * Consideration of Contexts in the Translation Philosophy of the NET Bible: Discussion and Examples
Studying the Bible Section
* Finding God - a brief explanation of God’s plan of salvation * The Basics of the Faith - A question and answer Bible study series * Introduction to Christian Belief - A layman’s guide to systematic theology * How to Study the Bible ($15 book) - covers the place of the Bible in the life of the Christian, key components of Bible study, and different kinds of Bible study. * How to Teach the Bible - Shows you how to begin to communicate what you’ve learned in your study of the Bible to other people.
Gospel of John Tools
* Audio version of Gospel of John * Pastor's Commentary on John - Bob Deffinbaugh * Technical Commentary on John - Hall Harris
Reference Tools:
* Introductions, Outlines and Arguments of whole New Testament - extensive background materials * Easton's Bible Dictionary * Nave's Topical Bible * Torrey's Topical Textbook * Matthew Henry's Commentary
About this Translation This information is from "Preface To The NET Bible http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id... " if you would like to learn more about this translation please refer to the above address."The NET Bible is a completely new translation of the Bible with 60,932 translators’ notes! (The translators' notes can be found online and in the printed First Edition) It was completed by more than 25 scholars – experts in the original biblical languages – who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators’ notes make the original languages far more accessible, allowing you to look over the translator’s shoulder at the very process of translation. This level of documentation is a first for a Bible translation, making transparent the textual basis and the rationale for key renderings (including major interpretive options and alternative translations). This unparalleled level of detail helps connect people to the Bible in the original languages in a way never before possible without years of study of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It unlocks the riches of the Bible’s truth from entirely new perspectives.
The Deutero-Canonical books/Apocrypha are not completely translated yet and are not certainly in the printed editions. Plans are underway to translate these books the translators' of the Net Bible seek to create a translation which all Christians can use regardless of denomination.
My Personal Opinion This Bible has clear, easy to read text, which is always nice to see in a compact edition. I would like to point out that the size of this edition is 6.75" x 4.5", as you can tell from the photo I have very small hands which makes this Bible look larger than it actually is. The features of this edition such as the Compact Concordance, Bible Answers to Life Questions, On Prayer section, and Scripture Memory Verses section makes this Bible a very useful compact edition.
The NET Bible (New English Translation) Full Notes Edition is a lovely Bible. The copy I purchased and that is shown in the photos in the blog post linked above is the genuine leather-bound, comfort print edition. It has a smooth, veg-tan leather feel with a camel brown colored cover and three attached satin bookmarks. The Bible itself is quite hefty and thick. It has a good hand feel, though it is large enough that I might not carry it around everywhere with me.
I took about eight months to read through the entire edition and kept notes about some of the things I appreciated about it along the way. Overall, I really liked it but I did notice a couple of things that kept it from becoming my favorite translation.
Things I loved about it:
- The abundance of translators’ notes. This edition boasts over 60,000 translator notes and is the most comprehensive edition (in terms of such notes) I have ever come across.
- Most Bibles I have read have brief footnotes to indicate where there is a case for an alternate translation of a word or phrase. Study Bibles also often have contextual notes that can cover a large part of the page. In this edition, though, those three columns of extras that you see in the photo above (see the blog post) are translator notes. In these notes, the translators shared their process for arriving at the translations they chose and share their reasoning for choosing the translation they did, as well as alternate translations and the reasons why some translators lean toward those alternate options. They reference different original texts and codices, differences in original languages, where some copies of original texts differ, and more.
- I really appreciate the transparency the edition provides through these notes. I was able to glean so much from the information provided, and there are also some contextual notes included in these sections throughout. Having access to these notes made me wish there was a Full Notes Edition for every Bible translation out there.
- The language is engaging and easy to read and understand.
- Many of the translator’s choices were linguistically inclusive.
Up until I reached some passages in the New Testament, this edition was tied with my current favorite Bible translation as one of my favorite versions. There were times when I thought it might even inch ahead of my favorite and become my top preference. However, there were a few things about it that kept it from usurping my favorite version’s position in my heart.
Things that kept this edition from becoming my favorite:
- Luke 13:10-17 presents what, in my opinion, is an unfortunate translator’s choice. The chosen wording in the passage implies that a woman’s disability was demonically induced. Though the translators acknowledge that the Greek does not read the same way they have worded the English translation in their notes, not everyone is going to read all of the translators’ notes when they are reading the passage, and I can see this passage being misused to harm disabled people if taught without discernment.
- Romans 16:7 demotes the status of Junia and Andronicus to that of “well known to the apostles” rather than “outstanding among the apostles,” and Romans 16:1 demotes Phoebe to “a servant” of the church in Cenchreae rather than a deacon.
- There are a couple of places where the translators have added words that they acknowledge are not in the Greek. For example, in 1 John 1:5 and 3:11, “gospel” is added before “message.” This adds clarity, perhaps (depending on your perspective, I suppose), but is not there in the Greek. I also did not think it prudent that they changed “brother” to “fellow Christian” throughout the book, as it is a less inclusive reading than “brother.” “Brother” could mean “any fellow or man.” Translating it “fellow Christian” changes the meaning of the text to one that only requires love for other Christians, which has significant implications in application.
Overall, I did truly enjoy reading the translation and the plethora of translator’s notes. I will revisit it often and would definitely recommend reading it but it will probably not become my daily reading translation.
Four points for the stellar translation and textual notes. There really is nothing like the NET Bible. Every single translation or wording decision is explained and justified, often with references to secondary sources so you can do more research if you want to. I am so glad this resource exists, and it’s fun that a lot of it was coordinated right here in good old Dallas, Texas.
I would give it five points if I could be more happy with the translation. I understand different translation philosophies, but so often the “equivalence” folks seem to have the philosophy “use any word except for the one that Tyndale/KJV/ESV have made popular.”
Even so, this has been a useful resource for years, and it will remain so for my lifetime. I just now finished reading the whole thing through, hence the review. Protip: buy the notes in your favorite electronic Bible. You’ll want them nearby.
Please Note: I'm assuming that this listing is for the First edition NET Study Bible.
About the Binding & Cover This edition is made from smooth finished Cromwell Premium Bonded Leather, with a Premium Smythe sewn binding. The cover has a smooth leathery feel, and rich color. Bonded leather is made from tiny bits of leather reformed together with latex binders to create one sold sheet of leather. Depending on the quality bonded leather is composed of 80% to 100% leather fibers. Bonded leather doesn't last as long as Genuine Leather, but does certainly out lasts other types of covers. Smythe sewn binding is considered the highest quality binding, the pages are sewn and glued to the spine of the Bible. The benefits are a long lasting Bible that can be read and reread for years without falling apart. Books with Smythe sewn binding will stand up to more abuse than regular glued binding, and can be read on a flat surface. For these reasons many textbooks, picture books and Bibles that are designed to stand the tests of time use Smythe sewn binding. Smythe sewn book printing and binding gets its name from its inventor, an Irish-American named David McConnell Smythe (1833-1807). A pioneer of modern day bookbinding, Smythe took a bold leap forward over the centuries old methods of binding by producing the first technology and methods for sewing book pages to the spine to create a book of superior quality and appearance. Smythe-sewn Bibles are durable, but they may be heavier and less flexible than glued Bibles. That said if you want the best, then you want Smythe sewn binding. Size: 9.75 X 7.0 X 2.25
What’s inside? This Bible is printed on Premium Bible paper, the text is clear 9 point type, the translators' notes are 7.5 point type text. The lay out of this Bible is double column format, black letter edition, with paragraph/subject headings. Features include 60,932 extensive translators' notes (more translators' notes than any other Bible in history), detailed table of contents, glossary of terms, 12 full color satellite maps, 8 full color pictures, 6 maps depicting the old testament periods, and 4 Journeys of Paul line maps. This edition has gold gilded page edges, which adds to the traditional elegance of this Bible. Along with this Bible is included a bonus Companion CD which is a very well featured program.
1. Preface to the First Edition 2. Introduction to the First Edition 3. Books of the Bible in Canonical Order
In the Back
1. NET Bible Principles of Translation 2. Abbreviations 3. List of Cited Works 4. Principal Manuscript Evidence for the Greek New Testament 5. Hebrew and Greek Translation 6. Detailed Table of Contents 7. Index to NET Bible Maps
Contents of the Companion CD NET Bible
* HTML version like the one online * HTML Help version - searchable (windows only)
History of the English Bible Articles
* Part I: From Wycliffe to King James (The Period of Challenge) * Part II: The Reign of the King James (The Era of Elegance) * Part III: From the KJV to the RV (from Elegance to Accuracy) * Part IV: Why So Many Versions?
Making of the NET Bible Articles
* Innovations in the Text and Translation of the NET Bible, New Testament * An Open Letter Regarding The NET Bible, New Testament * Consideration of Contexts in the Translation Philosophy of the NET Bible: Discussion and Examples
Studying the Bible Section
* Finding God - a brief explanation of God’s plan of salvation * The Basics of the Faith - A question and answer Bible study series * Introduction to Christian Belief - A layman’s guide to systematic theology * How to Study the Bible ($15 book) - covers the place of the Bible in the life of the Christian, key components of Bible study, and different kinds of Bible study. * How to Teach the Bible - Shows you how to begin to communicate what you’ve learned in your study of the Bible to other people.
Gospel of John Tools
* Audio version of Gospel of John * Pastor's Commentary on John - Bob Deffinbaugh * Technical Commentary on John - Hall Harris
Reference Tools:
* Introductions, Outlines and Arguments of whole New Testament - extensive background materials * Easton's Bible Dictionary * Nave's Topical Bible * Torrey's Topical Textbook * Matthew Henry's Commentary
About this Translation This information is from "Preface To The NET Bible http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id... " if you would like to learn more about this translation please refer to the above address."The NET Bible is a completely new translation of the Bible with 60,932 translators’ notes! (The translators' notes can be found online and in the printed First Edition) It was completed by more than 25 scholars – experts in the original biblical languages – who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators’ notes make the original languages far more accessible, allowing you to look over the translator’s shoulder at the very process of translation. This level of documentation is a first for a Bible translation, making transparent the textual basis and the rationale for key renderings (including major interpretive options and alternative translations). This unparalleled level of detail helps connect people to the Bible in the original languages in a way never before possible without years of study of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It unlocks the riches of the Bible’s truth from entirely new perspectives.
The Deutero-Canonical books/Apocrypha are not completely translated yet and are not certainly in the printed editions. Plans are underway to translate these books the translators' of the Net Bible seek to create a translation which all Christians can use regardless of denomination.
My Personal Opinion Many would assume that this edition is meant especially for those in ministry or those who know the original languages but this isn't the case. The translators' notes of the first Edition are meant to help people get a better idea of what the original languages said and of the translation process that went into the NET Bible. Personally I love the extensive translators' notes of this edition, they are very useful and interesting. Even though I can't read Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek I still find the notes fascinating and comprehensible, although I'm sure someone with knowledge of the the original languages would find this edition even more helpful. Many times I find myself using this Bible along side other study Bibles to get a better idea of what the original languages said. This edition lays flat while reading, which is very helpful when studying or while comparing translations. The Net Bible First Edition is a good choice for study because of the extensive translators' notes and the wonderful maps.
NB: My four-star rating is not for the content, but for the translation. From a devotional standpoint, this translation was not my favorite. At times it was too dynamic - giving longer explanatory translations for familiar terms (e.g., "The Lord who commands armies" for the more familiar "The Lord of Hosts"). The great benefit of the NET Bible is, of course, the footnotes. It works well in a digital format.
I generally prefer the more literal (formal equivalence) translations and dislike non-literal (dynamic equivalence) translations. NET Bible is the best of both worlds, since the notes give the literal translations and the explanations for why they translated the way they did. They also avoid ideological gender inclusivity (my biggest gripe about the NRSV).
I’m a NASB guy so it was different reading something looser. I still prefer the more structured NASB, but sheer amount of notes in this Bible are impressive. I’m glad I bought and read it. I will continue using this version in my study.
As a translation, the NET Bible is OK. Sometimes it is odd, sometimes it is idiomatic, sometimes it is wooden. Sometimes it is painfully obvious that different people were primarily responsible for different books. Overall, it is OK—no better or worse.
The notes, however, are very good. They contain gems of helpful information ranging from connections to other parts of scripture to translation issues to cultural background and textual criticism. One caveat is there is a clear evangelical bias. That may not bother you, but it is something to be aware of.
4.5 stars* [Scriptures] The best English translation currently in existence.
It is hands-down the most linguistically-informed, and its Notes take the unprecedented step of describing why translation decisions were made and providing visual evidence of the options considered by the translators, often with Hebrew and Greek lexemes!
*This rating is accorded to this particular English translation of the Bible, not the revealed Scripture (in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek).
This Bible, although sometimes awkward in its wording, is full of great notes to help us understand the Scriptures better through textual criticism, text notes, and study notes. A great resource to have at hand.
About the Binding & Cover This edition is made from Cromwell Premium Top Grain Genuine Leather, with a Premium Smythe sewn binding. The cover has a fine leathery feel, rich color, and well defined grain. Top Grain leather is considered the second highest grade of leather, and is as strong and durable as full grain leather. This type of leather is split from the top layer of the hide, sanded and then refinished. Smythe sewn binding is considered the highest quality binding, the pages are sewn and glued to the spine of the Bible. The benefits are a long lasting Bible that can be read and reread for years without falling apart. Books with Smythe sewn binding will stand up to more abuse than regular glued binding, and can be read on a flat surface. For these reasons many textbooks, picture books and Bibles that are designed to stand the tests of time use Smythe sewn binding. Smythe sewn book printing and binding gets its name from its inventor, an Irish-American named David McConnell Smythe (1833-1807). A pioneer of modern day bookbinding, Smythe took a bold leap forward over the centuries old methods of binding by producing the first technology and methods for sewing book pages to the spine to create a book of superior quality and appearance. Smythe-sewn Bibles are durable, but they may be heavier and less flexible than glued Bibles. That said if you want the best, then you want Smythe sewn binding. Size: 9.75 X 7.0 X 1.5 (inches)
What’s inside? This Bible is printed on Premium Bible paper, the text is clear 11-point type text. The lay out of this Bible is double column format, black letter edition, with paragraph/subject headings. Features include 7,722 condensed translators' notes, a glossary of terms, 12 full color satellite maps, 8 full color pictures, 6 maps depicting the old testament periods, and 4 Journeys of Paul line maps. This edition includes a Premium black ribbon marker, and gold gilded page edges, which adds to the elegance of this Bible.
1. Preface to the Reader's Edition 2. Introduction to the Reader's Edition 3. The NET Bible Team 4. Books of the Bible in Canonical Order
In the Back
1. Glossary of Terms 2. Principles of Translation 3. Detailed Table of Contents 4. Index to NET Bible Maps
Along with this Bible is included a bonus Companion CD which has many features.
Contents of the Companion CD NET Bible
* HTML version like the one online * HTML Help version - searchable (windows only)
History of the English Bible Articles
* Part I: From Wycliffe to King James (The Period of Challenge) * Part II: The Reign of the King James (The Era of Elegance) * Part III: From the KJV to the RV (from Elegance to Accuracy) * Part IV: Why So Many Versions?
Making of the NET Bible Articles
* Innovations in the Text and Translation of the NET Bible, New Testament * An Open Letter Regarding The NET Bible, New Testament * Consideration of Contexts in the Translation Philosophy of the NET Bible: Discussion and Examples
Studying the Bible Section
* Finding God - a brief explanation of God’s plan of salvation * The Basics of the Faith - A question and answer Bible study series * Introduction to Christian Belief - A layman’s guide to systematic theology * How to Study the Bible ($15 book) - covers the place of the Bible in the life of the Christian, key components of Bible study, and different kinds of Bible study. * How to Teach the Bible - Shows you how to begin to communicate what you’ve learned in your study of the Bible to other people.
Gospel of John Tools
* Audio version of Gospel of John * Pastor's Commentary on John - Bob Deffinbaugh * Technical Commentary on John - Hall Harris
Reference Tools:
* Introductions, Outlines and Arguments of whole New Testament - extensive background materials * Easton's Bible Dictionary * Nave's Topical Bible * Torrey's Topical Textbook * Matthew Henry's Commentary
About this Translation This information is from "Preface To The NET Bible http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id... " if you would like to learn more about this translation please refer to the above address."The NET Bible is a completely new translation of the Bible with 60,932 translators’ notes! (The translators' notes can be found online and in the printed First Edition) It was completed by more than 25 scholars – experts in the original biblical languages – who worked directly from the best currently available Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. The translators’ notes make the original languages far more accessible, allowing you to look over the translator’s shoulder at the very process of translation. This level of documentation is a first for a Bible translation, making transparent the textual basis and the rationale for key renderings (including major interpretive options and alternative translations). This unparalleled level of detail helps connect people to the Bible in the original languages in a way never before possible without years of study of Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. It unlocks the riches of the Bible’s truth from entirely new perspectives.
The Deutero-Canonical books/Apocrypha are not completely translated yet and are not certainly in the printed editions. Plans are underway to translate these books the translators' of the Net Bible seek to create a translation which all Christians can use regardless of denomination.
My Personal Opinion The cover has a very nice leathery feel and texture, I understand now why many of my friends say "When you get a Genuine leather Bible you don't want to put it down". This Bible lays flat while reading, I've found this to be very helpful when studying or while comparing different translations. The Reader's Edition would be a good choice for devotional reading or study, because of the text size and the condensed translators' notes. Personally I find the translators' notes to be very interesting and helpful, giving a deeper understanding in to the possible translations.
This is currently my favorite translation/version of the Bible that I use daily. I am a scholar and this version simplifies much of my research work. I find the materials to be faithful to the manuscripts and very practical in the presentations of such. My ONLY issue is--and I have aging eyes even as I write this--the print font is so small that I have to use a magnifying glass to clearly read. However, it is excellent in any other way and perhaps, I simply need to search out (or someone needs to print) and Large-Print edition. Highly Recommended. Dr G
I don't know how many times I've read the Bible nor the different translations. This translation is my preference for many reasons. I'm familiar with some of the members of the translation team because they were my professors at the seminary I attended. There's shock and awe, fear and loathing, and lots of redeeming love. I do hope in some distant future the Apocrapha (middle books between the Hebrew and Greek texts) is added for a more full-bodied read.
This is a decent translation. I used it for a through the Bible in one year plan and found it better than adequate. I did not use any of the footnotes or study helps, but simply read the text. The English is very reader friendly and although I did not come across anything that stood out as unorthodox, I did find several passages in the OT in particular that I felt missed the mark. I'll keep a copy for future reference, but it won't be a "go to" source.
There are a few goofy moments throughout, but I found this translation to be one of the more readable versions, with ample notation specifically on translation (as opposed to typical study Bible sorts of notes). I'm sure there are plenty of quibbles to be found with the looser translation employed here, but this version is certainly one to be in the rotation.
The NET Bible is an excellent and readable translation with outstanding notes. I read in the electronic version which made the Bible manageable with immediate access to the notes. Some of the notes cite very old literature, thus most readers will be unable to access articles that are cited in them. Overall this is an excellent choice for those planning to read through the Bible in a year.
An excellent, high fidelity, and very transparent translation. However, in parts it loses the flow and feel of other translations (ESV, KJV) for the sake of linguistic precision. This is not necessarily a disadvantage or problem because of the goals of this translation, but it is important to note.
Can't put a rating on this one. At times the best book ever, and at times the worst :) I do like this version because it gives context and alternative translations in the notes. It's good to be reminded that there's nuance and uncertainty.
6th audio Bible for the year, This one took longer, because I had Audible Plus for a short while and wanted to make sure I listened through a lot of titles, but got distracted on getting back to this one.
I have found this translation so fresh. I love too that online you can access all the footnotes that clearly explain all the translation choices made. My new go-to translation of the Scriptures!
A wealth of grammatical and semantic detail. A great effort is made by the commentators to be objective, but here and there the analysis seems clearly from a Protestant point of view