The Message: The New Testament in Contemporary Language

by Anonymous, Eugene H. Peterson, Kelly Ryan Dolan (Narrator)

THE MESSAGE is a presentation of the Word of God crafted for a modern age. Eugene Peterson, translator and editor, learned from his years of teaching and pastoring that most people, through familiarity or frustration with the Bible, were missing the whole message of Scripture: 'the Word that God uses to create and save us, heal and bless us, judge and rule over us.' So he set out to give us that word in language we use every day - a reading Bible that would enable the Word to penetrate our hearts and minds, transforming us day by day into the person God desires us to become.

Genres: Christian, Religion, Reference, Christianity, Nonfiction, Theology, Spirituality

Audio CD

First published January 1, 1993

About the author

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.

See also: Anonymous

Reviews

[Evie · Rating 3 out of 5]

For someone concretely atheist, I must admit that if anyone were to want to understand the gist of the Christian bible in a tolerable way, this would be it. I got my hands on this book thanks to the well-intentioned aunt of a boyfriend during high school. Written as a novel about the life of Christ, this version of the New Testament is highly readable (compared to the alternatives).

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love how The Message reads so smoothly, takes me into large sections of text, and makes me laugh when I recognize a verse and how appropriately Eugene Peterson expressed it with creative, insightful language. I recently read the intro to the Promise Keeper's edition and fell in love with his pastoral heart for us. I love how an author I've never met can feel like a personal mentor.

[Sara Jonsson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lika bra varje gång. Väldens bästa bok. Med ett raflande slut. Missa inte del 1.

[Ellie P. Hale · Rating 4 out of 5]

December 2023:

A bit tedious, but a really good translation to actually get the gist of the New Testament fairly quickly. I’d never read it through all the way through before… boy was I not ready for Revelations after all that lovey-dovey hippie-dippy stuff.

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

The message is not only The Word of God, it also brings lots of laughs! Like Jesus saying shut up... Haha!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

My second time through this version of the New Testament. It is easy reading and am now reading The Message Bible by Eugene Peterson. I've learned that to really gain insight into The Word, you keep rereading the Bible, whatever version you're comfortable with. As soon as you read the last page of Revelations, you turn to the first page of Genesis and start again.

[Gerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love to read The Message, OT and NT, for my daily Scripture reading. It is a paraphrase, and I would always confirm the meaning with ESV, Greek NT, etc. before teaching a passage. However, I love to read The Message.

[Sue Allen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So worthwhile to listen to. Could always just listen to one gospel
What amazing timing to be listening to this when gran was
In the hospital

[Paul Cockeram · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Good Book has been enshrined in its King James version so long that, for most of my life, every time I heard quotations from the Bible, the language sounded medieval--a bit stilted, though definitely poetic. The poetry of the King James edition, a preacher friend once told me, is what he associates with the Bible. But that same man went and bought me this edition, which has been translated into the idiom of our day, in order to show both of us something important about the Good Book: It's also a big, almost unwieldy collection of stories, letters, plainspoken poetry, and advice for how to live right. This edition performs a bit of a magic trick, bringing ancient scriptures closer to our contemporary context. In the transition, plenty is gained but a few things are lost, too.

Personally, I am less than devout--I pray as often as I need, go to church almost never, and hold to a more or less vague orthodoxy. The God of Peterson's translation of the New Testament, however, seems not to mind what set of beliefs I affirm as much as how I live in the world. The Psalms read like the street prayers of wise but uneducated citizens expressing devotion to God, or asking for mercy, or decrying injustice. Reading their words had the effect of putting their prayers into my own mind, so that eventually I felt their prayers were my own. What helped that sensation was the way these psalms, when rendered into the language of our day, lose nearly all traces of the exotic, feeling plainer and more direct, closer to my own language, therefore more honest. But along with that exoticism departs a certain aura, too--that sense of poetry which was so highly esteemed by the preacher who gave me this book. Of course, it is also true that such a translation shows how the plainspoken language of our time contains its own poetry. Part of the flavor of the King James Bible comes from its medieval language, for the language of another era can sound funny in the same way the carefully selected language of poetry can sound funny. There is value in looking past the poetry to the idea, in ordinary language. This value shone through most, I think, in the Proverbs, which finish this text and read like an instruction manual for living a virtuous, wise life. I read these a little each day, and they served well as daily reminders for how to live a peaceful, wise, right life. If I revisit anything in this Bible, it will most likely be the Psalms and Proverbs.

As for the testaments of Jesus, the change of language had a funny effect. The testaments read like magical realist fiction, set in a world very much like our own except for the man who possesses a direct connection with the divine. Since I am not devout, it's impossible for me to know fully the impact of seeing the story of sacred Jesus rendered in language that can look profane. I can only say that the story felt more familiar in this idiom, more like the literature I was trained to interpret. The characters therefore felt more human, more relatable to my context. Without being exactly edifying, the story of Jesus was touching in the way of good literature.

As for Paul's letters, they were a bit of a grind, feeling less like historical documents and more like a litany of corrective complaints. The delight in these letters came from seeing familiar passages rendered in unfamiliar phrases composed of contemporary language.

[Kipi (the academic stitcher) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read through the Bible every year, but I chose this version for 2013 because I think for personal growth it is important to at least occasionally explore something different than my normal NIV. While there were sections that really brought new insight, for the most part I didn't enjoy this particular translation. The modern, everyday language often felt too modern, too laid back, too secular. At one point during the year, I told two of my daughters that I was reading The Message for my daily Bible reading, and my oldest (who is a writer of young adult fiction) said that she really disliked the modern language. This really surprised me because I figured that young people would prefer something more up to date.

I gave it five stars as scripture and three stars for the translation which averages to four.

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes called a paraphrase more than a translation, Peterson's The Message has none of the omissions and other problems that plague true paraphrases like The Living Bible. I've read elsewhere that The Message is actually superior to many "pure translation" Bibles in its fidelity to the original Greek and Hebrew. In my own reading, I've found it compares favorably with the New King James Version, and I can say personally that its breezy, colloquial phraseology saved my life at a time when I needed the whole New Testament but lacked the energy and will to stick with the KJV or NKJV to the end. Although in the years since, I've become a sold-out fan of the NKJV, it was this translation that ordered my steps back to my faith.

[Troy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly love Peterson's creative, insightful translation. Masterful, and imminently helpful. Recommended to all. I have read it again and again, and will continue to do so.

It's not a word-for-word translation, wasn't intended to be, and doesn't need to be. But when you need a break from standard Bible versions, or a fresh approach to the Bible for any reason, The Message can be just the thing. It has reignited my love of the Bible time and again when it was needed, or carried me when my heart just wasn't in it for a time. How can you not recommend something like that to everyone? I know opinions are divided on it, but this is where I stand on it, put as simply as possible. Wonderful book.

[Lene Pienaar · Rating 1 out of 5]

I'm sorry if this upsets people (that's not my intention) but the fact of the matter is that a serious look into "The Message" reveals some devastating changes to the original meaning of the scriptures. This takes ad lib-ing to a whole new level and the fear of God should at least make others look into the matter with honesty. It's colorful language and easy to read style does not excuse it's total lack of often even a vague similarity to the original text.

[Grace · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is just a horrible translation - it turns the Gospels into a self-help book. One of the most political things that Jesus is said to have uttered is: "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled." (Matthew 5:6, NIV). This translation renders it as: "You’re blessed when you’ve worked up a good appetite for God. He’s food and drink in the best meal you’ll ever eat." That completely liquidates it of its meaning and renders it into a mushy affirmation. Not every rendering here is as bad as that, but it gives you a good idea.

[Jordan Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wrote a really long review about my thoughts on The Message, it’s value as a paraphrase/commentary, and some anecdotes from the day Maddy and I spent together with Eugene Peterson in his Montana home to film a promo for his poetry book, Holy Luck, …and then the app crashed and I lost it all.

Here’s the TLDR: After spending the last 3 months reading the whole New Testament in The Message I’m ready to get back to a more traditional translation, but I also really value the effort, passion, and insight that went into creating this version.

[Collin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Grandpa recommendation

[Edie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The audio version of The Message narrated by Kelly Ryan Dolan and Carol Nix, with an introduction by Eugene Peterson, is my favorite audio version of the Bible so far. I don't listen to the Bible for deep word studies or specific, detailed theological exploration. That sort of study requires books and colored pencils and the increasingly helpful computer search. I would never suggest that anyone own this as their only Bible. However, it is a wonderful addition to anyone's collection. The narration is excellent. Peterson's explanation of how The Message came about is insightful. And the introductions to each book are incredible helpful. The paraphrased translation works very well in the audio format. For in-depth study I return to more direct translations, of course. However hearing a familiar passage in fresh words often brings fresh insight and appreciation.

I return to this recording again and again. It has enriched my life and deepened my faith.

[Carrie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the contemporary language style . . . But sometimes I miss the more poetic phrasing and more accurate interpretation from an NIV. Best to keep one on hand. But overall, a much easier read. Oh yes!
TAKE 2: just read it again. Not only is it a good book, but it's THE Good Book! Everyone should read it once. At Least! 😀😇

[cloudyskye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very easy to read. Does not replace literal translations, but it is a nice addition and help when studying the Bible.

[Truly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this translation of the New Testament it makes it easier to go back and I now know the overall idea of what was going on in each book.

[Neville Ridley-smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Our church had a program to read the New Testament in 60 days : https://northernlife.org.au/60260-cha... which means 4-5 chapters per day. So I thought I'd read The Message translation. This is a review of The Message, not the Bible per se.

So yeah, it's definitely easy to read. In some cases it really draws out what something means - makes it come alive. Sometimes, I'd read something and go back to check the NIV. The NIV can often make my eyes glaze over and in these instances, I'd think, huh, yes, that's what the NIV says but it's just so convoluted in its expression. So for that, thumbs up.

Then other times I'd think, where's the verse about X? I'd go and check where it was in the NIV and then realise I'd read it in The Message but it had kind of been watered down. So thumbs down in those cases.

Lastly some of the expressions are a bit idiomatic and to my Australian eyes feel either very American or just a bit naff. And in some case I think they'll date pretty badly.

Ultimately though, I think it's a worthwhile read, just no substitute for serious study.

[Tim · Rating 4 out of 5]

I very much enjoyed reading this important translation of the New Testament. Perhaps the biggest benefit came from realizing how the original Koine Greek was a common, every day street language, and our usual cultural habit of taking in the Scriptures in ceremonial language separates us somewhat from the truth it contains. At the same time, rendering the Greek into everyday language necessarily means making a lot of interpretive decisions and using a lot of idioms that may not hold up well. So while I found this a refreshing and interesting read, in the mid-2020s it feels a little out of date. Those of the American Generation X and Baby Boom generations will have an easier time understanding the vernacular of the late 80s and early 90s in which it is written, but younger readers may scratch their heads at some places. But plenty of the everyday renderings hold up well — “The Word became flesh and blood and moved into the neighborhood” is my favorite.
I’m grateful to Peterson for this contribution to Scriptural interpretation.

[Brad Dell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Growing up, I heard all the jokes about The Message, and had even been warned about it being inaccurate. Then I got around to reading Peterson’s other works and realized his heart: this is not scripture for serious study, this is more like storytime from the heart of one who desperately loves God. And so I treated The Message in this way, reading through the New Testament from 10 to 10:30 nightly. Peterson’s writing, though goofy at times, more often brings me calm and good dreams. He’s tender like that. And hey, some passages really do pack a heavy punch of conviction — don’t mistake his gentle spirit for a compromising one. I’ve never read Paul’s voice with more emotional intensity.

[LAMONT D · Rating 5 out of 5]

I THINK MOST PEOPLE WOULD STILL BENEFIT FROM THIS ATTEMPT TO RENDER A VERSION OF THE NEW TESTAMENT IN A CONTEMPORARY IDIOM. THE AUTHOR'S GOAL WAS TO CONVERT THE TONE, THE RHYTHM, THE EVENTS, THE IDEAS, INTO THE WAY WE ACTUALLY SPEAK AND THINK. SINCE IT WAS DONE ALMOST 30 YEARS AGO SOME OF THE PHRASES SEEM A LITTLE BIT OUT-OF-DATE OR EXPRESS AN IDIOM MOST PEOPLE WOULD NOT SAY OR RELATE TO TODAY. BUT BEYOND THAT IT IS SO REFERSHING TO READ THROUGH AND ENJOY THE NARRATIVE AND THE STORIES THAT TELL US AGAIN THE ETERNAL GOOD NEWS OF THE NEW CONVENANT WITH GOD THROUGH HIS SON JESUS.

[Robert Thibodeau · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very, casually read, Bible. It is easy to read - although I do not always agree with the phraseology used (which is why I bumped one star down). But I try to read a different version of the Bible every year (for the last 20 years). This is one of the Bible's in the rotation. I do use some of the verses from this Bible in my teachings, whenever the phraseology provides a clearer understanding for the listener (especially when compared to the King James Version).

[Rosemary Parke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not a translation, but paraphrase, so it doesn't need to be your only bible. That being said, the use of modern idioms and imagery brings many difficult passages to life and sheds light on subjects that are sometimes difficult to grasp. If you're looking for a supplement to spice up your hunger for the word, this may be the book for you. The paraphrase of Romans seven alone is worth the price of the book.

[Terence · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have two thoughts that might seem contradictory (but aren't) on this translation of the Bible.

First, I wouldn't recommend this translation for serious study or as your primary translation. There are simply too many changes that lose the original meaning/value.

Second, I think this book can be used by those that have been Christians for years as a way to possibly see/hear new things in verses that may be too familiar.

[Alana · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's always good to read these books in much longer chunks than we allow ourselves in little devotional times. Doing the audio book of this paraphrase was quite nice, as it allowed me to just kind of dwell in the story, rather than focusing on where the chapter and verse breaks are. It's surprisingly easy to read a couple of (short) books of the Bible in one setting that way! A refreshing version that's nice to shake up the familiar once in awhile.

[L.T. Kodzo · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's hard for me to give The Bible only 4 stars. I've read through the NIV, NLT and NRS in my life, and this year decided to try The Message only to be disappointed with the writing. While some passages are lovely, I find it is sprinkled with too much purple prose and cliche. It sometimes distracts or even eliminates areas of scripture.

[Kylie Abecca · Rating 1 out of 5]

I tried. Really I did. But after reading the same 15 sentences over and over and over again just put in a different order I couldn’t help but be not only bored out of my mind, but I felt like this book was more an elaborate attempt at brainwashing. I got a quarter of the way through and was ready to ditch it into the fireplace. Not willing to continue reading.