The Message

[aspen]

Hey, what do you guys think about The Message translation of the Bible? Not for study, but as a reliable paraphrase? I go to Eugene Peterson's sons church periodically (I used to be Presbyterian before becoming Catholic) so I have a biased viewpoint.

 

[Nomad]

Hey, what do you guys think about The Message translation of the Bible? Not for study, but as a reliable paraphrase? I go to Eugene Peterson's sons church periodically (I used to be Presbyterian before becoming Catholic) so I have a biased viewpoint.

You should be extremely cautious when using any paraphrase which is basically a translation and commentary rolled into one text. Such a version is highly interpretive and therefore subjective. It's not wrong to read the Message, just keep in mind that it's a paraphrase and it may or may not accurately represent the original text. If you want a good modern English translation that is also faithful to the original languages then the ESV and NASB '95 are good choices for example. If you're a Textus Receptus kind of guy, then you might like the NKJV.

 

[aspen]

You should be extremely cautious when using any paraphrase which is basically a translation and commentary rolled into one text. Such a version is highly interpretive and therefore subjective. It's not wrong to read the Message, just keep in mind that it's a paraphrase and it may or may not accurately represent the original text. If you want a good modern English translation that is also faithful to the original languages then the ESV and NASB '95 are good choices for example. If you're a Textus Receptus kind of guy, then you might like the NKJV.

Thanks. I agree that the Message does narrow the meaning of the text down to a fairly simplistic understanding, but I think it is a good way to get a global understanding. I do find myself having to refer to other translations though....in order to find my way around txt that are supposed to be familiar.

 

[religusnut]

Thanks. I agree that the Message does narrow the meaning of the text down to a fairly simplistic understanding, but I think it is a good way to get a global understanding. I do find myself having to refer to other translations though....in order to find my way around txt that are supposed to be familiar.

I am reading it through right now in the mornings as a devotional. It has it's pros and cons I guess. I definitely would not recommend a person buy it as their only bible. It is an interesting study tool though.

 

[aspen]

I am reading it through right now in the mornings as a devotional. It has it's pros and cons I guess. I definitely would not recommend a person buy it as their only bible. It is an interesting study tool though.

I know what you mean. I think changing the mustard seed to a pine nut has really messed up the parable. I think people were supposed to be shocked that Jesus compared the Kingdom of God with a fast spreading weed, rather than a strong tree. But , I am enjoying reading it - almost like a commentary. Thanks for your comment

 

[John1]

You should be extremely cautious when using any paraphrase which is basically a translation and commentary rolled into one text. Such a version is highly interpretive and therefore subjective. It's not wrong to read the Message, just keep in mind that it's a paraphrase and it may or may not accurately represent the original text. If you want a good modern English translation that is also faithful to the original languages then the ESV and NASB '95 are good choices for example. If you're a Textus Receptus kind of guy, then you might like the NKJV.

Nomad

The best option for study is the Westcott Hort Text

NewGuy

 

[Nomad]

Nomad

The best option for study is the Westcott Hort Text

NewGuy

Hmmm... now there's a giant can of worms you don't see much GTM. ;)

I'm pretty sure that the TR and Byzantine Priority guys would disagree with you on that.

 

[John1]

Hmmm... now there's a giant can of worms you don't see much GTM. ;)

I'm pretty sure that the TR and Byzantine Priority guys would disagree with you on that.

Nomad

,

Hmmm... now there's a giant can of worms you don't see much GTM.

I like worms.

NewGuy

 

[Nomad]

Nomad

,

I like worms.

NewGuy

Yum.

 

[John1]

What about the "TEV"/

it has addressed the original language quite well.

NewGuy

 

[Nomad]

What about the "TEV"/

it has addressed the original language quite well.

NewGuy

I don't know anything about the TEV. I never heard of it.

 

[John1]

I don't know anything about the TEV. I never heard of it.

It is called Todays English Version and is second to the NASB. But of ciourse that it my Westcott Hort Bias coming out.

NewGuy

 

[Nomad]

It is called Todays English Version and is second to the NASB. But of ciourse that it my Westcott Hort Bias coming out.

NewGuy

Oh, o.k. Something to investigate. :)

 

[Anastacia]

I think The Message is not ever to be mistaken for a Bible. And I think it is shameful the way it is written.