Comments on: A Friend of Christ: NLTse Concern

By: Brandon

Brandon — Tue, 15 May 2007 17:08:59 +0000

I, too, have read the HCSB and enjoy it greatly. I have yet to read the NLTse. I use primarily, right now, in my teaching and preaching, the TNIV. I have also been reading the ESV.

When it is all said and done, the TNIV is usually where I camp out. Perhaps because it’s the most familiar, as I have been an NIV guy since I’ve become a Christian.

By: elshaddai

elshaddai — Tue, 15 May 2007 02:56:02 +0000

I’m not familiar with the original languages, but there are verses where I’ve grown so accustomed to the traditional “Bible language” that the choice of alternate wordings in the NLTse throws me for a loop, even if the translation means the same. That makes it a great choice for someone new to the Bible, but maybe not a primary Bible for someone with more theological background. I’ll be very curious to compare the NLTse Reference Bible that hit the shelves earlier this month with the TNIV due out this fall.

Ironically, as I’m coming from NASB roots, I’ve never really trusted the NIV, so leaning toward the TNIV is rather a bold step for me. I really wanted to like the HCSB as a more literal/formal translation and an alternative to the maligned ESV, but it’s left me somewhat indifferent in the Old Testament; maybe the NT will be better. When I feel “radical”, I dig out my old NEB.

By: gzimmy

gzimmy — Tue, 15 May 2007 00:23:16 +0000

I appreciate the link, ElShaddai.

I find it frustrating, because I really enjoy the easy read of the NLTse. I love knowing that if I point somebody in that direction, they won’t be misled by the translation, and overall I do trust Tyndale.

But when I see things that don’t quite match the original languages, it makes me pause. And so I go to “Blue Letter Bible” and check out what the original Greek says.

I agree with you, the TNIV is so similar to the NIV that I’m more comfortable with it.