New Living Translation

I would like some thoughts on the New Living Translation of the Bible.

I realize that there have been numerous discussions regarding Bible versions on this site... but I could not find much on this version. (perhaps I didn't search good enough)

At any rate, I use and firmly believe in the KJV bible...why?....simply because something in my spirit just keeps telling me to. However, my wife and I lead a Ministry called Road to Recovery...and many in our class have the "Life Recovery Bible" which uses the New Living Translation. This bible is published by Tyndale House Publishers..and has some excellent notes to go along with it...especially for someone that deals with an addictive lifestyle.

So far, I like this bible....but again...I use the KJV to study from, to read....and to teach from.

So my main question...(hoping to not start much of a debate) What text is the "New Living Translation" based on? I hope I'm making sense, forgive me for my lack of knowledge in this area.

God Bless.

Mark

never got a response on this...any thoughts from anyone???

thanks

I enjoy comparing translations using E-Sword and Biblegate, and frankly, I have found that the NLT, though a paraphrase, often has incredible ways of bringing clarity to certain thoughts.

I wonder if it would be worth checking the references in the NLT ahead of time so you know what they're reading, and then share with them the KJV words, where doing so would enhance clarity for THEM, or get them thinking further.

(I just realized that I didn't answer your question .... oh, well, just 1/2 a cent thrown in)

Diane

I like the way it phrases some of the verses. that's pretty much all I can add.

The NLT to my knowledge is based on the UBS4 Greek Text. The NLT is a conservative, evangelical paraphrase of the Scriptures. The authors of it wanted something that wasn't quite so painfully rigid as the NASB, but not as freely rendered as something like The Message.

I like the NLT as a paraphrase. Sometimes it can do a good job to help one understand the meaning of a particular passage, and still seeking to be faithful to the original text. I would not recommend it as a study Bible however. It would be an excellent Bible to use to go alongside something more literal e.g. NASB/KJV. It is something that would be good for people to read who have never read a Bible before, to get a general sense of what the Scriptures are saying.

Here at Moody Bible, we are given NLT for the purposes of reading, but are strongly discouraged from using it for study purposes. I have found it extremely helpful for reading, and reading only.

Hi Sentry,

My first Bible was a NLT and I read the NT with it. To be honest I'm with Krispy on the fact that this is not a reliable nor even a translation. I left it a long time ago because I seemed that I was reading a fairy tale story rather than the holy God breathed word. I recommend a solid translation that has stood the test of time, a King James Version. Don't mean the new one!

The New Living Translation is a great translation and I highly encourage you to continue using it.

Well, some very different points of view :-)

Just what I expected ;-)

Thanks for the comments...I like to read it some too, but my study Bible is the KJV.

God Bless You All.

Mark