Book Review – The Expanded Bible New Testament
Bible Translation with Additional Text Information and Explanations
Sep 10, 2009
The cultural context of language and subtle differences in translation of Scriptures can cause confusion for modern students of the Bible. The Expanded Bible (New Testament) (Thomas Nelson, 2009) offers a more comprehensive guide to Bible language than standard Bible translations, facilitating a better understanding of Bible text as it is being read.
The Expanded Bible – New Testament
Compiled by Bible scholars Tremper Longman III, Mark L Strauss, and Daniel Taylor, The Expanded Bible (New Testament) offers Christians an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of scriptures as they read Bible passages for personal or group Bible studies. Drs Longman, Strauss and Taylor also serve as the Executive Committee for the New Century Version of the Bible.
In a similar way to The Amplified Bible, The Expanded Bible offers readers subtle variations in meaning and alternatives for specific words and phrases, providing a richer understanding of Bible verses and passages.
In addition, however, The Expanded Bible also provides brief notes on literal translations, textual variations, traditional translations, commentary and cross-referencing to significant verses within the text.
What are the Features of the Expanded Bible Translation?
The Expanded Bible (New Testament) offers seven different features within the Bible text to help readers gain the maximum understanding from what they read.
- Expansion – other possible ways of translating a particular word or phrase
- Alternate – A different translation possibility that takes the meaning of the text in a different direction
- Literal – A more literal translation of the original text
- Traditional – Familiar terms and wordings from popular translations, particularly those in the King James format.
- Comment – Brief historical, cultural, theological or other general explanation to help readers understand a particular verse or passage.
- Reference – Cross-references to other significant Bible verses of passages with similar allusions or parallel events/text.
- Textual Variant – footnoted material showing significant differences in various manuscripts in the original language.
Advantages of the Expanded Bible Translation
More comprehensive than the Amplified translation, yet less cumbersome than a fully annotated study Bible, The Expanded Bible offers a practical alternative for those looking to gain a more in depth understanding of Bible passages they are reading for times of personal or group Bible study.
The introduction clearly outlines the way the text is formatted with the various additions, and the bracketed additions are easily linked to the relevant verses. The single column format with wide side margins offers a reasonable amount of space for writing notes.
Limitations of the Expanded Bible Translation
The frequent interruptions to the flow of the text make this translation of limited use for time of quiet reflective Bible reading or reading aloud in a group setting. There are no additional features, such as maps or concordance.
Cross-referencing is provided for significant linked verses, but this is not as comprehensive as a general study Bible with cross-referencin
A Useful Translation for Personal Bible Study
The Expanded Bible offers everyday students of the Bible the opportunity to get more meaning and significance from their reading of Scripture through the expanded meanings, alternative translations and general information provided within the text.
The additional words and comments placed allow readers to find the information relevant to the passages they are reading within the text, adding to their understanding as they read.
As a Bible study tool, The Expanded Bible allows readers to gain the maximum understanding of both the text and its relevance.
The Expanded Bible (New Testament) (ISBN: 978-0-7180-1984-6, 608 pages)
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