Thank you so much for this video. In my journey I started reading ESV and then eventually NIV. I saw a lot of people who were kind of critical of the NLT, so i stayed away. But then I started reading it for myself and studying how it came to be and it is arguably my number favorite translation now! This video also helped me a lot too. Thank you!
Thank you for this video. This just confirmed I made the right choice for buying 2 NLT Bibles. I am new to my rebirth/walk with Jesus and I was that person in the past up until recently, who couldn't understand the other translations. So this brings me comfort to know I really was directed by The Holy Spirit to buy my first NLT to start my journey of reading and understanding God's word. God bless!
Thank you so much for saying nice things about the New Living Translation. I love the NLT. So easy to read and understand but with the assurance of being a legitimate scholarly translation. It makes Bible reading a joy rather than a trial to endure.
There are 2 forms of accuracy in a translation. 1. More accurate to the words chosen by the author. 2. More accurate to what the writer wanted the reader to understand and feel. Word for word translations are not more accurate. They are more accurate to #1. For example 2 cor 1:22. The NLT gives a full understanding of what the Holy Spirit is given as since the single Greek word can't be translated into a single word. And 2 cor 5:6 uses an idiom "at home in the body," which I've heard 4 different interpretations as to what it means. (All incorrect) The NLT properly translates it into what it means "as long as we live." And the NASB completely misquotes Jesus in Luke 11:28. In the Greek, he says the woman was correct that Jesus' mother is blessed, but those who hear the word of God and live it are more blessed than her. The NASB says, "On the contrary, blessed are those..." telling her she isn't right that Mary is blessed. I've been examining bible translations and the originals non stop for months and I can tell you that time and time again, the NLT has proven it to be in the top 3 for accuracy where it counts. And the top for clarity and for being difficult to misinterpret.
I think the nlt is a nice translation but one thing they stood out was in Philippians when paul says he knows how to be abased and that word is very profound , yet the way the nlt translates this verse is very bland and lacking in emotion. I haven’t read a lot of the nlt so idk how often this happens but that bummed me out because that verse is important to me and definitely sounds uninspired in the nlt
I really like the NLT. I read Proverbs every day for January in the MEV and then started re-reading it in the NLT this February and I feel like I understand the Bible way more.
Hey Brother, oh man, you just stated every reason I enjoy the NLT and why its been my favorite version for over 20 years. I'm a missionary in Japan and this is the version that I use to introduce to new believers because of the ease of understanding. In fact as I write, I'm currently designing a readers version of the NLT in Japanese and English to be printed on handmade Japanese paper, printed and bound in Japan.
I listening to this video and I couldn't have said it better. The NLT is the best translation for me. I've attempted to read other versions (KJV, NKJV, ESV, AMP) and I found myself losing interest and comprehension quickly. I always return to the NLT and yes, I love to read scripture aloud, I feel it in my spirit more intensely when I read the Bible out loud and yes, the NLT is the very best translation for reading the Bible aloud. I agree with your commentary 💯 percent.
Then you want your own pleasure. NLT isn’t a translation. It’s reforming thoughts. Bible requires study. It’s not going to be easy unless you twist words.
Thanks for making this video. I too currently prefer the NLT and often feel a bit “judged” by other Christians in my circle who choose ESV. I see a role for most of the translations, but at the end of the day, Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus, not academia. The best Bible to have is the one you’ll actually pick up and read!
I have a friend who always read the KJV only. I gave her an NLT version and she gave it back saying she would never use it. I told her to keep it and give it 3 months to either hate it or at least try it out. She now loves it and it is her carry around Bible. She says it reads like a novel and can read it for hours. She always loved her Bible time and now has a lot more of it.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
Thank you for your compelling endorsement of the NLT translation. During my daily bible study I tend to rely largely on formal equivalent translations. That said, after reading them, I enjoy an overall reading of the passage I'm reading in the NLT. It is commonly read from the pulpit in my congregation.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
Thank-you for making this video! The church that I started my Christian walk at used the NLT and it has a special place in my heart. If I’m going to read the Bible for enjoyment its what I use.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I'm now using the NLT the most. Excellent for reading to patients i visit and esol students and new Christians and those with dyslexia can all read this version. The best.
Thank you so much for this helpful and inspiring video talk. I love the NLT as it's the easiest for me to understand as I am new to reading the bible. It's helped me so much that I love and look forward to reading the bible daily now. I have some of the Inspire creative bible journals too in large text and they have now become my absolute favorite as I can write in them and draw, all of which makes bible time immensely enjoyable that I want to read them all the time, as they bring me close to our dear Lord Jesus Christ and his Word. I started with the large text NLT study bible which is really good. I do have the CSB and NKJV for cross reference, which were the first bibles I bought, but it was the NLT which made me enjoy and want to spend hours reading the bible. I have now subscribed to your channel.
In a Christian bookstor, I found a pamphlet with all the different versions and how they sit with accuracy versus understandability. NLT was the middle ground, and I eventually found out that my pastor at the time was an NLT user anyway. Most Pastors and preachers I follow on RUclips use KJV, NKJV, or NASB which I don't mind, but I'll look it up on my NLT to see how it compares, and if it gives me a better understanding.
I just read an article by Hinderager talking about a lot of what you mentioned in this video and it’s convinced me to experiment with preaching from the NLT! Thank you!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
First of all, I love the NLT. I agree with most everything he said, especially that reading large portions of scripture is one of the NLT’s strong point. However, an approach I use to understand particularly difficult verses is to arrange the translations of that verse from “word for word” at the top thru the “thought for thought” spectrum to the “paraphrase” at the bottom. (There are charts on the internet that rank them that way) and no they don’t always agree, but they are close to each other). I do the verse arrangement using the Blue Letter Bible app where I can arrange the versions in that order (or any other order I choose) using the “verse comparison” option. (Other Bible apps may allow that customization, I’m not sure). Once arranged I can see the “spectrum” of word and phrasing choices the translators made using the various approaches to translation. Helps me see the (many) word/phrasing options and appreciate how difficult the art/science of Bible translation is. That’s my 2 cents.
After years of praying that God would help me to read His Word more, the NLT was the first version I would absolutely _devour_ After reading it so much in the New Testament especially, I thought I’d read through the whole Bible. I read Genesis, I read Exodus in a single day even I enjoyed it so much, I read Leviticus, but somewhere in Numbers I finally got a bit fed up because this weird thing kept happening where I would read a verse and think “I had NO idea the Bible said that!”, and then after looking at other versions and the original languages realizing that it didn’t actually say that at all. I decided that I did not want that to be the first translation I read all the way through, lest I get any weird ideas. Definitely use discernment! Romans 8 is a masterpiece in the NLT, imo. I totally agree that it is so incredibly understandable, unlike any other translation I’ve ever read by far. I think as you said for that reason it’s a great choice to share with others, although I really don’t like how the Critical Text calls Scripture into question on just two or three manuscripts in passages like Mark 16 and John 8 and I don’t think we should be too quick to overlook that just because we like a particular version, especially when sharing with unbelievers who may have never even heard a single Bible verse other than John 3:16.
Fashionably late to this but I enjoyed listening to your commentary. My pastor and other church leaders use NKJV so I have a very nice NKJV Bible for church settings. It’s great, but for everyday reading it leaves much to be desired. At home, I have a NLT study Bible for my daily reading and devotional. I know it’s designed for a lower grade level of reading comprehension but the flow and ease of reading makes the NLT much more inviting. I know it has its share of issues, but so does any translation, no matter how literal.
The NLT is my favorite so far. I use different versions of the Bible cross-reference each other to see what has been changed. I find it they have all been changed but the NLT is still my favorite version.
I grew up with KJV in the house and at church. When I became a believer in 1995, I got a New Believer’s Bible from Harvest (Greg Laurie) and it is an NLT. I have this year actually transitioned to the NET as my everyday reader. I have a thin line version with reduced notes and a full notes version. I think both the NLT and NET are great for understanding. One thing I like about the NET is its availability online. The copyright allows people to quote and use it extensively.
The NLT chronological bible is a fantastic tool for getting ppl who have a hard time with "getting" the bible to make more sense of it. We often forget how mixed up the timeframes of the bible are and how confusing to readers this can be. The chronological version put all of the histories and prophets etc in their proper place in the narrative story of God's plan for mankind. Making it read more like one cohesive story , rather than a disjointed pile of study texts for ppl who already know the narrative arrange by type.
The NLT Bible is one of my favorite bibles to read I can understand it better and reading it is more fun to me than other versions but I still use the kjv To help me notice if any scripture was changed or left out
You mentioned that in some or many cases the NLT was more accurate or faithful to the Hebrew or Greek than the NIV. Did you have some examples please? I'm really interested in this! I really like the NIV (and the ESV), but I'm seriously considering the NLT. Thanks in advance! 😊
2 cor 1:22 (slightly more clear in the NLT) 2 cor 5:6 (the greek idiom "at home in the body" is easily misunderstood and the NLT makes it clear what that idiom meant) Luke 11:29 in the Greek Jesus says a women is correct and then adds that people would be more blessed to follow the word of God. The NIV (and many others) make it sound like Jesus is saying Mary isn't blessed.
I have the LSB and ESV sitting next to me. Occasionally I pull out an NIV to get another perspective. Less frequently I use KJV, NKJV, NASB, H/CSB. Just ordered NLT to have yet another perspective. After reading it on youversion I’m excited. The filament app that goes with the NLT I chose was what pushed me to buy one. Now I am trying to be patient as I wait. This video isn’t helping 😅
I have a copy of both the full Bible and the New Testament in the NLT. My first read study of Scripture was the NLT of the New Testament. Very easy to read and understand. I still use it but I also use my NKJV Bible.
I agree with you, David, the NLT offers so much clarity! I mainly study from the CSB. But when I don’t understand a passage the NLT totally brings it home for me. And it does it beautifully!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I bought this Bible (NLT LASB) for an unbelieving new Bible reader and he is actually reading it! He says the language .. common English .. draws him in. I am sold on this translation. I have a stash of NLT HelpFinders paperback Bibles to give away to new Christians. Thank you for an informative uplifting review. ✝️🔥♿️ MikeInMinnesota
I should say that I do prefer a more formal equivalence version like the ESV for psalms and proverbs. Majesty is lost for readability but in general I'm in favor of the accessibility of the NLT. M
The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth: ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst. As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer," Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best- *as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. *The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from. I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
I have recently come across the NLT. I've avoided it for years because there was a Living Bible when I was young. It was a paraphrase, easy to read and understand. It was not something that could stand alone for study. I like to compare versions when I deep study. I LOVE the NLT now. It brings new life to old familiar texts. The Spirit moves within me when I read it.
Thank you for doing this video I needed to see it this way. I have a couple of bibles and didn’t really connect with them but do a devotional each day and I noticed my church uses the nlt Along with the typical niv and esv but I didn’t know much about it versus some proverbs make more sense with the nlt. Thought for thought scared me but I think your everyday Bible approach is the way to go and the others for in depth word for word study. Thank you again and God bless!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
@@thesimplegospel8697 The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth: ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst. As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer," Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best- *as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. *The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from. I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
Good points. There is too much trash talk here about the various translations/versions. Having spent time in the world of Bible translation, I can say there is no perfect translation. The best version is the version that you will read regularly. If you want to do some in depth study, then avail yourself of the vast spectrum of English versions we are blessed with. Always remember that there are still thousands of languages without one verse.
My thoughts on the NLT, for what it's worth, if anything! 😊 1. Reasons I really like the NLT: a. Clarity and naturalness. Clarity refers to whether a text is comprehensible or understandable. For example, the sentence "I am one who is called John" is clear. However, this isn't how most people speak. Most people would simply say "My name is John". That's more natural. In fact, that's both clear and natural. And the NLT is both clear and natural. The NLT speaks to us in contemporary English. It's like talking with a friend, not like talking with Yoda (I'm looking at you, ESV!). I think this is the NLT's greatest strength. b. Audience appropriateness. The NLT is appropriate for multiple different audiences. It's appropriate for children of almost all ages. It's appropriate for people whose first language isn't English but who are learning English. It's appropriate for the biblically illiterate inasmuch as it's becoming increasingly common in our culture that many people have little if any familiarity with the Bible and its contents (e.g. they wouldn't necessarily understand "churchy" words like "hallowed" or "propitiation"). And the NLT is even appropriate for Christians in general who wish to have a smooth read-through of the entire Bible. 2. Some (mostly minor) gripes I have with the NLT, which again I really like: a. Accuracy. On the one hand, the NLT is often (surprisingly) accurate in capturing nuances in the biblical Hebrew and Greek that some formal equivalence translations don't capture and perhaps can't capture due to their formal equivalence translation philosophy. For example, compare some of the historical narrative passages in the OT in the KJV or NKJV or NASB or ESV with the NLT. Another example is I've enjoyed reading Romans, and the NLT translation seems to be more accurate and faithful to the Greek than I initially expected it to be (though not entirely of course but no translation is). Even when I didn't agree with the NLT's interpretation, I soon realized there's a fair sized and high quality body of biblical literature that stands behind most of their decisions; it's not as willy nilly as the NLT stereotypes might lead one to believe. I suppose the main reason for all this is because both Doug Moo and Tom Schreiner formed 2/3rds of the team that worked on the NLT's translation of Romans. Moo and Schreiner have each written arguably the two best (certainly among the best) scholarly commentaries on Romans. In short, the NLT can often bring out a fuller meaning that is in the text better than a formal equivalence translation. On the other hand, there are times when the NLT can be overly interpretive. It takes exegetical interpretations which could go different ways in meaning (or which may even be intended to have multiple meanings or a kind of studied ambiguity) and makes a concrete decision for the reader. The reader doesn't have to decide what a verse or passage means since the NLT has decided for them. Moreover, the NLT sometimes even adds in more than what the text says. For instance, I recall the Greek scholar Bill Mounce points out the NLT's translation of Acts 27:17: "the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast". The phrase "off the African coast" is not in the Greek. It's been added by the NLT translators for clarification. However, it'd arguably be better to put "off the African coast" in the footnotes if it needs to be clarified or simply leave it out entirely and either research for oneself where Syrtis is or let pastors, study Bibles, and/or commentaries explain. As such, if we read the NLT without reference to the original biblical languages, it can be hard to know if one is reading the original Hebrew or Greek text or if one is reading text that's been added in by the translators. b. Historical distance. Ideally there should be historical distance in terms of the time and culture of the biblical text (i.e. so modern audiences can enter into the ancient world of the biblical text), but there should not be historical distance in terms of the language (i.e. the language should sound to us as it did to the original audience). At times the NLT does not have as much historical distance in terms of the time and culture of the biblical text as it should. It makes the ancient world seem a bit too much like our day and age, I think. c. Register. Register refers to literary style. A higher register refers to a more formal literary style, whereas a lower register refers to a more informal literary style. Consider the NT. Most of the NT is in koine ("common") Greek, even though literary Greek existed at the time and was used by the best writers across the Roman empire. However, for various reason(s), the NT authors wrote in common every day Greek. C.S. Lewis may have put it best: "The New Testament in the original Greek is not a work of literary art: it is not written in a solemn, ecclesiastical language, it is written in the sort of Greek which was spoken over the eastern Mediterranean after Greek had become an international language and therefore lost its real beauty and subtlety. In it we see Greek used by people who have no real feeling for Greek words because Greek words are not the words they spoke when they were children. It is a sort of 'basic' Greek; a language without roots in the soil, a utilitarian, commercial and administrative language." The main exceptions to this are Hebrews and the prologue in Luke 1:1-4 which are written in a higher register than the rest of the NT. Likewise, there are other parts of the Bible that are set in a more poetic and arguably higher register (e.g. Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes). I think an English translation should reflect the literary style of the original text. If the original text is in a higher register, then the translation should be in a similarly higher register as well. But the NLT tends to flatten out the literary style of the entire Bible such that the Bible as a whole sounds more or less the same across the board. That is, the NLT sounds like ordinary, conversational, colloquial English. Of course, the NLT's translation philosophy specifically aims to sound ordinary or colloquial, so one can't fault them for this since they're perfectly faithful to their translation philosophy. Yet one does wish the NLT translators had been more flexible with regard to literary style, bending the rules where needed to better suit the original voice.
This was a great video! I’m torn between NLT, ESV and NKJV. The NLT study bible is my go to bible! And you’re absolutely correct that it is meant ro be read aloud.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I watched this just because I am a big fan of the NLT. I used to read the NIV, but then they changed it, I had lead children in memorizing Scripture from the NIV and now it is worded differently. I am reading through the Bible slowly and taking notes, I found a plan that takes you through in 4 years, it’s helping me understand some things.
I am pretty new to reading the Bible and when I first got into it I heard people making fun of the NLT and thought it was basically the dumbed down Bible . Actually getting one and reading it , it is amazing ! I love it and find it incredibly accurate translation and helps me read and understand the Word. A lot of time I go on my Bible app and do compare to make sure what the other translations say compared to this and it’s always spot on . Only thing Iv noticed I don’t like is they switch jews or Jewish people for just people . They do give a foot note though .
I like those two as well. I have an old HSBC New Testament that has Words of Christ in red and Old Testament quotes in bold black. That's really nice. Is it like that in all HSCB?
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I've always found word for word translations can be problematic because an expression or turn of phrase in one language doesn't always makes sense in another language. Cultural context is also sometimes lost. Misinterpretation is very easy.
The NLT is a bit too thought for thought for me to use as my main translation, I use the NIV because it has a good balance between formal and dynamic equivalence.
@Isaiah-ft5nx ya. Some people cling to the KJV like that is going to save them. Remember, only Jesus Christ can save you soul. Not the KJV bible. I love my KJV brothers, but the KJV is not your savior. Jesus christ is. There are also a lot of haters even on the NKJV. again, same argument, only the blood of Jesus can save you. I like the nasb as I read it nearly every day (working on every day). I have a Bible study every Sunday, and we read the KJV NKJV and the NASB, and they agree with each other. One of the things I like about the NASB is that they have MANY notes on translations. If you find a place that you THINK (think erroneously that is) There is a problem in the translation, you can look at the foot notes for an alternative word. I've read the criticism, and I don't agree.
@Isaiah-ft5nx and I'm speaking on the NASB 1995 NOT the new 2020 version, for that one, Sure I could see how messing around with pronouns and gender would lead a translator to be in trouble with the Lord.
I test the translations of the Bibles through the Gospel of Luke 1:17, where is written about the purpose of the Spirit of Ilijah, particularly when the hearts of the adults (metaphorically) should be turned into the hearts of the little children, for the Spirit of Jesus is going to deal only with the "little child in the heart".
I like the KJB because it's the easiest to memorize, uses mostly one and two syllable words (except for names), based on manuscripts with overwhelming support and the most accurate.
i have a One Year Bible for women in the NLT and it is wonderful! It makes the Bible come alive for me, Ezra actually makes sense to me now. I use the nkjv for most studies but I just ordered a NLT Bible and I have a feeling it will do quite well for me. thanks for the verification!
It’s spot on though. Word for word doesn’t translate well between languages when speaking. Speaking Hawaiian and translating it to English doesn’t translate exact. Same with Hebrew and Greek.
the fact that you grew up with the NIV 84 explains your whole outlook today regarding the NLT as a viable translation... if you had been brought up with ONLY the KJV... you would realize why so many Christians ONLY use that translation.... I have one question though ...what were your parents doing while you were growing up reading the NIV 84?.. were they reading that as well?.. that would explain the reason YOU accepted the NIV 84 as an ok translation to read... or were the NLT users?... or perhaps "The Living Bible Paraphrased?.. well at least you did not begin reading "The Message Bible".. as some past NIV 84 users are doing nowadays... they should just stay home.. and Not even attend church...
I am speaking from first hand experience... I started in a church that was fairly tolerant of various translations.. though predominantly KJV or NKJV... many read from the NIV NASB or even the NLT.... my son who was a teen at the time said to me.. "hey dad you should try "the Message bib le".. to see what you think of it... I took it to church One Sunday.. and when asked to read a scripture verse... from it.. and everyone's eyes bugged out..(Not Lying).. and was asked.. "what translation are YOU reading from?" ater the verse was read from various translations.. I realized how messed up the paraphrasing of the message bible was.. it is to THOSE users ..my comment was made... anyone reading a message bible is better off staying at home.. I wish I did that day... I was NEVER so embarrassed... I am Not ashamed to call "the Message".. bible .....GARBAGE... I do Not believe that the other bibles mentioned are viable.. but I would never tell an NIV user or NLT user to stay home.. but one time 2 weeks ago in Sunday school class an NIV user was asked to read Acts 8:36-40.. And they omitted verse 37... so I chirped up and asked.. are you reading from the NIV.. and the gal said yes... and another gal raised her hand and said .."my bible does not have that verse either but it has a footnote..".. also an NIV user.. so take it from that point... use the NIV if you want.. BTW,,, Acts 8:37 is also omitted from the NLT... so Yes I am a KJV user...
@@BiblicalTeachings I am speaking from first hand experience... I started in a church that was fairly tolerant of various translations.. though predominantly KJV or NKJV... many read from the NIV NASB or even the NLT.... my son who was a teen at the time said to me.. "hey dad you should try "the Message bib le".. to see what you think of it... I took it to church One Sunday.. and when asked to read a scripture verse... from it.. and everyone's eyes bugged out..(Not Lying).. and was asked.. "what translation are YOU reading from?" ater the verse was read from various translations.. I realized how messed up the paraphrasing of the message bible was.. it is to THOSE users ..my comment was made... anyone reading a message bible is better off staying at home.. I wish I did that day... I was NEVER so embarrassed... I am Not ashamed to call "the Message".. bible .....GARBAGE... I do Not believe that the other bibles mentioned are viable.. but I would never tell an NIV user or NLT user to stay home.. but one time 2 weeks ago in Sunday school class an NIV user was asked to read Acts 8:36-40.. And they omitted verse 37... so I chirped up and asked.. are you reading from the NIV.. and the gal said yes... and another gal raised her hand and said .."my bible does not have that verse either but it has a footnote..".. also an NIV user.. so take it from that point... use the NIV if you want.. BTW,,, Acts 8:37 is also omitted from the NLT... so Yes I am a KJV user... I am curious why you would wish to bring a bible to church that when asked to read a passage it doesn't happen to be there?..
@@BiblicalTeachings The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth about those and the KJB ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst. As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer," Our Father in heaven, Reveal who you are. Set the world right; Do what’s best- *as above, so below. Keep us alive with three square meals. Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others. Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil. You’re in charge! You can do anything you want! You’re ablaze in beauty! Yes. Yes. Yes. *The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from. I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture. "Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
For praying the daily office and the prayer book the ESV is eloquent English even though the word order can at times be awkward. For personal reading and study I use the NLT. I’ve been criticized for using the NLT and I have learned to have nothing to do with such bible snobs.
BTW the NASB is closer to formal equivalency than the ESV.. but the KJV is even more so,... I would mention the NKJV as well but I ditched that around 20 years ago once I discovered how many unnecessary liberties.. the NKJV translators took...
The NLT has changed and removed words in multiple places including changing the word Sarx in the book of Romans, which means flesh and replacing it with sinful nature. It destroys the whole analogy Paul is building in chapters 6-7-8. Also Galatians and all of Paul’s writings.
Different translations for different readers. You're obviously an advanced reader of the bible so your needs are different. An ordinary everyday Christian just needs a translation that they can easily read and understand and apply to their everyday life without a theology degree.
The Word of God is greater than any translation of man. The Exultation of the KJV is idolatry. 400 year old translation is irrelevant today because it is no longer the language of the masses. The KJV is of academic importance only. It falls flat for anything else.
can I ask you a few questions... correct me if I am wrong... but due to the way you spoke of your bible professor... question 1... should we stay with a bible... because we are familiar with it... or should we stay wth a bible version.. because we know it to be correct...?... cuz to me it soumds as if your proff was familiar with his bible... but was it correct?... and another question... I have heard this thrown at me many times when defending my use of the KJV..."you're just using that translation because that is what your pastor told you was the right one to use.."...well actuall inmy case... NO.. I figured out for myself thagt the KJV.. was the best translation... although many profs over the years have read NIV NASB... and NKJV... what is YOUR reasoning for using the NIV 1984 so long..?.. cuz you were following a professor?... and are you going to continue to use the NLT... because of a professor?... "how long halt ye between two opinions?" 1 Kings 18:21
hey Jeff, thanks for your question. I think that there's a discipleship that happens as we grow and change throughout our lives. I don't think there's anything wrong with an older believer having an influence on a younger believer. My dad was the one who discipled me, and then as I grew and changed, different people had influences on me. Carl, my prof was the man who helped me to see some the of the strengths of the NLT and then I made the choice to go with it. Is it perfect? Nope. There are other translations that do a better job in some places. What I'm saying is that, for me, the NLT is the best one. For you? Sounds like it's the KJV. That's great! If you're following Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and the KJV is what helps you to do that, I'm really glad. It's not for me. That's okay too. Lets all be ready for Jesus to come get us.
@@kristopherhood I think because I was raised on NIV1984, and when I was evaluating and looking for another version to use, the new NIV looked pretty much the same. Plus, I was trying to go to a translation as opposed to a thought for thought type of Bible. NIV is still a good Bible though!
@@asserbay thanks for the input. Both of my NIVs are the 84 version but I was looking to purchase the every-mans bible and I’m debating on either the niv or the nlt. I’ve never used the nlt. What’s your thoughts. Does the nlt have gender neutral verses as well?
I just wish it wasn’t missing 16 scriptures along with most of the other new translations. From my knowledge the kjv and nkjv are the only ones not missing scripture. 😢
I love the NLT. It’s the Bible translation I stumbled upon in a bookstore as a new Christian and I’m glad I did .
I love the NLT. It might not be word for word, but we can always go back to the Greek and compare. NLT actually makes me want to study more.
Thank you so much for this video. In my journey I started reading ESV and then eventually NIV. I saw a lot of people who were kind of critical of the NLT, so i stayed away. But then I started reading it for myself and studying how it came to be and it is arguably my number favorite translation now! This video also helped me a lot too.
Thank you!
Thank you for this video. This just confirmed I made the right choice for buying 2 NLT Bibles. I am new to my rebirth/walk with Jesus and I was that person in the past up until recently, who couldn't understand the other translations. So this brings me comfort to know I really was directed by The Holy Spirit to buy my first NLT to start my journey of reading and understanding God's word. God bless!
Thank you so much for saying nice things about the New Living Translation. I love the NLT. So easy to read and understand but with the assurance of being a legitimate scholarly translation. It makes Bible reading a joy rather than a trial to endure.
It’s not a legitimate scholarly anything. Learn Greek and Hebrew if you want scholarly. Otherwise read NASB do you get real meaning.
NASB is a biased translation
@@HappyPenguin75034lmao
There are 2 forms of accuracy in a translation.
1. More accurate to the words chosen by the author.
2. More accurate to what the writer wanted the reader to understand and feel.
Word for word translations are not more accurate. They are more accurate to #1.
For example
2 cor 1:22. The NLT gives a full understanding of what the Holy Spirit is given as since the single Greek word can't be translated into a single word.
And 2 cor 5:6 uses an idiom "at home in the body," which I've heard 4 different interpretations as to what it means. (All incorrect)
The NLT properly translates it into what it means "as long as we live."
And the NASB completely misquotes Jesus in Luke 11:28.
In the Greek, he says the woman was correct that Jesus' mother is blessed, but those who hear the word of God and live it are more blessed than her.
The NASB says, "On the contrary, blessed are those..." telling her she isn't right that Mary is blessed.
I've been examining bible translations and the originals non stop for months and I can tell you that time and time again, the NLT has proven it to be in the top 3 for accuracy where it counts. And the top for clarity and for being difficult to misinterpret.
I think the nlt is a nice translation but one thing they stood out was in Philippians when paul says he knows how to be abased and that word is very profound , yet the way the nlt translates this verse is very bland and lacking in emotion.
I haven’t read a lot of the nlt so idk how often this happens but that bummed me out because that verse is important to me and definitely sounds uninspired in the nlt
I really like the NLT. I read Proverbs every day for January in the MEV and then started re-reading it in the NLT this February and I feel like I understand the Bible way more.
Does Truth come with learning about scripture, or can people make things up as they progress
Hey Brother, oh man, you just stated every reason I enjoy the NLT and why its been my favorite version for over 20 years. I'm a missionary in Japan and this is the version that I use to introduce to new believers because of the ease of understanding. In fact as I write, I'm currently designing a readers version of the NLT in Japanese and English to be printed on handmade Japanese paper, printed and bound in Japan.
I listening to this video and I couldn't have said it better. The NLT is the best translation for me. I've attempted to read other versions (KJV, NKJV, ESV, AMP) and I found myself losing interest and comprehension quickly. I always return to the NLT and yes, I love to read scripture aloud, I feel it in my spirit more intensely when I read the Bible out loud and yes, the NLT is the very best translation for reading the Bible aloud. I agree with your commentary 💯 percent.
yes so Gods glory is proclaimed and herd to the spirit realm through the church : ) preying out loud will have the same effect
Then you want your own pleasure. NLT isn’t a translation. It’s reforming thoughts. Bible requires study. It’s not going to be easy unless you twist words.
Another stupid remark.
@@tonimccoy9778 Why??? Why are you so nasty??? You must have a miserable life.
I was speaking to the happypenguin.The nlt is as accurate as any version I've read from kjv - nkjv-niv..I get so sick of bible snobs. Toni's husband
Thanks for making this video. I too currently prefer the NLT and often feel a bit “judged” by other Christians in my circle who choose ESV. I see a role for most of the translations, but at the end of the day, Christianity is about a personal relationship with Jesus, not academia. The best Bible to have is the one you’ll actually pick up and read!
I have a friend who always read the KJV only. I gave her an NLT version and she gave it back saying she would never use it. I told her to keep it and give it 3 months to either hate it or at least try it out. She now loves it and it is her carry around Bible. She says it reads like a novel and can read it for hours. She always loved her Bible time and now has a lot more of it.
KJV V.S NLT ruclips.net/video/1DtQNDT0dxs/видео.html
You have sadly deceived her into reading a book inspired by Satan. If I get my hands on a NLT bible that thing is going straight in the garbage.
Good video. I love my NLT.
I started with an NIV 40 years go then KJV. Now I use all 3 when I’m doing deep studying.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
Thank you for your compelling endorsement of the NLT translation. During my daily bible study I tend to rely largely on formal equivalent translations. That said, after reading them, I enjoy an overall reading of the passage I'm reading in the NLT. It is commonly read from the pulpit in my congregation.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
Thank-you for making this video! The church that I started my Christian walk at used the NLT and it has a special place in my heart. If I’m going to read the Bible for enjoyment its what I use.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I noticed how you are trying to muddy the waters to understandability..Good job Satan..Toni's hubby
Enjoyment?
Very nicely explained. Like you, I love the NLT. God bless you from across the Pond :)
I'm now using the NLT the most. Excellent for reading to patients i visit and esol students and new Christians and those with dyslexia can all read this version. The best.
I Agree with you totally. I had tried other translations but I like NLT the most because of its readabilty.
Thank you so much for this helpful and inspiring video talk. I love the NLT as it's the easiest for me to understand as I am new to reading the bible. It's helped me so much that I love and look forward to reading the bible daily now. I have some of the Inspire creative bible journals too in large text and they have now become my absolute favorite as I can write in them and draw, all of which makes bible time immensely enjoyable that I want to read them all the time, as they bring me close to our dear Lord Jesus Christ and his Word. I started with the large text NLT study bible which is really good. I do have the CSB and NKJV for cross reference, which were the first bibles I bought, but it was the NLT which made me enjoy and want to spend hours reading the bible. I have now subscribed to your channel.
I enjoy reading the NLT it helps my understanding ofGods word. I'm a minister of the church. The Anglican Church. God Bless.
NLT has always been my favorite. It is what I used when I taught a senior adult Bible study class.
In a Christian bookstor, I found a pamphlet with all the different versions and how they sit with accuracy versus understandability. NLT was the middle ground, and I eventually found out that my pastor at the time was an NLT user anyway. Most Pastors and preachers I follow on RUclips use KJV, NKJV, or NASB which I don't mind, but I'll look it up on my NLT to see how it compares, and if it gives me a better understanding.
I just read an article by Hinderager talking about a lot of what you mentioned in this video and it’s convinced me to experiment with preaching from the NLT! Thank you!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I do Bible study prep with the ESV and then present that content in the CSB. But I like the NLT for casual reading/edification.
Fantastic Bro! The best Bible is the one you'll read...and I read the NLT a lot.
First of all, I love the NLT. I agree with most everything he said, especially that reading large portions of scripture is one of the NLT’s strong point. However, an approach I use to understand particularly difficult verses is to arrange the translations of that verse from “word for word” at the top thru the “thought for thought” spectrum to the “paraphrase” at the bottom. (There are charts on the internet that rank them that way) and no they don’t always agree, but they are close to each other). I do the verse arrangement using the Blue Letter Bible app where I can arrange the versions in that order (or any other order I choose) using the “verse comparison” option. (Other Bible apps may allow that customization, I’m not sure). Once arranged I can see the “spectrum” of word and phrasing choices the translators made using the various approaches to translation. Helps me see the (many) word/phrasing options and appreciate how difficult the art/science of Bible translation is. That’s my 2 cents.
Excellent presentation.
Thank you, Brother 🌹🌹🌹🌹
I use NASB, HCSB, and ESV. I use NIV for thought for thought.
Bless you Pastor! 🙏
After years of praying that God would help me to read His Word more, the NLT was the first version I would absolutely _devour_
After reading it so much in the New Testament especially, I thought I’d read through the whole Bible. I read Genesis, I read Exodus in a single day even I enjoyed it so much, I read Leviticus, but somewhere in Numbers I finally got a bit fed up because this weird thing kept happening where I would read a verse and think “I had NO idea the Bible said that!”, and then after looking at other versions and the original languages realizing that it didn’t actually say that at all. I decided that I did not want that to be the first translation I read all the way through, lest I get any weird ideas. Definitely use discernment!
Romans 8 is a masterpiece in the NLT, imo. I totally agree that it is so incredibly understandable, unlike any other translation I’ve ever read by far. I think as you said for that reason it’s a great choice to share with others, although I really don’t like how the Critical Text calls Scripture into question on just two or three manuscripts in passages like Mark 16 and John 8 and I don’t think we should be too quick to overlook that just because we like a particular version, especially when sharing with unbelievers who may have never even heard a single Bible verse other than John 3:16.
Fashionably late to this but I enjoyed listening to your commentary.
My pastor and other church leaders use NKJV so I have a very nice NKJV Bible for church settings. It’s great, but for everyday reading it leaves much to be desired. At home, I have a NLT study Bible for my daily reading and devotional. I know it’s designed for a lower grade level of reading comprehension but the flow and ease of reading makes the NLT much more inviting. I know it has its share of issues, but so does any translation, no matter how literal.
The NLT is my favorite so far. I use different versions of the Bible cross-reference each other to see what has been changed. I find it they have all been changed but the NLT is still my favorite version.
i read the nlt and then after i read the kjv. the nlt is a good tool to learn word for word translations really well.
I grew up with KJV in the house and at church. When I became a believer in 1995, I got a New Believer’s Bible from Harvest (Greg Laurie) and it is an NLT. I have this year actually transitioned to the NET as my everyday reader. I have a thin line version with reduced notes and a full notes version. I think both the NLT and NET are great for understanding.
One thing I like about the NET is its availability online. The copyright allows people to quote and use it extensively.
The NLT chronological bible is a fantastic tool for getting ppl who have a hard time with "getting" the bible to make more sense of it. We often forget how mixed up the timeframes of the bible are and how confusing to readers this can be. The chronological version put all of the histories and prophets etc in their proper place in the narrative story of God's plan for mankind. Making it read more like one cohesive story , rather than a disjointed pile of study texts for ppl who already know the narrative arrange by type.
I truly like your reasoning.
The NLT Bible is one of my favorite bibles to read I can understand it better and reading it is more fun to me than other versions but I still use the kjv To help me notice if any scripture was changed or left out
Phil buddy, great video. I love using the NLT as well. Your old friend, Jeff G.
You mentioned that in some or many cases the NLT was more accurate or faithful to the Hebrew or Greek than the NIV. Did you have some examples please? I'm really interested in this! I really like the NIV (and the ESV), but I'm seriously considering the NLT. Thanks in advance! 😊
2 cor 1:22 (slightly more clear in the NLT)
2 cor 5:6 (the greek idiom "at home in the body" is easily misunderstood and the NLT makes it clear what that idiom meant)
Luke 11:29 in the Greek Jesus says a women is correct and then adds that people would be more blessed to follow the word of God. The NIV (and many others) make it sound like Jesus is saying Mary isn't blessed.
@@ozrithclay6921 Thanks! 😀
@@pattube
Glad to help
I have the LSB and ESV sitting next to me. Occasionally I pull out an NIV to get another perspective. Less frequently I use KJV, NKJV, NASB, H/CSB. Just ordered NLT to have yet another perspective. After reading it on youversion I’m excited. The filament app that goes with the NLT I chose was what pushed me to buy one. Now I am trying to be patient as I wait. This video isn’t helping 😅
How are you liking your NLT?
I enjoy reading other translations along side NLT or an NIV. It makes me slow down and think about it more. However, I love to listen to the NLT.
I have a copy of both the full Bible and the New Testament in the NLT. My first read study of Scripture was the NLT of the New Testament. Very easy to read and understand. I still use it but I also use my NKJV Bible.
Good to see the NLT promoted. It is a great second translation, so much easier to understand
for a reason,
@@alamahony Yes, but not a nefarious reason, as I know you are suggesting. Just because something is easy to read doesn’t mean it’s a lie.
you need a second translation cause your lazy,I get it!
I agree with you, David, the NLT offers so much clarity! I mainly study from the CSB. But when I don’t understand a passage the NLT totally brings it home for me. And it does it beautifully!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I have tried a read the Bible in a year, KJV. This year I am using the NLT, I like the way this one gives you OT, NT, Psalms and Proverbs each day.
I love the NLT. Before I couldn’t understand the Bible so I didn’t read it. Now I read it two or three times a day.
Thank you very much ❤
I bought this Bible (NLT LASB) for an unbelieving new Bible reader and he is actually reading it! He says the language .. common English .. draws him in. I am sold on this translation. I have a stash of NLT HelpFinders paperback Bibles to give away to new Christians. Thank you for an informative uplifting review. ✝️🔥♿️ MikeInMinnesota
I should say that I do prefer a more formal equivalence version like the ESV for psalms and proverbs. Majesty is lost for readability but in general I'm in favor of the accessibility of the NLT. M
I pray that you get that new Christian a KJV or NASB 1995.
The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth:
ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html
Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst.
As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer,"
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best-
*as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
*The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from.
I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture.
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
@@markoredano9141 KJV is unintelligible to the modern reader. It was translated for an audience 400 years ago. Intelligibility supercedes tradition.
@@vinoneil NASB 1995 is also acceptable.
I have recently come across the NLT. I've avoided it for years because there was a Living Bible when I was young. It was a paraphrase, easy to read and understand. It was not something that could stand alone for study. I like to compare versions when I deep study. I LOVE the NLT now. It brings new life to old familiar texts. The Spirit moves within me when I read it.
Thank you for doing this video I needed to see it this way. I have a couple of bibles and didn’t really connect with them but do a devotional each day and I noticed my church uses the nlt Along with the typical niv and esv but I didn’t know much about it versus some proverbs make more sense with the nlt. Thought for thought scared me but I think your everyday Bible approach is the way to go and the others for in depth word for word study. Thank you again and God bless!
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
@@thesimplegospel8697 The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth:
ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html
Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst.
As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer,"
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best-
*as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
*The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from.
I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture.
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds." (2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
I have 3 NLT bibles and I love them. My NLT study bible is awesome!!
Good points. There is too much trash talk here about the various translations/versions. Having spent time in the world of Bible translation, I can say there is no perfect translation. The best version is the version that you will read regularly. If you want to do some in depth study, then avail yourself of the vast spectrum of English versions we are blessed with. Always remember that there are still thousands of languages without one verse.
Well said!
My thoughts on the NLT, for what it's worth, if anything! 😊
1. Reasons I really like the NLT:
a. Clarity and naturalness. Clarity refers to whether a text is comprehensible or understandable. For example, the sentence "I am one who is called John" is clear. However, this isn't how most people speak. Most people would simply say "My name is John". That's more natural. In fact, that's both clear and natural. And the NLT is both clear and natural. The NLT speaks to us in contemporary English. It's like talking with a friend, not like talking with Yoda (I'm looking at you, ESV!). I think this is the NLT's greatest strength.
b. Audience appropriateness. The NLT is appropriate for multiple different audiences. It's appropriate for children of almost all ages. It's appropriate for people whose first language isn't English but who are learning English. It's appropriate for the biblically illiterate inasmuch as it's becoming increasingly common in our culture that many people have little if any familiarity with the Bible and its contents (e.g. they wouldn't necessarily understand "churchy" words like "hallowed" or "propitiation"). And the NLT is even appropriate for Christians in general who wish to have a smooth read-through of the entire Bible.
2. Some (mostly minor) gripes I have with the NLT, which again I really like:
a. Accuracy. On the one hand, the NLT is often (surprisingly) accurate in capturing nuances in the biblical Hebrew and Greek that some formal equivalence translations don't capture and perhaps can't capture due to their formal equivalence translation philosophy. For example, compare some of the historical narrative passages in the OT in the KJV or NKJV or NASB or ESV with the NLT. Another example is I've enjoyed reading Romans, and the NLT translation seems to be more accurate and faithful to the Greek than I initially expected it to be (though not entirely of course but no translation is). Even when I didn't agree with the NLT's interpretation, I soon realized there's a fair sized and high quality body of biblical literature that stands behind most of their decisions; it's not as willy nilly as the NLT stereotypes might lead one to believe. I suppose the main reason for all this is because both Doug Moo and Tom Schreiner formed 2/3rds of the team that worked on the NLT's translation of Romans. Moo and Schreiner have each written arguably the two best (certainly among the best) scholarly commentaries on Romans. In short, the NLT can often bring out a fuller meaning that is in the text better than a formal equivalence translation.
On the other hand, there are times when the NLT can be overly interpretive. It takes exegetical interpretations which could go different ways in meaning (or which may even be intended to have multiple meanings or a kind of studied ambiguity) and makes a concrete decision for the reader. The reader doesn't have to decide what a verse or passage means since the NLT has decided for them. Moreover, the NLT sometimes even adds in more than what the text says. For instance, I recall the Greek scholar Bill Mounce points out the NLT's translation of Acts 27:17: "the sandbars of Syrtis off the African coast". The phrase "off the African coast" is not in the Greek. It's been added by the NLT translators for clarification. However, it'd arguably be better to put "off the African coast" in the footnotes if it needs to be clarified or simply leave it out entirely and either research for oneself where Syrtis is or let pastors, study Bibles, and/or commentaries explain. As such, if we read the NLT without reference to the original biblical languages, it can be hard to know if one is reading the original Hebrew or Greek text or if one is reading text that's been added in by the translators.
b. Historical distance. Ideally there should be historical distance in terms of the time and culture of the biblical text (i.e. so modern audiences can enter into the ancient world of the biblical text), but there should not be historical distance in terms of the language (i.e. the language should sound to us as it did to the original audience). At times the NLT does not have as much historical distance in terms of the time and culture of the biblical text as it should. It makes the ancient world seem a bit too much like our day and age, I think.
c. Register. Register refers to literary style. A higher register refers to a more formal literary style, whereas a lower register refers to a more informal literary style. Consider the NT. Most of the NT is in koine ("common") Greek, even though literary Greek existed at the time and was used by the best writers across the Roman empire. However, for various reason(s), the NT authors wrote in common every day Greek. C.S. Lewis may have put it best: "The New Testament in the original Greek is not a work of literary art: it is not written in a solemn, ecclesiastical language, it is written in the sort of Greek which was spoken over the eastern Mediterranean after Greek had become an international language and therefore lost its real beauty and subtlety. In it we see Greek used by people who have no real feeling for Greek words because Greek words are not the words they spoke when they were children. It is a sort of 'basic' Greek; a language without roots in the soil, a utilitarian, commercial and administrative language."
The main exceptions to this are Hebrews and the prologue in Luke 1:1-4 which are written in a higher register than the rest of the NT. Likewise, there are other parts of the Bible that are set in a more poetic and arguably higher register (e.g. Psalms, Job, Ecclesiastes).
I think an English translation should reflect the literary style of the original text. If the original text is in a higher register, then the translation should be in a similarly higher register as well. But the NLT tends to flatten out the literary style of the entire Bible such that the Bible as a whole sounds more or less the same across the board. That is, the NLT sounds like ordinary, conversational, colloquial English. Of course, the NLT's translation philosophy specifically aims to sound ordinary or colloquial, so one can't fault them for this since they're perfectly faithful to their translation philosophy. Yet one does wish the NLT translators had been more flexible with regard to literary style, bending the rules where needed to better suit the original voice.
This was a great video! I’m torn between NLT, ESV and NKJV. The NLT study bible is my go to bible! And you’re absolutely correct that it is meant ro be read aloud.
Any translation that you WILL read is a good translation.
So the Jehovah's Witness "bible" is okay with you?
I just stumbled onto your channel. I heard the first words out of your mouth and I immediately knew you were Canadian 😂
accent??
@Philip Houston Yes haha. I'm Canadian, too.
@@MichaelRogerStDenis 😃
Hello from Indonesia ❤ thank you for this information 😊
I never get bored or confused reading the NLT, like I do with the NIV or ESV…
I love it as well.
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
I watched this just because I am a big fan of the NLT. I used to read the NIV, but then they changed it, I had lead children in memorizing Scripture from the NIV and now it is worded differently. I am reading through the Bible slowly and taking notes, I found a plan that takes you through in 4 years, it’s helping me understand some things.
Memorization to me is easier in KJV and no worry if it changing. NLT is great and KJV is my deep study. The LSB is awesome too
4 years to read the bible?
@@AndrewP-fj8rn I had read it yearly for a long time, I’m not only reading it, but journaling about what I’ve read.
The best translation is the one you will read. I like the NLT because it is easy to read.
So's a comic book.
Good to see you are putting your reading acumen out there as your testament to a conversation. Toni's husband
I agree with you about the NIV84 version - I so prefer this to the new NIV. But I use the NLT also. Love it
NLT just reads too loosely for me but I do use it on occasion
Thank you 😊
Is the nlv a updated version of the living bible ? Both are by the. same publishers
NLT is my main translation I’ve been trying to get so many people to switch to the NLT! It’s good to see another brother doing this!
I love the NLT also has really opened uoBiblevin a fresh way
Just bought the NLT two weeks ago.
I am pretty new to reading the Bible and when I first got into it I heard people making fun of the NLT and thought it was basically the dumbed down Bible . Actually getting one and reading it , it is amazing ! I love it and find it incredibly accurate translation and helps me read and understand the Word. A lot of time I go on my Bible app and do compare to make sure what the other translations say compared to this and it’s always spot on . Only thing Iv noticed I don’t like is they switch jews or Jewish people for just people . They do give a foot note though .
I use the Holman christian study Bible and the 1901 ASV.
I like those two as well. I have an old HSBC New Testament that has Words of Christ in red and Old Testament quotes in bold black. That's really nice. Is it like that in all HSCB?
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
He was the final decision to buy one
I've always found word for word translations can be problematic because an expression or turn of phrase in one language doesn't always makes sense in another language. Cultural context is also sometimes lost. Misinterpretation is very easy.
Perfectly said, I completely agree!
And idioms are almost impossible to translate
I’ve never heard of a senior pastor using NLT like its meant for grade schoolers
Why is Isaiah 65:1 in NLT is different from other translation
The NLT is a bit too thought for thought for me to use as my main translation, I use the NIV because it has a good balance between formal and dynamic equivalence.
I’ve always been mystified by this by common argument against the NLT. Is it not the thought that we want to translate and understand?
I agree with you there. I don't have any problem with the NLT or its translation format, I think it's a great translation, I just prefer the NIV.
This is the translation I study every day
I love the nlt
NASB 1995. Word for word and gold standard.
One of the main translators publicly denounced the NASB and went on a campaign to warn people saying he was in trouble with the Lord.
@Isaiah-ft5nx ya. Some people cling to the KJV like that is going to save them. Remember, only Jesus Christ can save you soul. Not the KJV bible. I love my KJV brothers, but the KJV is not your savior. Jesus christ is.
There are also a lot of haters even on the NKJV. again, same argument, only the blood of Jesus can save you.
I like the nasb as I read it nearly every day (working on every day). I have a Bible study every Sunday, and we read the KJV NKJV and the NASB, and they agree with each other. One of the things I like about the NASB is that they have MANY notes on translations. If you find a place that you THINK (think erroneously that is) There is a problem in the translation, you can look at the foot notes for an alternative word.
I've read the criticism, and I don't agree.
@Isaiah-ft5nx and I'm speaking on the NASB 1995 NOT the new 2020 version, for that one, Sure I could see how messing around with pronouns and gender would lead a translator to be in trouble with the Lord.
I use it too...and i dig it 👍🏿📖
John 1:1
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.”
I test the translations of the Bibles through the Gospel of Luke 1:17, where is written about the purpose of the Spirit of Ilijah, particularly when the hearts of the adults (metaphorically) should be turned into the hearts of the little children, for the Spirit of Jesus is going to deal only with the "little child in the heart".
Both the NIV and the NLT are modern commercial instrumentalized versions. You have to feel sorry for this waif.
I use NLT niv nkjv
Totally agree with your. For 5-minute evaluations of English Bible translations by an experienced translator, google ross and elizabeth mckerras
fancy a live stream debate on trinity?
I like the KJB because it's the easiest to memorize, uses mostly one and two syllable words (except for names), based on manuscripts with overwhelming support and the most accurate.
Most accurate? How are you making that assessment? Have you looked at the manuscripts in Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek and compared it to the KJV?
i have a One Year Bible for women in the NLT and it is wonderful! It makes the Bible come alive for me, Ezra actually makes sense to me now. I use the nkjv for most studies but I just ordered a NLT Bible and I have a feeling it will do quite well for me. thanks for the verification!
NLT is totally thought for thought. It’s nowhere near the middle ground, like CSB.
It’s spot on though. Word for word doesn’t translate well between languages when speaking. Speaking Hawaiian and translating it to English doesn’t translate exact. Same with Hebrew and Greek.
@@mattburris257 how do you know it's "spot on"?
@@AndrewP-fj8rn bc it’s the one I read 🤣
I Have The NLT, ESV, NIV, NKJV, KJV.
Nlt is great
the fact that you grew up with the NIV 84 explains your whole outlook today regarding the NLT as a viable translation... if you had been brought up with ONLY the KJV... you would realize why so many Christians ONLY use that translation.... I have one question though ...what were your parents doing while you were growing up reading the NIV 84?.. were they reading that as well?.. that would explain the reason YOU accepted the NIV 84 as an ok translation to read... or were the NLT users?... or perhaps "The Living Bible Paraphrased?..
well at least you did not begin reading "The Message Bible".. as some past NIV 84 users are doing nowadays... they should just stay home.. and Not even attend church...
I am speaking from first hand experience... I started in a church that was fairly tolerant of various translations.. though predominantly KJV or NKJV... many read from the NIV NASB or even the NLT.... my son who was a teen at the time said to me.. "hey dad you should try "the Message bib le".. to see what you think of it...
I took it to church One Sunday.. and when asked to read a scripture verse... from it.. and everyone's eyes bugged out..(Not Lying).. and was asked.. "what translation are YOU reading from?"
ater the verse was read from various translations.. I realized how messed up the paraphrasing of the message bible was.. it is to THOSE users ..my comment was made...
anyone reading a message bible is better off staying at home..
I wish I did that day... I was NEVER so embarrassed... I am Not ashamed to call "the Message".. bible .....GARBAGE...
I do Not believe that the other bibles mentioned are viable.. but I would never tell an NIV user or NLT user to stay home..
but one time 2 weeks ago in Sunday school class an NIV user was asked to read Acts 8:36-40.. And they omitted verse 37... so I chirped up and asked.. are you reading from the NIV.. and the gal said yes... and another gal raised her hand and said .."my bible does not have that verse either but it has a footnote..".. also an NIV user.. so take it from that point...
use the NIV if you want.. BTW,,, Acts 8:37 is also omitted from the NLT...
so Yes I am a KJV user...
@@BiblicalTeachings
I am speaking from first hand experience... I started in a church that was fairly tolerant of various translations.. though predominantly KJV or NKJV... many read from the NIV NASB or even the NLT.... my son who was a teen at the time said to me.. "hey dad you should try "the Message bib le".. to see what you think of it...
I took it to church One Sunday.. and when asked to read a scripture verse... from it.. and everyone's eyes bugged out..(Not Lying).. and was asked.. "what translation are YOU reading from?"
ater the verse was read from various translations.. I realized how messed up the paraphrasing of the message bible was.. it is to THOSE users ..my comment was made...
anyone reading a message bible is better off staying at home..
I wish I did that day... I was NEVER so embarrassed... I am Not ashamed to call "the Message".. bible .....GARBAGE...
I do Not believe that the other bibles mentioned are viable.. but I would never tell an NIV user or NLT user to stay home..
but one time 2 weeks ago in Sunday school class an NIV user was asked to read Acts 8:36-40.. And they omitted verse 37... so I chirped up and asked.. are you reading from the NIV.. and the gal said yes... and another gal raised her hand and said .."my bible does not have that verse either but it has a footnote..".. also an NIV user.. so take it from that point...
use the NIV if you want.. BTW,,, Acts 8:37 is also omitted from the NLT...
so Yes I am a KJV user...
I am curious why you would wish to bring a bible to church that when asked to read a passage it doesn't happen to be there?..
@@BiblicalTeachings The King James Bible is the only infallible and inerrant translation of the Bible. The NLT along with the NIV and many other so-called readable bibles...are not. All modern English translations are based on corrupt manuscripts! Please watch this video to learn the truth about those and the KJB
ruclips.net/video/eGwwScorP6w/видео.html
Tyndale also publishes "The Message Bible" by Eugene H. Peterson, one of the worst of the worst.
As an example,The Message gives the following as "The Lord's Prayer,"
Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.
Set the world right;
Do what’s best-
*as above, so below.
Keep us alive with three square meals.
Keep us forgiven with you and forgiving others.
Keep us safe from ourselves and the Devil.
You’re in charge!
You can do anything you want!
You’re ablaze in beauty!
Yes. Yes. Yes.
*The Message completely changes the meaning of the scriptures, for instance there is no mention of the holiness of the name of God. Then there is the line “as above, so below”, which is from the Emerald Tablet of Hermes Trismegistus an occult text from the school of Hermeticism, that has influenced every aspect of the new age movement, from Asatru to Satanism to Wicca. Further the Message adds to the text (something forbidden by scripture) there is nothing in there speaking about any of God’s attributes at the end to the prayer, and I have no idea where he got that “Yes. Yes. Yes.” from.
I would suggest staying away from anything Tyndale Publishes as per Scripture.
"Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds."
(2 John 1:9-11 KJB)
Here is a short video on Bible version comparisons; this will help you decide which version is best suited for you: ruclips.net/video/4dA98WKw5DE/видео.html
Make sure you include the missing verses.
For praying the daily office and the prayer book the ESV is eloquent English even though the word order can at times be awkward. For personal reading and study I use the NLT. I’ve been criticized for using the NLT and I have learned to have nothing to do with such bible snobs.
BTW the NASB is closer to formal equivalency than the ESV.. but the KJV is even more so,... I would mention the NKJV as well but I ditched that around 20 years ago once I discovered how many unnecessary liberties.. the NKJV translators took...
Did you used to drive a truck?
The NLT has changed and removed words in multiple places including changing the word Sarx in the book of Romans, which means flesh and replacing it with sinful nature. It destroys the whole analogy Paul is building in chapters 6-7-8. Also Galatians and all of Paul’s writings.
Different translations for different readers. You're obviously an advanced reader of the bible so your needs are different. An ordinary everyday Christian just needs a translation that they can easily read and understand and apply to their everyday life without a theology degree.
Kjv only
The Word of God is greater than any translation of man. The Exultation of the KJV is idolatry. 400 year old translation is irrelevant today because it is no longer the language of the masses. The KJV is of academic importance only. It falls flat for anything else.
can I ask you a few questions... correct me if I am wrong... but due to the way you spoke of your bible professor... question 1... should we stay with a bible... because we are familiar with it... or should we stay wth a bible version.. because we know it to be correct...?... cuz to me it soumds as if your proff was familiar with his bible... but was it correct?... and another question...
I have heard this thrown at me many times when defending my use of the KJV..."you're just using that translation because that is what your pastor told you was the right one to use.."...well actuall inmy case... NO.. I figured out for myself thagt the KJV.. was the best translation... although many profs over the years have read NIV NASB... and NKJV... what is YOUR reasoning for using the NIV 1984 so long..?..
cuz you were following a professor?...
and are you going to continue to use the NLT... because of a professor?...
"how long halt ye between two opinions?" 1 Kings 18:21
hey Jeff, thanks for your question. I think that there's a discipleship that happens as we grow and change throughout our lives. I don't think there's anything wrong with an older believer having an influence on a younger believer. My dad was the one who discipled me, and then as I grew and changed, different people had influences on me. Carl, my prof was the man who helped me to see some the of the strengths of the NLT and then I made the choice to go with it. Is it perfect? Nope. There are other translations that do a better job in some places. What I'm saying is that, for me, the NLT is the best one. For you? Sounds like it's the KJV. That's great! If you're following Jesus with all your heart, soul, mind and strength and the KJV is what helps you to do that, I'm really glad. It's not for me. That's okay too. Lets all be ready for Jesus to come get us.
@@asserbay Amen/..... that works for me
.. your brother in the Lord...
@@asserbayquick question. What’s the main reason you don’t use the new NIV version?
@@kristopherhood I think because I was raised on NIV1984, and when I was evaluating and looking for another version to use, the new NIV looked pretty much the same. Plus, I was trying to go to a translation as opposed to a thought for thought type of Bible. NIV is still a good Bible though!
@@asserbay thanks for the input. Both of my NIVs are the 84 version but I was looking to purchase the every-mans bible and I’m debating on either the niv or the nlt. I’ve never used the nlt. What’s your thoughts. Does the nlt have gender neutral verses as well?
If i'm wrong why won't the let me comment?Hiding something?
When I researched the NLT many times comparing to the original languages I found that it played fast and loose with the interpretation. Not impressed.
Did it distort or alter the meaning of the texts in a way that might lead a believer astray?
The NLT translators took way to many liberties with the text.
I just wish it wasn’t missing 16 scriptures along with most of the other new translations. From my knowledge the kjv and nkjv are the only ones not missing scripture. 😢
NKJV isn’t based off the same manuscripts as KJV. NKJV is made from a German manuscript.