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Need a good paraphrase translation...


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Posted

Hey all, first off, I'll say that I'm fully aware that paraphrases like The Message should not be trusted for serious study. However, this is for my 11 year old brother who complains about his bible being "boring". So I would like something thats a bit easier reading for him, what would you suggest?

Just to make sure I'm clear, I can not just get a simpler translation, because he is reading the New International Readers Version... which is about as simple as it gets before it becomes a paraphrase, so I would like a paraphrase... I sometimes use the message, but is that the best one?

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Posted

Can't really help because I just dont believe in using them, honestly. Contrary to conventional wisdom, alot of the time when people discipline themselves to learn something difficult they learn also to enjoy it and treasure what they have learned. When you make it too easy they don't have to work and don't really get much out of it.

IMO, and I'm sure many will disagree, handing this boy a paraphrase is not going to help him, and it runs a great risk of hurting him.

Posted

nobody here is likely to recommend any paraphrase. however, i'll venture out a bit here and risk stoning.

the living bible and the message both have many shortcomings, but as i've said before, God's word NEVER comes back void, even if the translation or paraphrase is inaccurate.

i bought my daughters the message when they were in their early teens. my parents bought me the living bible when i was in that age range. i have no regrets, nor do my parents.

for this generation, i'd suggest the message. i'd also make sure you tell your brother that it is NOT entirely accurate, and keep open communication with him about what he reads in it. remember this.... if your brother is listening to his sunday school teacher every week, he's getting a paraphrased version of scripture that might be influenced by the teacher's personal bias or understanding. in that sense, it's no different really than reading a paraphrased version.

keep the lines of communication open. talk with him about the Bible and what he reads in it, and what he understands from it. if he's read a passage that isn't accurate, open up the NIV with him and the KJV, and teach him to compare what he's reading in the paraphrases to traditional versions. help him learn.

and always always always, keep in mind what i keep repeating on these boards. God's word NEVER comes back void. if your brother is seeking God, God will make sure He is found... whether your brother is seeking through a paraphrase or through the garbage can. God prevails.


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Posted

The Good News Bible......


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Posted
The Good News Bible......

I agree.


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Posted

The J. B. Phillips Translation

Guest shiloh357
Posted
Hey all, first off, I'll say that I'm fully aware that paraphrases like The Message should not be trusted for serious study. However, this is for my 11 year old brother who complains about his bible being "boring". So I would like something thats a bit easier reading for him, what would you suggest?

Just to make sure I'm clear, I can not just get a simpler translation, because he is reading the New International Readers Version... which is about as simple as it gets before it becomes a paraphrase, so I would like a paraphrase... I sometimes use the message, but is that the best one?

To be honest, if he considers the Bible "boring," another paraphrase probably won't make much difference. Might I say that he is still only 11, and perhaps as he gets older, and develops more, emotionally, spiritually, intellectually that his take on the Bible will change? I know that my appreciation for things changed as I got older. It may just be a maturity thing. Just make sure he stays in the Word, whatever you decide to do.


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Posted

Hey all, first off, I'll say that I'm fully aware that paraphrases like The Message should not be trusted for serious study. However, this is for my 11 year old brother who complains about his bible being "boring". So I would like something thats a bit easier reading for him, what would you suggest?

Just to make sure I'm clear, I can not just get a simpler translation, because he is reading the New International Readers Version... which is about as simple as it gets before it becomes a paraphrase, so I would like a paraphrase... I sometimes use the message, but is that the best one?

To be honest, if he considers the Bible "boring," another paraphrase probably won't make much difference.

The NIV Readers' Version is not as accessible as all that. The NIV proper was designed for advanced readers and scholars in the first place, using a full vocabulary. The GNB was designed for more ordinary mortals, and many a GNB has had mom's shopping list popped in as a bookmark. A common remark when the GNB was first published was "This can't be the Bible, I understand it"! It has been proven over many years to be both usable and acceptable where others are not, and it is far safer than trendy things like The Message.

It may just be a maturity thing.

I agree, it may be- but one will not know that if one does not make some effort. Who knows, if mom buys a GNB, and perhaps later, a JB Phillips for the NT, the boy will notice differences between versions, and be encouraged to learn Greek. He may even become an influential and valuable Bible scholar and teacher! That is how such things start, and for a small outlay.


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Posted

I will definatly look into the Good News Bible... I have never thought of NIV as an advanced version... I have always found it very very simple... the King James is the one I struggle with occasionally.


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Posted
I will definatly look into the Good News Bible... I have never thought of NIV as an advanced version... I have always found it very very simple... the King James is the one I struggle with occasionally.

The NIV was written for an eighth grade reading level.

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