Inside the flyleaf of the cover it begins to explain where it is coming from. It tells you it won’t be using words like “consecration.” It then says, “Imagine how much clearer God’s message is when a word like ‘covenant’ is replaced with ‘agreement,’...” Actually, no, I can’t imagine how that makes it clearer. An agreement is something we make with a friend about where we will meet for dinner. A covenant is a legally binding contract that has major implications. For a children’s Bible, okay. For a Bible for serious reading, no way.
One of the litmus tests I have for translations is the politically correct issue of gender neutrality. This paraphrase fails the test. The clear Hebrew word for “son” is usually translated “child” and so forth. While in application I understand that this is implied, it is not what it says. The reason this is important is that a son had an elevated status over just a child. To call someone a son says they were important.
At places it removes beautiful word pictures. For instance it takes
(Proverbs 4:9 KJV) She shall give to thine head an ornament of grace: a crown of glory shall she deliver to thee.
(Proverbs 4:9 NAS77) "She will place on your head a garland of grace; She will present you with a crown of beauty."and changes it to
(Proverbs 4:9 NCV)“Like flowers in your hair, it will beautify your life.”There are occasional verses that came across very well. Compare these,
(Proverbs 11:7 KJV) When a wicked man dieth, his expectation shall perish: and the hope of unjust men perisheth.
(Proverbs 11:7 NCV) “When a wicked person dies, his hope is gone. The hopes he place in his riches will come to nothing.”If you are looking for a translation for your children this might have a place. If you are serious about understanding what God is saying to you as a mature believer, go with a word for word translation.
The Everyday Bible, New Century Version. Dallas: Word Publishing, 1988.
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