The Voice – no, not the TV show, the Bible translation.
I heard that this version was released about a year ago but hadn’t explored it yet. Then a few weeks one of my favorite Bible reference web pages – Biblegateway – added The Voice to its choices. mmm, maybe it was time to take a look.
The Biblegateway blog had an interesting post about thedifferent versions they use when they added The Voice Bible. They also have a full explanation and information about The Voice Bible on this page.
The publisher, Thomas Nelson, describes The Voice as:
The publisher, Thomas Nelson, describes The Voice as:
“a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God’s Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of nearly 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works yet painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.”
This type of Bible translation is a paraphrase, meaning the author uses his own language which may make a passage take on new meaning and insight for the reader. A paraphrase can be easier to read but one that is more appropriate for devotional reading rather than Bible study.
Now I haven’t seen this Bible nor do I own a version. Most of the reviews on Amazon were positive but a few questioned some changes in theology. So I guess we need to check it out but proceed with some caution. There is a unique website promoting this version that allows for some free downloads. You may want to check it out.
The Voice add italics which they explain as words not directly translated from the original scripture and the bold sections for more cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts. (I wonder if some readers may think these thoughts are Biblical?)
I thought it would be fun to compare a few well-known passages:
Hebrews 12: 1-2
NIV –
Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
The Voice –
So since we stand surrounded by all those who have gone before,an enormous cloud of witnesses, let us drop every extra weight, every sin that clings to us and slackens our pace, and let us run with endurance the long race set before us.
We may feel alone, but we aren’t. We are surrounded by an army of witnesses. They have run the race of faith and finished well. It is now our turn.
Now stay focused on Jesus, who designed and perfected our faith. He endured the cross and ignored the shame of that death because He focused on the joy that was set before Him; and now He is seated beside God on the throne, a place of honor.
John 14: 5-6 –
Note how the Voice reads more like a screenplay:
NIV –
Thomas said to him, “Lord, we don’t know where you are going, so how can we know the way?” Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.
The Voice:
Thomas: Lord, we don’t know where You are going, so how can we know the path?
Jesus: I am the path, the truth, and the energy of life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.
Genesis 1: 1-3
KJV
In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters. And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.
The Message
First this: God created the Heavens and Earth—all you see, all you don’t see. Earth was a soup of nothingness, a bottomless emptiness, an inky blackness. God’s Spirit brooded like a bird above the watery abyss.
God spoke: “Light!”
And light appeared.
The Voice
In the beginning, God created everything: the heavens aboveand the earth below. Here’s what happened: At first the earth lacked shape and was totally empty, and a dark fog draped over the deep while God’s spirit-wind hovered over the surface of the empty waters. Then there was the voice of God.
God: Let there be light.
And light flashed into being.
God’s word is living and it helps me to study His word in different versions. I tend to stick with the NIV and The Message but often explore others.
What is your favorite version of the Bible?
So you knew about it Nancy. I agree with you about the Message. I like it but it is not my final checking point. I too love the NIV.
I never had heard of it before either until just lately. I like it but won’t use it as my final version. Thanks for stopping by Karen
Each of us who attended a Women of Faith conference last fall received a copy of the Gospel of John in The Voice paraphrase. Isn’t it amazing that with so many versions, and now multiple paraphrases, we can still glean new insights with the addition of another contribution? God’s Word is indeed a living document (Hebrews 4:12).
I have a parallel edition of the NIV side by side with The Message. I find it useful because, when I think Eugene Peterson may have veered too far, I can quickly see how his rendition is tied closely with a more literal translation. I love the way Eugene expresses the scripture!
Jeanie, I hadn’t heard of that version. I love to compare and see different insights. I’ll check it out! Thanks!
Wow, Jean, this is quite fascinating. I have a copy of the New Testament in the Voice but haven’t had a chance to really look it over yet. Your post has motivated me to do so! I love comparing this way. Such a good study tool…
I hadn’t heard much about it until I noticed Biblegateway added it. that made me curious. Wow I am impressed you get into the Hebrew and Greek. I know that adds a lot to the passage but haven’t really stretch myself in that area. You may have given me a new idea. Thanks!
I really want to relook at the ESV. I love reading the different versions but need one really strong study Bible for the basics. Thanks for commenting today Lisa