Full Description
The Bible has been translated more than any other piece of literature and is currently available in over two thousand languages, with several languages having numerous versions. Outlined here is the development of biblical translation, including a careful analysis of more than fifty versions of the Bible.
One of the most respected living biblical scholars, Bruce Metzger begins this engaging survey with the earliest translations of the Old and New Testaments before proceeding to English versions dating from the eleventh century to the present. Metzger explores the circumstances under which each translation was produced and offers insight into its underlying objectives, characteristics, and strengths. Having served on a number of modern translation committees, his insights into the evolution of Bible translation flow not only from careful research, but also from personal experience.
Students, pastors, and interested readers will discover the history of the written Word and gain useful insight into which modern translations best serve their own needs.
Contents
Preface
Part 1: Ancient Versions
1. Ancient Versions of the Old Testament Made for the Use of Jews
2. Ancient Versions Intended Chiefly for Christians
Part 2: English Versions
3. English Bibles before the King James Version
4. The King James Bible
5. Between the King James Bible and the Revised Version
6. The British Revised Version and the American Standard Version
7. Early Modern Speech Versions
8. The Revised Standard Version
9. The Jerusalem Bible
10. The New American Bible
11. The New English Bible
12. The New International Version
13. Jewish Versions
14. Revision after Revision
15. Simplified "Easy-to-Read" Versions
16. Paraphrases of the English Bible
Subject Index
Scripture Index
