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The New Jerusalem Bible is, in my opinion, the best dynamic translation out there. Rather than being based mainly on a French translation like the original Jerusalem Bible, the New Jerusalem Bible is straight from the original languages. Rather than being as literal as possible, the goal with this translation is to be very natural, flowing, and poetic in the English language, a goal which is definitely accomplished. There are a few peculiarities with the translation which might put some people off. Instead of LORD, God is referred to as Yahweh, which can be a deal breaker for some people. A small amount of inclusive language is used, but I wouldn't consider that a flaw in this case because it never obscures the meaning of the text, is only used when it is very clear that the gender neutral was intended, and this isn't a translation that's supposed to be strictly literal incorporating this language (I'm looking at you NRSV). Despite being a Catholic Bible, the Hail Mary is translated as "highly favored one" though the traditional rendering is given in a footnote. Speaking of the footnotes, they're good in this Bible: succinct and focused on alternate translations and a few explanations of verses. They're not as extensive as in other Bibles like the NAB and RSV, but given that this isn't a literal translation, this Bible was never intended to be used as a study Bible, and they get the job done for devotional reading. There are also some full-color, high quality maps included at the back of the book in the references section. The physical volume the translation is presented in is excellent: very nice hardback, sewn binding, and relatively thick paper for a Bible. Ghosting isn't an issue even when the page is not flat. Also, this Bible has a single-column format that complements its purpose as a devotional Bible - cross references are clearly presented in the margin, and footnotes are in a smaller two-column section at the bottom of the page. I would very highly recommend this Bible for anyone who wants a nice-sounding dynamic translation. So long as you don't try to use this as your literal translation study Bible, you can't go wrong with this.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is a wonderful Bible -- I've had the NJB for 5 years and purchased this one for my sister. The NJB is reputed to be the best (most accurate & truest to original wording) translation of the ancient languages currently available for Catholics or any Christian. The rich translation outshines any other Bible I've studied. Excellent footnotes, sometimes too many (!), but I'd rather have too much than too little to work with. Placement of verse numbers takes some getting used to because they are placed on the inner margins rather than the outer. Didn't care for that at first, but I adjusted because the quality of this particular translation so far surpasses any other one available. I have a couple of close friends who are priests, and since the Catholic Church generally uses the NAB for its Lectionary readings, I was concerned about their opinion of the NJB. Both resoundingly supported the NJB, confessing that for their personal Bible reference, they will use nothing but the New Jerusalem Bible. Since I already love my NJB, their votes put my little Catholic soul at peace!Read full review
This is by far one of the best editions/translations of the Bible. This edition has extensive notes and chain references. There is a readers edition that does not have the notes or chain references, but I prefer this one. It is used in the liturgy of Engish speaking nations outside the USA. The first edition (1966) was translated from the French Bible de Jerusalem. This edition has been updated somewhat and has been compared to the original languages, (Greek, Hebrew, Aramaic), more than the first. It contains all 73 books of the Bible. It is great for devotional reading as well as in-depth study. All serious students of the Bible should have a copy of this on their desk, along with an RSV-CE (by Ignatius Press), an ESV study Bible (by Crossway), a Thompson Chain Reference Bible - NKJV (by Kirkbride), and a good old King James Version (red-letter format).Read full review
This is an excellent Bible, a translation which combines a sound eye towards literal meaning with an appreciation for the poetry of the biblical writings. It is especially to be commended for personal reading because of its single column layout, which is much more conducive to reading than the two-column setting of most Bibles, and with the verse numbers to the side of the page instead of directly inserted into the text, which allows for a much smoother reading. The footnotes, all located at the bottom of the right-hand page, thus again improving the flow or reading, are erudite and insightful. This is without a doubt my preferred translation for devotional and academic reading. The only criticism I make of this translation is that, its attempts at translating certain words or phrases in a way that is what might be called politically correct gives it a certain anachronistic reading. For instance, instead of referring in the Gospels to those whom Jesus heals as "lepers," they are instead translated as "those suffering from virulent skin diseases." I would suggest that the term leper should be maintained with all of the stigma that goes along with it, for the stigma is essential to appreciating the full extent of the healing that Jesus effects. It was not merely a physical healing, but rather that those who had been outcast from society specifically because of their skin disease, pronounced unclean by the Law, were touched by Jesus, healed by him, and allowed to experience the intimacy of human contact. This is brought out more poignantly with the use of the stigmatizing "leper" and all of its connotations, than with the less offensive turn of phrase chosen by the translators. Similar objections are made concerning the use of "wedding attendants" instead of "virgins" in Matthew 25, and so on. It is my belief, for what it's worth, that the readings should be appropriately set in the time in which they were written, and not softened to meet the sensitivities of the modern reader. These are minor quibbles, though, and do very little to diminish the overall excellence of this work. This translation, in this particular single column format, are to be highly recommended to anyone who desires to dive into the depths of Sacred Scripture.Read full review
I ordered a New Bible for myself. It arrived quickly and had been packed very well. No damage to the book. It is a beautiful Bible and I will have many years of enjoying and reading from this book. I would certainly order again from "JRSbooks65"
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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