The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language

Recent Christian books quoted “The Message”. It is a modern language Bible. I have many versions, NIV, Good News, King James so I purchased The Message, it is very different, very thought provoking. It will never replace the NIV or Good News as the verses we know sound very different. John 3 16, “This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. Verses 16-18 are grouped together, the above is just the first part. I would recommend that a copy is bought but I would not use it as my go to Bible. It is a good dip in and out Bible. In a fire would take my NIV and possibly my Good News, but the Message is very readable. Aren’t we well blessed to have so many readily available Bibles.

We were discussing different versions of the Bible and this was recommended by our vicar. It is very different from "Traditional" versions and easy to read, but in no way does it replace other versions used in church

Good. Very good . Print is on the small side

Before I start, I’d just like to state that as much as I like his Bible, it’s probably best to use as a “clarifying Bible”, rather than your main Bible. I say this because as easy it is to read and understand, and despite the fact that it really uses “street” language, it does take some poetic licence in its interpretation. For some this might water down the message somewhat. I am vary familiar with the Bible, so I feel I can use this version often and not misunderstand the true message. I love reading the Bible. I have many different translations from the KJV to the NKJV; from the NASB to the NRSV; from the Amplified to the New World Translation, (the latter, as I am an ex-Jehovah’s Witness). Some Bible translations are easier to read than others. The KJV is a notoriously “wordy” version, and difficult for many, especially children and young teens, to read. I had heard of this “Message” version before but not ever read it, until I saw an excerpt of it online - and I immediately purchased it. It really is the easiest translation of the Bible I have ever read. Not only does it use modern words, but it uses them in a modern way, using phrases that we use in everyday chat. I was really pleasantly surprised by not only how easy it is to read, but how true it is to the original texts (though I am no expert here). This version would be great for those who find other translations hard to read; or for children and young teens. I like this particular edition because, as stupid as it sounds, it is a nice, floppy paperback book (in fact, my first and only paperback edition of the Bible). When I open it up and hold it in one hand, it just flops open, almost as if it were unconscious. The text is very small though, so if you have trouble reading small print, you might want to see if you can find a large print edition. If I am wearing my eye glasses, or my contact lenses, I have to hold this Bible slightly further away, especially when wearing my contacts. If I am wearing no correction, then I have to hold the book a little nearer than I would if I were reading a novel with slightly larger print. But not so close than I am sniffing the pages as I read, (though I do love smelling the pages of a book). So, yes, a very easy translation of the Bible to read. Recommended.

I find the Message Bible easy to read and understand. Very pleased

Too tiny write ups

Thoroughly funny hilarious translation of the KJV I’d say. I’m 100% KjV but considered this translation when Dr Bill Winston said Deut15:2 “all debts are cancelled” and I was just looking for someone to agree with me and I’m glad the Holy Spirit does. I can’t wait to read on what God is saying regarding The Assyrians and Moabites and the Ammonites whom I’m currently fighting in battle. Yours truly Daughter of Zion.

A lot of people have a lot of things to say about this book, but for me, as someone who has struggled with the Bible for years, it's a really good opener. It's allowed me to really get to grips with a lot of passages before tackling them in a more standard Bible. This interpretation isn't aimed at scholars, or advanced Biblical students, but for those trying to get a foothold in the good book this is a great start.

Modern use of language makes the Bible easy to understand without compromising accuracy. The print is a little small.

Está muy bien esta biblia, el lenguaje que usa. Pero le pongo 2 pegas: - Letra muy pequeña - No están numerados los versículos uno a uno, sino que a veces los numera por ejemplo: 1-4 y menciona todos esos versículos de golpe, en lugar de 1 ..... 2 ..... 3 .... 4 .... (no sé si me explico: a la hora de buscar un versículo en concreto, quizás tengas dificultades, porque si pone 1-4 y buscas el 2, no sabes exactamente donde empieza el 2 y donde termina, porque no están separados)

Excelente

Muy bien

Even though the letters are quite small, but it would be one of my best books to keep.