NLT Bible Question

[Jean_1958]

Hi,

I am looking for opinions on the New Living Translation Bible. Is is considered a good translation? Is there an approved Catholic edition (Nihil Obstat/Imprimatur)?

Thank you,

Jean

 

[NHInsider]

The New Living Translation is not available with imprimatur/nihil obstat because it is not a Catholic translation. It is not available in a complete Bible (with the full OT). And it claims to be a “thought for thought” rather than a “word for word” translation - which gives them lots of wiggle room for incorporating their interpretations into the text. I would avoid this translation.

 

[Jean_1958]

Hi NHInsider,

“Thoutht for thought” instead of “word for word”; I can see why there would be room for error. Too bad, I like it because it is very readible. I will no longer read it. Thank you.

Jean

 

[NHInsider]

It is unfortunate. If you are looking for an “easy-reading” Bible you could try the Today’s English Version (“Good News Bible”). It’s more dynamic than the RSV but it does have imprimatur - and all the books are there, though the deuterocanonical are grouped at the end of the OT.

 

[mccorm45]

Hi,

I am looking for opinions on the New Living Translation Bible. Is is considered a good translation? Is there an approved Catholic edition (Nihil Obstat/Imprimatur)?

Thank you,

Jean

There is an NLT edition, though out-of-print, but still available that is a “Catholic Edition”. It never received formal approval to be called a Catholic edition of the NLT, so it went out of print. I still see copies of it at Barnes and Noble and Borders from time to time. amazon.com/Holy-Bible-Catholic-Reference-Tyndale/dp/0842354891/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1

The NLT is a dynamic equivalence translation, which is slightly more literal than the original Living Bible (as well as the Good News Bible). This edition has some nice book intros, as well as maps, cross-references, and other study helps. I would go with the hardcover, since the bonded leather edition I have is not very well put together.

It should be noted that this edition of the NLT is slightly different than the ones you will see in stores today, since there have been minor revisions to it since the mid-90’s.

 

[Yab_Yum]

Hi Mccorm45: I think you’re referring to the 1st edition which was heavily criticized by Protestants as being overly vague as to the though-for-thought translation. The 2nd edition is far better and actually very fun as an informal reading bible. However it is definitely still an evangelical Protestant version.

 

[bauerice]

There is an NLT edition, though out-of-print, but still available that is a “Catholic Edition”. It never received formal approval to be called a Catholic edition of the NLT, so it went out of print. I still see copies of it at Barnes and Noble and Borders from time to time. amazon.com/Holy-Bible-Catholic-Reference-Tyndale/dp/0842354891/ref=cm_lmf_tit_1
The NLT is a dynamic equivalence translation, which is slightly more literal than the original Living Bible (as well as the Good News Bible). This edition has some nice book intros, as well as maps, cross-references, and other study helps. I would go with the hardcover, since the bonded leather edition I have is not very well put together.
It should be noted that this edition of the NLT is slightly different than the ones you will see in stores today, since there have been minor revisions to it since the mid-90’s.

I have this one and use it often. It’s a shame they have done away with it. If you can find one, it would be a good addition to your library.