Handout Buying a Chapter Bible -- John Karmelich

"How To Buy a Bible": "And some other related things" by John Karmelich

• Dozens of English Translations?	• Individual Commentaries?
• "Devotional" Bibles?	• Concordances?
• "Study" Bibles?	• Lexicons?
• "Official" Bibles?	• Study Guides?
• "Red Letter" Bibles?	• Audio Bibles?
• "Giant Print" Bibles?	• Internet Bibles?
• Literal vs. Paraphrase Bibles?	• Bibles on Computer Software?

NOTES

: "This book will keep you from sin & sin will keep you from this book" Swedish Proverb
--------------------------------
"All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work. Paul, in his 2^nd Letter to Timothy. (2^nd Timothy 3:16-17)
--------------------------------

"Next to praying there is nothing so important in practical religion as Bible-reading. God has mercifully given us a book which is "able to make [us] wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus" (2 Timothy 3:15). By reading that book we may learn what to believe, what to be, and what to do; how to live with comfort, and how to die in peace. Happy is that man who possesses a Bible! Happier still is he who reads it! Happiest of all is he who not only reads it, but obeys it, and makes it the rule of his faith and practice!" J. C. Ryle (1816-1900)

A "Pretty Complete" List Of (Available) English Bibles AND Acronyms:

(AAT) The Complete Bible: An American Translation,		(NKJV) New King James Version
(ABT) The Afro Bible Translation		(RKJV) Revised King James New Testament
(ATB) The Alternate Translation Bible		(TMB) The Third Millennium Bible
(ASV) American Standard Version		(LITV) The Literal Translation of the Holy Bible
(AB) The Amplified Bible		(LB) Living Bible
(ALT) Analytical-Literal Translation		(MLB) Modern Language Bible aka: New Berkeley Version
(ASL) American Sign Language Translation		(NAB) New American Bible (A Cathloic Bible)
(AV) Authorized Version (same as KJV)		(NASB) New American Standard Bible
(Bar) The William Barclay New Testament:		(NASB95) New American Standard Bible 1995 edition
(BWE) Bible in WorldWide English		(NCV) New Century Version
(CE) The Common Edition: New Testament		(NEBUCHADNEZZAR) New English Bible
(CJB) Complete Jewish Bible		(NET) New English Translation aka (REB) The Revised English Bible
(CEV) Contemporary English Version		(NET) New Evangelical Translation
(Dar) Darby Bible		(NirV) New International Reader's Version
(DR) Douay-Rheims		(NIV) New International Version
(DRP) David Robert Palmer's Gospels translation		(NJB) New Jerusalem Bible (Catholic Bible)
(ERV) Easy-to-Read Version		(NLV) New Life Version
(ESV) English Standard Version		(NLT) New Living Translation
(FF) Ferrar Fenton Bible		(NRSV) New Revised Standard Bible
(GLW) God's Living Word		(NWT) New World Translation (Jehovah's Witnesses)
(GNC) God's New Covenant: A N.T. Translation		(OBP) The Original Bible Project
(GW) God's Word		(PMB) Postmodern Bible – Amos
(GNB) Good News Bible aka (TEV) Today's English Version		(RSV) Revised Standard Version
(HCSB) Holman Christian Standard Bible		(Sch) The Schocken Bible
(ICB) International Children's Bible (children's version of the NCV)		(TM) The Message
(ISV) The International Standard Version		(TMB) The Third Millennium Bible
(JBP) New Testament in Modern English, by J.B. Phillips		(TEV) Today's English Version
(JNT) Jewish New Testament: A Translation of the New Testament That Expresses Its Jewishness		(Wuest) The New Testament: An Expanded Translation
(JPS) Jerusalem Publication Society: Jewish Publication - Old Testament		(Wey) Weymouth Bible
(KJV) King James Version		(WEB) World English Bible
(DKJB) Defined King James Bible		(WNT) Wesley's New Testament
(KJ21) King James for the 21st Century		Yes Word
(KJ2000) King James 2000		Young's Literal Translation of the Bible
(MKJV) Modern King James Version		Links to these Bible Home Pages: http://www.geocities.com/bible_translation/english.htm

Decisions To Make On Choosing A Bible:

Paperback?	With Commentary Notes or without commentary Notes?
Hard-back?	Which Commentary Notes would you like with which version?
Soft Leather?	Would you like the Giant-Print Edition for those with vision problems?
Hard Leather?	Would you like the very small print version that fits in your pocket?
Bible Cover?	How about the small size version that looks like a businessman’s Day Planner?
	How about a Red-Letter edition where Jesus’ words are in highlighted in Red?
	How about Bibles on Audio Cassette, CD’s, Internet Bibles & Bible Software?

Oh and what color would you like that in? J

One Bible Store’s Complete List of Bibles (3 Pages)

Publisher	Title	Version	Print Size	Book Cover
AMG	Hebrew-Greek KEYWORD Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
AMG	Hebrew-Greek KEYWORD Study Bible	NASB	Regular	Bonded Leather
AMG	Hebrew-Greek KEYWORD Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	Hand Size Giant Print	SPA	Giant	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	Hand Size Giant Print Reference Bible	KJV	Giant	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	Super Giant Print Reference Bible	SPA	Super Giant	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	Ultra Thin Large Print Reference	NIV	Large	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Classic Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Classic Bible w/slide tab	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Large Print Reference Bible	NASB	Large	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Large Print Reference Bible	NIV	Large	Genuine Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Reference Bible	NASB	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Reference Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Broadman-Holman	UltraThin Reference Bible	NIV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Cornerstone	UltraThin Reference Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Dake Publishing Inc	The Dake Annotated Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Dake Publishing Inc	The Dake Annotated Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Holman	Ultra Thin Large Print Reference Bible	KJV	Large	Bonded Leather
Kirkbride	Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Kirkbride	Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible	NASB	Regular	Bonded Leather
Kirkbride	Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Kirkbride	Thompson Chain-Reference Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Oxford	Scofield Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Oxford	Scofield Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Berkshire Leather
Oxford	Scofield Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Hand-Finished Morocco Leather
Oxford	The Contemporary Parallel New Testament	PAR	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	Compact Reference	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	Compact Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather with Snap-Flap
Thomas Nelson	Compact Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Thomas Nelson	Compact Reference Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	Extreme Teen Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	Extreme Teen Bible	NKJV	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	Extreme Teen Bible	NKJV	Regular	Paperback
Thomas Nelson	Holy Bible, Woman Thou Art Loosed Edition	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather

One Bible Store’s Complete List of Bibles (Page 2)

Publisher	Title	Version	Print Size	Book Cover
Thomas Nelson	Holy Bible: Woman Thou Art Loosed Edition	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather w/Shoulder Strap
Thomas Nelson	King James Giant Print Reference Bible	KJV	Giant	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	K.J. Personal Size Giant Print Reference Bible	KJV	Giant	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	King James Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	King James Slimline Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	My Utmost Devotional Bible	NKJV	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	Nelson Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Thomas Nelson	New Explorer's Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	New Explorer's Study Bible	NLT	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	New Geneva Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	New Geneva Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Thomas Nelson	New Geneva Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Hardcover
Thomas Nelson	Personal Size Giant Print	NASB	Giant	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	Prophecy Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	The King James Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded leather
Thomas Nelson	The King James Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
Thomas Nelson	The New Open Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	The Open Bible	NLT	Regular	Bonded Leather
Thomas Nelson	The Open Bible	NLT	Regular	Genuine Leather
Thomas Nelson	The Word in Life Study Bible	NKJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Tyndale	Large Print Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Large	Hardcover
Tyndale	Large Print Life Application Study Bible	NLT	Large	Bonded Leather
Tyndale	NIV Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Deluxe Hardcover
Tyndale	NIV Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Deluxe Padded Hardcover
Tyndale	NIV Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Tyndale	NLT Large Print Life Application Study Bible	NLT	Large	Hardcover
Tyndale	NLT Life Application Study Bible	NLT	Regular	Bonded Leather
Tyndale	NLT Life Application Study Bible	NLT	Regular	Genuine Leather
Tyndale	NLT Life Application Study Bible	NLT	Regular	Hardcover
World	Classic Personal Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
World	Gift and Award Bible	KJV	Regular	Imitation Leather
World	Matthew Henry Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather
World	Matthew Henry Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Genuine Leather
World	Matthew Henry Study Bible	KJV	Regular	Hardcover
World	World's Thinnest Reference Bible	KJV	Regular	Bonded Leather with Zipper
Zondervan	Deluxe Gift and Award Bible	NIV	Regular	Imitation Leather
Zondervan	Kids' Quest Study Bible	NIrV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	Kids' Study Bible	NIrV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	Living Insights Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	Living Insights Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NASB/NIV Parallel Bible	NASB/NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Life Application Bible-Large Print	NIV	Large	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Life Application Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Top Grain Genuine Leather
Zondervan	NIV Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Promise Keepers Men's Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Softcover

One Bible Store’s Complete List of Bibles (Page 3)

Publisher	Title	Version	Print Size	Book Cover
Zondervan	NIV Student Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Student Bible	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Student Bible - Compact	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Student Bible - Compact	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Student Bible - Compact	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Deluxe Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Genuine Top-Grain Leather
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Padded Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible - Large Print	NIV	Large	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible - Large Print	NIV	Large	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible - Large Print	NIV	Large	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible-Personal Size	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible-Personal Size	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Study Bible-Personal Size	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible 2	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible 2	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible 2	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible-Compact	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	NIV Women's Devotional Bible-Compact	NIV	Regular	Softcover
Zondervan	Quest Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	Quest Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	Quest Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Top Grain Genuine Leather
Zondervan	Seniors' Devotional Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	Spiritual Renewal Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	Teen Devotional Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	Teen Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	The New Adventure Bible	NIV	Regular	Bonded Leather
Zondervan	The New Adventure Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover
Zondervan	The New Adventure Study Bible	NIV	Regular	Imitation Leather
Zondervan	The Student Bible	NIV	Regular	Hardcover

Top 20 closest Christian Bookstores to Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church

Christian Bookstore	Address	City	Phone	Distance GSPC*
Holloway's Christian Novelty	3452 N Studebaker Rd	Long Beach	(562) 498-6615	2.4 miles
Lighthouse Christian Store	3008 N Bellflower Bl	Long Beach	(562) 425-1211	3.2 miles
City Christian Bookstore	2238 E 7th St	Long Beach	(562) 987-1535	5.5 miles
Christian Book & Gift	8652 On The Mall	Buena Park	(714) 952-3311	5.9 miles
Our Ministry Christian Book	7142 Edinger Ave	Huntington Beach	(714) 842-2446	5.9 miles
Cana Christian Bookstore	9764 Garden Grove Bl	Garden Grove	(714) 530-2211	6.4 miles
Alabadle Christian Store	505 E 4th St	Long Beach	(562) 436-0590	6.7 miles
New Life Christian Store	11465 Rosecrans Ave	Norwalk	(562) 462-9192	7.4 miles
Christian Discount Book Ctr	16595 Magnolia St	Westminster	(714) 847-0396	7.5 miles
Alleluia Christian Book Store	647 N Euclid St	Anaheim	(714) 774-1390	8.1 miles
Family Christian Book Store	13048 Harbor Bl	Garden Grove	(714) 638-9893	8.8 miles
Committed Christian Books	19400 Beach Bl # 14	Huntington Beach	(714) 378-9394	9.2 miles
Berean Christian Stores	1440 S Harbor Bl	Fullerton	(714) 680-9500	9.5 miles
Alpha&Omega Christian Book	640 S Harbor Bl	Santa Ana	(714) 775-1445	9.5 miles
Bethel Christian Book Store	1440 S Anaheim Bl	Anaheim	(714) 635-2160	9.6 miles
Family Christian Book Store	3701 S Harbor Bl # C	Santa Ana	(714) 549-5220	10.1 miles
Chapel Store (CalveryChapel)	3800 S. Fairview Rd	Santa Ana	(714) 540-2941	10.3 miles
Judah Christian Book Store	8337 Firestone Bl	Downey	(562) 869-0288	10.6 miles
Committed Christian Books	1394 S Euclid St	La Habra	(714) 446-6226	10.9 miles
Grace Christian Books & Supls	603 E University Dr	Carson	(310) 808-0562	11.8 miles

In Bold is John’s personal very-bias favorites J

Shopping Tips:

Many Christian Bookstores have mailing lists. Get on those lists. They will send you flyers offering discounts on books or sometimes on "anything in the store".
If you don’t know what you want, pick a big Christian bookstore and look around. I don’t recommend shopping at a bookstore, then buying it cheaper on-line. You "paid" them to do research at their store, you should reward that store and purchase it there. Again, you can save money with their coupons. "Lighthouse" is the largest Christian bookstore (by square footage) close to our church.
If you know specifically what you want, try a mail order company. Non-Christian bookstores (Amazon.com, Barnes & Nobles) often carry a limited supply of popular Bibles at very good prices. (Personally, I would rather support a Christian Bookstore!).
Costco and Sam’s Club has a few Bibles. Mainly "NIV-Study Bible" and some Life Application Bibles.
If you know you want these, they probably have the best prices.
The Chapel Store at Calvery Chapel, as listed in the bold listing above is a non-profit bookstore. Their Bibles are always discounted and their prices are as good as I’ve seen anywhere. It’s my favorite place to shop. Their selection is not as large as Lighthouse in Long Beach or some of the mail-order houses, but they can order anything in print. There is also Chapel Stores in Torrance and Westminster. They are smaller in size than the Costa Mesa store.
Our church library has a lot of versions one can look through, and see if you like them. Many popular Bibles are available on the internet so you can glance at them. (See Web Links, Page 6).

Web Links for More Information

On-Line Bibles

These Web Sites have multiple versions of the Bible On-Line

They have good links to commentaries & other study-helps. All 3 sources below are excellent.

1. The "World Wide Study Bible" (Wheaton College) http://www.ccel.org/wwsb/

2. The "Blue Letter Bible" http://www.blueletterbible.org/

3. The "On-Line" Bible Study http://bible.crosswalk.com/

Mail Order Houses for Bibles & Bible Software

Discounted Christian Mail Order Companies

I have used the first two with good results. The others came from a "Yahoo" search. I can’t speak for the other companies. This is not a complete list.

1. Discount Christian Software & Books Toll Free 888-967-3763)

http://www.discountchristian.com/ ("San Diego based- good company "- John)

2. Consistent Computing Bargains Inc.

Bible and General Software Only - No Books (Wisconsin based. "Really good prices/service" - John)

Toll Free: 800-342-4222 http://www.christiantechstore.com/

3. L&C Software Inc. Phone: 877-461-8608 http://www.lcchristianword.com/

4. DiscountBible.com Phone 800-214-1826 http://www.discountbible.com/

5. The Bible Explosion Phone 1-800-443-2559 http://www.bibleexplosion.com/

Pro’s & Con’s of the Most-Popular Translations

1. A good, fair analysis of KJV, NIV, RSV, Living Bible, New World (Jehovah Witness) and NASB

http://www.zianet.com/maxey/versions.htm

2. A fairly complete list of Web Sites that discuss Bible Translations, and discussions thereof…

http://www.geocities.com/bible_translation/english.htm

(Scroll down to the section on "Discussion of English Versions"

Bible Software Companies

These are the "Top 7". Note that first two (Logos and Quickverse) sell more than all the others put together. There are many others. There is also a lot of software just for "Bible-help", such as maps, commentaries, dictionaries, etc.) These companies sell software with multiple translations available, commentaries, built in search capabilities, etc. You will see some features on all these software packages, because, those features have expired copyrights and thus are included everywhere Most of these companies offer free trial versions of their software. Rule of thumb: "The more you pay, the more translations and features you receive." Typical Prices: $75-$350. Most Christian Bookstores have a good section of Bible software & carry these titles.

Logos Software http://www.logos.com/ Maker of "Nelson Electronic Bible" and have many packages, including New American Standard Bible Library, many others), KJV, NKJV, NASB "oriented".

"The Learning Company" http://www.quickverse.com/ (Maker of "Quickverse" & many titles

QuickVerse is not tied to any one publisher, so it is not "lean" toward any particular translation.

Zondervan Publishing http://www.zondervan.com Big publisher, lots of titles NIV oriented.

Word Search (Nav Press) http://www.wordsearchbible.com/ Haven’t tried it, no recommendation.

Bibleworks http://www.bibleworks.com/ Haven’t tried it, no recommendation.

The On-Line Bible http://www.onlinebible.org/ Cheaper than others, but also harder to use.
Typical packagesd prices range from $30-$100 It is popular due to the low prices.

Ages Software http://www.ages.com/ Specializes in reprinted "classicial" Christian writings.

A Summary of the Most Popular Bible Versions
(Source Christian Research Institute)

KING JAMES (AUTHORIZED) VERSION (1611)

Translated from the original languages by committee. Unexcelled in literary quality, although now archaic. Does not reflect the best text base on recent scholarship (some editions give explanatory notes on the text).

NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE (1970)

From the original by interdenominational committee. Patterned after American Standard Version of 1901. Excellent precision in handling of verb-tenses but sometimes pedantic, awkward and lacking in style - "wooden" say many. Literalness, careful work and good notes make it one of the best study Bibles.

THE MODERN LANGUAGE BIBLE (1969)

Revision of the Berkeley Version (1945). Good balance of accuracy of meaning with plain contemporary English. Helpful notes.

JERUSALEM BIBLE (Catholic Bible)

Translated with reference to both the original and an earlier French translation by Roman Catholic committee. Forceful but not stylistically consistent or fully idiomatic English. OT text not the best. Notes are a substantial part of the work and are generally non-sectarian but should be checked.

NEW AMERICAN BIBLE (Catholic Bible)

From the original Greek (NT); revision of confraternity version (based on Latin Vulgate) in the OT. Catholic Committee consulted with Protestants in final stages. More conservative than JB but introductions to sections and to individual books "moderately liberal in tone" (Kubo and Specht, p. 164). Format differs with the publisher.

NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION

From the original, by a large interdenominational but conservative committee. Well balanced - good for study, faster reading, or public reading. Based on reliable Greek text. Somewhat inconsistent in modernizing terminology. Pleasing, very readable format (few footnotes). Many feel it will become the most used Bible of the future, especially for evangelicals.

TODAY'S ENGLISH VERSION (Good News Bible)

From the original. NT by one man, approved by committee. Aimed particularly at English - as - second - language audience and those with little formal education. Achieves its goal well - very readable, good format. Translates dynamics well but not dependable for deeper study if used by itself.

NEW ENGLISH BIBLE

From the original by interdenominational British committee. Exciting literary style, very readable but with distinct British flavor and idiom. Excellent for non-churched. Departures from the original text and too much liberty in certain renderings make it undependable as a study Bible.

A Summary of the Most Popular Bible Versions (cont.)
(Source Christian Research Institute)

REVISED STANDARD VERSION (1946)

Debatable whether more a revision of KJV or a fresh translation from the original (by committee). Probably more the latter in NT. Preserves some of KJV sound of "Bible English", but is somewhat modernized. Accused by ultra-conservatives of deliberate "liberal" bias (along with TEV and others) but has weathered the storm and is considered by some church leaders as the best all-purpose translation. Adequate, though not the best for deeper study in author's opinion.

J.B. PHILLIPS' TRANSLATION

From the original but definitely a paraphrase by J.B. Phillips, a competent Greek scholar. More than any other, makes the Bible "live" for educated or literary people, although in British expression. Does not read like a translation. Provokes new insight and understanding which should, however, be checked with more literal translations and by deeper study. Excellent for the educated, unchurched person as well as the thinking Christian.

LIVING BIBLE

Paraphrased essentially from the 1901 ASV by Ken Taylor but checked by Greek, Hebrew scholars. Serves similar purpose as Phillips' but reaches also to the less educated. Encourages Bible reading and helps older Christians express their faith in contemporary terms. Definitely not to be relied on for interpretations or study. Changes, sometimes significant, made between editions.

AMPLIFIED BIBLE

Amplified Bible done from the originals. Neither a true translation nor a paraphrase. This type version offers readers possible renderings or interpretations and can be helpful for study or deepening understanding. However, users must realize the original author had one meaning in mind, determined by context and usage in that language, not our personal preference or whim. These versions must not be substituted for responsible deeper study.

--Most Literal - American Standard - King James, New King James -New American Standard		Idiomatic -New English Version -Phillips'

--In-Between Literal/Paraphrase -New International Version -Today's English Version		Paraphrase -Living Bible

SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY FOR FURTHER STUDY
--Bruce, F.F., THE ENGLISH BIBLE. New York: Oxford University Press, 1970.
--Dennett, Herbert, A GUIDE TO MODERN VERSIONS OF THE NEW TESTAMENT. Chicago:
Moody Press, 1965.
--Hawthorne, G.F., HOW TO CHOOSE A BIBLE. Christianity Today, Vol. 20, December 5, 1975, pp.7-10.
--Kubo, Sakae and Walter Specht, SO MANY VERSIONS?. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1975 (Paperback).
--WHICH BIBLE IS BEST FOR YOU?, Eternity. Vol. 25, April, 1974, pp.27-31.