The Message Bible ... ?

topsyturvy86

Well-Known Member
What are your thoughts on the message Bible translation?

(F0r th0se wh0 d0n't kn0w, the Message Bible is the Bible translated in m0dern day English and scenari0's. *fr0m the website* "New words are formed. Old words take on new meaning. There is a need in every generation to keep the language of the gospel message current, fresh, and understandable—the way it was for its very first readers. That is what The Message seeks to accomplish for contemporary readers. It is a version for our time—designed to be read by contemporary people in the same way as the original koin� Greek and Hebrew manuscripts were savored by people thousands of years ago.")

I'm not sure how to feel about this because the bible is really deep and someone's interpretation interpretation of a part of scripture may not be the only interpretation/context to which it can be applied. I know the bible was translated from the ancient Queen's English to one's like the NIV but like Chinese whisper's, if it keeps being interpreted, some parts of the meaning could be lost.

For example, i've been medidating on the women's manual (Proverbs 31 woman) and looked at the message translation for a different perspective but found it too simplistic and the depth lost in some areas.

NIV

A wife of noble character who can find?
She is worth far more than rubies.

11 Her husband has full confidence in her
and lacks nothing of value.
12 She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
13 She selects wool and flax
and works with eager hands.
14 She is like the merchant ships,
bringing her food from afar.
15 She gets up while it is still dark;
she provides food for her family
and portions for her servant girls.
16 She considers a field and buys it;
out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.
17 She sets about her work vigorously;
her arms are strong for her tasks.
18 She sees that her trading is profitable,
and her lamp does not go out at night.
19 In her hand she holds the distaff
and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
20 She opens her arms to the poor
and extends her hands to the needy.
21 When it snows, she has no fear for her household;
for all of them are clothed in scarlet.
22 She makes coverings for her bed;
she is clothed in fine linen and purple.
23 Her husband is respected at the city gate,
where he takes his seat among the elders of the land.
24 She makes linen garments and sells them,
and supplies the merchants with sashes.
25 She is clothed with strength and dignity;
she can laugh at the days to come.
26 She speaks with wisdom,
and faithful instruction is on her tongue.
27 She watches over the affairs of her household
and does not eat the bread of idleness.
28 Her children arise and call her blessed;
her husband also, and he praises her:
29 "Many women do noble things,
but you surpass them all." 30 Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting;
but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised.

Message

10-31 A good woman is hard to find,
and worth far more than diamonds.
Her husband trusts her without reserve,
and never has reason to regret it.
Never spiteful, she treats him generously
all her life long.
She shops around for the best yarns and cottons,
and enjoys knitting and sewing.
She's like a trading ship that sails to faraway places
and brings back exotic surprises.
She's up before dawn, preparing breakfast
for her family and organizing her day.
She looks over a field and buys it,
then, with money she's put aside, plants a garden.
First thing in the morning, she dresses for work,
rolls up her sleeves, eager to get started.
She senses the worth of her work,
is in no hurry to call it quits for the day.
She's skilled in the crafts of home and hearth,
diligent in homemaking.
She's quick to assist anyone in need,
reaches out to help the poor.
She doesn't worry about her family when it snows;
their winter clothes are all mended and ready to wear.
She makes her own clothing,
and dresses in colorful linens and silks.
Her husband is greatly respected
when he deliberates with the city fathers.
She designs gowns and sells them,
brings the sweaters she knits to the dress shops.
Her clothes are well-made and elegant,
and she always faces tomorrow with a smile.
When she speaks she has something worthwhile to say,
and she always says it kindly.
She keeps an eye on everyone in her household,
and keeps them all busy and productive.
Her children respect and bless her;
her husband joins in with words of praise:
"Many women have done wonderful things,
but you've outclassed them all!"
Charm can mislead and beauty soon fades.
The woman to be admired and praised
is the woman who lives in the Fear-of-God.
Give her everything she deserves!
Festoon her life with praises!

What do u think?/am I just being a drama queen.
 
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I agree with you, some areas of The Message are just straight up, and doesn't leave much room to desire to "study", whereas the KJV, gives the window to study the Greek and Hebrew meaning of words.
 
The message bible is a paraphase isn't it, the authors point of view. I like the message bible but I only use it when I am studying and I want to under a passage more better but its not the end all of course I have other areas to go to but sometimes I get a better understanding of a subject if I have other bibles to review. I think its great to have other bibles, but I only try to memorize King James Version.
 
This is the Bible that I read from most days. It is a very good Bible to read from. I sometime compare the Message, KJV, NKJV, and NLB to get a full look at scriptures. I am at a very crucial point and I have to know. I study from the KJV. I have two NIV Bibles. I like the NKJV. I want a 1599 Geneva Bible. All Bibles are an interpretation from someone except either the Geneva or Septuagint. I would not worry about it too much. Most people will grab the NIV, I have problem with that one because of interpretation inconsistencies and not to mention God's Word Bible. When you compare scripture upon scripture you will see. In the God's Word Bible Jeremiah 3:1 did not interpret correctly but it's ok because man is predisposed to make mistakes even in interpreting. Whatever translation that makes you comfortable read it daily. Get the word in you and it will change you.
 
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"she enjoys knitting and sewing"


that brought a chuckle to me for all the times I was at shul for worship or a seminar and a lady brought out a ball of yarn and two needles.
 
When I read The Message I always cross reference. I have a habit of cross referencing in general though. I really like the way The Message words things simply, yet still beautifully. Sometimes when I read something in a different translation it'll just make it click.
 
When referencing praise, "Raise the Roof" in this tranlsation is note-worthy :look:


Isaiah 12:5-6 (The Message)
"Sing praise-songs to God. He's done it all!
Let the whole earth know what he's done!
Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, O Zion!
The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel."



Psalm 27:6 (The Message)
God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down. I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof! Already I'm singing God-songs; I'm making music to God.
 
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