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GtrsRGr8 · 08-26-2015, 02:16 AM

I ran across this ebook Bible on a couple of other websites yesterday (Tuesday). I have to admit that I wasn't even aware that this version (translation) of the Bible existed. The ebook edition was published a little less than a year ago. However, the hardback and paperback renditions of the New Life Bible (NLV) have been around since 2006!

One thing that intrigues me about this version--and perhaps I will even like after some more thought about it--is the fact that it uses a very limited, and also simple, vocabulary. People, maybe especially children, complain that the Bible is "too hard" to read. That certainly has kept people of all ages from being interested in reading it. Even newer translations, which chuck the archaic and grandiose language of the King James Version, almost inevitably use "big words," which many people do not understand. However, those characteristics of limited vocabulary and simplicity, that are assets to some people, make it completely unsuitable for the Bible student doing serious Bible study.

Nothing that I've said speaks to the quality of the translation. That has to do with whether or not the translation is accurate--does it take translation liberties or interpretative liberties? The Bible is "compiled by" the "Barbour Staff" (Barbour being the name of the publisher). Was the translation made by them (too)? If so, how qualified are they to do that? Also, I have questions about using simple words; it seems to be that there is the potential, at least, for a lot of things to literally "get lost in translation" doing that. Having just become aware that the translation exists(!), I simply do not know the answers to these questions--yet.

Although this cannot be considered a "study Bible," probably by any stretch of the imagination, there are a few study "helps" in this edition. Those are the nearly ubiquitous subheads in the text, some topical study outlines, and others.

The price of the paper-based editions (which are available at Amazon from third party sellers only) is a little more than $20 for the hardback and a little under $20 for the paperback. I couldn't find a list price for the Kindle ebook, but the list price at Christianbook (ePub) is $14.97. Who knows what the price of the Kindle ebook will settle out at. My point is: if you have any inkling that you might be interested in this Bible now or in the future, my advice to you is to get it now. It's free!

The Holy Bible - Old and New Testament: New Life VersionTM (New Life Bible). Barbour Staff (compilers). Rated 5 stars, but from only 12 reviews at the present moment, at Amazon; rated 5 stars at GoodReads, but from only 3 reviews. Print list price N/A; digital list price N/A; Kindle price now $0.00. http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Life-Ver...0564660&sr=1-1.

FYI--Christianbook has the ePub of the entire Bible for $3.99.

There is a New Testament only edition of this version available, also free, at Amazon. Being digital, it takes up no less physical space than the full Bible, however. Unless your ebook reader is low on memory, I see no advantage to purchasing the New Testament only.

Book Description
Looking for a Bible you can really understand? Try the New Life™ Bible, specially designed to clarify difficult words and passages. The New Life™ Version—used around the world in mission work—is now available as an ebook edition. Containing the complete Old and New Testament text, helpful descriptive subheads throughout, and topical study outlines to further explain the scriptures, this NLV Bible is for everyone. Its limited vocabulary makes it perfect for younger readers, in English-as-a-second-language use, or even for longer-term Christians who just want a fresh perspective on the scriptures.

This unique scripture version, originally designed to reach people who did not speak English as their native language, uses a limited vocabulary of 850 words to simply and clearly share God's truth. For example, the term "justified" is rendered "made right with God," and "blaspheme" is rendered "speak against God." Ideal for seekers, new believers, or even mature Christians who want a new perspective on the Bible.

08-26-2015, 02:16 AM	#274
GtrsRGr8 Grand Sorcerer Posts: 7,334 Karma: 27815322 Join Date: Aug 2012 Location: Southeastern U.S., ya'll Device: Kindle; Kindle (10.1.1) for PC; Kindle Cloud Reader	Recently-Published New Life Bible (Old & New Testaments) Ebook--Currently FREE! I ran across this ebook Bible on a couple of other websites yesterday (Tuesday). I have to admit that I wasn't even aware that this version (translation) of the Bible existed. The ebook edition was published a little less than a year ago. However, the hardback and paperback renditions of the New Life Bible (NLV) have been around since 2006! One thing that intrigues me about this version--and perhaps I will even like after some more thought about it--is the fact that it uses a very limited, and also simple, vocabulary. People, maybe especially children, complain that the Bible is "too hard" to read. That certainly has kept people of all ages from being interested in reading it. Even newer translations, which chuck the archaic and grandiose language of the King James Version, almost inevitably use "big words," which many people do not understand. However, those characteristics of limited vocabulary and simplicity, that are assets to some people, make it completely unsuitable for the Bible student doing serious Bible study. Nothing that I've said speaks to the quality of the translation. That has to do with whether or not the translation is accurate--does it take translation liberties or interpretative liberties? The Bible is "compiled by" the "Barbour Staff" (Barbour being the name of the publisher). Was the translation made by them (too)? If so, how qualified are they to do that? Also, I have questions about using simple words; it seems to be that there is the potential, at least, for a lot of things to literally "get lost in translation" doing that. Having just become aware that the translation exists(!), I simply do not know the answers to these questions--yet. Although this cannot be considered a "study Bible," probably by any stretch of the imagination, there are a few study "helps" in this edition. Those are the nearly ubiquitous subheads in the text, some topical study outlines, and others. The price of the paper-based editions (which are available at Amazon from third party sellers only) is a little more than $20 for the hardback and a little under $20 for the paperback. I couldn't find a list price for the Kindle ebook, but the list price at Christianbook (ePub) is $14.97. Who knows what the price of the Kindle ebook will settle out at. My point is: if you have any inkling that you might be interested in this Bible now or in the future, my advice to you is to get it now. It's free! The Holy Bible - Old and New Testament: New Life VersionTM (New Life Bible). Barbour Staff (compilers). Rated 5 stars, but from only 12 reviews at the present moment, at Amazon; rated 5 stars at GoodReads, but from only 3 reviews. Print list price N/A; digital list price N/A; Kindle price now $0.00. http://www.amazon.com/Bible-Life-Ver...0564660&sr=1-1. FYI--Christianbook has the ePub of the entire Bible for $3.99. There is a New Testament only edition of this version available, also free, at Amazon. Being digital, it takes up no less physical space than the full Bible, however. Unless your ebook reader is low on memory, I see no advantage to purchasing the New Testament only. Book Description Looking for a Bible you can really understand? Try the New Life™ Bible, specially designed to clarify difficult words and passages. The New Life™ Version—used around the world in mission work—is now available as an ebook edition. Containing the complete Old and New Testament text, helpful descriptive subheads throughout, and topical study outlines to further explain the scriptures, this NLV Bible is for everyone. Its limited vocabulary makes it perfect for younger readers, in English-as-a-second-language use, or even for longer-term Christians who just want a fresh perspective on the scriptures. This unique scripture version, originally designed to reach people who did not speak English as their native language, uses a limited vocabulary of 850 words to simply and clearly share God's truth. For example, the term "justified" is rendered "made right with God," and "blaspheme" is rendered "speak against God." Ideal for seekers, new believers, or even mature Christians who want a new perspective on the Bible. Last edited by GtrsRGr8; 08-26-2015 at 02:22 AM.