Dr. Packer's Top Three...

[TCGreek]

Last evening I was listening to an interview, featuring the distinguished theologian, Dr. JI Packer, where he lists the top three translations a person must own:

1. KJV

2. ESV

3. NLT

Not in this order, but each for its merits. The KJV because of its poetic flow and so on.

The ESV because it's a good balance between formal and functional.

The NLT because a person needs a good paraphrase.

 

[Rippon]

Last evening I was listening to an interview, featuring the distinguished theologian, Dr. JI Packer, where he lists the top three translations a person must own:

1. KJV

2. ESV

3. NLT

Not in this order, but each for its merits. The KJV because of its poetic flow and so on.

The ESV because it's a good balance between formal and functional.

The NLT because a person needs a good paraphrase.

I'll have to disagree with the esteemed Dr. Packer who I regard very highly . First of all the ESV is not such a good balance between formal and functional -- that spot is where the TNIV , HCSB and NET Bible fit .

Technically the NLTse is not a paraphrase . It is a functional equivalent translation , and has moved a couple notches closer on the continuum toward the formal equivalent . It has inched its way toward that realm more than the NLT1 .

 

[TCGreek]

I'll have to disagree with the esteemed Dr. Packer who I regard very highly . First of all the ESV is not such a good balance between formal and functional -- that spot is where the TNIV , HCSB and NET Bible fit .

Technically the NLTse is not a paraphrase . It is a functional equivalent translation , and has moved a couple notches closer on the continuum toward the formal equivalent . It has inched its way toward that realm more than the NLT1 .

I quite agree with you.

NET and HCSB are definitely the best mediating Bibles around. I got serious issues with the TNIV (Rom 16:1; 1 Tim 3:11, see those).

Maybe the NLT1, but not the NLTse--I think it's a great marriage between formal and functional. :thumbs:

I plan to spend more time with the NLTse this year.

 

[go2church]

The TNIV is imo the best all around translation out there right now. None are perfect, but the TNIV strikes the best balance between readability and scholarly usability

 

[Rippon]

Maybe the NLT1, but not the NLTse--I think it's a great marriage between formal and functional. :thumbs:

You maintain that the HCSB and the NET Bible are good mediating translations . ( I would add the TNIV and ISV too .) But you now say that the NLTse is a good balance between formal and fuctional . However , you would still have to go several steps to the right of the chart to the position where the NLTse is situated .

You know how much I appreciate the NLTse . But it's not in the spot you have assigned it . The REB , NJB and Norlie are its companions , not the HCSB and NET Bible .

 

[TCGreek]

You maintain that the HCSB and the NET Bible are good mediating translations . ( I would add the TNIV and ISV too .) But you now say that the NLTse is a good balance between formal and fuctional . However , you would still have to go several steps to the right of the chart to the position where the NLTse is situated .

You know how much I appreciate the NLTse . But it's not in the spot you have assigned it . The REB , NJB and Norlie are its companions , not the HCSB and NET Bible .

Your assessment of the NLTse is well put. I agree that it's more to the right.

NET, HCSB and NET are definitely mediating Bibles.