[Note: The 1000-year reign of Jesus on earth is mentioned in Revelation 20; the soon 1000th Interruption isn’t mentioned in Revelation 20, but some say both events are coming soon!]
The New Living Translation of the Bible was written with children in mind. I think that’s a good idea, and Jesus does too . . .
But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children” (Matthew 19:14, NLT).
The New Living Translation was written for those with a 6th-grade reading level. The average reading level in the U.S.A. is 7th to 8th grade, so not only can children enjoy this version of the Bible, but most of their parents can too!
It hasn’t been studied to see if those who read Interruptions increase in their reading level.
But those who do read Interruptions know that I quote regularly from the New Living Translation. When I list a passage of Scripture (as I did at the beginning), you know it’s the New Living Translation because the letters NLT are at the end.
In Interruptions, I also use these versions: NASB1995, ESV, NIV, and OGV. What do these letters indicate?
NASB1995, the New American Standard Version of 1995; ESV, English Standard Version; NIV, New International Version; and OGV, Old Guy Version.
There are three paths to follow in translating original Greek manuscripts into English:
First, thought-for-thought versions, called paraphrases, with the emphasis on the original thought in the Greek New Testament matching current ways of speaking and thinking.
Second, word-for-word versions, called literal, with the emphasis on matching Greek words to English words as much as possible.
Third, Grant Edwards’s thoughts and words. This is the OGV or Old Guy Version! This version is totally unique to Interruptions and probably should stay that way.
We are getting complicated today, aren’t we – literal, paraphrased, word-for-word, and thought-for-thought? Just reading this Interruption should increase our reading level.
I read the NASB1995 for devotions and memorizing because it’s a literal version and, I believe, the most accurate translation from the Greek. I enjoy reading the ESV, which is another literal version but uses more current words and phrases. Sometimes I use the NIV in Interruptions as it is a paraphrase and gives meaningful insight.
But I’m using the NLT (New Living Translation) more and more. Why?
Though it is a paraphrase, it was translated by 90 Bible scholars, with the idea of accuracy but also relevance with youth and children.
If you desire the best accuracy, read the NASB1995, but if you want to sit down and read a passage to your children or grandchildren, go with the NLT.
And remember that when we read any version of the Bible, we should . . .
. . . humbly accept the word God has planted in our hearts, for it has the power to save our souls (James 1:21, NLT).