The Passion Translation

[hbowles]

I would love to see The Passion Translation be offered in Accordance. I love that it seeks to share GOD'S heart to reach our heart. I understand that currently only certain books of The Bible are out in this version. Those being Psalms, Proverbs, James, Luke, Hebrews, Acts, John, Song of Soloman, and Paul's letters. I hope you will consider adding it. :-)

 

 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HdS1JQPWDSY

[PiersKiwi]

I too would love to see this very new translation seeing general exposure on Accordance. In New Zealand we are now able to buy The Passion Translation: New Testament. I would seriously like this in my resources. I would use it constantly if it was there. Brian Simmons (who heads up the translation team) has published many smaller releases as mentioned in hbowles post. They are consistently insightful and hugely impacting on those who stumble on these gems. 

[showens]

After reading a few things about the nature of TPT, I'm not sure I would buy it for Accordance.  My use of Accordance is for semi-serious study (meaning I am not a scholar in a University doing post-doc research).  Having a one-person work means I get only that person's interpretive decisions.  And some of the decisions made seem to go against scholarly consensus.

 

Devotionally, I like the idea of hearing something new in a familiar passage.  I use The Message for that kind of thing, and it can be good to expand my idea of what a passage is about.  But I can never stray too far from the mainstream.

[Timothy Jenney]

Generally, we avoid translations that haven't completed at least one of the major sections of the Bible: Old Testament or New Testament.

[PiersKiwi]

After reading a few things about the nature of TPT, I'm not sure I would buy it for Accordance.  My use of Accordance is for semi-serious study (meaning I am not a scholar in a University doing post-doc research).  Having a one-person work means I get only that person's interpretive decisions.  And some of the decisions made seem to go against scholarly consensus.

 

Devotionally, I like the idea of hearing something new in a familiar passage.  I use The Message for that kind of thing, and it can be good to expand my idea of what a passage is about.  But I can never stray too far from the mainstream.

Enjoyed your comment Showens. Not sure where the "one-person work" idea came from. Brian Simmons merely heads the translation team. I have heard him lecture too which is another facet to him personally, but hardly constitutes evidence of dominance in the translation process. I too enjoy using The Message. Great for stimulating fresh insights. I am aware that Simmons has stirred up debate in areas previously viewed as "settled" or "established", however I find it healthy to remain open to such challenges. In the end, our concepts of God don't define God, they far more usually end up defining us: Hence my intention to remain open to fresh voices pointing out His character.

[PiersKiwi]

Generally, we avoid translations that haven't completed at least one of the major sections of the Bible: Old Testament or New Testament.

Thanks for that Timothy. Did you realise this translation is of the entire New Testament and includes Psalms and Proverbs?

[showens]

Not sure where the "one-person work" idea came from. Brian Simmons merely heads the translation team.

 

My humble apologies about the "one-person" comment - that's what comes from reading just one reviewer's comments and shallow research on my part.  This is good to know;  will definitely keep an eye our for the time that it becomes more affordable for me in print.

[Timothy Jenney]

Thanks for that Timothy. Did you realise this translation is of the entire New Testament and includes Psalms and Proverbs?

No, I did not. I had just read the initial post (12/2014), which indicated that the NT was not yet finished. I stand corrected. Thank you.

[PiersKiwi]

No, I did not. I had just read the initial post (12/2014), which indicated that the NT was not yet finished. I stand corrected. Thank you.

Yesterday I purchased a print copy of the above for NZD$40 and was delighted to find it not only had the NT, Psalms, Proverbs, but also Song of Songs.

Also amazed at how generous the footnotes and book introductions are. These notes not only make fascinating reading, but also provide clear indications as to how passages have been treated, so that if you come from a different perspective you are in a much better position to work through the issues arising.

[gmefmax@gmail.com]

Now the NT with Proverbs and Pslam and Song of Songs are completed, any progress of making this translation on Accordance bible? 

[dwhunter]

There are other new translations I wish I could get in Accordance that are available in Olive Tree besides the Passion Translation - the Tree of Life Version (TLV) - https://www.tlvbiblesociety.org/tree-of-life-version, the MEV (Modern English Version), and the ISV (International Standard Version).  

[ukfraser]

Tlv is on its way

 

https://www.accordancebible.com/forums/topic/22051-the-tree-of-life-bible-messianic/

[R. Mansfield]

There are other new translations I wish I could get in Accordance that are available in Olive Tree besides the Passion Translation - the Tree of Life Version (TLV) - https://www.tlvbiblesociety.org/tree-of-life-version, the MEV (Modern English Version), and the ISV (International Standard Version).  

 

The Tree of Life Version is now available in Accordance. See today’s blog post for more information. 

[jtisdale]

I too have been awaiting the inclusion of The Passion Translation in Accordance. In fact, it is the only translation that causes me to leave Accordance regularly to augment my studies with outside resources. I've been intrigued by Dr. Simmons translations/interpretations of scripture and as a result have gone through some of his teachings. Even with my 9 years of biblical studies in college and seminary, Dr. Simmons has repeatedly enriched my understanding of scripture. His study notes alone are invaluable. Getting the Aramaic perspective on passages has proven insightful over and over again. Many times I have been been perplexed by a TPT translation/interpretation that has caused me to dig deeper into original language studies. I often find deep genuine insights buried within a passage that has gotten lost in translation.

 

I realize that they are only releasing a few new books per quarter, but we need this resource in Accordance. I am a technologist and am constantly parsing biblical text for inclusion in relational/graph databases and software and I know the pain of having to do it in steps, so that is understandable. Yet, I too request the prioritization of the The Passion Translation in the Accordance library.

[Ιακοβ]

Yes, I'd buy the TPT if it was in Accordance. I'd love the opportunity to use it in my study (in terms of a seeing fresh translation ideas and being able to consider their value).

[Helen Brown]

Apparently it has received rather mixed reviews. I think we should wait for a complete Bible and see how it is received.

[PiersKiwi]

Keen to see these mixed reviews Helen Brown. Jesus had mixed reviews too... Accordance users are well able to discern error should they encounter it. 

[Michel Gilbert]

In defense of Helen, here are two (and there are many others): "Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation)" by Andrew G. Shead at http://themelios.thegospelcoalition.org/article/burning-scripture-with-passion-a-review-of-the-psalms-passion-translation , and, even more troubling,

"Here's Why Christians Should Be Concerned About The Passion Translation of the Bible " by Alisa Childers at https://www.alisachilders.com/blog/heres-why-christians-should-be-concerned-about-the-passion-translation-of-the-bible , especially, "Simmons claims that Jesus visited him personally, took him to the library of heaven, and asked him to write the translation. He claims to have received 'downloads,' and 'secrets of the Hebrew language' from Jesus Himself [simmons says these things at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmnZYEteXX8&t=966s , from about 14:05 on.]. Simmons even admitted that he has minimal background in biblical languages and needed the Lord's help to translate," with accompanying references and links.

 

So, I agree with Helen. And, I think it will not be received well by those who know the biblical languages and who also know Jesus without claiming to have met Him personally. I agree with Fabian, Markus, and Donald, bring more German, French, etc. translations. Then some others. And, in my mind, TPT never.

 

Michel

 

 

Edit: And, regarding it being a one person work vs that of a translation team,

 

"While Brian serves as the lead translator for The Passion Translation, every book (including the numerous footnotes) is evaluated by respected scholars and editors. In preparation for the release of the full New Testament October 31, 2017, BroadStreet Publishing formed an even more extensive and diverse team to review and provide critical feedback to ensure The Passion Translation is faithful to the original text and heart of God."

https://www.thepassiontranslation.com/faqs/

 

It sounds like there is no translation team. Simmons translates, he gets feedback, and he decides whether he agrees or not. Who are these respected scholars and editors, and what is their field of scholarship? Other reviewers point out the same thing. In contrast, here is another typical review from a Bible scholar, posted at http://readingthepassionbible.com/george-athas-reviews-tpt/ :

 

"This translation of the Song of Songs is truly awful. As a professor of biblical studies who works with the original languages, I can assure you that this translation does not reflect either the words or the meaning of Song of Songs, contrary to what it claims. It’s not that the translation is careless—rather, it’s eisegesis. It is imposing pre-conceived ideas onto the text and then claiming that the change is due to the translation strategy. It’s terrible!" Read the rest for the proof.

Edited October 20, 2019 by Michel Gilbert

[Alistair]

So, I agree with Helen. And, I think it will not be received well by those who know the biblical languages and who also know Jesus without claiming to have met Him personally. I agree with Fabian, Markus, and Donald, bring more German, French, etc. translations. Then some others. And, in my mind, TPT never.

 

Michel

I felt the same way when I looked into the Hebrew Roots Bible. Quite disturbing.

Just the opening paragraph of Andrew Shead's review is enough to condemn it. Pretty strong stuff.

 

Edit: That should read Hebraic Roots Bible.

In the introduction to the HRB we read: "It is also proven beyond a shadow of a doubt that the New Testament was not originally written in Greek, but was written in Aramaic (the everyday spoken language of our Savior Yahshua) and later translated into Greek."

 

The HRB is also the sole work of one individual, who states: "I will say upfront that I am neither a Hebrew or Aramaic scholar, and don’t claim to be one. I have lived in the land of Israel for at least half of the year over the last 15 years, and have been a true covenant believer in Yahshua Messiah for over 32 years and also have been a Pastor and teacher of the word for more than 20 years. I will also publicly state that I am firmly convinced that it was the Holy Spirit’s inspiration and not the intellectual knowledge of myself that has put this Hebraic Roots Bible together. I have fervently prayed and asked our Heavenly Father for guidance throughout the five years that I have been working on this project. I can also tell you that many times while doing this work I felt the spirit of YAHWEH directing and guiding me to the finished work of this translation. This work is to the glory of YAHWEH for the end time remnant to have the closest manuscript possible to the original scriptures that were inspired for the Congregations of YAHWEH."

 

Alarm bells, anyone?

Edited October 20, 2019 by Alistair

[Ιακοβ]

Apparently it has received rather mixed reviews. I think we should wait for a complete Bible and see how it is received.

 

I understand where you are coming from, but on the flip side. I regularly teach students, some of whom use this translation. If this translation can be part of my regular bible reading tools and processes then it will allow me to engage and critique (be it positive or negative) on the various translation decisions.    

 

I certainly don't want it on my shelf as a printed bible, but it is popular enough in my circles that I need to begin to start engage in it. 

[hbowles]

I originally posted this in 2014 and we are still waiting 7 years later for The Passion Translation to be an option.  I'm sorry to say if I had known it would be this hard to get this translation in this program, I probably would have went with another program.  I, like others, have to go to Bible Gateway when pursing JESUS in HIS Word to get the Passion Translation.  Sad, just sad.

[Louis DeSiena]

I am not surprised that TPT has mixed reviews.  The Church is not known for receiving translations.  Remember when a guy named Luther came on the seen?  I am not a fan of the NIV, but it is here.  It also has mixed reviews, as did the Amplified and the Message.  Then again, there are those who argue only for the KJV.  God forbid if you look into the Hebrew and Greek.  It of course is the authorized translation.  The truth is, that most people on here are not looking for a version to take us away from God.  There is no harm in offering it as we are mature enough in Christ to also use caution, especially when we hear people's sermons.  It is time to get it here and add the Old Testament Books as they are completed.

[Mark Allison]

 I'll be contacting BroadStreet Publishing again this week and I'll let you know if we make any progress. 

[Rick55]

I just read recently that Bible-Gateway pulled the Passion Translation from their website, which has almost every respected Bible.

Douglas Moo also did a critique on the Passion Translation’s attempt at Romans and he confirmed it is indeed not a translation of God’s word in reference to multiple instances.
 

I think one of the (apparently many) problems is that Brian Simmons claims it is a translation when actually it is not. I see it honestly as just a casual NAR commentary, but others will agree it’s a paraphrase like the Message.

 

 Here is an article about Bible Gateway pulling the Passion Translation in broader detail:

https://protestia.com/2022/02/03/nar-bible-translation-get-dropped-by-bible-gateway-author-claims-cancel-culture/

Edited April 24, 2022 by Rick Flynn

[Daniel L]

6 hours ago, Rick Flynn said:

but others will agree it’s a paraphrase like the Message.

Well frankly, The Message should be pulled, too. It reads as a mockery and parody of the Holy Bible. It literally makes me laugh out loud until I remember that it is sold to unsuspecting souls as a "Bible" and is sometimes read from the pulpit. Its text is often outrageously wrong. It is Mr. Peterson's message, not God's message.

 

While the Passion Translation is, over all, not as over-the-top as Peterson's Message, it may be more dangerous, because it has a troubling theological agenda driving its expanded, unfounded verbosity.