Book Review: The Expanded Bible: New Testament

The Expanded Bible: New Testament Hardback: 672 pages Publisher: Thomas Nelson First Released: 2009

Source: won a copy from the publisher

Back Cover Description:
The Expanded Bible: New Testament reflects the latest scholarship, current English, and the needs of contemporary students of the Bible. This New Testament includes a multitude of study aids right in line with the text. Expanded translations and other helps make it possible for you to study the Bible while you read.

* Expanded translations bring out the meaning of words and offer alternatives.

* Literal meanings of terms from the original languages are included where they can provide more understanding.

* Traditional wordings assist recollection of familiar terms and expressions.

* Comments explain passages that can be understood better with a brief remark.

* Useful references supply rewarding opportunities for comparing other Scriptures.

* Variants display additional wording in some of the original language texts.


Review:
I love this "study the Bible as you read" New Testament. For me, this is the ideal study Bible since I don't have to drag out multiple Bible versions and thick reference books anymore to get the same result. I've already had several "ah-ha!" moments while reading verses that used to confuse me. My only complaint is that I have to use another Bible to look up the Old Testament verses referred to in the New Testament. I hope an Expanded Bible: Old Testament is in the works!

I have other Bibles with tiny footnotes that give some of this information, but often I get so busy reading that I stop noticing that there are notes. This book puts the notes and alternate/literal wordings right into the relevant text so you don't miss them and you know exactly what word or verse they refer to. These [expansions] are clearly marked so you know if the given information is commentary, a literal translation, other possible meanings for the word, the traditional wording, etc.

However, having the expansions directly in the text does make it difficult to quickly read only the main text. I wouldn't use this New Testament if I was going read several sections out loud in a Bible study group or whatever. However, it would be a great version to use when discussing those verses.

If you aren't familiar with the New Testament, I'd suggest using a "normal" version of the Bible for your daily readings. When you're ready to dig deeper or you're starting to get so familiar with the Bible that you feel bored, this is a great New Testament to get.

I'd highly recommend The Expanded Bible: New Testament to people who want to dig deeper into the full meanings of the verses they're reading and/or who would enjoy having study notes "as they happen" instead of in small print at the bottom of the page.


If you've read this book, what do you think about it? I'd be honored if you wrote your own opinion of the book in the comments.


Excerpt:

Read from The Expanded Bible: New Testament.