Amplified Bible, Large Print

Rating:
Summary: Insightful translation of the original Greek and Hebrew
Review: I was amazed that no other reviews had been wrtten on this beautifully translated version of the Old and New Testaments. I have used it for years, along with other translations, and find it more accurate in bringing the flavor of the language and interpretive insights to words. For example: The gospel of John 3:16, is well known by most Christians, and this version expands on the words used in a way that makes the verse even more personal. When we think of the word (believe) this translation uses the deeper meanings, such as, trusts in, clings to, relies on. This is true through throughout the interpretaion and encourages us to examine, in depth, our knowledge of God's word. I would urge any student of the bible to consider adding this to their "must have' list. .

Rating:
Summary: I love this bible!
Review: I was introduced to this bible because Joyce Meyer (a preacher on TV) uses it, and it helps common people like me understand the true meaning of the bible. The King James Version is beautiful, but it can get confusing at times when it uses words you are not familiar with. This Bible expands on the meanings of each verse. I have the large print hardcover version, and it is a huge help to be able to read the bible easily without my glasses. This bible has been a blessing to me because it has revealed to me deeper meanings of the bible. When reading it, I would compare it to other versions too. Just for the fun of it. I highly recommend this bible!

Rating:
Summary: This Bible is the sharpest "double edged sword" you can own!
Review: If you enjoy "feasting" on the Word of God, you will never be hungry again! This is absolutely the richest, deepest and fullest translation you will ever read. Reading the Amplified Bible is like reading the KJV, NKJV, NAS, NIV, TLB, RSV, Phillips and a commentary at the same time. Observe: "Blessed (happy, fortunate, prosperous, and enviable) is the man who walks and lives not in the counsel of the ungodly [following their advice, plans and purposes], nor stands [submissive and inactive] in the path where sinners walk, nor sits down [to relax and rest] where the scornful [and the mockers] gather, but his delight and desire are in the law of the Lord...(Psalm 1:1). I'll never read another translation!

Rating:
Summary: ERROR IN DESCRIPTION OF BIBLE
Review: IN THE DESCRIPTION OF THIS BIBLE, IT IS STATED THAT IT CONTAINS A CONCORDANCE, BUT IT DOES NOT. IT HAS A BIBLIOGRAPHY, AND A GLOSSARY, BUT NO CONCORDANCE. THIS IS AN IMPORTANT AND GLARING ERROR. I MIGHT NOT HAVE PURCHASED THIS BIBLE HAD I KNOWN THAT IT DID NOT CONTAIN A CONCORDANCE !

Rating:
Summary: THEY HAVE REBELLED AGAINST ME
Review: Isaiah 1
2Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: I have nourished and brought up sons and have made them great and exalted, but they have rebelled against Me and broken away from Me. Amplified version

The amplified version came out in 1965 and is based on the American Standard Version which came out in 1901 and is considered to be the most literal translation of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. My least favorite translation is the NIV; I would never pay money for that! For a version that came out in 1978, it falls way short of translating accurately from the original Hebrew. However, many people believe it is the best one out there, many people carry this translation into church with them. Don't be deceived! The amplified bible, as you can see from the excerpts I chose, provides several additional words so that the many connotations of the original Hebrew or Greek is not lost. That is an important issue. A visiting pastor to my church, said in a sermon, that there is a false gospel of prosperity that seems to have grabbed multitudes of people. When Paul or Peter or James or Jesus talk of prosperity, they do not mean exclusively outward manifestations of it as in your bank account balance, numbers of children you've nourished, or promotions you've gotten. Spiritual prosperity is much different and really eternal. Knowing that there is another life besides this one that lasts forever, knowing that G_d knows all your sins, but won't waste His time throwing them in your face all of the time, knowing, that despite others maliciously watching every move you make, G_d is too and He is greater, much, much greater than they, having that knowledge is better than the fattest bank account!!!

Galatians 1
9As we said before, so I now say again: If anyone is preaching to you a gospel different from or contrary to that which you received [from us], let him be accursed (anathema, devoted to destruction, doomed to eternal punishment)!

My only complaint about this bible is that it is not a red letter edition. I've been groomed on that feature; the bibles I've used most often, have Christ's words in red. Also, I would never purchase a soft cover bible; you need to read it, it needs to be read often; you want a bible that has a long material life!



Rating:
Summary: Amplified Bible
Review: Its the most original Bible there is. In this Bible the translater hasn't kept the faith out of it. In the Dutch NBG Bible they did that. Thats why its good to go back to the original. I encourage every believer to get one!

Rating:
Summary: SHUT UP ALREADY! I want God's Word, not man's.
Review: Let me compare Psalm 119:113 from the NIV, KJV, and Amplified, in that order.
I hate double-minded men, but I love Your law.
I hate vain thoughts: but Thy law do I love.
I hate the thoughts of undecided [in religion], double-minded people, but Your law do I love.
The NIV and KJV don't agree at all with the first clause of this verse, but yet the AMP(Amplified) twists the two different versions together, kind of like drinking milk and orange juice AT THE SAME TIME. Doing so creates a curdling in the stomach, as mutting two Bible versions together creates a spiritual curdling. Please note that the Amplified was written before the NIV was, but they are copyrighted by the SAME publisher, Zondervan. (Don't just take my word for it, find out for thyself.)
Although this comparison be just one, look through the Bible for thyself (Colossians 2:8; 2 Timothy 2:15; 2 John 2:27).
Why add and substitute words to His word for clarity? Those who seek understanding of God's Word through man's devices won't seek the truth. To understand His Word, thou hast to pray for the Holy Spirit to give thee the guidance to understand His Word. Otherwise, thou wilt not understand. The idea of amplifying the Bible by giving each word a thesaurus within the verse doesn't look appealing. Man wants to seek through MAN'S understanding, not God's.
Now I'll SHUT UP by summarizing this critique in one phrase: If it ain't broke, why fix it?

Rating:
Summary: Reading Within the Words
Review: My experience with the Amplified Bible has literally opened my vision to what genuine Bible study/reading can be. I have almost every version and translation of the Bible except the Amplified. I regret having waiting so long to use this version in my studies. This is not a "study" Bible, with copious footnotes of interpretation at the bottom of each page. Rather, there are in-text amplifications of meanings of the original words - and it is these amplifications which have given me new and profound insight into verses I know by heart. In addition, I find the legitimately extra amplification of words [in brackets] to be of immense help. In summation, one of the best Bibles for inspirational reading or serious study.

Rating:
Summary: A trustworthy resource for in-depth Bible study.
Review: My memories of the Amplified Bible were not good. How in the world could anybody read it? It seemed so wordy. Well, that was twenty years ago and my outlook has changed. Every serious Bible student ought to have a copy of this Bible. The Amplified Bible gives you insight to the nuances of the Greek and Hebrew text that cannot be conveyed by the English language; thus, clarity of meaning is substituted for clarity of prose. Yet, as a study Bible, it is a fair trade. For those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, or for those of us whose language skills are a bit rusty, the Amplified Bible is a trustworthy resource for in-depth Bible study.

Rating:
Summary: A trustworthy resource for in-depth Bible study.
Review: My memories of the Amplified Bible were not good. How in the world could anybody read it? It seemed so wordy. Well, that was twenty years ago and my outlook has changed. Every serious Bible student ought to have a copy of this Bible. The Amplified Bible gives you insight to the nuances of the Greek and Hebrew text that cannot be conveyed by the English language; thus, clarity of meaning is substituted for clarity of prose. Yet, as a study Bible, it is a fair trade. For those who do not have a working knowledge of Greek or Hebrew, or for those of us whose language skills are a bit rusty, the Amplified Bible is a trustworthy resource for in-depth Bible study.