Amplified Pocket -Thin New Testament

Rating:
Summary: Good idea, but awkward and amplifications often questionable
Review: The Amplified Bible follows a rather unique translation principle. It claims to express "nuances" of the original Hebrew and Greek texts.

Now this idea does sound noble. There are many nuances of especially the Greek text that do not translate very easily into English. However, in trying to be so expressive, the Amplified can be very awkward to read. The extreme "amplification" of the word "blessed" in the Beatitudes demonstrates this problem. Each Beatitude begins, "Blessed-happy, to be envied, and spiritually prosperous [that is, with life-joy and satisfaction in God's favor and salvation regardless of their outward circumstances]...." Reading nine such amplifications in a row is very tedious.

But even more importantly, many of the Amplified Bible's "amplifications" are rather questionable. For instance, in Hebrews 1:4 in the Amplified, Jesus is said to have inherited "the glorious Name (title)." But Jesus' "glorious Name" is more likely merely a reference to His nature not just His title (see John 17:5). "Name" in Scripture often has this wider meaning.

So the idea behind the Amplified Bible is good, but the readability and quality leaves something to be desired. I review the Amplified in further detail, along with many other Bible versions, in my book Differences Between Bible Versions.

Rating:
Summary: mini amplified
Review: Very handy,but easy to lose! Needs to be about an inch larger. I like the cover. Publisher might consider adding the Old testament. Add a small concordance and it would be great for travel. That would be awesome!

I've been to bible school and never was introduced to this helpful tool. Today, it is a very close friend! I really appreciate the Amplified. Thanks publishers!