The New Testament (The William Barclay Library)

Rating:
Summary: Excellent
Review: I am glad to vouch for this edition of the New Testament. I have many editions of the New Testament, from many editors/translators. This is my overall favorite for "readability" and balance. Some versions are more scholarly, eg, the New American Bible's thorough footnotes. This version is beautifully translated without being flowery. To the extent that I can judge, it is accurate, and, I never have found it burdensome to read. I happen to be an attorney, and, all things considered, this is the version I find most appropriate to give as a gift: it is balanced, readable and softly conveys, I believe, the intended message.

Rating:
Summary: My Bedside Bible
Review: I have many translations of the New Testament that I use for different spiritual needs. Of all of these, the Barclay translation is my favorite. Yes, I know it is not a literal word-for-word translation and I know that one man translations are open to bias. (Barclay humbly points this out himself in the introduction). However, when I want to feel the presence of the Spirit in word, I feel it with Barclay's version the easiest.

When I feel analytical, I think there are two reasons that I feel moved by the Barclay translation. First, Barclay artfully combines literal meanings (word choice and historical usage)with the contextual meaning of each passage. The second reason I choose the Barclay for my "reading" New Testament is that it is scholary in translation of the original manuscripts but highly readable in its final result. One the advantages to this one-man translation is there is a consistent clarity, simplicity and warmth throughout. When I read my Scriptures before bed each night, I sense the strong hand of the Holy Spiritin these words.

Rating:
Summary: Readable and Accurate
Review: I have many versions of the New Testament (including origninal greek texts) and I treasure each one of them. Having several versions of the bible often allows you to find the one translation that you feel is plain enough and true to the original meaning ( I suggest a good Interlinear bible as an aid for this). However many translations often sacrifice accuracy in order to create "new" translations in "modern english" which they then market to the public as if it where the newest Soft Drink that will expand your understanding and abilities. Well this bible is different, it is very attractively typeset ( though not flashy) and it includes introductions to each book which are both concise and helpful. The translation is just wonderfull. If you want a bible that is readable and uses modern language this is it. Simple, insightfull and accurate. For example Acts 20:7 is often translated as occuring on a Sunday, which some texts go as far as translating as "the Lords Day" (which was not used to reffer to Sunday until long after the time of the apostles) even though the correct translation is Saturday evening as the T.E.V. translates it. In addition many good literal translations such as the King James series translate Hebrews 4:9 as simply "there remains therefore a "rest" for the people of God" When the word rest is Sabbatismos which should be translated as "a sabbath rest" or "a keeeping of the sabbath" rather that just rest (katapausis) which simply implies a cessation of work. Barclay's translation of Hebrews chapter 4 allows you to really follow the reasoning of the whole statement and grasp it's meaning. Overall I think that this is great translation to have, especially to use as a more readable version to supplement your reading from a more literal translation such as the KJV or NASB ect.