The 20th century saw a remarkable array of Bible translations, each contributing uniquely to the landscape of scriptural study and devotion. This article provides a detailed exploration of some of the most significant English Bible translations from this period, highlighting their distinct features, historical context, and impact on the reading and understanding of the Bible.
1. American Standard Version (ASV) – 1900-1901
The American Standard Version emerged as an American adaptation of the Revised Version, which itself was a revision of the King James Version (KJV). Completed between 1900 and 1901, the ASV aimed to provide a more accurate and modern rendering of the original Hebrew and Greek texts. This translation is noted for its literal approach and use of formal equivalence, closely mirroring the phrasing and structure of the original languages.
2. Twentieth Century New Testament – 1898-1901
The Twentieth Century New Testament, produced between 1898 and 1901, was a significant retranslation based on the Westcott and Hort text. This version was crafted to present the New Testament in a form that would be understandable to modern readers, making it an early effort to update the language of the Bible while retaining the essence of the original texts.
3. Weymouth’s New Testament in Modern Speech – 1902
Dr. Weymouth’s New Testament in Modern Speech, published in 1902, sought to render the New Testament in contemporary English. This translation aimed to make the scriptures accessible by using a language style that reflected everyday speech, thus bridging the gap between ancient and modern expressions.
4. Edgar J. Goodspeed – The New Testament: An American Translation – 1923
Edgar J. Goodspeed’s translation, published in 1923, was another noteworthy effort based on the Westcott and Hort text. Goodspeed’s translation was celebrated for its clarity and readability, making the New Testament approachable for American readers of the early 20th century.
5. Revised Standard Version (RSV) – 1946, 1952, 1971
The Revised Standard Version, undertaken by thirty-two American scholars, began with the New Testament in 1946 and the complete Bible in 1952. It represented a significant update to the American Standard Version, incorporating more recent manuscript discoveries and scholarly advancements. A second edition, RSV II, was released in 1971, further refining the translation to better reflect contemporary understanding and language use.
6. Berkeley Version – 1959
The Berkeley Version, completed in 1959, was an ambitious project that aimed to translate the entire Bible using modern terms. This version, with its modern English style, sought to make the Bible accessible and relevant to contemporary readers. Gerrit Verkuyl led the translation of the New Testament, with a team of twenty translators contributing to the Old Testament.
7. J.B. Phillips – The New Testament in Modern Speech – 1958
J.B. Phillips, an Anglican clergyman, translated the entire New Testament into contemporary English over the course of the 1940s and 1950s. Published in 1958, Phillips’ work was notable for its vibrant and dynamic language, reflecting his profound personal engagement with the text. His translation was later expanded to include parts of the Old Testament, with the final version appearing in 1972.
8. The Amplified Bible – 1965
Commissioned by the Lockman Foundation, The Amplified Bible was published in 1965 with a distinctive feature: it includes multiple expressions of key words and phrases in brackets to convey the full meaning of the original texts. Using the Greek text of Westcott and Hort, along with 27 other translations and revisions, this version aimed to provide a deeper understanding of the scriptural nuances.
9. The Jerusalem Bible – 1966
The Jerusalem Bible, initially translated into French at the Dominican biblical School in Jerusalem in 1956, was made available in English in 1966. This translation utilized a broad array of sources, including the Hebrew Masoretic Text, the Greek Septuagint, and Dead Sea Scrolls, among others. Notably, it was the first major English translation to use the divine name Yahweh in the Old Testament and included the Apocrypha.
10. UBS – United Bible Societies 4th Edition of the Greek New Testament – 1968
The UBS 4th Edition, published in 1968, was based on the oldest available Greek manuscripts, dating back to A.D. 175. This Greek New Testament text served as the basis for several subsequent translations, including the New American Standard Bible (NASB) and the New International Version (NIV).
11. The New English Bible (NEB) – 1970
Produced by a committee of Bible scholars from England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland, The New English Bible was published in 1970. It aimed to offer a faithful translation of the Bible in clear and natural English, reflecting the diverse literary styles of the biblical text. A revised version, known as the Revised English Bible, was published in 1989.
12. New American Bible – 1970
The New American Bible, completed by fifty scholars over twenty-six years, represents a significant Catholic translation. Unlike previous translations, it allowed the use of manuscripts beyond the Vulgate, resulting in a version that sought to be both accurate and accessible.
13. New American Standard Bible (NASB) – 1971
The New American Standard Bible, a revision of the American Standard Version, was commissioned by the Lockman Foundation and published in 1971. This translation is known for its strict adherence to the original Greek and Hebrew texts, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a precise and literal rendering of the Bible.
14. The Living Bible – 1971
Ken Taylor’s The Living Bible, published in 1971, is a paraphrase rather than a direct translation. Taylor’s goal was to present the Bible’s message in simple, modern English. The paraphrase originated from Taylor’s work on the New Testament Epistles and gained popularity after endorsements from influential figures like Billy Graham.
15. Today’s English Version (Good News Bible) – 1976
The Today’s English Version, also known as the Good News Bible, was developed by a committee of Bible scholars aiming for a translation that was clear, simple, and contemporary. Its focus was on natural, accessible language while remaining faithful to the original texts.
16. The New International Version (NIV) – 1978
The New International Version, sponsored by the New York International Bible Society, emerged in 1978 as a completely new translation based on the best available original texts. It sought to balance accuracy with readability, making it a widely used translation in many Christian communities.
17. The Message
The Message, a popular paraphrase by Dr. Eugene Peterson, is known for its contemporary and conversational style. Peterson aimed to capture the essence of the original texts in a way that would resonate with modern readers, emphasizing the immediacy and relevance of the scriptures.
18. The Red Letter Bible
While not a translation per se, the Red Letter Bible is a notable development in Bible publishing. Introduced by Louis Klopsch in 1899, it prints the words of Jesus Christ in red ink, making them easily identifiable. This innovation aimed to enhance the reader’s focus on the words attributed to Christ.
Conclusion
The 20th century was marked by a diverse range of Bible translations, each reflecting different approaches to language, scholarship, and reader engagement. From the formal equivalence of the American Standard Version to the contemporary accessibility of The Message, these translations have contributed to a richer and more varied understanding of the Bible. As we continue to explore and study these translations, we gain deeper insights into the text and its relevance to modern faith and practice.