"The Message"

[B®ent]

Do you consider "The Message" to be an acceptable translation of the Bible? I, for one, do not. The author (not translator) of this corrupt work has added literally thousands of words, and hundreds of phrases, to the Biblical text. He has also conveniently removed the Biblical warning to those who would add to the Word of God. Consider Proverbs 30:6 in the KJV:

Proverbs 30:6

Now, in the Message -

The believer replied, "Every promise of God proves true;
he protects everyone who runs to him for help.
So don't second-guess him;
he might take you to task and show up your lies."

The KJV (literal) phrase "Add thou not unto his words" is omitted.
In its place, "So don't second-guess him" is added. WTH??? :confused:

During the course of several weeks, I "studied" the Message, comparing it along the way to the trustworthy Authorized Version. I also compared it to the NIV, the NASB, and the NWT. Even the NWT, which is the badly mutilated "translation" published by the Jehovah's Witness (Watchtower) organization, is more true to the text than The Message. And not slightly by any means -- the difference is profound. :(

"The Message," my friends, is NOT the Word of God.
It is the word of a man, and quite a daring man, at that!

Revelation 22:18

Note: While words are indeed added to the KJV as well, these words are added out of pure necessity, and every word not present in the original manuscripts are printed in italics. The KJV is, without doubt, the most honest translation available to English-speaking people. Praise the Lord for preserving His pure and holy Word! :amen:

[staveoffzombies]

The Message is a paraphrase...it's not meant to be taken as a literal translation.

[B®ent]

The Message is a paraphrase...it's not meant to be taken as a literal translation.

It is marketed as a translation of the Bible. But either way you look at it, the author is treading dangerous territory, and will deceive many. Moreover, I would like to point out that to 'paraphrase' something is not to entirely change its meaning. The Message entirely changes the meaning of countless passages of scripture!

Next.

[staveoffzombies]

Ok, I will give you that the author of The Message is marketing it as a translation.

But I do not believe he is, for a second, trying to alter the meaning of any of the words in the bible. The passage you quoted from The Message is actually two verses long. It also includes the verse that preceded Proverbs 30:6. The " So don't second-guess him;
he might take you to task and show up your lies." makes a certain amount of sense if you look at the context.

In the NASB the verse reads "Do not add to His words
Or He will reprove you, and you will be proved a liar. "

I don't think this is talking about written scripture, especially when you take to light the passage that the verse is taken in (context=very important). Have you ever heard the phrase "Don't put words into my mouth" It's exactly that, don't think that God is saying something he really didn't. Is the "Don't second guess him" a perfect translation of that? No, it's probably one of the poorer translations of that verse and I don't advocate The Message because I do feel it takes too many liberties.

But hey, no translation is perfect.

[WannaWitness]

I don't like this "translation". I heard someone read from it; it even has swearing!

I shall stick to my KJV and NKJV, thank you!

[TwinCrier]

I just read something ironic. Luke 4:4 reads And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Some of the new bible versions leave off the part about every word of God, even though it is clearly in the Greek test. They just leave the sentence hanging. I guess they don't want every word.

[B®ent]

I just read something ironic. Luke 4:4 reads And Jesus answered him, saying, It is written, That man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word of God. Some of the new bible versions leave off the part about every word of God, even though it is clearly in the Greek test. They just leave the sentence hanging. I guess they don't want every word.

Indeed. Such inconsistencies ought to serve as 'clues' for believers to recognize. :thumbsup:

[doctrellor]

> "The Message"


> Do you consider "The Message" to be an acceptable
> translation of the Bible? I, for one, do not. The author (not
> translator) of this corrupt work has added literally thousands > of words, and hundreds of phrases, to the Biblical text.

Once again, I agree with Brent. The message is utter trash, that is a slap in the face of sound doctrine and scripture.

[GospelStandard]

We should stick to the KJV

[Project 86]

Here are some verses that lead me to believe that The Message Bible is one that shouldn't be used by any person.


Message
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Don't you realize that this is not the way to live? Unjust people who don't care about God will not be joining in his kingdom. Those who use and abuse each other, use and abuse sex, use and abuse the earth and everything in it, don't qualify as citizens in God's kingdom.

KJV
1 Corinthians 6:9-10
Know ye not that the unrighteous shall not inherit the kingdom of God? Be not deceived: neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners, shall inherit the kingdom of God.

Message
Matthew 6:9
With a God like this loving you, you can pray very simply. Like this: Our Father in heaven,
Reveal who you are.

KJV
Matthew 6:9 After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.

Message
John 14:28
"You've heard me tell you, "I'm going away, and I'm coming back.' If you loved me, you would be glad that I'm on my way to the Father because the Father is the goal and purpose of my life.

KJV
John 14:28 Ye have heard how I said unto you, I go away, and come again unto you. If ye loved me, ye would rejoice, because I said, I go unto the Father: for my Father is greater than I.

[PastorJim]

Do you consider "The Message" to be an acceptable translation of the Bible? I, for one, do not. The author (not translator) of this corrupt work has added literally thousands of words, and hundreds of phrases, to the Biblical text. He has also conveniently removed the Biblical warning to those who would add to the Word of God. Consider Proverbs 30:6 in the KJV:

Proverbs 30:6

Now, in the Message -

The believer replied, "Every promise of God proves true;
he protects everyone who runs to him for help.
So don't second-guess him;
he might take you to task and show up your lies."

The KJV (literal) phrase "Add thou not unto his words" is omitted.
In its place, "So don't second-guess him" is added. WTH??? :confused:

During the course of several weeks, I "studied" the Message, comparing it along the way to the trustworthy Authorized Version. I also compared it to the NIV, the NASB, and the NWT. Even the NWT, which is the badly mutilated "translation" published by the Jehovah's Witness (Watchtower) organization, is more true to the text than The Message. And not slightly by any means -- the difference is profound. :(

"The Message," my friends, is NOT the Word of God.
It is the word of a man, and quite a daring man, at that!

Revelation 22:18

Note: While words are indeed added to the KJV as well, these words are added out of pure necessity, and every word not present in the original manuscripts are printed in italics. The KJV is, without doubt, the most honest translation available to English-speaking people. Praise the Lord for preserving His pure and holy Word! :amen:


The Message isn't a translation, it's a paraphrase.

The difference is that a translation is based directly on the original texts and a paraphrase is man's opinion on the meaning of those texts.

I've got nothing against paraphrases, as long as they're reasonably accurate and they don't attempt to replace God's word.

In this case, "The Message" is a mess.

Every time I hear it, I always thing of the old NRBQ album, "Message for the Mess Age". That's basically what it is. This age we find ourselves in now is in spiritual chaos and cannot discern the word of God or even the things of God.

The Message caters to those people who don't know the difference and are in most cases just looking for a big, cosmic buddy, rather than the Biblical Christ.

[plmarquette]

a word of caution ...

there is no such thing as a "word for word" translation of the bible ....

it is a transliteration ... the best english approximation for the original words in hebrew , greek , aramaic , latin , etc....

many of the original words the bible was written in do not exist in our language , nor mean today what they meant then (semantics)

Peterson's translation is wordy ... but used to expound on the meaning from King James or NAB or NRS or DR or NIV or ...etc. it helps to convey the original meaning of the passage , for many times it takes 3-4 english words to approximate the original meaning in greek ...

[B®ent]

Actually, KJV is a word-for-word translation. The only exception to that are the words printed in italics. These words were added in necessity.

[tracifish]

....because a person would have to be drunk to translate Zech. 13:6 to say:

And if someone says, "where did you get that black eye?" they'll say "I ran into a door at a friend's house". :scratch:

The KJV says:

Zech. 13:6 And one shall say to Him, what are these wounds in thine hands? The He shall answer, those which with i was wounded in the house of my friends.

I'm sticking to the KJV.

[twistedsketch]

"The Message" is a mess.
My sentiments exactly. It will tell you the right thing, just in the wrong place (at least from the passages of it that I have read). I'm not saying it has never or could never help people, but I don't like it and would never recommend it for study.

[No Swansong]

My sentiments exactly. It will tell you the right thing, just in the wrong place (at least from the passages of it that I have read). I'm not saying it has never or could never help people, but I don't like it and would never recommend it for study.
To me it doesn't even seem to be a good paraphrase.

[twistedsketch]

To me it doesn't even seem to be a good paraphrase.

A more respectable one wouldn't add a teaching from one passage and insert it into another. It sounds fresh and can get people into God's word, but God help them when they try to find something in a real Bible.

[tracifish]

I just want to thank you for being a contender of the faith...so....thank you.

:angel:

[BigNorsk]

Actually, KJV is a word-for-word translation. The only exception to that are the words printed in italics. These words were added in necessity.

The KJV is generally word for word but it's not true to say it's always word for word. In a few verses, it actually paraphrases.

That said, it certainly does deserve to be called a translation, unlike the Message.

Marv

[B®ent]

I just want to thank you for being a contender of the faith...so....thank you.

You're welcome, it is my pleasure -- and the Glory belongs to God. I consider it an honor and Christian duty to fight in the Lord's battles. :thumbsup:

[Project 86]

If you want a "real" word for word translation check out the LITV or the YLT. So yes, there are indeed real word for word translations out there. ;)

[B®ent]

If you want a "real" word for word translation check out the LITV or the YLT. So yes, there are indeed real word for word translations out there. ;)

LITV (also known as KJ3) is a pretty good translation.
If I become a preacher, I will probably preach from the LITV.

Young's Literal is also fair.

KJV, LITV and YL are the only translations I use.

[LittleladyinChrist]

The Message is widely recommended by well-known Christian leaders. In keeping with his love for every new translation and paraphrase to appear since the Revised Standard Version, Billy Graham printed his own edition of “The Message: New Testament.” Warren Wiersbe says, “The Message is the boldest and most provocative rendering of the New Testament I’ve ever read.” Jack Hayford says, “The Message is certainly destined to become a devotional classic -- not to mention a powerful pastoral tool.” Rick Warren loves The Message and quotes it frequently, five times in the first chapter of The Purpose-Driven Life. J.I. Packer says, “In this crowded world of Bible versions Eugene Peterson’s blend of accurate scholarship and vivid idiom make this rendering both distinctive and distinguished. The Message catches the logical flow, personal energy, and imaginative overtones of the original very well indeed.” CCM artist Michael Card says, “Peterson’s translation transforms the eye into an ear, opening the door of the New Testament wider than perhaps it has ever been opened.” Leighton Ford says, “The Message will help many to transfer God’s eternal truths to their contemporary lives.” Joni Earckson Tada says, “WOW! What a treasure The Message is. I am going to carry it with me. This is a treasure that I will want to use wherever I am.” The Message is also recommended by Amy Grant, Benny Hinn, Bill Hybels, Bill and Gloria Gaither, Chuck Swindoll, Toby of DC Talk, Gary Smalley, Gordon Fee, Gordon MacDonald, Jerry Jenkins, John Maxwell, Joyce Meyer, Kenneth Copeland, Max Lucado, Michael W. Smith, Newsboys, Phil Driscoll, Rebecca St. James, Rod Parsley, Stuart and Jill Briscoe, Tony Campolo, Bono of U2, Vernon Grounds, to name a few. (This information was gathered from the NAVPress web site.).

Here are some examples of why we should stay away from "The Message"

Matthew 5:3
KJV “Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”
MESSAGE “You’re blessed when you’re at the end of your rope. With less of you there is more of God and his rule.”

Matthew 5:8
KJV “Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.”
MESSAGE “You’re blessed when you get your inside world, your mind and heart, put right. Then you can see God in the outside world.”

Matthew 5:14
KJV “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.”
MESSAGE “Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world.”

Matthew 5:43
KJV “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy.”
MESSAGE “Jesus said, You’re familiar with the old written law, ‘Love your friend,’ and its unwritten companion, ‘Hate your enemy.’”

Matthew 9:34
KJV “But the Pharisees said, He casteth out devils through the prince of the devils.”
MESSAGE “The Pharisees were left sputtering, ‘Hocus Pocus. It’s nothing but Hocus Pocus.’”

Matt. 11:28-30
KJV “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
MESSAGE “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me -- watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you.”

KJV “No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him.”
MESSAGE “No one has ever seen God, not so much of a glimpse. This one-of-a-kind God-expression, who exists at the very heart of the Father, has made him plain as day.”

John 3:5
KJV “Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God.”
MESSAGE “Jesus said, You’re not listening. Let me say it again. Unless a person submits to this original creation--the ‘wind hovering over the water’ creation, the invisible moving the visible, a baptism into a new life--it’s not possible to enter God’s kingdom.”

John 10:30
KJV “I and my Father are one.”
MESSAGE “I and the Father are one heart and mind.”

????

Acts 8:20
KJV “But Peter said unto him, Thy money perish with thee...”
MESSAGE “Peter said, ‘To hell with your money!’”

Since Peter cussed some the night he denied his Lord, I suppose Peterson believes he was still cussing in the book of Acts.

KJV “...he that raised up Christ from the dead shall also quicken your mortal bodies by his Spirit that dwelleth in you.”
MESSAGE “...he’ll do the same thing in you that he did in Jesus, bringing you alive to himself.”

KJV “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword?”
MESSAGE “Do you think anyone is going to be able to drive a wedge between us and Christ’s love for us? There is no way! Not trouble, not hard times, not hatred, not hunger, not homelessness, not bullying threats, not backstabbing, not even the worst sins listed in Scripture.”

Revelation 22:18-19 should cause Peterson to loose a lot of sleep.

KJV “Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.”
MESSAGE “Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you, God himself willing and working at what will give him the most pleasure.”

...

oh and there is alot more

-Makes me sad, that people are given this as new Christian to grow strong and healthy in the Lord. No wonder we are in the Laodicean age.
Rev 3:15 I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot: I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich, and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked:

[LittleladyinChrist]

That verse is:

(Rev 3:15-17)I know thy works, that thou art neither cold nor hot : I would thou wert cold or hot. So then because thou art lukewarm, and neither coldn or hot, I will spew thee out of my mouth. Because thou sayest, I am rich , and increased with goods, and have need of nothing; and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor,and blind,and naked:

[tracifish]

http://i6.photobucket.com/albums/y231/alithosias/massage.jpg