— JIM CYMBALA, senior pastor, The Brooklyn Tabernacle
Yet another book on translation? Yes, and this is the one I shall now recommend to concerned Christians who want to understand what the perpetual flap over Bible translation is all about. Few will agree with every judgment in its pages, but for courtesy to all sides, accuracy in technical matters, clarity of writing, a deep commitment to faithful rendering of the original, and an abundant supply of that least common gift, “common sense,” this is the book on translation that deserves widest circulation.
— D. A. CARSON, research professor of New Testament
at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School
In his third How to . . . . for All Its Worth book, Gordon Fee has teamed up with Mark Strauss to produce another winner — How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth: A Guide to Understanding and Using Bible Versions. It is a great read, filled with good illustrations from the numerous English translations from the past and the present, and written in an engaging way. Readers will be more accurately informed on how translation decisions are made and which translations are best suited for which audiences. . . . Fee and Strauss have upheld both accuracy and meaning while fairly evaluating the large number of English translations that have been given as a gift to the body of Christ.
— WALTER C. KAISER JR., president emeritus, Colman
M. Mockler distinguished professor of Old Testament,
Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary
“Something gets lost in translation” is a common enough phrase, reflecting the difficulties of conveying what is said in one language in a very different one. With clarity and care Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss help us understand how translations of the Bible are done, what the difficulties are, and how the whole process is more of an art than a science. Moreover, they give us something of a history of English translations of the Bible, including a review of contemporary ones. This is the perfect little book to help the student of the Bible understand why different translations of the same verses look so different, and how to decide which Bible translation is right for the student in question.
— DR. BEN WITHERINGTON III, professor of New
Testament, Asbury Theological Seminary
This book, a must-read for pastors and Christians who love and read the Bible, is sensible (i.e., explains the why, what, and how of translation), sober (i.e., shows the strengths and weaknesses of all the major English versions), simple (i.e., in language a seventh grader can understand, and salted with illustrations), and spiritual (i.e., fills one with praise to God for the work of all translators and stops the unjust demonization of any translation).
— BRUCE WALTKE, professor of Old Testament, Reformed
Theological Seminary in Orlando, Florida; professor
emeritus of biblical studies, Regent College in Vancouver
There are so many translations out there — which one should we choose? Fee and Strauss do a marvelous job of explaining how translations come about, giving us the basis to make an intelligent decision. Everyone should read this book, but I particularly recommend it for seminary students, ministers, and anyone who teaches the Bible in schools and churches.
— TREMPER LONGMAN III, Robert H. Gundry
professor of biblical studies, Westmont College
Lay people often imagine that Bible translation is simply a matter of replacing one word in the original language with one word in the target language. Those involved in such work know that the matter is much more complex and that translation always involves interpretation. This work provides laypersons and specialists alike with a superb summary of the issues involved. Written in a style that is accessible to all, Fee and Strauss have cast theoretical and complex problems into everyday English. They have provided pastors and teachers who seek to guide their people through the translation maze with one of the finest resources available.
— DANIEL I. BLOCK, Gunther H. Knoedler professor
of Old Testament and PhD program coordinator,
biblical studies, Wheaton College Graduate School
One of the most common questions directed at biblical scholars is, “Which Bible translation is the best?” These scholars are then faced with the challenge of summarizing a complex issue in a brief response. With the publication of Fee and Strauss’s work, the scholar may simply respond, “I would suggest that you read this book.” How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth is the most reliable guide available to understanding the process of Bible translation and choosing one that is appropriate.
— SCOTT DUVALL, professor of New Testament,
Ouachita Baptist University
Finally, a book that translates for the average person what is good about translation and how they work! It is a little like you can’t tell the players without a scorecard. So here is a very helpful scorecard on what to look for in Bibles and why. In sum, well done, much needed, thanks.
— DARRELL BOCK, research professor of New Testament
studies, Dallas Theological Seminary
This book is crammed with material that’s understandable, theologically sound, generationally balanced, and practical. I wish I had read one like it fifty years ago. It’s a must not only for Christian pastors and teachers but for the everyday Bible reader who wants to be better equipped to understand God’s Word. It’s a classic!
— WARREN W. WIERSBE, author, former
pastor of The Moody Church
What a blessing to us all! That’s what How to Choose a Translation for All Its Worth will be to Christians everywhere. Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss have written a masterpiece on a much-debated and important subject. This book is unbiased, thought-provoking, and even inspirational as it creates a fresh appetite for understanding God’s Word.
— JIM CYMBALA, senior pastor,
The Brooklyn Tabernacle
Fee and Strauss each have strong careers relating to English Bible translation issues, which have prepared them to write this book. At a time when fairness in debates about English Bible translation has suffered, Fee and Strauss restore fairness, along with scholarly substance, as they discuss important qualities to consider when choosing a Bible version. One strength of their book is the large number of examples used to illustrate translation points.
— WAYNE LEMAN, translation consultant with Wycliffe
Bible translators; reviewer for the NET Bible, ISV
(International Standard Version), and other versions
This book is comprehensive, fair, and accessible. Particularly helpful are quick explanations of specific translations and a glossary of terms. This thorough and engaging book will be helpful to pastors, teachers, Bible students, and anyone serious about understanding and choosing among Bible translations.
— AMY SIMPSON, executive director, Leadership Media
Group, Chris tianity Today International
It seems like new Bibles come out every week, and the overload can be overwhelming. Gordon and Mark are wise and trustworthy guides!
— JOHN ORTBERG, pastor and author,
Menlo Park Presbyterian Church
If you are bewildered by the smorgasbord of Bible translations and alarmed by the debates raging over which translations are safe and which are not, this book is for you. Gordon Fee and Mark Strauss are wise guides who help us sort through the issues and teach us how to make informed choices about the version(s) we read. This is an invaluable tool for anyone seeking a better understanding of God’s Word.
— CAROLYN CUSTIS JAMES, author of
The Gospel of Ruth: Loving God Enough to Break the Rules
This book delivers exactly what its title promises. It is not a sales pitch for any particular translation. Rather, it’s a crash course that helps people understand why Bible translations are different. It teaches a lot about Scripture itself, so it’s interesting and enjoyable to read. I highly recommend it, especially to church elders and church staff.
— SARAH SUMNER, author of Men and Women in the Church
The complexities involved in Bible translation are seemingly endless. Here is an excellent guide through its complexities — clear, irenic, informative, and appreciative. I don’t know of any book quite like this. It is a wonderfully attentive guided tour through the land of translations and their translations.
— EUGENE H. PETERSON, professor emeritus of
spiritual theology, Regent College, Vancouver