The 2008 Preaching Survey of Bibles and Bible References

The Voice: New Testament (Nelson: NKJV) is to be released in October though some individual books have already been released separately. It is an entirely new translation produced by the collaboration of historians, poets, songwriters and theologians. It aims at providing a fresh reading of the scriptures particularly for those who are unchurched. The translation portions I have seen a very free, as intended. There is a place for this, but it becomes more commentary and less straight translation.

Hendrickson has produced facsimiles of three historical bibles which are great resources in reminding people of how we came to have English Bibles and what a gift this possession is. First, The New Testament, 1526 Edition (Hendrickson) is a facsimile of a 1526 printing of William Tyndale’s translation, the original of which is held in The British Library. As a facsimile it has the 16th century spelling a shape of letters which makes reading the text quite difficult. It is nice to see the beauty of this document, but it would also be good to have an edition in modern print so readers could read more easily and see how much this translation influenced the KJV and subsequent English Bibles. Also included is a good introduction by David Daniell, Chairman of the Tyndale Society. Second, Hendrickson has published a facsimile of The Geneva Bible, 1560 Edition. It is to our detriment that people typically do not know of the Geneva Bible which was the Bible of the English Reformation, the Pilgrims, Shakespeare and others. It was produced in Geneva by English speaking pastors who had fled Queen Mary’s rule. This is a facsimile but is more readable than the Tyndale volume. One of the key features of the Geneva Bible is the study notes printed in the margins. These provide insight into biblical interpretation at this time. Third is a facsimile of the 1611 King James Version. A 19th century history of English Bibles is included at the beginning. Then the facsimile includes the dedication to King James, the translators’ address to readers, and a bible reading plan. These facsimiles are not study Bibles, but are of real value for historical awareness and comparison with modern versions.

The other historical reprint is The Dort Study Bible (Inheritance Publications, hb., multivolume). This is a reprint of the study Bible produced by the leading Dutch theologians in the 17th century at the request of the Synod of Dort. It is thus of historical and theological value. Spurgeon had a copy of this study bible and Samuel Rutherford was among the English speaking leaders who originally requested an English translation.