Passion Translation of the Bible

The Passion Translation (TPT; published by Broadside Publishing, 2021) claims to be a new translation of the Bible (Psalms and NT and some books of the OT so far) by American author Brian Simmons, in which he aims to re-introduce "the passion of the Bible to the English reader," and to produce "a heart-level translation, from the passion of God's heart to the passion of your heart." Now a new translation of the Bible, if it offers the reader a more accurate understanding of Scriptures is to be welcome, even if it is a "one-man" effort. What Simmons have produced, however, is not a translation as its name claims to be but a very free, long-winded (twice as long as the original Bible), and theologically lopesided paraphrase. By all accounts Simmons does not seem to have understood the basic principles of Bible translation at all. In interviews Brian Simmons has claimed to have received direct revelations from God to enable him to do the translation. That he was prepared to correct errors in his translations that others have been pointed, however, does little to give credence to his claim of such revelations. But judged strictly on its claim to be a "translation" of Scriptures, the Passion Translation is a ghastly work. Our poor view of the work does not, it should also be noted, take into account the fact that it is "approved" version of the New Apostolic Reformation.

ALBERITH's suggestion to preachers is to not to spend your precious money and time on it.

Further Reading & Resources:

The Passion Translation (Website) N

Adrew Shead, "Burning Scripture with Passion: A Review of The Psalms (The Passion Translation)," Themelios 43.1 (2021). Digital Version. html N

Andrew Wilson, "What's Wrong with The Passion 'Translation'?" Think 6 Jan 2016. Blog N

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