The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language (New Testament with Psalms and Proverbs)

The back of the book jacket says that the Bible was not written in scholarly Greek, but in a common, conversational tone -- in the language of the streets and the marketplace. The way The Message was written makes the New Testament infinitely more accessible.

I believe Eugene Peterson _did_ translate directly from the Greek, and not from another English translation of the New Testament, therefore, I think this translation rings very true to the original text. (I'm not a Bible scholar, however).

One characteristic that occasionally bothers me is the overabundance of idioms -- English cliches. Phrases like "you can't see the forest for the trees" distract rather than inspire me. It should also be noted that verses are not numbered, as in traditional translations, although the chapters are designated. This isn't a complaint, but an interesting feature.

I highly recommend THE MESSAGE -- it's a revolutionary way to read the Bible. You can read it on its own, or with another translation of the Bible as a companion. If you know someone who is having trouble "getting into the Word," then definitely let them know about The Message.


paraphrase of the Bible   November 9, 2006
Rev. George C. Reid, Jr.
23 out of 23 found this review helpful

This new numbered edition takes out all of the guesswork about where you are in the text. Peterson has some incredibly beatiful phrases that bring the text to life. I love reading it along with my New Revised Standard Edition. They make a great comparison possible.


Finally - The Message contains the WHOLE Bible!   February 10, 2003
Soozie4Him (Chicago suburbs)
60 out of 68 found this review helpful

I've been so looking forward to the publication of The Message Bible for so long that I wondered how it could ever live up to my high expectations! I've enjoyed reading The Message New Testament and Psalms for quite awhile now.

This Message Bible is everything I expected and more. Genesis was the first thing I read and I couldn't believe how it flowed! The stories came alive in such a unique way! I've read Genesis in the NIV (my choice for Bible Study) several times recently, but reading it in The Message Bible gave Genesis a whole new breath of fresh air for me!

It might seem like a small thing, but having only the chapter numbers and no verse numbers included really improves the readability. It reads more like a regular book. You don't tend to stop at the end of a subheading like you might normally do. It really is hard to put this Bible down!

Perhaps this isn't the Bible you should use for serious studying - but for READING, and getting God's Word into you - it's awesome! As for the paraphrase-type of translation, I have the UTMOST respect for Eugene Peterson's interpretation and scholarship and I know he did not take this responsibility lightly.

Peterson is the author of many outstanding books for both pastors and laypersons. Two that come to mind are his excellent "A Long Obedience in the Same Direction" (the title alone deserves a Gold Medallion Award, don't you think?) and "Leaping Over a Wall", which is about the life of David.

"Living the Message" is an excellent devotional which has short, easy-to-read, but profound thoughts for each day.

I highly recommend The Message Bible - get it for yourself and pick up one for a friend or relative as well!

Please check out my other reviews of Christian books and Bibles. I also have a ListMania list called "Great Bibles" that might be helpful.

May the Lord bless you as you read His Word!


it is finished   July 22, 2002
NotATameLion (Michigan)
41 out of 46 found this review helpful

At long last, after eleven years of hard work, Eugene Peterson has completed his translation of the Bible. Before reviewing it, I'd like to just say thanks. The Message has added a dimension to my spiritual life.

Having started the study of Biblical Greek myself about two-thirds of the way through Peterson's labor of love, I now have at least a partially complete picture of the joys and difficulties (or should I say impossibilities?) Mr. Peterson must have faced along the way. It has amazed me to see how much of the seething, vibrant, life that is so often removed from the New Testament in more formal and "stately" translations is brought by Peterson into powerful, everyday English--or as Peterson says--"American."

There are some places where I fear certain sections have lost theological nuances (James' letter being a prime example) but one cannot argue that Peterson does, in the end, faithfully and creatively present "The Message" of the Living God.

The Old Testament, which I am familiar with only in English, sings compared to other translations. Some high points for me in Peterson's Old Testament translations are: Job, 1 & 2 Kings, and Isaiah, (possibly my favorite of all of Peterson's translations: chapter twelve's ending especially gets me: "Raise the roof! Sing your hearts out, oh Zion! The Greatest lives among you: The Holy of Israel.")

Believer or not, "The Message" will wake you up. It does not do this at the expense of the gospel. It does so by giving worn-out language new wings. Just as the writers of the original books were used by God to communicate His message to a hungry, thirsty and longing world, Peterson has allowed himself to be used to speak to the world of today.

I give "The Message" my highest recommendation. Get it today.