Praying the Scriptures
Therefore, if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort in love, any sharing in the Spirit, any sympathy, complete my joy by thinking the same way, having the same love, being united, and agreeing with each other. Don’t do anything for selfish purposes but with humility think of others as better than yourselves. Instead of each person watching out for their own good, watch out for what is better for others. (Philippians 2: 1-4; CEB)
All Things In Common…
No such thing as a word-for-word translation
by Paul Franklyn (Associate Publisher)
Huffington Post ran a press release claiming that most Bible readers prefer a word-for-word Bible translation (presumed to be accurate) versus a readable translation (presumed to be inaccurate), though the sales of Bibles would not support this claim. In the article at Huffington Post the Common English Bible is cited as an example of a less literal translation. The scholars at www.betterbibles.com posted several reasons why the Lifeway research has an agenda and thus draws mistaken conclusions: Accuracy Battles Readability: Surreality Wins.
Consider an additional reason: A word-for-word translation does not exist in any Bible translation. If the translator never deviated from the syntax of the Hebrew or Greek, the resulting English would sound like gibberish. The more wooden or awkward translations sound traditional to people who are required to read them, but the result is more like Biblish than English to the ear in 2011. read more
In the News
Reviews and media coverage of the Common English Bible!
10/17 Christian Century; Plain Talk Bible Debuts with Mainstream Backing
"The Common English Bible, the newest Bible on the block, is what the name suggests—a translation into commonly spoken English."
9/19 Read the Spirit; Common English Bible hopes to inspire, clear confusion
"QUICK QUIZ: Do these lines appear in the Bible—or were they uttered by Captain American, Martin Luther King Jr. or George W. Bush? “We are experiencing all kinds of trouble, but we aren’t crushed. We are confused, but we aren’t depressed. We are harassed, but we aren’t abandoned. We are knocked down, but we aren’t knocked out.”
ANSWER: A Harris poll widely cited around the Internet at the moment indicates that 2 out of 3 Americans picked one of the three men as the source. In fact, those words are from 2 Corinthians 4:8-9 as rendered in the brand new Common English Bible, a carefully researched plain-language translation of scripture sponsored by an ecumenical coalition of Protestant denominations."
9/18 Doug Pagitt's Live Radio Show; Interview with Paul Franklyn
Doug Pagitt Radio conversation with Paul Franklyn of the Common English Bible.
10/10/11 Examiner; CEB review
"I wondered why readers would need another Bible translation with so many available, from the simplicity of The Message to the traditional King James translations. Then I used the Common English Bible over several days Bible readings and this is what I found."
10/11/11 Cypress Times; CEB review
"This translation is not a revision, but a “bold new” translation whose goal is accuracy and readability."
What's being said...
"I am switching to my new favorite translation, the Common English Bible."
- Doug Pagitt, pastor of Solomon's Porch and author of A Christianity Worth Believing
"ReStart your love for reading the Bible by switching to the Common English Bible."
- Dottie Escobedo-Frank, pastor of Crossroads United Methodist Church in Phoenix, AZ and author of the 2012 book, ReStart Your Church.
"The Common English Bible is just what it says it is- it's in everyday, 21st century language without compromising the text. I especially like the way "Son of Man" and "Behold" are translated as Human One and Look. Reading this version is like having a conversation with a good friend."
- Bill Easum, President, 21st Century Strategies, Inc.
"This is a translation to live with: clear, to the point, unadorned but winsome and friendly. I anticipate having it as my companion in my next year-long trip through the Bible."
- J. Ellsworth Kalas, author and preaching professor
Available Now!
The Common English Bible Christmas Outreach New Testament is now available! These affordable and convenient editions are ideal for personal and ministry use. They are also available in kits of 50 (with customizable invitation cards and door hanger bags) to use in your church and the community.
Click here to pick out the Common English Bible that fits your lifestyle.
Coming Soon!
One of the biggest questions/requests we are getting is "When will large print editions be available?" The answer: Spring 2012!
In March 2012, there will be large print church Bibles, as well as large print premium edition Bibles. There will also be a special 16 pt. type Bible, called the Super Giant Print that will be in stores in April 2012. Be on the lookout for these easy-to-read, more readable Bibles.
Scripture Comparisons
Romans 5: 6-8
Common English Bible (CEB)
While we were still weak, at the right moment, Christ died for ungodly people. It isn’t often that someone will die for a righteous person, though maybe someone might dare to die for a good person. But God shows his love for us, because while we were still sinners Christ died for us.
New International Version, 2011 (NIV)
You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous person, though for a good person someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.
King James Version (KJV)
For when we were yet without strength, in due time Christ died for the ungodly. For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
For while we were still weak, at the right time Christ died for the ungodly. Indeed, rarely will anyone die for a righteous person—though perhaps for a good person someone might actually dare to die. But God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us.