Community Reviews

Rating(3.9 / 5.0, 28 votes)
5 stars
6(21%)
4 stars
13(46%)
3 stars
9(32%)
2 stars
0(0%)
1 stars
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28 reviews
July 15,2025
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One may recall Lattimore from high school or a college humanities course as the translator of Homer. I, for one, did and was rather surprised to discover that he had also taken on the task of translating the Christian Scriptures.

He was a literary man, not a biblical scholar. As a result, when compared to scholarly editions of the text like the New Oxford (RSV), the New Jerusalem (Catholic), or the New English (Anglican), Lattimore's edition is somewhat lacking. However, the strength of his work lies in the fact that he could translate without the interference of a committee looking over his shoulder. This allowed him to avoid political considerations. Consequently, in his translation, you will come across numerous references to believers as "slaves" of Christ or something similar, rather than the less literal "servant" terminology.

Overall, while Lattimore's translation may not have the same level of scholarship as some others, it does offer a unique perspective and a different way of approaching the text. It can be a valuable addition to the study of the Christian Scriptures, especially for those who are interested in seeing how different translations can vary in their interpretations and word choices.
July 15,2025
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Lattimore's translation of the New Testament is refreshingly free of an agenda. His sole goal was to provide a coherent and faithful translation of the Greek text.

Consequently, he has raised some interesting issues for those whose theology is based on literalism. Most of them will likely return to the translations produced by religious publishers.

However, intellectual honesty should drive those who grapple with their Christian orientation to read this translation. In fact, I discovered that it actually clarified certain issues for me.

It offers a new perspective and challenges the traditional understanding. By presenting the text in a different light, Lattimore's translation forces readers to think critically and reevaluate their beliefs.

Whether one agrees or disagrees with his interpretations, it cannot be denied that his work has contributed to a deeper understanding of the New Testament. It is a valuable addition to the field of biblical studies and should be given serious consideration by scholars and laypeople alike.
July 15,2025
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Fantastic translation is truly remarkable. It has the power to bridge the gap between different languages and cultures, allowing people from all over the world to communicate and understand each other.

A great translation not only conveys the meaning of the original text accurately but also captures its essence and style. It requires a deep understanding of both the source and target languages, as well as a keen sense of cultural nuances.

Translators play a crucial role in this process. They are the ones who painstakingly work to bring the beauty and power of a text to a new audience. Their skills and expertise are essential in ensuring that the translation is of the highest quality.

Whether it's a literary work, a business document, or a website, a fantastic translation can make all the difference. It can open up new opportunities, build stronger relationships, and enhance our global understanding. So, the next time you come across a great translation, take a moment to appreciate the hard work and talent that went into creating it.
July 15,2025
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I had the distinct blessing of being handed one of these by a Billy Graham worker while I attended the Pan Am Games in Indianapolis, Indiana.

The Living translation incorporated the testimonies of athletes, including distance runner Frank Shorter, which had a profound influence on me. It was my first encounter with a translation in a language that I could easily understand.

Over a period of months, the book gradually transformed my life. I found myself being drawn closer to God and seeking a deeper relationship with Him. Finally, I made the decision to be baptized and professed Jesus Christ as my Savior.

The rest is history, and it has led me to where I am today, serving as an elder at a congregation. I am truly grateful for that encounter with the Living translation and the impact it has had on my life. It has been a journey of growth and faith, and I look forward to seeing where God will lead me in the future.
July 15,2025
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This is my favorite translation (Richard Lattimore) of the New Testament. There are numerous aspects that render this translation truly remarkable.

Firstly, it preserves the literal meaning of the original text, ensuring an accurate conveyance of the words. Secondly, it also maintains the spirit of the original, capturing the essence and intention. Thirdly, it is an enjoyable read, with a sense of narrative and a smooth flow.

The absence of notes, verse numbers, red quotes, and other such distractions truly facilitates the easy reading of these stories and letters, making them feel like a continuous narrative.

However, I don't consider this translation to be flawless. Occasionally, a phrase may seem a bit awkward, and I do have a preference for other translations like the RSV.

The author provides a brief preface but no other commentary. At times, I found myself desiring brief introductions to the individual chapters to offer some context regarding the authors and their motives.

There is a section of notes at the back that is quite easy to overlook. I read the entire book without noticing this. I will have to remind myself to consult the notes when I go back to reread certain sections of this book.

Regarding the text itself, the four Gospels and the Acts are all highly interesting. Revelation is a popular favorite and great fun. Paul's letters can be pedantic at times, yet also inspired and beautiful. Reading through them, along with the Acts, provides great insights into the early Christian church. I found Hebrews to be rather pedantic, but it does have some interesting references back to the Old Testament. The general letters are included in the Bible as direct evidence against the claim that the full text of the Bible is divinely inspired.
July 15,2025
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It's truly rather difficult to rate a translation of the New Testament or to mark it as read in all honesty.

This is because I'll constantly be referring back to it and rereading it just as I would with any Bible.

Reading the books and letters of the New Testament in a form that is closer to how they were originally written, without being divided into chapters and verses, offers a distinct experience.

I firmly believe it's also a highly valuable one.

One of the main reasons I desired to read this particular translation is that it was done by a renowned scholar of ancient Greek.

His perspective is secular, meaning he isn't predisposed to interpreting the text based on any preconceived sectarian assumptions.

This allows for a more objective and perhaps even a fresh look at the New Testament, enabling readers to gain new insights and a deeper understanding of its content.

Overall, this translation provides a unique opportunity to engage with the New Testament in a way that might not have been possible otherwise.
July 15,2025
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I'm currently engaged in reading several different translations of the Bible, namely the KJV (King James Version) from 1611, the Tynsdale, and the NIV (New International Version). However, among all of these, this particular translation stands out as BY FAR the best.

What I truly appreciate about it is that the translator doesn't have the false pretense of being a highly esteemed biblical scholar. Instead, he is simply a classicist who had a passion for using his in-depth knowledge of Greek to create a translation that is as faithful as possible to the original Greek text.

In my opinion, he has achieved this goal marvelously. The result is a translation that not only captures the essence and meaning of the original but also presents it in a way that is accessible and understandable to modern readers. It allows us to gain a deeper and more accurate understanding of the biblical text, bringing us closer to the message and teachings it contains.

I am truly enjoying this translation and would highly recommend it to anyone interested in studying the Bible.
July 15,2025
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I happened to come across the Lattimore translation of the New Testament in a Borders store located in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.

It was presented in a standard book form, without any chapter and verse references except at the top of each page. What's more, it was from the vantage point of a single translator, not a committee of scholars.

Later on, during my time in seminary while I was studying Greek, I developed a newfound respect for Lattimore's remarkable ability to capture the unique voices of the authors.

This translation is truly a must-have for any serious student of God's word. It offers a fresh perspective and a deeper understanding of the original texts, allowing readers to engage with the scriptures in a more profound way.

Whether you are a theology student, a pastor, or simply someone who is passionate about studying the Bible, the Lattimore translation is well worth exploring.
July 15,2025
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My favorite translation is the old school street Greek from one of the best secular translators.

This particular translation holds a special charm for me. It brings a unique flavor and authenticity to the text. The translator's expertise in capturing the essence of the language and the cultural context is truly remarkable.

The old school street Greek has a certain roughness and vitality that makes it come alive. It feels as if you can hear the conversations and see the scenes unfold in the streets.

Unlike some more polished translations, this one has a raw and unfiltered quality that adds to its appeal. It allows the reader to experience the language in a more direct and immediate way.

Overall, I am drawn to this translation because of its distinctiveness and the way it transports me to a different time and place. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the translator.
July 15,2025
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The best translation I have read is truly remarkable.

Each writer has their own unique voice, which is clearly distinguishable in the translated work. It is not the homogenized text that often results from translation by committee, where the individuality and essence of the original writers are lost.

This particular translation manages to capture the distinctiveness of each writer, allowing their voices to shine through. It is a testament to the skill and artistry of the translator.

The reader can truly experience the original works as if they were reading them in the original language, thanks to the translator's ability to preserve the unique qualities of each writer.

This is the kind of translation that makes a difference, that enriches the literary landscape and allows for a deeper understanding and appreciation of different cultures and writers.

It is a rare find and a treasure for all lovers of literature.
July 15,2025
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A wonderfully ambitious science fiction novel awaits the readers. The author bravely endeavors to envision the encounter with an emissary from an alien culture that not only surpasses ours technologically but, more intriguingly, morally.

When structuring the narrative, the first challenge to address is, naturally, that such a being would be beyond our understanding. I highly approved of the chosen solution. The novel is related by multiple narrators, and their conflicting testimonies reveal that all of them are more or less unreliable.

Consequently, we have nothing more than confused echoes of the story. Paradoxically, this is more convincing than a direct telling, which would have inevitably been disappointing.

The rest of this review is available elsewhere (the location cannot be given for Goodreads policy reasons)
July 15,2025
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I have perused this translation not just once but perhaps twice before. It is the work of Richmond Lattimore, a highly regarded classicist. His translation is truly quite excellent.

This time around, I engaged in a different kind of reading experience. I read it aloud with Nancy during our morning ritual of ingesting both kinds of caffeine. The act of reading aloud added a new dimension to our encounter with the text. As the words flowed from my lips, we both seemed to be more deeply immersed in the story.

The combination of the written word and the shared moment with Nancy, along with our caffeine boost, created a unique atmosphere. It was as if we were transported into the world of the translation, experiencing it in a more visceral way.

Richmond Lattimore's translation continued to shine through, even in this new context. His careful choice of words and his ability to capture the essence of the original text made the reading a pleasure.

I look forward to many more such mornings of reading aloud with Nancy and exploring the wonderful world of literature together.
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