The Amplified Bible Version - Is It The Best Translation?

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Amplified Bible Version! Thank you, Mrs. Frances Siewert.

(CONSIDER THE AMPLIFIED BIBLE)  

In my recent blog, I was giving my opinions on the Best Bible and the best Bible Translation for you. I made a brief sample analysis of 19 of the most popular Bible versions. In this lens we will cover in more depth one of my favorites, The Amplified Bible.  

The Amplified Version is the brainchild of Mrs. Frances Siewert, of whom we will say more later. For now, it will suffice to say that the Christian Community is indebted to her for this legacy of her love for God and desire to unlock the timeless truths of the Word of God.

I include many links and resources which the reader of this lens should find useful! Enjoy and visit often!

The Amplified Version of the Bible and Its Story

The story of the Amplified Bible is a remarkable account of faith, hope, and love.

Amplified Bible Version

 The Story behind the Amplified Bible

The story of the
Amplified Bible is a remarkable account of faith, hope, and love. It's the story of a woman,a foundation, a committee, and a publisher. Commitment, energy, enthusiasm, and giftedness--these are the words that paint the picture, the picture of the making of a translation.

Frances Siewert (Litt. B., B.D., M.A., Litt.D.; 1881-1967) was a woman with an intense perseverance to the learning of the Bible and she laid the foundation of the Amplified Bible.  She was devoted to a familiarity with the Bible, with the Hebrew and Greek languages, and with the cultural and archaeological environment of the Biblical period.  This devotion led to this unique publication and translation.

Mrs. Siewert's idea was shared by a California non-profit foundation called The Lockman Foundation.  This foundation of Christian men and women also committed their  expertise, their finances and their under girded dedication to Mrs. Siewert's monumental Bible Version project. The Lockman Foundation's purpose was/is: to promote Bible translation, Christian evangelism, Instruction, and Godly goodwill.

There was commitment, energy, enthusiasm, and giftedness among the many attributes shared by the committee appointed through The Lockman Foundation.  Their job  was to carefully review the remarkable work of Mrs. Siewert. The resulting Editorial Board gave credibility and organization, bringing out the richness of the Hebrew and Greek languages within the English text itself.

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The only item remaining was to bring the vision into reality. A publishing house (Zondervan) in Grand Rapids, Michigan, seized the opportunity to take part in a project which all involved strongly believed would be used by God to change lives. The Zondervan Publishing House joined the team, and the dream became reality with the publication of The Amplified New Testament in 1958, followed by the two-volume Amplified Old Testament in 1962 and 1964, and the one-volume Amplified Bible in 1965. For More Reading refer to - The Lockman Fouindation and the Amplified Bible



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A Closer Look At The Amplified Bible Version

Bible

 A Closer Look At The Amplified Bible


The Amplified Bible was the first full Bible produced by The Lockman Foundation. This translation uses synonyms and definitions which both explain and expand the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses and brackets and after key words or phrases. This version uses this unique system of translation allowing the reader to more easily grasp the meaning of the words as they were understood in the original languages.  (This is one of its favorite features which I like!)

The Amplified Bible tries to remain free of personal interpretation and it is independent of denominational bias. This rendering is a Bible version, an English translation based on the accepted Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts. It is based from the American Standard Version of 1901, supplemented by the best available textual findings of the day. This offered better interpretations of textual differences. The translators made a resolute effort to keep the mood of the earliest Book.

Through amplification, the Bible reader gains an enhanced perception of what the Hebrew and Greek listener instinctively understood (as a matter of course). For an example, the English word "love" has 3 Greek words in describing the different levels. Notice how the Amplified Bible brings this out in comparison to the KJV.

John 21:15-17 KJV So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs. 16 He saith to him again the second time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my sheep. 17 He saith unto him the third time, Simon, son of Jona, lovest thou me? Peter was grieved because he said unto him the third time, Lovest thou me? And he said unto him, Lord, thou knowest all things; thou knowest that I love thee. Jesus saith unto him, Feed my sheep.

John 21:15-17 AMP 15 When they had eaten, Jesus said to Simon Peter, Simon, son of John, do you love Me more than these [others do--with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Feed My lambs. 16 Again He said to him the second time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with reasoning, intentional, spiritual devotion, as one loves the Father]? He said to Him, Yes, Lord, You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. He said to him, Shepherd (tend) My sheep. 17 He said to him the third time, Simon, son of John, do you love Me [with a deep, instinctive, personal affection for Me, as for a close friend]? Peter was grieved (was saddened and hurt) that He should ask him the third time, Do you love Me? And he said to Him, Lord, You know everything; You know that I love You [that I have a deep, instinctive, personal affection for You, as for a close friend]. Jesus said to him, Feed My sheep.


More OnlineComparisons can be found at this link:  AMPLIFIED BIBLE


Amplified Bible Version: Amplified Bible large print

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Amplified Bible Version: Video Information From YouTube

McGee Q&A - Is the Amplified Bible a Good Translation?
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Find Your Amplified Bible Version Study Bible on eBay!!!!

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Using the Amplified Bible in Bible Study

If you are serious about Bible Study, I think you should consider this great tool.
The Classic Comparative Side-by-Side Bible is an instrument that lets you explore all the rich nuances of meaning in the Bible's text without having to learn the original Biblical languages.

Each two-page spread contains a complete Scripture portion from these versions:
New International Version;
King James Version ;
New American Standard Bible;
Amplified Bible

Classic Comparative Side-by-Side Bible: NIV | KJV | NASB | Amplified: The World's Bestselling Bible Paired with Three Classic Versions

Amazon Price: $27.49 (as of 05/25/2012)Buy Now

I love Bible study, and often set my favorite translations side by side. This study tool takes some of my favorites, sets them out side by side, and make study time easier, saving time and desk space. I highly recommend it!

Amplified Bible on CD

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Featured Lenses Related to this Amplified Bible Version Lens.

- While your surfing check out these great lenses. Rate them, Leave a comment. Most of them are by Wbisbill (Pastor Walt and Barbara)
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Find/purchase Amplified Bible on eBay

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Amplified Bible Version: Find Your Amplified Bible Online

Online Bible Amplified Bible Version

  1. e-Sword
    is a fast and effective way to study the Bible. e-Sword is feature rich and user friendly with more capabilities than you would expect in a free software package. The fact that e-Sword is free is just one of the blessings and does not speak of the quality of the software. I make my living writing software and I believe I have put forth my best effort in this endeavor. The real work, however, was put in by the godly men and women who devoted countless years creating the texts that have been made available for our benefit.
    e-Sword is FREE for the download and many translations are FREE with the program.  The AMPLIFIED BIBLE is availabe for a nominal fee.  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS FREE PROGRAM and the inclusion of an AMPLIFIED BIBLE download

  2. The Lockman Foundation  Amplified Bible  A simple read and search Amplified Bible. ...To downloadfree, you must be in agreement ... (more)

  3. Bible Gateway-Free online search in Scriptures.
     Many Translations


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Amplified Bible Version on Amazon

I thought I would include 3 Bibles among the many available through Amazon of the Amplified Version. Any of these would be great helps. However, which ever or where ever you choose your Bibles. A serious student MUST include some form of the AMPLIFIED BIBLE!
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Your thoughts of the AMPLIFIED BIBLE: VERSION. Please leave your feedback here! This helps improve this lens!

Reader Feedback on the Amplified Bible

  • LubosLabik Apr 17, 2012 @ 4:03 am | delete
    You sure know everything about amplified bible :)
  • MissionBoundCreations Mar 20, 2012 @ 11:02 pm | delete
    Never tried the Amplified bBible because I didn't like how liberal The Message Bible was and related one to the other. Might consider it now
  • MissionBoundCreations Mar 20, 2012 @ 10:33 pm | delete
    I soooooooo Love Dr . McGee. Through the Bilbe is Awesome. What a legacy! Great Lens.
  • Prudent-Man Feb 9, 2012 @ 10:16 pm | delete
    I agree that the best Bible version is the one that someone will read. Also, I like the KJV / AMP parallel Bible.

    God Bless
  • gonzalezdenise Feb 1, 2012 @ 10:07 pm | delete
    I love the Amplified Bible.
  • naheedahsan Jan 9, 2012 @ 11:22 am | delete
    good lens with lots of information
  • elhuntley Nov 26, 2011 @ 7:06 pm | delete
    Great Lens! I love the Amplified version. As a baby Christian it was my first Bible. When I read the KJV I understood it better. Now I own a Parallel Bible. The KJV and Amplified side by side love it.
  • sabinamiller May 2, 2011 @ 2:37 pm | delete
    Excellent lens.. thanks for info...
  • Tipi Nov 17, 2010 @ 5:40 pm | delete
    I have several translations and have always loved the way the Amplified reveals so much of the heart of God. My sister almost exclusively reads the Amplified though she has other versions as well.
  • gonzalezdenise Nov 14, 2010 @ 11:27 pm | delete
    I really enjoy the Amplified Bible also, as well as The Message Bible. Thank you
  • grayth Nov 12, 2010 @ 3:33 pm | delete
    wow excellent lens, really enjoyed it. I prefer the KJV but your lens really added value and information on the amplified, great job. The one thing I still want to have is a decent strong's to go along with my Bible
  • LizMac60 Nov 12, 2010 @ 11:33 am | delete
    What a great lady to take on this task. Haven't seen an amplified Bible for some time. I must have a search for it.
  • ideadesigns Nov 11, 2010 @ 10:08 pm | delete
    I love my side by side translation of KJV + Amplified. I can have it both ways while I'm reading. Thanks for sharing this is a great lens!
  • TheWhistler Oct 2, 2010 @ 12:47 pm | delete
    I have never heard of the Amplified Bible. My favourite version has always been the King James. Although I do like the New English Translation.
  • JoyfulPamela Oct 2, 2010 @ 11:35 am | delete
    We have a few different translations at home because I like to compare different wordings in my Bible study. I do not have a copy of the Amplified Bible though, so I will have to download it from one of your sources above. Thank you! : )
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Wbisbill

As pastor, Walter and I get many questions concerning Bible versions. We alway say the one that is the best is the one that you will read!

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