In case you missed it, earlier this week, Tyndale launched a new blog devoted to the New Living Translation. I had actually missed it as we’ve been traveling since July 2, but from reading all the new posts (six in less than a week) in one sitting, the blog looks as if it’s off to a strong start.

I especially appreciated Keith Williams’ “Words in the New Living Translation.” This post directly addressed a recent post by Tim Challies that took swipes at the NLT (and the Message and CEV) in order to prop up the ESV. I found it interesting that Challies would quote from the 1994 edition of the NLT when the translation has seen a significant revision in 2004 and then another minor revision last year. I felt that Challies’ post was primarily another attempt to promote the value of the ESV by attacking Bible versions that use a different method of translation. In the end, such comparisons are apples and oranges, translationally speaking. I don’t see why ESV readers can’t simply applaud their favorite Bible without attempting to knock other versions down, but the internet is full of such posts. Williams’ rebuttal avoided the trap of pitting one translation against another and instead approached the real issue of translational method and the challenge of communicating meaning from one language to another.

The NLT is one of three primary translations (along with the TNIV and HCSB) that I suggest when asked under general circumstances for a translation recommend. Translations, in my opinion, have to be evaluated on their own merits regarding how well they achieve their translational goals. There is no “one size fits all” translation, but the NLT communicates in a style that is more in keeping with contemporary, conversational English than any major translation I know of.

The NLT Blog is described as “Issues, perspectives, and news related to the New Living Translation and Bible Publishing.” A glance at the contributors suggests that this blog will serve as a great way to interact with the keepers of the NLT. They are off to a good start, and I will be interested to see what future posts hold. While I assume they will highlight specific editions of the NLT, I would hope also to see much discussion about the uniqueness of the NLT itself and further discourse on translation method.

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Other publisher-based Bible translation blogs:
ESV Blog
NET Bible Revolution (last updated April 30, 2008)
TNIV Blog (defunct? not updated since November, 2006)

Tags: NLT, Tyndale