Topic: Please, recommend a Bible

[andrewlya]

Happy Easter All, Christ is Risen!
Could you recommend me an English translated Orthodox Bible that's an easy read? Also, it would help if there were commentaries or explanations to verses as sometimes it's hard to understand the Scriptures for a person who's learning the Christian faith.

Also, what is the best film I could watch about the Old Testament and the New Testament,any good movies about Jesus Christ's life? I've watched The Passion of the Christ, it's a very strong film, are there any other good Christian films?

Thanks a lot!
God bless you all in Jesus.

[Arachne]

The Orthodox Study Bible is the place to start.

Film-wise... I've just watched, like every year during Holy Week, Franco Zeffirelli's Jesus of Nazareth. It's a six-hour mini-series that is both superbly cast and very accurately scripted.

[Cyrillic]

The Orthodox Study Bible is the place to start.

It is far from ideal, but it's the best (i.e. only) thing around.

[Cyrillic]

Could you recommend me an English translated Orthodox Bible that's an easy read? Also, it would help if there were commentaries or explanations to verses as sometimes it's hard to understand the Scriptures for a person who's learning the Christian faith.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series is very useful for beginners.

[andrewlya]

The Orthodox Study Bible is the place to start.

It is far from ideal, but it's the best (i.e. only) thing around.

Not ideal? Why not?

[Cyrillic]

The Septuagint translation isn't as good as I would like it to be and the notes don't always refer back to the works of the Fathers.

[Shanghaiski]

There is no real Orthodox Bible in English--that is, one that has been blessed by a Holy Synod.

For a complete text, one can find the old Revised Standard Version Bible with all the books. The commentary therein isn't always helpful or accurate, but the text is complete and the translation is reasonable, though, again, there is no perfect translation.

[genesisone]

Could you recommend me an English translated Orthodox Bible that's an easy read? Also, it would help if there were commentaries or explanations to verses as sometimes it's hard to understand the Scriptures for a person who's learning the Christian faith.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series is very useful for beginners.

It is a good series, but one must remember that not all ancient Christians were Orthodox  .

[JamesR]

It'll only be a matter of time before this turns into a heated debate on the OSB's "Protestantizations" and then gradually escalating into the classic Masoretic or Septuagint dichotomy.

[Shiny]

I only use NOAB RSV with the complete Apocrypha.

Oxford has another complete Bible in ESV.

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

[pmpn8rGPT]

It's missing III and IIII Maccabbees, Psalm 151, and a few other books/chapters, but if you can stand the 17th century English, the 1611/1613 KJV is the least Protestant worded in English.  The 1599 Geneva (as well as the Geneva series in general) is also a good one with its Protestant wording mostly confined to marginal notes.

But a more modern translation which has all of the books in there would be the RSV/A and the NRSV/A, however it is pretty Protestant worded.

There are also other versions (see Achronos's reply above) which I have not read.

The OJB is alright and fixes much of the Protestant wording, but I wouldn't take it as too authoritative, at least from what I understand.

Sadly, from what I understand, none of the English translations are really that good, the best thing to do if you want to get accurate would to either waste all of your free time on the internet or learn Greek.

[pmpn8rGPT]

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

I think LBK should organize it.

[sheenj]

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

I think LBK should organize it.

At least we can all agree on who's gonna do the maps at the end. 

[scamandrius]

Learn Greek to read the Septuagint and NT in the original.

As far as movies go, I'd recommend the Ten Commandments. Always a favorite.

[SolEX01]

It'll only be a matter of time before this turns into a heated debate on the OSB's "Protestantizations" and then gradually escalating into the classic Masoretic or Septuagint dichotomy.

The thread on the OSB and neo-Protestantism already exists:

http://www.orthodoxchristianity.net/forum/index.php/topic,44554.0.html

[Shiny]

It's missing III and IIII Maccabbees, Psalm 151, and a few other books/chapters, but if you can stand the 17th century English, the 1611/1613 KJV is the least Protestant worded in English.  The 1599 Geneva (as well as the Geneva series in general) is also a good one with its Protestant wording mostly confined to marginal notes.

Douay Rheims might be considered, but it's a translation from the Vulgate.

But a more modern translation which has all of the books in there would be the RSV/A and the NRSV/A, however it is pretty Protestant worded.

NRSV is too inclusive for usage and should be avoided.

There are also other versions (see Achronos's reply above) which I have not read.

I am a fan of the RSV for study and devotional use. ESV is based on the same lexicon, but more updated to American colloquialisms.

The OJB is alright and fixes much of the Protestant wording, but I wouldn't take it as too authoritative, at least from what I understand.

There has been some reactionary sentiment towards it from Orthodox clergy being nothing more than a Protestant product. There have been some that have asserted that containing all of the books into a single volume is contrary to its liturgical usage.

I have also heard that the clergy should take care of the readings of the Bible and the laymen need not read it at all. But we should all be reading it, daily.

Sadly, from what I understand, none of the English translations are really that good, the best thing to do if you want to get accurate would to either waste all of your free time on the internet or learn Greek.

If we can get close enough in English the renderings of the OT Septuagint in an Orthodox interpretation, I think that would suffice enough for everyone. The EOB NT seems good, but I haven't read it yet. They are still in the process of doing the OT as well.

There will never be a perfect translation, but if we can come close enough to it, then fine.

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

I think LBK should organize it.

At least we can all agree on who's gonna do the maps at the end.  

LOL

Learn Greek to read the Septuagint and NT in the original.

For the purist approach..

[Shiny]

I think whatever translation you do read, even the Message, should work in an Orthodox context. I don't think you will have much of a problem.

It's like the "young woman" part in Isaiah 7:14. We of course interpret that differently, but everything is interpretation anyway.

[pmpn8rGPT]

It's missing III and IIII Maccabbees, Psalm 151, and a few other books/chapters, but if you can stand the 17th century English, the 1611/1613 KJV is the least Protestant worded in English.  The 1599 Geneva (as well as the Geneva series in general) is also a good one with its Protestant wording mostly confined to marginal notes.

Douay Rheims might be considered, but it's a translation from the Vulgate.

But a more modern translation which has all of the books in there would be the RSV/A and the NRSV/A, however it is pretty Protestant worded.

NRSV is too inclusive for usage and should be avoided.

There are also other versions (see Achronos's reply above) which I have not read.

I am a fan of the RSV for study and devotional use. ESV is based on the same lexicon, but more updated to American colloquialisms.

The OJB is alright and fixes much of the Protestant wording, but I wouldn't take it as too authoritative, at least from what I understand.

There has been some reactionary sentiment towards it from Orthodox clergy being nothing more than a Protestant product. There have been some that have asserted that containing all of the books into a single volume is contrary to its liturgical usage.

I have also heard that the clergy should take care of the readings of the Bible and the laymen need not read it at all. But we should all be reading it, daily.

Sadly, from what I understand, none of the English translations are really that good, the best thing to do if you want to get accurate would to either waste all of your free time on the internet or learn Greek.

If we can get close enough in English the renderings of the OT Septuagint in an Orthodox interpretation, I think that would suffice enough for everyone. The EOB NT seems good, but I haven't read it yet. They are still in the process of doing the OT as well.

There will never be a perfect translation, but if we can come close enough to it, then fine.

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

I think LBK should organize it.

At least we can all agree on who's gonna do the maps at the end.  

LOL

Learn Greek to read the Septuagint and NT in the original.

For the purist approach..

+1 to all of this

[pmpn8rGPT]

I think whatever translation you do read, even the Message, should work in an Orthodox context. I don't think you will have much of a problem.

It's like the "young woman" part in Isaiah 7:14. We of course interpret that differently, but everything is interpretation anyway.

I'm not as sure about this, while I do agree that it is all interpretation, people who are reading Scriptures their first time around may be unaware of textual differences and translators' interpretations. 

In other words, one who's first Bible is the Nearly Inspired Version might not get all of the same ideas as one who's first Bible was the KJV.

This is another reason why we need to be knowledgeable in the Teachings of the Church before even reading the Scriptures.

[Shiny]

I think whatever translation you do read, even the Message, should work in an Orthodox context. I don't think you will have much of a problem.

It's like the "young woman" part in Isaiah 7:14. We of course interpret that differently, but everything is interpretation anyway.

I'm not as sure about this, while I do agree that it is all interpretation, people who are reading Scriptures their first time around may be unaware of textual differences and translators' interpretations.  

In other words, one who's first Bible is the Nearly Inspired Version might not get all of the same ideas as one who's first Bible was the KJV.

This is another reason why we need to be knowledgeable in the Teachings of the Church before even reading the Scriptures.

And if you are already attending Orthodox services, you shouldn't mind the follies of a translator or an entire translation. I have come across "inaccuracies" myself in the RSV, but they have not served as stumbling blocks.

We have plenty of guidance to read the Scriptures at our disposal, and also our parish priest, so find a translation that works best for you.

We are followers of the Way, not about quibbling over minutiae on what kind of wood Noah built his Ark. I appreciate a longing for accuracy, but I am not sure it matters as a whole. Outside this board, it matters zip on a day to day basis.

[pmpn8rGPT]

I think whatever translation you do read, even the Message, should work in an Orthodox context. I don't think you will have much of a problem.

It's like the "young woman" part in Isaiah 7:14. We of course interpret that differently, but everything is interpretation anyway.

I'm not as sure about this, while I do agree that it is all interpretation, people who are reading Scriptures their first time around may be unaware of textual differences and translators' interpretations.  

In other words, one who's first Bible is the Nearly Inspired Version might not get all of the same ideas as one who's first Bible was the KJV.

This is another reason why we need to be knowledgeable in the Teachings of the Church before even reading the Scriptures.

And if you are already attending Orthodox services, you shouldn't mind the follies of a translator or an entire translation. I have come across "inaccuracies" myself in the RSV, but they have not served as stumbling blocks.

We have plenty of guidance to read the Scriptures at our disposal, and also our parish priest, so find a translation that works best for you.

We are followers of the Way, not about quibbling over minutiae on what kind of wood Noah built his Ark. I appreciate a longing for accuracy, but I am not sure it matters as a whole. Outside this board, it matters zip on a day to day basis.

You're on a roll tonight.

+1

[Shanghaiski]

Learn Greek to read the Septuagint and NT in the original.

As far as movies go, I'd recommend the Ten Commandments. Always a favorite.

And which Greek originals would those? Each ancient patriarchate has its own recension.

[Cyrillic]

Learn Greek to read the Septuagint and NT in the original.

As far as movies go, I'd recommend the Ten Commandments. Always a favorite.

And which Greek originals would those? Each ancient patriarchate has its own recension.

Good question. What is 'the' Septuagint? Which text should we take?

If Cyrillic, Roamios, etc could get together and make an Orthodox Bible from scratch that would be awesome.

LOL

[Rufus]

Happy Easter All, Christ is Risen!
Could you recommend me an English translated Orthodox Bible that's an easy read? Also, it would help if there were commentaries or explanations to verses as sometimes it's hard to understand the Scriptures for a person who's learning the Christian faith.

Also, what is the best film I could watch about the Old Testament and the New Testament,any good movies about Jesus Christ's life? I've watched The Passion of the Christ, it's a very strong film, are there any other good Christian films?

Thanks a lot!
God bless you all in Jesus.

There are only a handful of Orthodox Bibles in English...the only one that's readable is the Orthodox Study Bible, but there's really nothing special about it, and the notes are of little utility. If you just go with one of the major scholarly translations you should be fine.

My favorites are the RSV and NKJV. Haven't read the ESV, but it gets good reviews from intelligent people. The NIV is good, but it has a few issues. Not a fan of the NRSV.

If you like thees and thous, the KJV and the not-so-well-known American Standard Version are both good.

Getting a copy of one of these that includes the "deuterocanonicals" should not be difficult. These books give some important background that clarifies what's going on in the NT.


As for biblical movies, no, I've never seen any good ones. They are all basically "storybook" movies that portray Biblical narratives very stereotypically.

[Iconodule]

The OSB translation seems alright to me. The notes range from helpful to inane. Oftentimes really obvious passages will be summarized in the notes, but really strange or obscure stuff gets no comment. Also, the notes will sometimes cite Fathers but never tell you which work by these Fathers they're referring to.

If you like KJV-style English, there is no an Orthodox Septuagint version of the KJV Old Testament available online here. It's supposed to be coming out in print form later this year.

As far as commentaries go, the ones by St. Theophylact of Ohrid are really good and you can get them here: http://www.chrysostompress.org/

[Agabus]

The OSB translation seems alright to me. The notes range from helpful to inane. Oftentimes really obvious passages will be summarized in the notes, but really strange or obscure stuff gets no comment.

Though I have a few other issues with the OSB as well (just the usual mundane criticisms that one can find on this many other Orthodox sites), this is my biggest problem with it. Patently obvious passages will get a lengthy study note while the really baffling “hard sayings” are often ignored.

Although I mention it with some hesitation because it has many of the NRSV’s flaws, the Revised English Bible is a modern translation that contains the so-called Anglican apocrypha of the KJV’s early printings. It was intended for audiences in the British isles and tends toward English colloquialisms (a few passages ring weird to my American ears), but it’s very easy to read and is available very cheap online (my copy cost $3 with shipping).

Like I said, it’s nowhere close to perfect, but the Bible you read is better than the one that you don’t.

[andrewlya]

Thank you for your answers.
I wanted an Orthodox Bible that's easy to read and understand, which explains verses so I may help to a non Christian person to get to know the greatest faith.If anyone could recommend it, thanks a lot.

God bless

[Shiny]

Thank you for your answers.
I wanted an Orthodox Bible that's easy to read and understand, which explains verses so I may help to a non Christian person to get to know the greatest faith.If anyone could recommend it, thanks a lot.

God bless

the message

[andrewlya]

In my Church, they have this Bible, so I may go for this one.
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Title/book-uOi0UycxUkqUlgEokCCXuw/page1.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=google-shopping&utm_campaign=product-listings&kwd=?utm_source=productlistings&utm_medium=g&utm_campaign=title-The+Orthodox+Study+Bible&gclid=CKmq6MCE3bcCFZMftAodvF8A5A

[Asteriktos]

In my Church, they have this Bible, so I may go for this one.
http://www.kobobooks.com/ebook/Title/book-uOi0UycxUkqUlgEokCCXuw/page1.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=google-shopping&utm_campaign=product-listings&kwd=?utm_source=productlistings&utm_medium=g&utm_campaign=title-The+Orthodox+Study+Bible&gclid=CKmq6MCE3bcCFZMftAodvF8A5A

That's a fine one IMO

[Stepan]

I've got the OSB more for the text than the notes. I actually wish Nelson would publish a text only version of the OSB in a compact format that could be easily carried for travel. I am looking at options and it appears my best bet is going to either be my KJV w/Apocrypha or an RSV-CE.

[Rufus]

I've got the OSB more for the text than the notes. I actually wish Nelson would publish a text only version of the OSB in a compact format that could be easily carried for travel. I am looking at options and it appears my best bet is going to either be my KJV w/Apocrypha or an RSV-CE.

This would be nice.

[WPM]

New King James Version + Usually the one given to you by the priest.

[Stepan]

I've got the OSB more for the text than the notes. I actually wish Nelson would publish a text only version of the OSB in a compact format that could be easily carried for travel. I am looking at options and it appears my best bet is going to either be my KJV w/Apocrypha or an RSV-CE.

This would be nice.

I just discovered that the OSB is available as an iOS app. REALLY like the features of the app and it solves the issue of easily carrying the Scriptures with me.

That being said, I would still like a "reader's edition" of the OSB in a compact format.

[Alpo]

This translation debate is pretty much just hipsterism. The more important question is how often you read it.

[Antonis]

I've got the OSB more for the text than the notes. I actually wish Nelson would publish a text only version of the OSB in a compact format that could be easily carried for travel. I am looking at options and it appears my best bet is going to either be my KJV w/Apocrypha or an RSV-CE.

I have a stock of "youth edition" OSBs that fit snuggly into one's pocket, they were issued by GOARCH about a year ago. It says "youth edition" but it has nothing to do with youth in it, the main drive was to provide Orthodox youth with Bibles. It contains the New Testament, the Psalter, as well as assorted prayers and a place to write down commemorations, as well as color icons and various other tidbits.

If you are interested I can see about sending one or two to you. 

[Antonis]

My apologies, it is actually RSV, not OSB. 

Still, let me know if you're interested. 

[Mor Ephrem]

I like that Bible, but I hate the cover. 

[Asteriktos]

[Matthew79]

My favorites are the RSV and NKJV. Haven't read the ESV, but it gets good reviews from intelligent people. The NIV is good, but it has a few issues. Not a fan of the NRSV.

I really like the ESV, but I am Baptist. You'll probably have a hard time finding one with an Orthodox commentary.

As for biblical movies, no, I've never seen any good ones. They are all basically "storybook" movies that portray Biblical narratives very stereotypically.

Most Christian movies are lame. I held out watching Courageous for a long time because I didn't have much hope for it. My friends kept telling me I had to watch it because it was "so much better" than some of the Christian movies in the past. I finally watched it, and IMO, they were wrong. I don't really identify movies or music as "Christian and non-Christian" anymore. I just look for good movies and good music that deal with the real nitty-gritties of life. There's a lot of good stuff out there in the so-called "secular" market.  I will admit, one of my favorite movies with an explicit Gospel message, is an old one, but a true story. Called The Cross and the Switchblade. It is the story of David Wilkerson, a country pastor from Pennsylvania, who walked into the toughest neighborhoods (with not so much as a place to sleep) in New York City back in the '60's and led the toughest, most hateful gang leader to Christ and most of his gang. This began a successful ministry committed to reaching out to the troubled youth in the city.

[Matthew79]

I don't know why I quoted Rufus. I was answering the original question asked. I guess just agreeing with Rufus.

[GabrieltheCelt]

Could you recommend me an English translated Orthodox Bible that's an easy read? Also, it would help if there were commentaries or explanations to verses as sometimes it's hard to understand the Scriptures for a person who's learning the Christian faith.

The Ancient Christian Commentary on Scripture series is very useful for beginners.

I own the two-part Genesis books and really like it.  Thing is, you need to be aware that the series has quotes from some who are considered heretical.

[ialmisry]

There is no real Orthodox Bible in English--that is, one that has been blessed by a Holy Synod.

For a complete text, one can find the old Revised Standard Version Bible with all the books. The commentary therein isn't always helpful or accurate, but the text is complete and the translation is reasonable, though, again, there is no perfect translation.

The New Oxoford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha says Abp. Athenagora of GB expressed "satisfaction" at it.

I use it and/or the Orthodox Study Bible for general use in English.

[Mor Ephrem]

The New Oxoford Annotated Bible with the Apocrypha says Abp. Athenagora of GB expressed "satisfaction" at it.

I use it and/or the Orthodox Study Bible for general use in English.

I knew I liked you for a reason. 

[Antonis]

I like that Bible, but I hate the cover. 

The Pantokrator?