Sunday, June 27, 2010

The Amplified Bible - Understand the Bible More

The amplified bibles were the first bible released by The Lockman Foundation in a joint effort with The Zodervan Corporation. The main aim in producing these bibles was to translate the original Greek and Hebrew scriptures into the English language. But the methods of doing so were not actually as simple as they sounded. Prior to the amplified version, the bible has already been published in English using the traditional ways of language translation. The conventional process of word-by-word or even phrase-by-phrase conversion, as we might all know, poses the high likelihood of stripping the original texts from their real contexts and extensive meanings. In the case of the bible, the event of such circumstances had been feared to lessen the impact of its real insights. That is why a certain woman proposed to translate the bible using a more versatile form of transition.

This woman has the name Frances Siewert (Litt. B., B.D., M.A., Litt. D.). With the help of her strong faith and undying devotion to learn the words of God, she dedicated her time into studying the Bible thoroughly. She focused in understanding the archeological details and cultures of the Biblical period. She expanded her knowledge in both Hebrew and Greek languages. All of her hard work later on aided her in her aim to give the English bible the wider and more elaborate form of translation. Siewert's intentions and aspirations came to the attention of The Lockman Foundation. It was a non-profit foundation ran by Christian members that saw the potential and the sincerity in Siewart's goals. Lockman backed up Siewart with funding and other types of support that she needed. Soon before the bible was finished, the Zodervan publishing house joined them. And the very first amplified bibles were produced.

It was in Siewert's objective that this version of the bible was created, and is still produced. This version has kept its promise of providing wider and more broadened view of the bible. It perfectly suits the favor of those who wish to see the bible under a richer and vaster spectrum of interpretations that the traditional versions fail to offer. They may come a little too wordy and exaggerated to other people's liking, but these are the exact features that separate them from the rest. Amplified bibles do not only pass on the words that we have already heard over and over, they bring out the picture and color into our minds and our hearts.

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Study Bibles - What are Study Bibles

Study bibles are made to help people who have always wanted to examine the bible deeper, yet are being held back by their limited knowledge of certain biblical vocabularies and facts. Because the messages behind bible verses originally date back from the ancient period, most of the concepts and ideals included are incomprehensible to most of us modern readers. On the account of such concern, publishers of major Christian books have made it a point to help the public in their quest to get serious in learning the bible. Hence, aside from the conventional prints, new versions of the bible containing additional helpful features have been released.

Study bibles are specifically one of these versions that distinctly aim to assist and guide readers into understanding nearly every element in the bible text. They basically have two functions: one as a bible and another as a tool in dissecting the details of the bibles. Their common features include Book Introductions, Cross References, Concordance, Maps, Study Notes and the Topical Indexes.

The introductions familiarize the readers with the author, themes, and sometimes with brief outlines. These are helpful in the sense that they prepare the audience on what conditions to expect as they read along. In most cases, they even give essential background information. With cross references, the book shows a column next to a certain text that carries other passages patterned with the same idea. This feature allows the reader to focus and expand on a certain concept, which makes understanding that concept easier. In the case that one forgets the exact words of a bible text or verse, the concordance and indexes help in finding by using only a few key words. Maps are also found to be very accommodating as a lot of bible scriptures consist of narrations with detailing of geographical settings. With the visual aid of maps, readers will no longer have a hard time picturing a scenario or some circumstances. Study notes and commentaries are those added drafts to explain further vague concepts that readers encounter. Some examples of these are the usual footnotes.

Aside from such beneficial components of these bibles for studying, they also come in various presentations to suit personal preferences. Some examples are the materials used in the covers of the bibles, such as leather, hardbound and paperback. Although there are a lot of choices in the market, you are not obligated to choose the best one among them. Expect that all study bibles are equal in their intention to help, guide and support you in your way to learning the words of the Lord.

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

Student Bibles - Bibles for Teens

Although the bible in itself is universal and could be read by all ages, a good portion of the youth still prefers to use particular student bibles. As we all know, a lot of young readers are quite crucial in their choice of language and literary structure. In order to catch and hold their interest, their reading materials should be incorporated with enough elements of fun and excitement. That is why certain types of bibles that are primarily intended for the use of such audience had been meticulously patterned to have thrilling details.

Because the vast population of the youth is in the student category, these types of bibles have been named accordingly. They are mostly targeted to the adolescent age group, which includes both high school and college students. Unlike the conventional versions of the bible, student bibles are structured to cater to the distinct needs of the students. One highly praised feature of these types of bibles is its "adventurous" style of teaching, which is obviously very much adored by the young audience.

Among the famous published prints of such bibles could be found under the titles of New International Version (NIV), New American Bible (NAB), New Century Version (NCV) and God's Word. Each of which are specialized with features like study notes, simplified instructions, reading tools that help students to easily locate passages and lines, complete texts of the Bible in an expanded version that youngsters will surely understand, guides for each and every subject, and a lot of other improvements to assist readers. Take note, though, not all these features could be found in only one book. Each publishing house makes it a point to offer their own innovative twist on their books. And although you can trust that all bibles for students are surely to give cutting-edge efficacy, it would still be better to choose the best one out there.

We could not deny that the very deep verses and the ancient set-up of Biblical text sometimes set off young readers from pursuing their wanting to learn the bible. With the help of these bibles that are intentionally compiled for their use, they are not only stimulated to love learning the words of God, but they would also have fun in doing so. Student bibles are perfect for parents who want to encourage their children, and also for the individual members of the youth who has always been passionate to know God and His ways.
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