The Divine Crash

Common English Bible Review

September 2, 2010

A few months back I gave my opinion on a section of scripture for a new Bible translation. As a result the company offered to give me a free copy. I finally got the Common English Bible.

The other day, in the mail I received my copy of the Common English Bible. This is a new translation that claims to be: “A fresh translation to touch the heart and mind.” This translation is new, it seems accurate. In comparing Luke 15:11ff between the CEB and the NRSV the only real changes are the CEB uses more contemporary words. The NRSV says the son wasted his life on “dissolute” living and the CEB says “Extravagant” There is not much change in wording or meaning.

However, all I am reviewing right now is the New Testament, the Old Testament is not available yet. I also never studied Greek so I am not familiar with the translation issues in the New Testament as I am in the Old Testament. After studying Hebrew two of my favorite verses are Exodus 6:5 and Exodus 12:38 I have yet to read a translation that does justice to those two versions. After I get a copy of the CEB Old Testament there will be an update to this post.

It is one more translation and will be better for some people than for others. I still prefer the NRSV but the CEB will be very good to read to my congregation because newcomers can identify with the more contemporary language.