This rating is for the translation. As I have read other translations, and can compare them, but would not rank or judge the Bible, since I don't have the knowledge to do that, and being a book of both theology and history, spanning many thousands of years, would be impossible to review in that way anyways.

I really like this translation for some things, but it falls short in others. It reads much more like other books I enjoy, and is easier for me to read quickly and enjoy. But that is not the purpose of the Bible. It was written that we could read it and meditate on it, in that way this version falls short. This Bible is good for someone who wants to read the Bible cover to cover, but those who want a deeper understanding of God and His Word, this is not the best option. Some verses are well worded, but most lack the deeper meaning that much of the Bible holds. This might be good to compare things like chapters for a wider understanding of something that was talked about in church, or to see the daily verse written in a modern way, but you won't get the full impact that some other translations have. If you are reading this as a study Bible, and hope to learn the deeper meanings, and be moved by the Spirit, this one is likely not the translation you should use. It's possible that you will find that in this version, but most people will not. ( )

This rating is for the translation. As I have read other translations, and can compare them, but would not rank or judge the Bible, since I don't have the knowledge to do that, and being a book of both theology and history, spanning many thousands of years, would be impossible to review in that way anyways.

I really like this translation for some things, but it falls short in others. It reads much more like other books I enjoy, and is easier for me to read quickly and enjoy. But that is not the purpose of the Bible. It was written that we could read it and meditate on it, in that way this version falls short. This Bible is good for someone who wants to read the Bible cover to cover, but those who want a deeper understanding of God and His Word, this is not the best option. Some verses are well worded, but most lack the deeper meaning that much of the Bible holds. This might be good to compare things like chapters for a wider understanding of something that was talked about in church, or to see the daily verse written in a modern way, but you won't get the full impact that some other translations have. If you are reading this as a study Bible, and hope to learn the deeper meanings, and be moved by the Spirit, this one is likely not the translation you should use. It's possible that you will find that in this version, but most people will not. ( )

The MESSAGE//REMIX is a contemporary translation of the Bible. It is meant to be an easily understood format. There are verse-numbered paragraphs to help study and think about the text.

This translation of the Bible is clearly a paraphrase, but as such, it is quite satisfying. I've looked up a few favorite verses to see how Eugene Peterson handles them, and this is what I found.

Hebrews 11:1. Peterson adds a lot of words ot Now faith is the substance of things hope for.... His translation is: "The fundamental fact of existence is that this trust in God, this faith, is the firm foundation under everything that makes life worth living. It's our handle on what we can't see." I think he captured the essence of the Greek and realized that this verse, which is a kind of mediation piece, cannot be rendered succinctly. But he stays on tract, particularly with the words, firm foundation under.

Matthews5:2-9 (Beatitudes). Peterson starts them off with "You're blessed when", not the solemnity of "Blessed are" (maybe overly solemn in English), but stays away from the falsity of "Happy are". The translations here ar quirky, and you can take of leave them, and perhaps you shold go back to a standard text to see the words that roll around in most people's minds, but I still Peterson is worth a read here.

Psalm 95 (Venite). This a joyous reading version, I am not sure this is really singable. I grew up with the sung Venite, so I am in a mixed response here, rejoicing inwardly with some of his wording, but I am not sure I want to put them out with melody and meter.

John 1:1- Peterson's words are a little more out there, but he does capture uch of the parallel structure of the gospel writer, so he retains the message and the eeling that goes with the message.

Philippians 2. Peterson doesn't ty to catch the rhythm of the original, but t is still worth the reading of it.

I Thessalonians. I think Peterson captures the flow of Paul's pity summary of how Christians qhould act quite well. ( )

The New Testament in Contemporary English