The first complete Bible produced by The Lockman Foundation was the Amplified Bible, published in its entirety in 1964 (updated in 1987). The Amplified Bible is a translation that, by using synonyms and definitions, both explains and expands the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses and brackets after key words or phrases. This unique system of translation allows the reader to more completely grasp the meaning of the words as they were understood in the original languages. Through multiple expressions, fuller and more revealing appreciation is given to the divine message as the original text legitimately permits.
The Amplified Bibleaims to be free of personal interpretation and denominational prejudice. It is a translation from the accepted Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts into literary English. It is based on theAmerican Standard Version of 1901, Rudolph Kittel’s Biblia Hebraica, the Greek text of Westcott and Hort, and the 23rd edition of theNestle Greek New Testamentas well as the best Hebrew and Greek lexicons available at the time. Cognate languages, the Dead Sea Scrolls, and other Greek works were also consulted. The Septuagint and other versions were compared for interpretation of textual differences. In completing theAmplified Bible, translators made a determined effort to keep, as far as possible, the familiar wording of the earlier versions, and especially the feeling of the ancient Book.
The inclusion of informative footnotes gives historical background, archaeological information, and solid traditional scholarship, both academic and devotional in character. Numerous Bible translations are among the sources cited in the footnotes, as well as some of the most consulted lexicographers and most informative Bible commentators.
Some "sample verses" from The Amplified Bible:
Genesis 1:1,2-- IN THE beginning God (prepared, formed, fashioned,) and created the heavens and the earth. [Heb. 11:3.] The earth was without form and an empty waste, and darkness was upon the face of the great deep. The Spirit of God was moving, (hovering, brooding) over the face of the waters.
John 1:1-3-- IN THE beginning [before all time] was the Word [Christ], and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself [Isa. 9:6.] He was present originally with God. All things were made and came into existence through Him; and without Him was not even one thing made that has come into being.
Ps 23:1-4-- THE LORD is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], I shall not lack. He makes me lie down in [fresh, tender] green pastures; He leads me beside the still and restful waters. [Rev 7:17.] He refreshes and restores my life (my self); He leads me in the paths of righteousness [uprightness and right standing with Him--not for my earning it, but] for His name's sake. Yes, though I walk through the [deep, sunless] valley of the shadow of death, I will fear or dread no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort me.
Scripture quotations taken from the Amplified(R) Bible, Copyright(C) 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by Permission. (www.Lockman.org)
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