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Dear All,

I would like the opinion of the Byzantine Catholic users of this board on the Orthodox Study Bible. What do you think of it? Would you ever use it as your main study text? Was anyone who uses it initially offput by its use of the NKJV text. I apologize if this topic has been covered in other threads.

This is somewhat cynical, but you could just save a lot of money and by a cheap copy of the complete NKJV, which isn't that bad of a bible-it has its pros and cons like any other edition. You would probably save a bit of money over the OSB.

MK

Sivi,

I like my copy very much and use it quite often. It is very comforting to have a Bible that reflects one's traditions. The references to Byzantine liturgical and sacramental life, the Lectionary lisitngs, the Morning and Evening Prayers all make it a valuable version. The NKJV translation is a good one I think, and is tied to our tradition as the KJV/NKJV New Testament is the only English translation that is based one the Byzantine Text.

However, in studying scripture I find it very useful to have at least two if not more texts to compare. My recommendation is to have the Jerusalem, Revised Standard Version, and New American, and Orthodox Study Bibles. The first three in their non-inclusive versions. The first two are very good versions, the third, while some people feel has deficiencies, is the Liturgical text of the Metropolia.

In Christ,
Lance

Lance,

The NKJV is not an update of the KJV, it is a completly new translation.


Sivi Sokol,

There are some really scary translations out there. I had heard the New American Bible was pretty good but upon looking at some key verses I found it to be pretty bad.

I always recommend the translation from Holy Apostles Convent which is based on the authorized 1912 Phanar version...or, the KJV with a page describing the language difficulties.

THE ORTHODOX NEW TESTAMENT [buenavistaco.com]

Certainly every translation has it's problems and the Orthodox Study Bible has it's share as well:

Review 1 [orthodoxinfo.com]

Review 2 [orthodoxinfo.com]

If you are serious about reading scripture and cannot afford the one from Holy Apostles Convent, then my suggestion, and it is not for everyone although it is certainly not that hard, is to find a Greek-English parallel text KJV or NKJV with Strong's numbers, you can then either use the book or the internet to look up the meanings of each word as nessesary.

Also very helpful, is a searchable CD-ROM with all of the Holy Fathers, or access to several web pages which are searchable and have the Fathers.

In scripture, even if a certain sentence is relativley understandable, it is so much more enriching to study each word carefully. And by referencing the Fathers, you not only see the Churches interpretation (albeit you have to be careful), but you also start to become familiar with them.

Christ is Risen!

I agree with OOD. The Holy Apostles Convent New Testament is great!!! It is actually two books , The 4 Gospels in one and then the rest of the New Testament bound in the other. One interesting fact is that they maintain a consistency for All Orthodox churches by following the Koine Greek pronounciaton for names , for example the Blessed Theotokos is rendered as Maryam verses Mary, when the text says so. The footnotes are by the Early Church Fathers and noted Orthodox Theologians like St. John Chrysostom, St. Basil, , St Ireneus etc. The entire flavour of the Text and the footnotes is that of Byzantine Orthodoxy. It is also nicely illustrated by some rather rare icons, I had never seen before.


It is well worth the money you would spend.

Your brother in Christ,
Thomas

[ 06-08-2002: Message edited by: Thomas ]

Dear OOD and Thomas,

Yes, I've heard so many excellent things about the New Testament you mention.

How much is it and where can I order my copy?

Alex

Alex,

I forgot where I got mine, I think St. Nectarios Press, but the link I gave above is the monastery itself. If you "return" to the Home Page, it says to send them an e-mail for ordering instructions.

This translation is very impressive, in look, feel, the way it reads, ect. Especially when you compare it to what else it out there. You will be well pleased.

They also have many other GREAT books. The lives of teh Saints (a work in progress - I think they are up to December now), the life of the women martyrs, the life of the Theotokos, the lives of the Apostles, ect...

The best Orthodox books I have found, not that the Gospels are simply a "book", come from this monastery and HTM.

I'm leaving on a trip in a few hours so if I don't respond to any messages, you'll know why.

Glory to God for all things!

Dear OOD,

Have a good, safe trip and don't do anything I wouldn't do!

Thanks for the info! The book on the LIfe of the Theotokos is a "must-get" to be sure!

Alex

[Yes, I've heard so many excellent things about the New Testament you mention.
How much is it and where can I order my copy?
Alex]

You can either email them at -

apostles@amigo.net

Or you can access their website at -

www.BuenaVistaCO.com/GOC [buenavistaco.com]

OrthoMan

You da man!

You da ORTOMAN!!

God bless you, Servant of Christ, and thank you for the privilege of your friendship and just knowing you in cyberspace.

How much more wonderful you must be in person!!

Alex