The New English Bible (NEB) is a translation of the Bible into modern English. It was completed in 1970 and aimed to provide a fresh, dynamic translation that captured the meaning of the original biblical texts. Some key things to know about the NEB:
History
The New English Bible project began in 1946 as an initiative of British churches to produce a new translation of the Bible in contemporary English. A team of leading biblical scholars from various denominations worked on the translation. The New Testament was published in 1961 and the full Bible in 1970 by Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press.
The goal was to communicate the meaning of the ancient texts as accurately as possible to modern English readers. The translators strove for a balance of literary style and faithful rendering. They translated directly from the best available Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek manuscripts rather than updating an existing English translation.
The New English Bible was intended to replace the King James Version for most English-speaking Protestants. However, it did not gain as much acceptance as anticipated. Still, it had a significant influence on modern Bible translations.
Translation Approach
The NEB translators used a method called dynamic equivalence. The aim was to translate the meaning and intent of the original texts as fully as possible, even if it required using phrases and expressions not found in the original languages. They tried to represent the style and impact of the original writings while updating linguistic forms for contemporary readers.
As a result, the New English Bible has a freer, more colloquial tone than formal equivalency translations like the English Standard Version (ESV). The translators strove for readability and chose natural English phrasing over strictly literal representation.
For example, in Matthew 4:19 ESV Jesus says to Peter and Andrew, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” The NEB translates this as, “Come and follow me, said Jesus, and I will teach you to catch men.” This captures the gist but uses different words.
Dynamic equivalence allows for clearer communication to modern audiences. However, critics argue it involves more interpretation and loses some of the nuances and style of the biblical languages.
General Features
Here are some key features of the New English Bible translation:
- It uses inclusive language, often substituting “brothers and sisters” for “brethren.”
- The divine name YHWH is rendered as “the LORD.”
- It aims for a conversational, easy-to-understand style.
- British spellings and syntax are used, like “favour” instead of “favor.”
- Weights, measures and money are converted to modern equivalents.
- Poetic passages use literary devices like alliteration and rhyme.
- The order of some passages is rearranged for better flow in English.
- Explanatory headings are used throughout to guide readers.
- Footnotes provide alternate translations and explanatory details.
Overall, the NEB has a literary quality and aims to make the Bible accessible to the modern reader through contemporary English. This makes it ideal for personal reading and study.
Revisions
In 1989 a revised edition of the New English Bible was released. This included minor updates to the text while retaining the original dynamic equivalence style. The revision corrected meanings in some passages where the translators originally missed the intent.
Then in 1995 a concise edition of the New English Bible was published. This aimed at readability and ease of understanding for new readers and public worship. Shorter sentences and paragraphs were used along with simplified introductions and footnotes.
Most recently in 2004 the New English Translation was published, combining the original dynamic equivalence NEB with a formal equivalency approach. The NET seeks to emphasize both accuracy and clarity.
Reception
Initial reviews of the New English Bible were very positive, praising its literary style and fresh rendering. It gained widespread use among English-speaking Protestants for a time.
However, some critics argued it took too much liberty with adding interpretation. Formal equivalency proponents questioned the more free translation approach. Some readers disliked the colloquial tone.
Over time, more literal translations like the New American Standard Bible and English Standard Version regained prominence in churches and personal study. But the NEB had a significant impact on the world of Bible translation and remains appreciated for its literary attempt to make the Bible accessible.
While not as widely read today, the New English Bible still offers valuable insight and remains appreciated by some as a pioneering translation. Key strengths of the version are its flowing literary style, explanatory footnotes and use of dynamic equivalence to aid comprehension.
Comparison to Other Translations
The New English Bible is often contrasted with more formal literal translations such as the King James Version (KJV) or English Standard Version (ESV). Here is a brief comparison:
- The KJV uses more formal equivalent wording while the NEB aims for dynamic equivalence to convey ideas naturally in modern English.
- The ESV renders the text word-for-word while the NEB focuses on readability and literary style over literalness.
- The NEB clarifies difficult concepts through descriptions while the ESV sticks closer to the original phrasing.
- The ESV uses a more exalted tone while the NEB uses common, conversational language.
- The KJV and ESV follow the original grammar and syntax more strictly than the freer NEB translation.
Overall the NEB aims to prioritize clarity, readability and conveying the essence of meaning over formal precision. This contrasts with more literal translations like the KJV or ESV.
Sample Passages
Here are examples of a few key biblical passages in the New English Bible translation, compared with the English Standard Version:
The Lord’s Prayer
Matthew 6:9-13 (ESV):
Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil.
Matthew 6:9-13 (NEB):
This, then, is how you should pray: Our Father in heaven, may your name be honoured, your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today the bread we need, and forgive us the wrongs we have done, as we too have forgiven those who have wronged us. And do not bring us to the test, but save us from evil.
The Beatitudes
Matthew 5:3-12 (ESV):
Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth. Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied…
Matthew 5:3-12 (NEB):
How blest are those who know their need of God; the kingdom of Heaven is theirs. How blest are the sorrowful; they shall find consolation. How blest are those of a gentle spirit; they shall have the earth for their possession…
The Road to Emmaus
Luke 24:13-16 (ESV):
That very day two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking with each other about all these things that had happened.
Luke 24:13-16 (NEB):
On the same day two of them were on their way to a village called Emmaus, seven miles from Jerusalem, and they were talking together about all that had happened.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son
Luke 15:11-12, 17-24 (ESV):
And he said, “There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me’… But when he came to himself, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger!’… And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.
Luke 15:11-12, 17-24 (NEB):
Then he said, ‘There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, “Father, let me have my share of the property that will come to me”… Then he came to his senses and said, “How many hired servants of my father’s have more food than they can eat, and here I am starving to death! I will set out and go back to my father, and say to him: Father, I have done wrong in the sight of Heaven and before you…” So he set out for his father’s house. But while he was still a long way off his father saw him, and his heart went out to him. He ran to meet him, flung his arms round him, and kissed him.
Strengths of the New English Bible
Some of the notable strengths of the New English Bible include:
- Flowing literary style that is pleasant to read.
- Use of common, familiar English for comprehension.
- Inclusive language suitable for modern audiences.
- Helpful section headings and footnotes.
- Concentration on communicating ideas clearly.
- Fresh rendering that breathes new life into familiar passages.
- Quality translation by leading biblical scholars.
- Pioneering use of dynamic equivalence translation philosophy.
Weaknesses of the New English Bible
Potential weaknesses of the New English Bible include:
- Converts some measurements and monetary values unlike formal equivalency translations.
- Paraphrases too freely at times, adding interpretation.
- British spellings and syntax may distract some American readers.
- Colloquial style lacks the majesty of traditional renderings.
- Favors readability over precision at times.
- Not as widely accepted as hoped originally.
Theological Perspective
The New English Bible was translated by a committee of scholars from various Protestant denominations, including Anglican, Methodist, Presbyterian and Congregationalist. It generally reflects mainline Protestant theology.
Some key theological aspects include:
- Messianic prophecies are interpreted as referring to Jesus.
- Salvation by grace rather than works is affirmed.
- Miracles of Jesus are presented as historical events.
- The triune nature of God is implied though not stressed.
- No use of capitalized pronouns for God.
- Reflects critical scholarly study of source documents.
Overall the NEB accurately conveys Protestant doctrine while using gender inclusive language and avoiding denominational biases. The goal was to translate the meaning of the texts, not impose a theological system.
Readability Level
The New English Bible is estimated to have a readability level of around 8th to 9th grade. Factors contributing to its moderate readability level include:
- Use of common vocabulary suitable for the general reader.
- Avoidance of difficult biblical terms like “propitiation” or “sanctification.”
- Use of shorter sentences and paragraphs to aid comprehension.
- Informal, conversational style.
- Explanatory headings and footnotes to clarify concepts.
- Simplified introductions to each book.
- Occasional rearranging of passages for better flow in English.
At the same time, some archaic terms are used and the meaning of certain passages requires greater background knowledge. But overall the NEB achieves its goal of making the Bible accessible to ordinary readers through contemporary language.
Usage by Denominations
The New English Bible was produced through ecumenical collaboration between scholars from the Church of England, Methodism, Presbyterianism and Congregationalism. As an ecumenical translation sponsored by mainstream British denominations, it saw significant early adoption among:
- The Church of England
- Methodist churches
- Reformed and evangelical churches
- Some Lutheran churches
It was officially authorized for liturgical use among Anglicans. Many Methodist and Reformed congregations embraced it as a fresh, engaging translation suitable for worship and personal use.
However, its popularity waned over time as more literal translations came into vogue. The New International Version and English Standard Version in particular displaced it in many churches. But the NEB continues to have supporters in mainline Protestant circles.
Some more conservative Protestants disliked its freer translation approach. Eastern Orthodox, Roman Catholic and Jewish groups generally did not adopt it either, preferring other versions. But for a time it enjoyed wide use among British Protestant churches.
Translation Philosophy
The New English Bible was translated using a dynamic equivalence philosophy, also known as functional equivalence. This approach seeks to convey the thoughts and concepts of the original text in a modern idiom, with less focus on formal correspondence.
Key aspects of the NEB translation philosophy include:
- Concentration on transferring the meaning of phrases, not just individual words.
- Use of natural modern English to express ideas clearly.
- Avoidance of word-for-word translation.
- Paraphrasing freely when needed for comprehension.
- Arranging word order and phrasing for readability rather than formal adherence to the original languages.
- Updating concepts like weights, measures and money to modern equivalents.
- Clarifying confusing imagery and figures of speech.
This freer translation approach allows for great understanding by contemporary readers. But some critics feel too much liberty was taken at the expense of precision. Overall, the philosophy aimed to make the Bible intelligible and stylistically engaging.
Continuing Legacy
While not as widely used today, the New English Bible had a significant legacy that continues to impact Bible translation work:
- It pioneered the use of dynamic equivalence translation principles.
- The NEB demonstrated the viability of ecumenical translation efforts.
- Its flowing literary style set a new standard for readability.
- The vigorous criticism of it led to renewed emphasis on formal equivalence.
- It paved the way for simpler versions like the Good News Bible.
- The inclusive NEB helped introduce gender neutral translation.
- Its methodology helped shape versions like the New Revised Standard Version.
In its day, the New English Bible was seen as a bold, controversial version that challenged traditional approaches. While not perfectly executed, it demonstrated creative new translation ideas. The NEB helped open the door for contemporary English Bibles true to the ancient texts yet easy to comprehend.