The Revised English Bible (REB) is an English translation of the Bible published by Oxford University Press and Cambridge University Press in 1989. It is a revision of the New English Bible (NEB), which was published in 1970. The goal of the REB translation was to produce an updated English translation based on the latest biblical scholarship and advances in the study of Koine Greek, the original language of the New Testament.
Some key features of the Revised English Bible:
- It is a formal equivalence translation that aims for word-for-word accuracy rather than a paraphrase. The translators strived to be as literal as possible while still using natural, understandable English.
- The REB OT is a revision of the 1970 NEB OT. The REB NT is a revision of the NEB NT from 1961. So the OT and NT were translated by different teams several decades apart.
- It modernizes the language of the NEB to keep pace with changes in English usage over 20+ years.
- It replaces archaic words and aims for gender-inclusive language where appropriate.
- The REB implements advances in OT textual studies since the NEB, aligning more closely with the Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia for the Hebrew Text.
- The REB NT considers significant discoveries from the Dead Sea Scrolls not available when the NEB NT was translated.
- The REB NT aims to accurately represent theological concepts in the original Greek based on new scholarship and word studies.
- The translation was conducted by committees of scholars and reviewed by church leaders to ensure accuracy and accessibility.
Some key passages to highlight the scholarship behind the REB translation include:
Isaiah 7:14 – The NEB’s controversial use of “young woman” instead of “virgin” is replaced in the REB with the more accurate “maiden” capturing the intent of the Hebrew word almah.
Romans 3:21-26 – The NEB used “expiation” instead of traditional “propitiation” regarding Christ’s sacrifice. Based on lexical studies, the REB uses “sacrifice of atonement” to fully convey the Greek hilasterion.
1 Corinthians 15:3-8 – The REB clarifies the NEB’s ambiguous translation regarding the post-resurrection appearances of Jesus, affirming that Paul is quoting an early creedal tradition.
Hebrews 4:12 – The well-known “word of God” is properly restored in the REB, as “message” in the NEB was critiqued as an interpretive gloss not demanded by the Greek logos.
Some key contributors behind the scholarship and translation principles of the Revised English Bible:
- Dr. William D. McHardy was the Coordinator for the REB Old Testament revision published in 1989.
- Dr. Norman Snaith and G.I. Davies were OT translators for the original NEB also involved in the REB.
- Dr. William Barclay was NT Translator for the NEB and continued as an advisor for the REB before his death.
- Dr. George Caird was a key OT and NT scholar behind translation decisions for the REB.
- Dr. Henry Wansbrough was REB NT Translator and Chair of the Joint Committee overseeing the translation.
- Metzger, Aland, Wikgren and other scholars advised on Greek textual basis of the REB NT.
In terms of Bible translation spectrum, the Revised English Bible leans more formal equivalence than dynamic equivalence. Some key differences compared to other major English translations:
More literal than: NIV, NLT, CEB, The Message
Less literal than: NASB, ESV, NKJV, KJV
Similar balance to: NRSV, NJB, RSV, NET Bible
The REB adopts a “middle way” – neither rigidly literal nor loosely paraphrased. It skillfully balances accuracy to the original texts with natural readability in English. The dual aims of faithfulness and clarity are evident throughout the translation.
Some recurring critiques of the Revised English Bible include:
- Inconsistencies between the OT and NT due to different translation teams.
- A lack of literalness in poetical passages and subtle nuances in Greek verb tenses.
- Remaining instances of gender-neutral language viewed as inaccurate by some.
- Periodic British idioms less familiar to American readers.
- A lack of widespread use and popularity compared to other translations.
On the whole, the Revised English Bible fulfills its aims to be an updated, scholarly English translation in the legacy of the KJV, RV, ASV, and RSV. It is relatively literal yet eminently readable. The REB displays a mastery of English style and advanced biblical languages. It is able to be precise while remaining accessible, making it useful for in-depth study as well as public worship and private reading. The REB overcomes many of the objections lobbied against the NEB and stands on its own merits as a fresh translation that faithfully communicates God’s written revelation for a new generation. While not as widely adopted as some translations, the REB deserves recognition for its erudition and faithfulness to the original text.
In summary, the Revised English Bible is a formal equivalence English translation published in 1989 by Oxford and Cambridge University Presses. It aimed to update and improve the New English Bible translations of 1970-61. The REB displays skilled English style and makes scholarly advances in textual basis and word meanings compared to its NEB predecessor. Standing in the lineage of authoritative English Bibles, the REB achieves a commendable balance of accurate scholarship and natural readability. It is a significant achievement in English Bible translation worthy of study and consideration by all students of Scripture.