Review: The Amplified Bible
February 26, 2010 by Brian Smith
The Amplified Bible was the first Bible project of The Lockman Foundation.
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 and 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.
Through amplification, the reader gains a better understanding of what the Hebrew and Greek listener instinctively understood (as a matter of course). Take, for example, the Greek word pisteuo, which the vast majority of versions render as “believe.” That simple translation, however, hardly does justice to the many meanings contained in the Greek pisteuo: “to adhere to, cleave to; to trust to have faith in; to rely on, to depend on.” Notice the subtle shades of meaning which are unlocked in John 11:25:
“Jesus said to her, I am [Myself] the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, and relies on) Me, although he may die, yet he shall live.”
The Text of the Amplified Bible
Parentheses ( ) signify additional phases of meaning included in the original word, phrase, or clause of the original language.
Brackets [ ] contained justified clarifying words o comments not actually expressed in the immediate original text, as well as definitions of Greek names.
Italics point out:
- Certain familiar passages now recognized as not adequately supported by the original manuscripts. This is the primary use of italics in the New Testament, so that, upon encountering italics, the reader is alerted to a matter of textual readings. Often these will be accompanied by a footnote.
- Conjunctions such as “and,” “or,” and the like, not in the original text, but used to connect additional English words indicated in the same original word. In this use, the reader, upon encountering a conjunction in italics, is alerted to the addition of an amplified word or phrase.
- Words which are not found in the original Greek but implied by it
The Reference System
The reference system of the Amplified Bible is contained within the text. The Scripture references are placed within brackets at the end of a verse, and are intended to cover any part of the preceding verse to which they apply. If a verse contains more than one Scripture reference, the list of references is in Biblical order. A sensitivity to the prophecy-fulfillment motif is indicated by such references as [Fulfilled in. . . ]; [Foretold in. . . ].
I really enjoyed the added dimension of the original meaning. it helps you to connect back without having to research the Greek or Hebrew in other reference materials. A really great example for me was Romans 5:2 where Paul is talking about how we can be assured of our salvation:
2Through Him also we have [our] access (entrance, introduction) by faith into this grace (state of God’s favor) in which we [firmly and safely] stand.
I should also point out that some scripture verses in the Amplified compared to other versions we might be used to can seem a bit long and drawn out.
All in all the Amplified Bible is a great enhancement for truly digging into the word & helping us grasp the message.
meet the reviewer: Rick Gigante
Rick is an elder at theAlley. He has been married to Denise for 36 yrs and is father of 2. The eldest Mindy & her husband Andrew are parents to our 3 grandsons, 2 of which are twins. Paul is single and in surgical residency at Columbia in NY, living the fast life in Manhattan. All are such gifts and a great blessing! Rick works at Medtronic as a Sr. Engineering Mgr. involved in product development & product launch. In his spare time he enjoys time with the grandsons, runs 5-6 days a week and participates in a couple 10 milers and half marathons per year.
