# Is the NLT a "weak" translation? ![](https://i.ytimg.com/vi/vUpkrVJzc68/maxresdefault.jpg) ## Initial Reaction and Personal Experience with the NLT - The [[New Living Translation]] (NLT) is a topic of discussion due to some people labeling it as a "weak" translation, which is considered a low-brow statement without any information to back it up [(00:01:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=100s). - Any translation that has been faithfully translated by a team, regardless of the translation philosophy, should not be labeled as "weak" [(00:01:36)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=96s). - The NLT played a significant role in the life of the person discussing it, and they are aware that their view might be emotional rather than fact-based [(00:02:13)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=133s). - Upon learning [[Greek language | Greek]], the person realized that there is no such thing as a perfect translation, and different methods are preferred by different people [(00:02:27)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=147s). ## Sentimental Value and Spiritual Turning Point - The person's introduction to the NLT was through a Jesus-centered [[Bible]], which was purchased at a Lifeway Bookstore with their dad's recommendation [(00:02:57)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=177s). - The NLT was the first Bible the person purchased with their own money, and it holds sentimental value as it was a turning point in their [[Christianity | Christian]] walk [(00:03:46)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=226s). ## Upcoming Series on Bible Translations - The person plans to do a series discussing different translations and the labels people give them, such as the [[New American Standard Bible | New American Standard]] 2020 being "woke" and the [[English Standard Version | ESV]] being a "[[Reformed Christianity | Calvinist]]" translation [(00:01:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=61s). ## Rediscovering the NLT and its Impact - The [[New Living Translation]] (NLT) was the first [[Bible]] purchased with personal money, and it was initially used as a carrying Bible for church events and conferences, but not for regular reading [(00:03:55)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=235s). - About six or seven years ago, a decision was made to get serious about the [[Christianity | Christian]] walk, and the catalyst for this change is attributed to the Holy Spirit [(00:04:35)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=275s). - On a whim, the NLT was picked up, and the [[Epistle to the Romans | Book of Romans]] was read straight through in one sitting, making the Bible come alive in a way it never had before due to the understandable [[English language | English]] used in the translation [(00:05:00)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=300s). - The NLT's simple yet clear language made it feel like Paul was writing directly, and it had a profound impact, leading to reading the entire Bible in the NLT, which changed life [(00:05:33)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=333s). ## NLT's Clarity and Accessibility - The NLT is considered a more thought-for-thought translation, which helps bring out the writer's intended meaning in common English, making it easier to understand than formal equivalence translations like the [[New American Standard Bible | New American Standard]] [(00:06:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=400s). - The impact of the NLT was so significant that it was recommended to others, including a girlfriend (now wife), a brother-in-law, and a friend, all of whom reported a similar experience of gaining new insights from familiar passages [(00:06:56)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=416s). ## Evolving Use and Recommendation of the NLT - Although the NLT is still used, it is found to be less frequently used over time, and its best use is considered as a stepping stone or foundation to get into the word, or as a commentary to aid understanding [(00:07:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=451s). - The [[New Living Translation]] (NLT) is not considered a "weak" translation, but rather a tool that accomplishes its specific goal of making the [[Bible]] accessible to a wider audience, much like a saw is the right tool for cutting a board [(00:07:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=479s). - The NLT holds a special place in the heart of the speaker, as it was impactful for them and helped them understand the Bible in a way that resonated with them [(00:08:19)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=499s). ## The Importance of Translation and Accessibility - The translators of the King James Bible emphasized the importance of translation in making the Bible understandable to people, stating that "translation is that which openeth the window to let in the light" [(00:09:01)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=541s). - Translations serve a purpose in getting people into the word of [[God]], and disliking one translation does not automatically make it "weak" [(00:09:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=599s). - The NLT is used in various ministries, including prison ministry, where it is valued for its clarity and accessibility to those with limited education or reading skills [(00:10:24)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=624s). ## Defending the NLT's Accuracy and Purpose - The NLT is considered a very accurate translation, with a stellar translation team of conservative scholars, and is not a liberal translation [(00:10:48)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=648s). - The NLT is not a paraphrase, but rather a dynamic equivalence translation that aims to convey the original meaning of the text in a clear and understandable way [(00:10:59)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=659s). ## Origins and Development of the NLT - The NLT originated from [[The Living Bible | the Living Bible]], which was created by one man who paraphrased the [[Bible]] to make it more accessible to his son [(00:11:16)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=676s). - The [[New Living Translation]] (NLT) originated from a paraphrased version called the Living Bible, which was initially worded in [[English language | Modern English]] by its creator [(00:11:40)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=700s). - In the 1990s, a group of translators came together to create an accurate translation from the Living Bible paraphrase, resulting in the New Living Translation [(00:11:49)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=709s). ## Final Recommendation and Encouragement - The NLT is not considered a weak translation, and it is highly recommended for use [(00:12:22)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=742s). - Using multiple translations is encouraged, as it is beneficial for a deeper understanding, and relying on a single translation may be a disservice [(00:12:31)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=751s). - The [[New Living Translation]] is appreciated for its value, and users should not feel discouraged by negative comments about it [(00:12:28)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vUpkrVJzc68&t=748s).