What is the Expanded Bible (EXB)?
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Asked April 25 2022
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Jack Gutknecht
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Shirley H
The EXB, published by Thomas Nelson, is in many languages and versions. This allows the reader to see multiple possibilities for words, phrases and interpretations. It can, for example, show both an original metaphor and a more prosaic understanding of that metaphor. It also provides comments that give a historical, cultural, linguistic or theological background that an English-language reader may lack. In many ways it is not just another translation. By offering added information a reader may understand how translation communicates meaning. The goal is not to suggest that a text can mean whatever the reader desires, but to show that the original text is rich, and multi-layered, and profound. The Expanded Bible does not overcome all the problems of translating the Bible into English. However, it does allow more of the features of the original text to be understood. This Bible uses multiple references, making it possible to read and study at the same time. The easiest way to use this Bible is to simply read it!
Jack Gutknecht
I like the Expanded Bible Bible because of its notes. See all the following different types of notes it has: [ ] EXPANSION: Other possible ways of translating a word, phrase, clause, or sentence. Expansions are enclosed within a set of brackets [ ], and provide synonyms, different nuances, or sometimes more sophisticated diction. Hebrews 4:12: God’s word is alive and ·working [active; powerful; effective] and is sharper than a double-edged sword. [or] ALTERNATE: A different translation possibility that takes the meaning of the original language in a different direction than the base text does. Alternates provide information not possible in a standard translation, which must choose between possibilities for its main text. These are signaled by an or within a set of brackets: [or]. Hebrews 11:1-2: Faith means ·being sure [the assurance; or the tangible reality; or the sure foundation] of the things we hope for and ·knowing that something is real even if we do not see it [the conviction/assurance/evidence about things not seen]. 2 Faith is the reason ·we remember [or God commended/approved] ·great people who lived in the past [the people of old; the ancients; our spiritual ancestors]. L LITERAL: A more literal rendering of the original language, allowing the reader to see why translations make varying choices. These are signaled by a superscript L within a bracket: [L]. Ephesians 5:6: Do not let anyone ·fool [deceive] you ·by telling you things that are not true [or with shallow philosophies; L with empty words], because these things will bring God’s ·anger [wrath] on ·those who do not obey him [L the children/sons of disobedience]. T TRADITIONAL: Provides familiar terms and well-known renderings from past translations, especially those in the King James tradition. Signaled by a superscript T within a bracket: [T]. 1 Corinthians 13:12: Now we see a ·dim [obscure; or indirect] reflection, as ·if we were looking into a mirror [T through a glass darkly], but then we shall see ·clearly [L face to face]. C COMMENT: Briefly provides historical, cultural, theological, or other explanatory information to help readers better understand a verse or passage. These are signaled by a superscript C within a bracket: [C]. (There is no bullet in the base text for these because no replacement is required.) Ephesians 5:25-26: Husbands, love your wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her 26 to ·make her holy [sanctify her], cleansing her in the washing of water by the word [C the “washing” may refer to (1) baptism; (2) spiritual cleansing (Titus 3:5); or (3) an analogy drawn from the Jewish prenuptial bath (Ezek. 16:8–14); the “word” may be (1) the Gospel; (2) a baptismal formula, or (3) the confession of the one baptized]. Gen. 1:1 REFERENCE: Provides cross-references to parallel passages, quotations from or allusions to another part of the Bible. These usually appear within a bracket. (There is no bullet in the base text for these because no replacement is required.) Matthew 4:7 Jesus answered him, “It also says in the Scriptures, ‘Do not ·test [tempt] the Lord your God [Deut. 6:16].’ ”
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