The NET (New English Translation) is unique in that it provides 60,000+ translators’ notes which document all of the major translation decisions and interpretive difficulties.
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NET Bible: Full Notes Edition
In 2001, the first edition of the NET Bible was made available, for free, to the world. As the preface mentions, it’s as if the reader is able to look over the shoulders of the translators. As of 2019, the NET Bible: Full Notes Version is available thanks to Thomas Nelson, the publisher of this excellent tool and resource.
This Bible is simply phenomenal! It’s very different than all of the other study Bibles on the market today. While those other tools are likewise excellent and helpful, the NET Bible: Full Notes Version provides much that is missing in the other study resources.
Rather than providing the reader/student with the meaning of a verse or passage, this Bible is assisting us in understanding how the Hebrew and Greek text are being translated into our English language. If you’re like me, you are probably checking out what multiple English translations say while studying the Bible. Though I have a personal favorite English translation, I’m always interested in knowing how a particular text was translated by different translations that have different translation philosophies.
With the NET Bible, one is able to listen in on the translation committee as they seek to determine exactly how and why a word or verse should be translated into English. This makes for an incredibly helpful study tool! They also compare their translation choices with other major English translations. I really love that aspect!
Do I Need to Know Hebrew or Greek to Read the NET Bible?
I really appreciate how this Bible handles the Hebrew and Greek. I love that they provide the Hebrew and Greek terms in the notes, but it’s also nice that they transliterate the terms into English for those who haven’t learned these Biblical languages. For those who are familiar with the Biblical languages, this Bible will especially be cherished! The notes will take you back to your Hebrew and Greek classes, except they are doing all of the parsing for you!
Reading this Bible is seriously like sitting down with the translators themselves and having these scholars explain to you exactly why a verse should be translated the way that it is. They will tell you how others translate it and why, compare the different conclusions, and help you to understand exactly what is going on in the particulars of the verse.
Format of NET Bible
I think Thomas Nelson did a great job with the format of the Bible. Keep in mind, however, that this Bible is not the one that you want if you are looking to read a lot of Scripture in one sitting. The majority of the page is filled with the translator notes, not Scripture (which is a testimony to how many notes are in this resource!).
This is an incredible Bible for research and Bible study, but if you’re looking to sit down and absorb a lot of Scripture in one sitting, grab your readers Bible or a Bible that isn’t a study Bible. I like the font style and size. Considering the amount of translator notes (which are a smaller font size than the text of Scripture), I found them to be very readable and not too small.
Conclusion
I can’t recommend this Bible enough! I do think that the pastor and serious Bible student who is learning Greek and Hebrew will appreciate this more so than others. There will be a lot of Christians who may feel overwhelmed by the vast number of notes, and many of the notes won’t make any sense unless they’ve studied the original languages or have a good grasp on how language works in general. I hope that this amazing Bible will be utilized by many in the church today!
Tolle lege, take up and read!
Disclaimer: My thanks to Thomas Nelson for providing me with a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. The opinions expressed are my own.
Matt became a joyful follower of Jesus at the age of 21. He is very grateful to be a husband to Lindsey, and a father to four boys. He is an ordained minister (teaching elder) in the PCA. He previously served as a pastor of biblical counseling and is currently a corporate chaplain in southern Delaware. Matt received his Master of Divinity degree in Biblical Counseling from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary and holds an advanced certification in biblical counseling from the Association of Biblical Counselors. In his free time, he loves playing with his boys, traveling with his wife, and reading (and buying!) books.
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