Translations

I have a number (13 or 14?) of favorite translations (Top Bibles) that I like to read as I begin to study a passage. I know that I can compare verses by using the Bible Comparison tool - but I would prefer to see them laid out so the entire translation for the passage is a single pericope, rather than verse by verse. I currently copy and past each translation into a word processing (or Evernote or One Note or ....) document so that I can read them. I also have a number of layouts that display four translations at a time - the ESV being in each one as a standard point of reference and then three other translations in additional windows. This second method is not as useful, but allows me to quickly pull up the translations to be copied to the word processor.

Is there any way in Logos to have this report generated?

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George Somsel

I have a number (13 or 14?) of favorite translations (Top Bibles) that I like to read as I begin to study a passage. I know that I can compare verses by using the Bible Comparison tool - but I would prefer to see them laid out so the entire translation for the passage is a single pericope, rather than verse by verse. I currently copy and past each translation into a word processing (or Evernote or One Note or ....) document so that I can read them. I also have a number of layouts that display four translations at a time - the ESV being in each one as a standard point of reference and then three other translations in additional windows. This second method is not as useful, but allows me to quickly pull up the translations to be copied to the word processor.

Is there any way in Logos to have this report generated?

Something I just ran across in a Journal of Hebrew Scriptures review that might be of interest regarding selecting a translation (Of course, it's one person's opinion).

In Part One (chapters 1 and 2) Gorman discusses the task and text of exegesis. In chapter one he briefly defines exegesis before discussing the strengths and weaknesses of various ways in which exegesis has been done. He compares and contrasts the synchronic approach (focusing on the final form of the text as seen, for example, in narrative-critical, social-scientific, or socio-rhetorical readings) with the diachronic approach (the historical-critical method) and the existential approach (his name for readings which focus on hermeneutics, transformation, or theology, such as missional interpretation, sacred readings, postcolonial criticism, or liberationist exegesis). He argues for an eclectic approach in which synchronic exegesis is the first among equals. In chapter two Gorman focuses on the selection of an English translation for exegesis. He expresses a preference for formal-equivalence translations and divides translations into four categories: 1) preferred for exegesis (NRSV, NAB, TNIV, and NET), 2) useful for exegesis, with caution (RSV, NIV, NASB, REB, ESV, HCSB), 3) unacceptable for exegesis, but helpful in others ways (NLT, NJB, CEV, GNB, The Message), and 4) unacceptable for exegesis (KJV, NKJV, LB).

Gorman, Michael J. Elements of Biblical Exegesis: A Basic Guide for Students and Ministers
(Revised and Expanded Edition; Peabody MA; Hendrickson, 2009). Pp. xii+286, Paperback, US$19.95, ISBN 978-1-59856-311-5

David Ames

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244544#Comment_244544

He expresses a preference for formal-equivalence translations and divides translations into four categories: 1) preferred for exegesis (NRSV, NAB, TNIV, and NET), 2) useful for exegesis, with caution (RSV, NIV, NASB, REB, ESV, HCSB), 3) unacceptable for exegesis, but helpful in others ways (NLT, NJB, CEV, GNB, The Message), and 4) unacceptable for exegesis (KJV, NKJV, LB).

Does he give reasons? [And if so does he detail what he likes / dislikes for each translation or just in general by category?]

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244585#Comment_244585

He expresses a preference for formal-equivalence translations and divides translations into four categories: 1) preferred for exegesis (NRSV, NAB, TNIV, and NET), 2) useful for exegesis, with caution (RSV, NIV, NASB, REB, ESV, HCSB), 3) unacceptable for exegesis, but helpful in others ways (NLT, NJB, CEV, GNB, The Message), and 4) unacceptable for exegesis (KJV, NKJV, LB).

Does he give reasons? [And if so does he detail what he likes / dislikes for each translation or just in general by category?]

I don't know since I haven't read the book. This is only a review.

Jerry M

I know that I can compare verses by using the Bible Comparison tool

The text comparison tool may be more versatile than you realize. It will display all fourteen translations, for an entire chapter. Click on the translation text window to get a drop down menu for the Bible collection you want. In vertical mode there are no breaks between verses. Just scroll down to read one after another. You can control the font size and F11 eliminates everything but the Bible. It will display the same thing horizontally but then it gives a new line to each verse. Then you will probably scroll side to side also. The font is rather plain is my only complaint. The settings are in the resource menu in the upper left. The Top Bibles is only the first five that are prioritized in your library, to get fourteen you have to make a collection. Is there something different that you are looking for?

I don't know an answer to your last question.

MJ. Smith

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244599#Comment_244599

On Amazon one can do a search to find his comments on particular translations. Examples:

Rosie Perera

Is there any way in Logos to have this report generated?

Floyd, I think you'll be satisfied with what Text Comparison can do for you. Jerry explained it in text. Here's a visual to go along with that. If I scroll down in this tab, I see that passage in all of my English Bibles.

Of course I had to create a collection of all my English Bibles first, but that wasn't too difficult:

The Text Comparison window remembers what collection (or list of translations) you had used it with from the last time it was brought up. Instead of a collection there, you can list whatever versions you want to see the passage in. If you click on that edit box, the dropdown will let you select from a list of recently used entries:

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244663#Comment_244663

Of course I had to create a collection of all my English Bibles first, but that wasn't too difficult:

Floyd, I think you'll be satisfied with what Text Comparison can do for you. Jerry explained it in text. Here's a visual to go along with that. If I scroll down in this tab, I see that passage in all of my English Bibles.

Be still, my beating heart ! Say it isn't so ! Rosie didn't have a collection of English bibles? Miracle ! [:D]

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244672#Comment_244672

Be still, my beating heart ! Say it
isn't so ! Rosie didn't have a collection of English bibles? Miracle
!

I said "first" not "immediately prior." I've had a
collection of English Bibles from pretty much Day 1. I was just
explaining that it's a prerequisite to the rest of my post.

George Somsel

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244689#Comment_244689

Be still, my beating heart ! Say it isn't so ! Rosie didn't have a collection of English bibles? Miracle !

I said "first" not "immediately prior." I've had a collection of English Bibles from pretty much Day 1. I was just explaining that it's a prerequisite to the rest of my post.

I hope you weren't offended. I was simply teasing you about all of the collections you have.

Rosie Perera

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/244692#Comment_244692

Be still, my beating heart ! Say it isn't so ! Rosie didn't have a collection of English bibles? Miracle !

I said "first" not "immediately prior." I've had a collection of English Bibles from pretty much Day 1. I was just explaining that it's a prerequisite to the rest of my post.

I hope you weren't offended. I was simply teasing you about all of the collections you have.

Nope, not offended at all. I just thought you were a bit naive and mistaken and had to set you straight. I knew you were saying it in a light-hearted way, and I enjoyed the poke in the ribs, but I took you completely at face value. I'm sometimes a bit dense that way.