UBS Handbooks

I'm trying to decide which upgrade path I should take so am considering some of the individual resources. I am a pastor and use Logos along with another software in sermon preparation. I am not an academic, but do use the original languages. (My Greek is better than my Hebrew). How many of you have found the UBS handbooks useful in sermon prep?

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Allen Browne

How many of you have found the UBS handbooks useful in sermon prep?

I'm mostly preparing Bible studies (rather than sermons), but the UBS handbooks have had a particular use for me. They help you engage not only with what the word would have meant to its original audience but also how to go about expressing that in cultures that are vastly different. That "translation" into our cultural milieu is where this resource is really useful.

I've not found much else that helps with that aspect in the way these volumes do.

Lee

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660474#Comment_660474

The Handbooks concentrate on conveying biblical concepts in other cultures. That may not always be useful for a pastor in NA, however in many sections the cultural pointers can clarify one's thinking quite a bit.

The Handbooks tackle controversial textual/interpretative problems (rather than purely theological issues). The presentation is usually even-handed. You won't agree with everything in it, but you get to see how questions can arise. The analysis makes reference to the original languages, but is written for English readers.

As far as exegesis goes, the Handbooks can be very helpful at a phrase or clause level. They are not designed to process wider sweeps of text, to illuminate your exposition.

Danny Parker

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660488#Comment_660488

I find UBS one of the handful of resources I almost always use when doing exegesis in preparation for a sermon. I find it very useful for examining the text. I too have decent Greek skills, less so in Hebrew. As it seeks to communicate the text in translation, I find it does a good job of exposing the nuances of the text.

GaoLu

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660491#Comment_660491

UBS is one of my favorite commentaries for understanding textual meaning. I work in other languages, so for me it is indispensable for coming up with good translations. A pastor or evangelist who works with more than one culture would find UBS valuable for that same reason--bridging language and culture.

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660517#Comment_660517

I love them, always use them...

John Goodman

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660528#Comment_660528

Note they are translators handbooks and so focus entirely on translation not homiletics but its an important step in the process.

Graham Owen

Like others here I find them very useful. They act as a link between the original text and what I am reading in English. I personally find the discussions on how to convey the concept in a different language or culture useful because they challenge me to think about whether I am communicating the ideas effectively myself. I guess if I was to summarise what I get from them then I would say that I usually get one or more insights that make me think more deeply about the text and/or the way that I communicate the text and that must be a good thing.

Frank Sauer

https://community.logos.com/discussion/comment/660602#Comment_660602

I find them very helpful in study and preparation also!

Jacob Hantla

I'm trying to decide which upgrade path I should take so am considering some of the individual resources. I am a pastor and use Logos along with another software in sermon preparation. I am not an academic, but do use the original languages. (My Greek is better than my Hebrew). How many of you have found the UBS handbooks useful in sermon prep?

I have found the handbook particularly helpful when I am done with my study particularly when teaching to a young crowd. The handbooks in particular labor to help me think through how to communicate what the original was saying in a language that might not have the words or grammar to express the original exactly. The handbooks have become one of my favorite commentaries for helping me think through how to restate the text accurately, yet accessibly.

Nord Zootman

Thanks for your responses. Really helpful - now i just need to decide if I can spend the money!