From the Editor's Desk: Why Another Translation? The Original Bible Project is a ten year effort to produce an entirely new translation of the complete Bible that will be ready by the year 2004. One may properly ask — but why another translation of the Bible? Just in recent years we have seen the appearance of the New American Standard Bible, the New International Version, the New King James Version, the New English Bible, the New Jerusalem Bible, and most recently, the New Revised Standard Version. All of these are excellent works, representing the collective wisdom of thousands of top Biblical scholars. Do we really need another? Obviously, those of us behind this Project will answer yes. If The Original Bible was merely one more version among so many then surely the efforts would be in question. However, the whole concept of the Original Bible Project is so unique, so unprecedented, that we are convinced this will be the Bible that many have wished for and dreamed about for years. It is truly a Bible for the New Millenium. What are its special features? Why will it be so unique? There are four basic features of this Bible which we believe justify our claims and our efforts: First, this will be the first Bible ever produced which will put all the books of both the Old Testament and the New Testament in their proper, original, manuscript order. Although the number and content of the books remains the same, their grouping and order will be significantly different. This order, once restored, will immediately reveal an amazing pattern and form to the entire collection of scriptures that has been completely lost in all modern versions. The Hebrew Scriptures (O.T.) contain 22 books when properly grouped (e.g., 1-2 Samuel are counted as one book, and so forth). They are divided into three sections: The Law (Torah), the Prophets, and the Writings. The Greek Scriptures (N. T.) contain 27 books, but in a somewhat altered arrangement, with four sections: The Gospels and Acts, The General Letters, The Letters of Paul, and Revelation: that is a total of 49 books in Seven Sections. Second, the English translation will be impeccably accurate. To whatever degree is possible this translation will avoid interpretation, while still reflecting the best standards of modern Biblical scholarship. Where the original text is vague, redundant, ambiguous, or difficult, the translation will not attempt to "smooth" things out for the reader, but rather present in English the same options of interpretation contained in the original text. It will be as literal as possible, in keeping with good standard English usage, in order to reflect the rhythm, flow, and idiomatic style of the original languages. There will be a high level of consistency in rendering the basic Hebrew and Greek vocabulary. This is a Bible you can rely on to take you as close to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek as is possible in an English translation. Third, this version will be refreshingly non-ecclesiastical. By adhering to an absolutely literal translation method (for example, the word "atonement" simply means "covering," while the word "angel" literally means "messenger"), the theological baggage of centuries of church-dominated translations will be thrown off. It will restore and reflect the original Hebraic contexts of both the Old and New Testaments. Even the New Testament, though written in Greek, is essentially a Hebraic production, reflecting the thought-world of the Hebrew Bible and the first century Jewish culture. This will be a consistently reflected in the translation of key concepts and words. Finally, this Bible will be filled with extensive textual, and linguistic notes. These notes will be unlike any found in the typical "Study Bible" on the market. They will not be theologically or doctrinally oriented, nor will they attempt to interpret the meaning of a given text. They will provide the reader with background on matters of vocabulary, grammar, and textual readings. The Original Bible Project is a non-profit, IRS tax-emempt organization. Professor James D. Tabor of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte is the Chief Editor. Dr. Robert L. Kuhn is Chairman of the Board, with Robert D. Ellsworth serving as business and promotion manager. The project is supported by the gifts of individuals and organizations. For more information write: The Original Bible Project, 408 South Pasadena Avenue, Suite 1, Pasadena, CA 91105. 626-799-2000 or FAX 626-585-8180. Video and audio tapes and a regular newsletter are available.

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