The translator of the Gospels, James A. Kleist, SJ, felt that the Bible should use a diction that keeps pace with modern developments in the English language. This edition was translated directly from the Greek, using the text of Joseph M. Bover, in his Novi Testamenti Biblia Graeca et Latina (Madrid, 1943).
He avoided obsolete words and expressions as well as words which would not be readily understood by the average reader of today. There is also a change in word order or sentence structure of the original whenever it seemed that the requirements of current English usage or of clearness itself would be served by so doing. His purpose was to express, as far as possible, the exact meaning of the original text as opposed to a literal rendering of word for word. Sometimes this meant using several words to convey the meaning of a single word in Greek. Where a Greek word or phrase is actually capable of more than one interpretation, the correct alternative generally is indicated in the notes.
In Part 2 of this edition, prepared by Joseph L. Lilly, SJ, is a careful and well-worded translation of the Acts of the Apostles, of the numerous Epistles that follow next in order, and finally of the Apocalypse with which the New Testament closes. Scholarly introductions have been provided by the translator. He has also supplied the notes for his section.
Sample Verses
John 1: 1 - 3
When time began, the Word was there,
and the Word was face to face with God,
and the Word was God.
This Word, when time began,
was face to face with God.
All things came into being through him,
and without him there came to be
not one thing that has come to be.
Comparisons
The following comparative studies include this version:
- Bishops, Overseers, Presbyters, and Elders
- God So Loved the World
- Jude's Advice About Saving People
- Lord's Day in the Book of Revelation
- Miracle at Cana
- Scripture Inspired by God
- Those Who Work Iniquity
- Words with Heathen Origins in the Scriptures
| Abbreviation: | KLNT |
| Released: | 1956 |
| Contents: | New Testament |
| Source Used: | Bruce Publishing Company (1956) |
| Location: | Tyndale House, Cambridge, United Kingdom |