A
paraphrased edition of the
Bible, translated into
modern and mostly
informal English, and published by
Tyndale Press. It's the translation I prefer -- not only because I grew up with it, but also because it's written in poetic but plain language. (According to Tyndale's site, the
King James Version has a reading level of 12.0, and the Living Bible has a level of 8.3.)
A few examples:
- When God began creating the heavens and the earth, the earth was at first a shapeless, chaotic mass, with the Spirit of God brooding over the dark vapors. Then God said, "Let there be light." And light appeared. (Genesis 1:1-3)
- ...The Edomites will be nervous, so be careful. Don't start a fight! For I have given them all the Mount Seir hill country as their permanent possession, and I will not give you even a tiny piece of their land. Pay them for whatever food or water you use." (Deuteronomy 2:4-6; boy, did G-d know those guys or what?)
- When the other disciples saw what was about to happen, they exclaimed, "Master, shall we fight? We brought along the swords." And one of them slashed at the High Priest's servant, and cut off his right ear. But Jesus said, "Don't resist any more." And he touched the place where the man's ear had been and restored it. (Luke 22:49-51, my favorite part of the New Testament)