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Rating: 
Summary: If you must choose only one translation, choose this one.
Review: A person can only appreciate the Revised English Bible (REB) if they have some knowledge of its origin. The REB is a revision of the New English Bible (NEB), which was pioneered by the late great C.H. Dodd. Before the NEB was published only two English translations were regarded as remotely significant: the King James and the Revised Version. The NEB was pioneering in that it was the first entirely fresh translation of the Bible based on the Greek and Hebrew texts since the King James. It was not merely a revision of a tradition of English Bibles. What made it arguably the century's greatest translation was the fact that it was done by the finest biblical scholars in Britain and at a time when a biblical scholar was someone who specialised in more than the first verse of John's Gospel. Dodd's razor mind is evidenced in his Historical Tradition of the Fourth Gospel, a work of dazzling brilliance, which presupposes knowledge of at least ten languages. Although the NEB was pioneering, often its readings were too bold for general acceptance. The REB serves as a healthy corrective and as a balanced regression from the bold scholarship of Dodd's day. It keeps all that is best in the NEB and improves things too, by taking out the Thees and Thous and by adding a polished literary style present in no other English translation, with the possible exception of the Jerusalem Bible. In conclusion, the REB is utterly faithful, modern and beautiful. You will read several books before you realise it is time to stop. If you must choose only one translation, choose this one.
Rating:
Summary: The Only Translation That Reads Like Real English
Review: I am not a scholar, but as a simple reader of the Scriptures I'll offer this opinion. I have used nearly every available English translation of the Scriptures, from Tyndale's to the NRSV and everything in between. The REB is the ONLY ONE that reads like literary ENGLISH prose, rather than a translation. This is especially evident when reading St Paul's epistles; in the REB, they are actually readily intelligible. Everywhere the style is striking, euphonious, vigorous, penetrating, illuminating. It is a Bible you can actually read and actually enjoy reading, a Bible whose style doesn't get in the way of the transmission of the Good News but actually assists and enhances it. For my money, really the best translation available -- as usual, to be read with others handy, but as a good choice for a personal devotional and study text, it doesn't get any better.
Rating: 
Summary: Beautiful, dignified, but slightly biased.
Review: I have the Oxford/Cambridge edition of this Bible published in 1989. The format and text used is identical to the current version. I cannot recommend the REB enough. This translation has a fantastic literary style. The language used is both majestic and readable. I have several translations of the Bible, but this is the only translation that I have encountered where I was not constantly being reminded that I was reading a translation, rather than the original document. Along with classic Bible translations like the Authorized Version and the Douay-Rheims Version, the REB has the makings of a literary classic.
Rating:
Summary: As beautiful as a song
Review: I love the nearly lyrical way this translation reads. I prefer this rendering of the Gospel according to John to that of any other translation. Truly a gem for personal study.
Rating:
Summary: As beautiful as a song
Review: I love the nearly lyrical way this translation reads. I prefer this rendering of the Gospel according to John to that of any other translation. Truly a gem for personal study.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful way to focus on the Word of God
Review: Other reviews have discussed the translation quality and literary elegance of the REB - suffice it to say that it's the version I keep warming to after spending time with more literal translations like the NASB and ESV. I had an Oxford Study Bible/REB, but replaced it with this edition because I just wanted to read the Bible without the distractions of references, citations, study notes, stilted language, etc. Even translation quibbles fade into the background when you can simply focus and listen to the message of God's Word.
This hardback edition is of very high quality. The overall layout and typesetting are outstanding. My first and continued response to this edition is that Cambridge has published a version that tangibly looks and feels like a work of great classic literature, more so than even the leather-bound editions. The binding appears to be sewn so that the book opens flat for easy reading. The font used (Swift) is set at a smaller 8/9 point size, but still very comfortable to read. The paper is thin, but has minimal bleed through from underlying pages - I have not tried a highlighter yet. There is slightly less than 1/2" margin on the outside of the text - it doesn't feel cramped on the page, but leaves little room for notes if you're so inclined.
I heartily recommend this edition to anyone looking for a durable "text-only" Bible to use for personal reading and devotions.
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful English Style
Review: This Bible has a wonderful English style. It is one of the most important translations of this century and I wish more people were familiar with it. It reads so well, especially the great OT narratives and the NT. I quibble with it here and there, but it is a wonderful translation for devotional and public reading and study. Again, this is especially so in the NT. I like it so much I will get a leather one!!
Rating:
Summary: Beautiful English Style
Review: This Bible has a wonderful English style. It is one of the most important translations of this century and I wish more people were familiar with it. It reads so well, especially the great OT narratives and the NT. I quibble with it here and there, but it is a wonderful translation for devotional and public reading and study. Again, this is especially so in the NT. I like it so much I will get a leather one!!
Rating:
Summary: Very Likely the Finest Contemporary Translation of the Bible
Review: This Bible is inclusive of all persons who want to have a relationship with Christ. Some might think it has a liberal bias, but those who do don't know their Koine Greek very well. This book is beautifully written and brings out the spirit of the message of love, rather than the bias of legalistic oppression.
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