The Common English Bible Committee, an alliance of several
denominational publishers, will be releasing a brand new translation of the Bible over the next year. The Common English Bible is translated to reflect more closely how readers naturally speak and
communicate. Using language that is more understandable and vivid, the Common English Bible has been translated without compromising the powerful message or undermining the importance of thorough and accurate biblical scholarship.More than 100 biblical scholars, men and women from 22 faith traditions, and more than 500 readers in 77 focus groups from 13 denominations, have played an integral role in reviewing, responding to, and translating this new translation. This diversity enables the Common English Bible to speak to people of various religious convictions and different social perspectives.
“We want to produce a Bible that is both accurate and accessible. …It’s one thing to translate precisely, it’s another thing to translate based on the knowledge of the larger literary context. …Furthermore, the number of people [involved] is indicative of the broad range of faith traditions represented. There’s no one theological affirmation that people have to hold to in this particular translation. So it’s accurate not only by the number of people [involved], but the breadth of theological conviction represented among the translators,” says David L. Petersen, Candler School of Theology (Atlanta, GA), and Senior Old Testament Editor of the Common English Bible.
With the release of the New Testament in October 2010, the Common English Bible strives to make Bible study easier for individuals, groups, and worship. Coinciding with the 400th anniversary of the first widely used English translation of the Bible, the King James Version, the complete Common English Bible will be available Fall 2011, and will reflect how English language has changed. The Common English Bible is a
new translation—not a revision or an update. It helps readers break through to new insights and deeper biblical understanding by removing language barriers and using familiar words. The goal of the Common English Bible is to make the Bible truly available for everyone while facilitating a more relevant and meaningful worship experience.
Visit www.CommonEnglishBible.com to request a FREE copy of the New Testament, see comparison
translations, learn about the contributors and more.
About the Common English Bible Committee
The Common English Bible Committee is an alliance of several denominational publishers. The committee includes Presbyterian (U.S.A.), Episcopal, United Methodist, Disciples of Christ, and United Church of Christ representatives.
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