The Names of God Bible

The Names of God Bible is the God's Word translation of the Bible with the Hebrew names of God and Jesus replaced by their transliterated equivalents. Thus, instead of Jesus, the name Jeshua is used; instead of Lord, Adonay; instead of LORD, etc. The Bible also provides break-out sections discussing the various names of God.

When I first heard about this Bible, I thought it would be a good way of getting to know God better. When I started reading through it, it seem more like a gimmick to me. But know I am finding I pay more attention to God in the passages, in part because they are no longer familiar to me. However, I find that it is not helpful to me to have some of the more uncommon names of God rendered in Hebrew transliteration, particularly those that may also apply to humans in other capacities. For example, in Isaiah 44:6, King is rendered as Melek, and Redeemer is rendered as Go'el. One disadvantage of showing the Hebrew for only the names of God is that you don't see parallels between the names used for God and the names used for humans. Thus, in Isaiah 45:1, God calls Cyrus his anointed one. However, when Anointed One refers to God, or more specifically, to Jesus, it is rendered Mashiach (cf. Psalms 2:2). I am surprised that not all the Hebrew names of God are transliterated; e.g., in Isaiah 9:6, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, and Everlasting Father are not transliterated, but Prince of Peace is (Sar Shalom). I also find it odd that Yeshua is used for Jesus in the New Testament, but that other names of God are not transliterated; e.g., Lord, Christ, Spirit, and God (cf. 1 Corinthians 6:11). It seems that Greek, although a language God used to write the Bible, is given second fiddle to Hebrew and Aramaic.

I think the Names of God Bible does have a place, but I think there are a number of things that could make it better. However, it does give a fresh way of seeing God, which I think is the reason for this Bible.

Book has been provided courtesy of Baker Publishing Group and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available now at your favourite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

The Love & Respect Experience

The Love and Respect Experience contains 52 chapters, each with a little discussion, prayer, action plan, and discussion questions to promote frequent meaningful discussions between husband and wife.

Even though there are appendices at the back to help those not conversant with the Love and Respect approach, I sometimes found it not easy to understand what was meant. My wife and I did work through a couple chapters together. I found the chapters and, in particular, the discussion questions did promote some good dialogue, but my wife was less enthusiastic. Considering I was hoping this book would promote some good discussions between us, and considering it is the stated purpose of the book, I am a little disappointed. But I am hoping that our situation is rare and that others do find this a helpful tool.

Book has been provided courtesy of Thomas Nelson and Graf-Martin Communications, Inc.  Available at your favourite bookseller from Thomas Nelson.