Today's English Version (Good News Bible) Review
A comprehensive analysis of the TEV/GNB translation history, philosophy, readability, and suitability for different audiences
Introduction
The Today's English Version (TEV), commonly known as the Good News Bible (GNB) or Good News Translation (GNT), represents a significant milestone in modern Bible translation. First published by the American Bible Society in 1966 (New Testament) and 1976 (complete Bible), the TEV pioneered the use of dynamic equivalence translation philosophy for a wide audience.
This review examines the TEV/GNB's history, translation approach, readability, accuracy, and suitability for various readers. Whether you're considering this translation for personal study, devotional reading, or ministry use, understanding its strengths and limitations will help you make an informed decision.
History and Development
"The goal of the Good News Bible is to provide a translation that is faithful to the original texts and speaks clearly and naturally to contemporary readers."
— American Bible Society Translation GuidelinesOrigins
The TEV originated from a desire to make Scripture accessible to people whose first language was not English, as well as to English speakers seeking a clear, contemporary translation. Dr. Robert Bratcher, a Baptist missionary and Greek scholar, led the New Testament translation effort while working with the American Bible Society.
The translation was groundbreaking for its time, deliberately using common, everyday language rather than traditional biblical terminology. Words like "justification," "sanctification," and "propitiation" were translated into their functional meanings.
Publication Timeline
- 1966: Good News for Modern Man (New Testament) published
- 1976: Complete Bible (Today's English Version) published
- 1992: Second edition released with minor revisions
- 2001: Today's New International Version (TNIV) influenced by TEV principles
- Present: Continues to be published as Good News Translation (GNT)
Global Impact
The TEV/GNB has been one of the most widely distributed Bible translations globally, particularly valued for mission work and Bible distribution to non-native English speakers. Its clear language made it suitable for translation consultants working on Bible projects in other languages.
Translation Philosophy: Dynamic Equivalence
Understanding Dynamic Equivalence
- Meaning-Based: Prioritizes conveying the thought and meaning of the original rather than word-for-word literalness
- Reader-Focused: Designed for maximum comprehension by contemporary readers
- Functional Language: Uses natural English idioms and expressions
- Cultural Adaptation: Adapts cultural concepts for modern understanding
- Readability Priority: Aims for approximately 8th-grade reading level
Comparison with Formal Equivalence
Dynamic equivalence (functional equivalence) contrasts with formal equivalence (word-for-word) used in translations like the King James Version (KJV), English Standard Version (ESV), or New American Standard Bible (NASB). The TEV/GNB falls on the more dynamic end of the translation spectrum, similar to the New Living Translation (NLT) and Contemporary English Version (CEV).
Textual Basis
The TEV/GNB is based on scholarly critical texts:
- Old Testament: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia (BHS)
- New Testament: United Bible Societies' Greek New Testament (UBS) and Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece
- Deuterocanonical Books: Included in Catholic and ecumenical editions
Translation Comparison Example
John 3:16 Across Translations
| Translation | Text |
|---|---|
| TEV/GNB | "For God loved the people of this world so much that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who has faith in him may have eternal life and not really die." |
| NIV | "For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." |
| ESV | "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life." |
| KJV | "For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life." |
| NASB | "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." |
Notable Translation Choices
The TEV/GNB makes several distinctive translation choices:
- "People of this world" instead of "world" (clarifies meaning)
- "Has faith in him" instead of "believes in him" (emphasizes ongoing trust)
- "Not really die" instead of "not perish" (explains spiritual death)
- Avoids "begotten" (theological term replaced with "only")
Strengths and Limitations
✅ Strengths
- Exceptional readability and clarity
- Ideal for new believers and seekers
- Excellent for devotional reading
- Clear for non-native English speakers
- Good for children and youth
- Makes complex theological concepts accessible
- Based on scholarly critical texts
- Widely available and affordable
- Includes helpful introductions and notes
⚠️ Limitations
- Less suitable for in-depth word studies
- Some theological nuances lost in translation
- Interpretive choices embedded in text
- May oversimplify complex passages
- Not ideal as primary study Bible
- Some poetic language flattened
- Occasional paraphrase goes beyond translation
- Less connection to traditional biblical language
Recommended Audiences
Who Should Use the TEV/GNB?
New Believers
Clear language helps those new to faith
ESL Readers
Simple vocabulary aids non-native speakers
Children & Youth
Accessible reading level for young people
Devotional Reading
Smooth reading for daily devotionals
Outreach Ministry
Clear for sharing with seekers
Supplemental Study
Use alongside more literal translations
Recommended Usage
The TEV/GNB works best as:
- A secondary translation for comparison
- A devotional and reading Bible
- A tool for evangelism and new believer discipleship
- A resource for those struggling with more formal translations
For serious Bible study, it's recommended to use the TEV/GNB alongside more literal translations like the ESV, NASB, or NIV to capture both meaning and textual precision.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Today's English Version (TEV)?
The Today's English Version (TEV), also known as the Good News Bible (GNB), is a modern English Bible translation published by the American Bible Society in 1966 (New Testament) and 1976 (complete Bible). It uses dynamic equivalence translation philosophy for maximum readability.
What is dynamic equivalence translation?
Dynamic equivalence (also called functional equivalence) is a translation approach that prioritizes conveying the meaning and thought of the original text in natural, contemporary language, rather than translating word-for-word. This makes the text more readable but may lose some literal precision.
Is the Good News Bible accurate?
The Good News Bible is considered accurate in conveying the meaning of the original texts, though it prioritizes readability over literal precision. It's based on scholarly critical texts (BHS for OT, UBS/NA for NT) and was translated by qualified biblical scholars. For study purposes, it's often recommended to use alongside more literal translations.
What reading level is the TEV/GNB?
The TEV/GNB is written at approximately an 8th-grade reading level, making it accessible to most English readers including teenagers, new believers, and those for whom English is a second language.
Does the TEV include the Apocrypha?
Yes, ecumenical and Catholic editions of the Good News Bible include the deuterocanonical books (Apocrypha). Protestant editions typically do not include these books.
How does TEV compare to NLT?
Both TEV/GNB and NLT use dynamic equivalence, but the NLT (published 1996) is slightly more recent and uses more contemporary language. The NLT aims for similar readability while attempting to stay closer to the original text structure. Both are excellent for devotional reading.
Scholarly References
- American Bible Society. (1976). Good News Bible: Today's English Version. American Bible Society.
- Bratcher, R. G. (1961). A Translator's Guide to the Letter of Paul to the Romans. United Bible Societies.
- Nida, E. A. (1964). Toward a Science of Translating. E.J. Brill.
- Nida, E. A., & Taber, C. R. (1969). The Theory and Practice of Translation. E.J. Brill.
- Wegner, P. D. (2007). A Student's Guide to Textual Criticism of the Bible. InterVarsity Press.
- Grudem, W. (2004). Counting the Cost: The Truth About the New English Versions. Evangelical Press.
- Carson, D. A. (1990). The King James Version Debate: A Plea for Realism. Baker Book House.