Break Through the Language Barrier
Without sacrificing accuracy, the Amplified Bible uses synonyms and definitions to explain and expand the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses, brackets, and after keywords. As a result English readers can clearly and completely grasp the meaning as it was understood by the readers of the original languages. Additionally, amplifications may provide further theological, historical, and other details for a better understanding of the text.
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The Amplified Bible is a Literal Equivalent translation that, by using synonyms and definitions, both explains and expands the meaning of words in the text by placing amplification in parentheses, brackets, and after key words. This unique system of translation allows the reader to more completely and clearly grasp the meaning as it was understood in the original languages. Additionally, amplifications may provide further theological, historical, and other details for a better understanding of the text.
Through amplification, readers gain a better understanding of what the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek listener instinctively understood. For example, the Greek word pisteuo, which the vast majority of versions render as “believe.” That simple translation, however, hardly does justice to the many meanings contained in the Greek pisteuo: “to adhere to, cleave to; to trust to have faith in; to rely on, to depend on.” Notice the subtle shades of meaning which are unlocked in John 11:25:
“Jesus said to her, “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in (adheres to, trusts in, relies on) Me [as Savior] will live even if he dies;”
In 2015 The Amplified Bible was updated for readability and clarity. Some key improvements include:
- Refreshed English for easy reading.
- Improved amplifications for greater relevance and clarity.
- More amplifications added in the Old Testament for greater balance with the New Testament.
- Amplifications in the New Testament were refined to be more useful.
- The Bible text now reads smoothly with or without amplifications, so the text may be read clearly either way.
The result is that this new edition is now easier to read and better than ever to study and understand. At the same time the feel and style of has been carefully maintained, so those longtime readers will transition easily.
The Story of the Amplified Bible
The story of the Amplified Bible is a remarkable story of faith, hope, and love. It’s the story of a woman, a foundation, and a publisher. Commitment, energy, enthusiasm, and giftedness–these are the words that paint the picture, the picture of the making of a translation.
Frances Siewert (Litt. B., B.D., M.A., Litt. D.) was a woman with an intense dedication to the study of the Bible. It was Mrs. Siewert (1881-1967) who laid the foundation of the Amplified Bible. She devoted her life to the Bible, the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages, and the cultural and archaeological background of Biblical times, which would result in the publication of this unique translation.
Every vision needs visionaries willing to follow the cause. The story of this dream is no different. Mrs. Siewert’s vision was seen by The Lockman Foundation, who took on this monumental translation project.
Zondervan Publishing House then joined the effort, and the dream became reality with the publication of The Amplified New Testament in 1958, followed by the two-volume Amplified Old Testament in 1962 and 1964, and the one-volume Amplified Bible in 1965.
The Amplified Bible is a Formal Equivalent translation of the Bible that enhances the clarity of Scripture by using in-text amplifications. The amplifications are based on the nuances of the Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic languages as well as the latest advances in biblical research. These amplifications uniquely expand and clarify the biblical text, immediately giving the reader a deeper understanding of Scripture.
Amplifications of the same word or phrase may differ slightly in wording depending on context or emphasis, or to indicate another theological or linguistic nuance, or to encourage self-study. Also many words have slightly different meanings in different verses, so amplifications vary accordingly.
The Amplified Bible presents God’s Word in an exciting way because it actually provides two translations of the Bible. This method of translation opens a unique door for readers and invites them to step into a broader understanding of Scripture. So break through the language barrier of the original Greek, Hebrew, and Aramaic and dig deeper into the meaning of biblical passages.
Benefits of Amplification
Amplifications are used to reveal a word’s intensity or power along with the shades of meaning in the Hebrew, Aramaic, or Greek word used in the original text:
“So repent [change your inner self–your old way of thinking, regret past sins] and return [to God–seek His purpose for your life], so that your sins may be wiped away [blotted out, completely erased], so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord [restoring you like a cool wind on a hot day].” Acts 3:19
Amplifications are used to clarify the meaning of theological words:
“Who will bring any charge against God’s elect (His chosen ones)? It is God who justifies us [declaring us blameless and putting us in a right relationship with Himself].” Romans 8:33
Amplifications give greater depth to key verses:
“And we know [with great confidence] that God [who is deeply concerned about us] causes all things to work together [as a plan] for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to His plan and purpose.” Romans 8:28
Special use of Punctuation and Pronouns
Use of brackets within amplification in the Amplified:
- Brackets may be used to add information supported by other Scripture, which helps explain verses that are sometimes misquoted or misunderstood:
“Therefore you have no excuse or justification, everyone of you who [hypocritically] judges and condemns others; for in passing judgment on another person, you condemn yourself, because you who judge [from a position of arrogance or self-righteousness] are habitually practicing the very same things [which you denounce].” Romans 2:1
- In some verses brackets are used to clarify theological words not commonly used in everyday language:
“Therefore, since we have been justified [that is, acquitted of sin, declared blameless before God] by faith, [let us grasp the fact that] we have peace with God [and the joy of reconciliation with Him] through our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed).” Romans 5:1
- Brackets may be used within a verse to add information that would typically be placed in a footnote:
“At that time Herod [Antipas], the tetrarch [who governed a portion of Palestine, including Galilee and Perea], having heard reports about Jesus,” Matthew 14:1
Note: Brackets in bold type […] indicate manuscript differences and are footnoted.
Use of italics in the Amplified:
- Words implied, but not actually contained in the original text are printed in italic type:
Then came the preparation day of Unleavened Bread on which the Passover lamb had to be sacrificed.” Luke 22:7
- The use of italic “and” “or” “nor” introduces amplification within a sentence:
“But if you are guided and led by the Spirit, you are not subject to the Law.” Galatians 5:18
Use of parentheses in the Amplified:
- Parentheses in Roman type (…) supply the definition of a word in context. When reading an amplified verse the definition in context may be skipped over:
“Now Hagar is (represents) Mount Sinai in Arabia and she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children.” Galatians 4:25.
- Parentheses in bold type (…) indicate a parenthetical phrase in the text and should be included when reading aloud:
Use of nouns and pronouns in the Amplified:
- Names of persons and/or places are often used to replace pronouns to help the reader’s understanding of a verse without having to return to the beginning of the passage for clarity.
- In some verses pronouns retained in the text may be followed by a proper name placed in parenthesis:
“…he (John) saw the Spirit of God…lighting on Him (Jesus).” Matt 3:16
The genius of the Amplified Bible lies in its rigorous attempt to go beyond the traditional “word-for-word” translation to bring out the richness of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek languages. The purpose of the Amplified Bible is to reveal any other clarifying meanings from the original languages that may be concealed by the traditional translation method.