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Customer Reviews for Thomas Nelson The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover

Thomas Nelson The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover

The Voice is a faithful dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all the truth and wisdom of God’s Word.

Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching, The Voice invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind, enabling them to hear God speaking and to experience His presence in their lives. Through a collaboration of more than 120 biblical scholars, pastors, writers, musicians, poets, and artists, The Voice recaptures the passion, grit, humor, and beauty that is often lost in the translation process. The result is a retelling of the story of the Bible in a form as fluid as modern literary works, yet remaining painstakingly true to the original manuscripts.

Features include:

  • Italicized information added to help contemporary readers understand what the original readers would have known intuitively
  • In-text commentary notes include cultural, historical, theological, or devotional thoughts
  • Screenplay format, ideal for public readings and group studies
  • 9.50" x 6.50" x 1.50"
Average Customer Rating:
4.414 out of 5
4.4
 out of 
5
(29 Reviews) 29
Open Ratings Snapshot
Rating Snapshot (29 reviews)
5 stars
23
4 stars
1
3 stars
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2 stars
0
1 star
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25 out of 2986%customers would recommend this product to a friend.
Customer Questions & Answers:
2 Questions | 6 Answers
Customer Reviews for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Review 1 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

A Solid Translation!

Date:May 20, 2013
Customer Avatar
RevCanuck
Location:Upstate New York
Age:25-34
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I am a pastor. As such, I have spent more than my fair share of time reading and studying different translations. Each have their strengths and weaknesses. The Voice Bible is no different. Rather than rely on traditional interpretations of Hebrew or Greek words, it attempts to bring essence of the original to today's language (eg :the use of "Voice" as a translation of the Greek logos instead of "Word").
Interestingly enough, many have derided the translation for not using "Jesus Christ", "apostles" or other traditional words. While you could consider it a "misrepresentation", is it really? The very term "Jesus Christ" was a translation of Jesus true name "Yeshua the Messiah". How is referring to Him as "Jesus the Anointed One" any different? It is refreshing to me to see a translation attempt to remain true to the source material and not be too concerned about conforming to tradition just because it's tradition. That's not to say that I don't use the term "Jesus Christ", but it is simply a name we ascribe to Him. So long as we do so with reverance and worship, I don't think He splits hairs (especially where Jesus is technically NOT his name!).
In the end, I really appreciated The Voice Bible and recommend it, especially if you are a new Christian or are looking for a refreshingly different approach to Bible translation!
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 2 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

This is the Bible to invest in

Date:May 13, 2013
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HorseLady
Location:Almont, ND
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I bought one of these for myself. I've tried to read the Bible for years and always been stopped by an inability to understand what I am reading. That is why I LOVE this bible. It tells a story in modern language and makes reading, studying, and growing a really exciting experience.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 3 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

Dangerously Tricky

Date:April 24, 2013
Customer Avatar
Concerned Christian
As I read the sample and listened to the translation of Psalm 23 I felt nauseous and still do as I am writing this review. Although some parts sound wonderfully enlightening, the essence of God is lost. As a previous reviewer stated Jesus was not simple a VOICE. He was and IS THE WORD of God. That is a powerful title that when studied reveals the deity of Jesus. Omitting this is very dangerous. I would be very weary of this book as a new believer. It borders on new age teaching calling The Lord, the eternal in psalm 23. Why would that even need to be changed? We don't need to adapt the word of God to make it more appealing to people. It is the living breathing word of the Living God. He will not let it return to him void. Changing it is dangerous and futile. I pray that the people who buy it truly do find inspiration in it and are not lulled into believing that God is less than who He truly is.
-2points
1of 4voted this as helpful.
Review 4 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

stimulates meditation in God's Word

Date:March 20, 2013
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old gardener
Location:Indiana
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I like the format that shows changes in speakers. Appropriate notes placed in the scripture narrative indicated by being placed in box to show they are separate from Bible text help make reading come alive.
Cultural notes help my understanding of the events recorded.
Special word choices are explained to give clarity that aids understanding.
I find THE VOICE to be refreshing and inspiring as it brings me face to face with God and myself challenging me to walk following the voice of God.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 5 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

This translation is from a Postmodern Perspective

Date:May 1, 2013
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Rev. Dr. Jack Fucci
Location:Middlesex, NJ
Age:55-65
Gender:male
I recommend that anyone interested in this translation read the introductions in the front of the book. You will notice that the translation is said to have been done by poets, musicians, artists as well as scholars. This sent up a red flag to me. I also sensed that the flavor of the description and the background of the publisher has a postmodern sense. I believe one review already given shows discernment. He gave it a 1 star and gives good reason. He mentioned Psalm 23 as translated in The Voice and said it seems a bit "New Age". This review is my opinion but I have done some research into Postmodernism and Emergent Church theology and I believe both are involved in this work. Be careful with this translation and research the publisher and the background of the work before you invest money into it. Just a word of caution. You don't need to take my word for it, but check it out for yourself.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 6 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:April 5, 2013
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Michelle
Location:Arizona
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is a beautiful bible. It's the third one I've purchased, one for myself and 2 for gifts. I love the easy way the text reads, just like a story without missing any of the relevance. Makes bible reading much easier and even more enjoyable for me.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 7 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Amazing translation!

Date:March 18, 2013
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fWillow
Location:Bolingbrook, Illinois
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
I love God's Word. I own KJV, NKJV, NIV'84, NIV2011, ESV, HCSB, Amplified, and now, The Voice. I also own several study Bibles. The Voice is the best overall, accurate translation of God's Word that I have ever read because it is so clear and easy to undestand. It also has an elegance to its writing style that I find beautiful, reverent and very satisfying. The one-of-a-kind handmade leather cover is a wonderful bonus. It would be great to see this in large print sometime!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 8 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5

This is not the Bible

Date:November 11, 2012
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Eric Smith
Location:Rochester, NY
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Value: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
1 out of 5
1 out of 5
My wife and I sampled the pages of this book to find out how it was translated and who participated in the translation; we then read the first chapter of the Gospel of John and were shocked and offended at the watered down, lack of reverence given to God's Holy Word. The Bible is not meant to be a new age story talking about a pining God pursuing us or a play to entertain us. John 1:1 calls Jesus Christ the Word, not the Voice! This is a very loose, suggestive translation that may be easy to read, but your understanding of God's attributes and man's sinfulness can get lost in the vague, new-age way it is written. Where is the discernment in Christianity in this country? How many times do we need to dumb down the powerful word of God to make salvation something someone can easily swallow instead of something they should repent and trust in? You don't have to buy this garbage to know how awful it is; true believers, run from this "version" of the Bible, because it is not the Bible at all.
-3points
12of 27voted this as helpful.
Review 9 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

FANTASTIC!

Date:October 24, 2012
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BearCat
Location:Calgary, Alberta
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
When I read how they were making these covers, I loved the idea. Where I worked - at The Mustard Seed Street Ministeries - they had a program where using donated leather, people trying to get going again, made leather journals for sale as a source of income. I have two of these bibles, one for myself and one as a gift to my pastor and I was really impressed not to mention humbled at the quality. These covers were made with love, care and creativity. Side by side you can see they are unique, each one an expression of the designers love for the Lord and His Word. That's just the cover! The translation is also really good. It is so clear to understand, but just as important is the fact that once you start reading, you become so wrapped up in the book that you can't put it down! Before you know it you've read 4 or 5 chapters and you don't want to stop! This is not a paraphrase, it's an approved translation done by over 100 scholars, pastors etc. Anyone who has lead Bible Studies and had to answer questions from new believers will love this translation as it explains things so well.
+6points
6of 6voted this as helpful.
Review 10 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 5, 2012
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tammy
Location:Ramseur NC
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
LOVE IT! My only complaint is that verse distinctions are difficult to find.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 11 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

easy to read, and understand.

Date:August 25, 2012
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Robert Shipley
Location:Wishram, Washington
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
When you are reading in a small group, such as early morning devotionals like the "Daily Bread", this version really stands out.
The hard bound binding, which my wife prefers, appears to be very durable, and should hold up to daily use. I would highly recommend one of these beautifully written versions of the BIBLE.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 12 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5

Translation/format is great; cover disappoints.

Date:October 7, 2012
Customer Avatar
twinkie02
Location:Minneapolis, MN
Gender:female
I loved reading The Voice New Testament, and was excited to order the complete Bible. The translation/format is great in Bible study. However, I selected the hand crafted leather cover, (mine came in a pretty, green color,) but I am disappointed in the quality. The leather is stiff, and the edges are raw, rough and sharp. I finally bought a Bible cover for it, which will reduce the chances of getting scratched, or clothes getting snagged, from the edges of the Bible. Recommend the Bible, but not my selection of the cover.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 13 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5

Good reading and insight - not for study

Date:September 26, 2012
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CO Woman
Location:Colorado
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Value: 
3 out of 5
3 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
4 out of 5
4 out of 5
I really enjoy the insight this bible provides, and the background. This IS NOT a study bible. Its best use is to help understand the setting and the way society functioned during biblical times. The leather cover is beautiful, but the edges are very rough - tends to catch on clothes. If I purchased it again I would get a regular standard leather cover.
0points
0of 0voted this as helpful.
Review 14 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Date:September 18, 2012
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Blessed
Location:El Reno,OK
Age:25-34
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This product is excellent!!! I haven't been able to keep my eyes and nose out of it!!!! I've read the Bible but this definitely breaks it down and I'm understanding it more and the word is sticking to me!!! I've let several of my friends look at it and they've all went out and purchased it!!!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 15 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

New Favorite Translation

Date:August 17, 2012
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Alan Smiddy
Location:Benton, KY
Age:45-54
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
As always, Christianbook.com was a pleasure to buy from, fast service, nicely packed for shipping and the price simply can't be beat. Now on to my review of "The Voice" bible, Special Ed. hand-crafted genuine leather.
I can't begin to describe how much I enjoy reading this latest English translation, the style, layout and wording itself simply makes reading the Scriptures not only come more alive but also flow much more easily and therefore quickly. I've never read a more flowing (and accurate) translation. The in text notes are clearly separated in style and typesetting and help clarify and link the scriptural text in a way that isn't intrusive to the reader. The maps at the back of the bible are bold and colorful and add to the overall study/reading of the Bible.
As for the genuine leather hand-crafted cover, I love that too. Created in Argentina this particular bible helps employ natives there with a steady, better paying job than otherwise may be available. So not only do I have a great, literal, one of a kind bible, but the sale also helps another human being who isn't as blessed as I myself am. A great deal in my opinion, beautifully bound bible for me and a good paying job for another!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 16 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

Beautiful and Exhilarating

Date:August 15, 2012
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Anonymous
Location:Galesburg, Illinois
Age:45-54
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
The hand-crafted edition is very unique and one-of-a-kind; no two will be exactly the same. There are some noticeable flaws in natural leather(to be expected) and it is not a smooth, refined leather but somewhat rough around the edges. There is a strong leather smell that is a desirable quality of genuine leather. It is cosmetically appealing though there are no gilded edges or thumb indexing. Has a more rustic quality but in a good way.
The translation is the best part; it is stimulating and refreshing!!! I have the New Testament version, the hard cover version, and now this hand-crafted leather version so that I can take it with me anywhere...sometimes I don't want a heavy book to lug around, so the NT is perfect for those times. I can take it outside and not worry about ruining an expensive copy. I have been taking this Bible wherever I go since discovering it because its hard to put down! I can understand why the enemy is so against this version; its a huge threat to the darkness he has kept people in for so long!!! Jesus is Lord !!!
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
Review 17 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

beautiful, well made, easy to read, and understand

Date:August 14, 2012
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Robert Shipley
Location:Wishram, Washington
Age:55-65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This is a beautiful, easy to read, and understand copy of GODS WORD that is a true translation, not a paraphrase. The binding appears to be durable, and should hold up to regular use. I recommend this translation to anyone who needs a truly easy to understand copy of scripture.
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 18 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

The Voice--Whole Bible

Date:May 31, 2012
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gcw1
Location:York, PA
Age:Over 65
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
THE VOICE – Old & New Testaments – Step Into the Story of Scripture.....In October of 2011 I wrote a review about The Voice, New testament hear is part of that review-----[The voice is a new translation of the Bible and offers a new way to understand God's Word. Translated by 27 Bible scholars, and contributions by 51 writers ans 36 other contributors. The voice is very easy to read and easy to understand. Your are offered 4 different reading programs and topical index. In the writing you will find italic type words that bring out the nuance of the original. There are notes on cultural, historical, theological thoughts set in a different color of type.]--After I had read the Voice New Testament and wrote the review I anticipated the whole Bible translation of the Voice, finely the Voice whole Bible has come to press. I got a copy as soon as it was available so I could get a better understanding of the Old Testament as I did of the New Testament. With all the translations available today this is, in my opinion, a must have translation for Christians to use in their Bible studies and daily readings.
I received this book (ebook copy) free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255
+1point
1of 1voted this as helpful.
Review 19 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

An Outstanding version of God's Word! I love it!

Date:May 23, 2012
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Jonelle
Location:Hempstead, Texas
Age:55-65
Gender:female
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
This Bible is one you can sit down at any time and read and comprehend totally, because of its simplicity!
I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in understanding God's Word.
I love the way it breaks it down into who is speaking!
And the commentary that goes along with it is very enlightening!
If you do not have a copy of The Voice, hurry and get one as it will become one of your favorites in your study of God's Word!
+2points
2of 2voted this as helpful.
Review 20 for The Voice Complete Bible, Hardcover
Overall Rating: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5

review of the hardback

Date:May 17, 2012
Customer Avatar
mojo
Location:Texas
Age:35-44
Gender:male
Quality: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Value: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
Meets Expectations: 
5 out of 5
5 out of 5
(click to see the video)
This is from the Hear the Voice website; “The Voice is a dynamic equivalent translation that reads like a story with all of the truth and wisdom of God’s Word. Through compelling narratives, poetry, and teaching it invites readers to enter into the whole story of God with their heart, soul, and mind. This bold new translation engages readers like no other Bible.”
But I think what accurately describes this translation best is the tiny little shield on the Voice’s spine, “The Voice is a trustworthy Bible translation that reads like a novel.”
The Voice is a bible unlike any other, so to describe what it is “like” I would have to use examples outside of the field. The Voice bible is like reading a screen play. The Voice bible is like reading an annotated novel.
Yes, it is a bible and yes it is a bible translation, however I would not use it in a setting where I would need to “follow along” with a reader or a sermon; in that regard it’s like other dynamic equivalent translations. What is a dynamic equivalent translation?
This type of translation takes into account the context and apparent intent of the original. When providing a dynamic equivalent translation, the translator considers the culture of the original document, understands the nuances of the original language, and takes into account idiomatic expressions. The result is a finished product that comes alive to the reader with the actual intent of the original. ~ Glenni Lorick
In my opinion the Voice bible is great for those who have difficulty reading standard translations and want something more familiar to pull them in to the text. It’s also great for people who are extremely familiar with the text and want to read the bible again with new eyes. I think it would also be great as a reading bible or for teachers who want to be able to examine a text in a different light.
Here is John 1:29-31 in the Voice
29 The morning after this conversation, John sees Jesus coming toward him. In eager astonishment, he shouts out:
John the Baptist: Look! This man is more than He seems! He is the Lamb sent from God, the sacrifice to erase the sins of the world! 30 He is the One I have been saying will come after me, who existed long before me and is much greater than I am. 31 No one recognized Him—myself included. But I came baptizing* with water so that He might be revealed to Israel.
Here is the same passage in the NIV
29 The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world! 30 This is the one I meant when I said, ‘A man who comes after me has surpassed me because he was before me.’ 31 I myself did not know him, but the reason I came baptizing with water was that he might be revealed to Israel.”
Some of the translation points I liked were instead of calling Jesus the “Christ” they call him the “anointed one,” which is more accurate to the text and the Hebrew understanding. The Angels are called messengers, which I like. I think sometimes we picture “angels” as winged beings with halos and we really have no idea what these messengers looked like. The disciples are called emissaries, which is a very modern usage and works well I think.
Unlike most bibles the Voice places the notes directly in the bible text, but to avoid confusion the notes are in a different color to differentiate scripture from editor.
This review is for the hardback edition of the bible. The bible is bound well and on good paper stock. This is a quality Thomas Nelson product.
I received the hardback from Thomas Nelson for a fair and honest review.
+3points
3of 3voted this as helpful.
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