Comments on: NLT gaining ground for August 2008

By: Iyov

Iyov — Sun, 20 Jul 2008 09:38:00 +0000

In the US and Canada? Millions of literate people who want Bibles but can't afford them (or get one for free)? Surely you jest.

But my point was this -- it is significant that there is such a disparity between unit sales and dollar sales. That means that (relatively) cheap NLT editions are the ones that are selling.

I suspect that a huge fraction of people aren't even aware of which Bible translation they own (or read).

By: Kevin Sam

Kevin Sam — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:07:00 +0000

Iyov, what about those millions of people who can’t afford to buy bibles?

By: Kevin Sam

Kevin Sam — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 16:05:00 +0000

Ted, welcome to New Epistles. Yes I see that on Wycliffe Bible Translators website. They’re committed to helping people get access to scripture who normally have none or little access. Translators serving around the world really understand the importance of accessibility. It’s a great ministries that we should prayerfully support and financially support.

By: TedE

TedE — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 13:56:00 +0000

The NIV has been my translation of choice for many years, although I have also used NKJV, NASB, and sporadically the HCSB.

I am reading the NLT and I like it. I have great respect for Wycliffe Bible Translators and notice that the NLT is featured on their website. That says something very positive to me.

By: Iyov

Iyov — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:39:00 +0000

I disagree, Kevin. I believe a large fraction of Bible sales are from people who value "The Bible" and want to buy it as cheaply as possible regardless of translation (especially for missionary work.)

If you want to find which translation people value, find out how much they are willing to pay for their Bible.

By: tc robinson

tc robinson — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 23:28:00 +0000

Well, I was thinking about this post, but today's rankings did me in.

By: Kevin Sam

Kevin Sam — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 20:40:00 +0000

@Iyov, even if some NLTs are not bought by personal purchases, they say something about why people prefer a certain translation. It is not always a matter of bibles being easy-reading or good marketing. There’s usually a good reason why a translation is preferred. The NLT is inherently a good quality translation for those who prefer to read a dynamic translation.

@Byron & TC, yes, it’s partly due to the NLTse improvements that has increased its demand. Its #2 spot is a pleasant surprise for this month.

@Keith, thanks for your clarification on this.

By: tc robinson

tc robinson — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 18:40:00 +0000

The NLT is the big surprise to me, but again not really.

Well, the TNIV does good on dollars but not units.

By: Keith Williams

Keith Williams — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 14:44:00 +0000

@Iyov: The NLT doesn't currently have any $1 pamphlets for sale in CBA bookstores. If the spike can be attributed to any single product, it would be Operation Worship, a $5 complete Bible that people purchase, write a note inside the cover, and then they get sent to soldiers either overseas or about to deploy.

By: Bryon

Bryon — Fri, 18 Jul 2008 02:01:00 +0000

There are two Bible bookstores and two large secular bookstores close to me. I’ve noticed a huge increase in the amount of NLTs on their shelves in the last year or so. I suspect the increase in likability is due to the Second Edition and the 2007 updates.