Description
By: Ferrar Fenton (1832-1920)
The Bible in Modern English: Genesis – Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel by Ferrar Fenton is a refreshing and insightful interpretation of the Bible. Fenton’s modern English translation makes the text more accessible and easier to understand for contemporary readers. His unique approach to translating the text captures the essence and spirit of the original Hebrew and Greek manuscripts while also providing a fresh perspective on familiar stories.
One of the standout features of this translation is Fenton’s attention to detail and accuracy in conveying the nuances of the original text. He carefully considers the historical and cultural context of the biblical stories, providing important background information that enhances the reader’s understanding of the narratives. Additionally, Fenton’s translation is clear, concise, and engaging, making it a pleasure to read.
Overall, The Bible in Modern English: Genesis – Judges, 1 & 2 Samuel by Ferrar Fenton is a valuable addition to any library. Whether you are a seasoned scholar of religious texts or a casual reader interested in exploring the stories of the Bible, this translation offers a fresh perspective that will enhance your understanding and appreciation of the scriptures. Highly recommended.
Book Description:
Work on the translation began in 1853 by a London businessman called Ferrar Fenton (1832–1920). The complete Bible was first published in 1903, though parts were published as separate volumes during the preceding 11 years. The translation is noted for a rearranging of the books of the Bible into what the author believed was the correct chronological order. In the Old Testament, this order follows that of the Hebrew Bible. The name of God was translated throughout the Old Testament as “The Ever-Living”. The Bible is described as “translated into English direct from the original Hebrew, Chaldee, and Greek languages.” For his translation of the Book of Job which appeared in 1898, Fenton was assisted by Henrik Borgström. This was “rendered into the same metre as the original Hebrew, word by word and line by line”. His translation of the New Testament is based on the Greek text of Westcott and Hort. The ordering novelty in the New Testament is that it places the Gospel of John and the First Epistle of John at the beginning before the Gospel of Matthew, thus placing the Acts of the Apostles immediately after the Gospel of Luke.
Notable as well, is Ferrar Fenton’s restoration of the Psalms into the musical verse form as close to the original as he could get. The Psalms were, quite literally, songs, complete with instructions for the “choirmaster” as well as descriptions of the appropriate musical instruments to be used. Today Psalm 48, Psalm 137, and Psalm 23 are still sung in churches, albeit to tunes not the original.
