English Bible Version Explorer

There is always something new and unusual popping up over at Bibliographic, a blog dedicated to "Bible Visualization and Analysis Tools and Techniques." The latest, English Bible Version Explorer, makes use of the links list from my site. He has processed the list of links and built them into an interactive graph and listing. The graph shows the number of Bibles by year and the listing shows the corresponding titles. You can click on the titles in the list to visit the websites of those versions.

One limitation I can see is that the data only shows those Bibles that have websites listed. Also, every Bible published is counted - so it isn't an accurate picture of how many distinct versions came out. These limitations are caused by the way my listing is put together. However, it is amazing to see how he has taken my simple listing and turned it into an interactive, visual application.

You'd do well to add BiblioGraphic to your list of blogs to watch. He is great at turning huge databases into fascinating and informative visual applications.

Recommended Bibles

Some of the folks at church have asked what Bible they should get. I've added some lists of recommended Bibles on my website. There is also a page about Pocket, Purse and Personal sized Bibles. Another page lists daily reading (scheduled) Bibles. View the lists at the Bible Reader's Museum.

Bible Reader's Museum - Mobile Access

I have created a simplified version of the Bible Reader's Museum Website. It has most of the features of the main site, but is optimized for mobile devices. I am currently reading it on my Kindle but the web store doesn't work on it.

Mobile Access to this Blog

Blogger has implemented automatic mobile access to all blogs hosted here. Just add ?m=1 to the end of the URL. So for this blog the new URL is http://biblereadersmuseum.blogspot.com?m=1.

The Majority Bible

The Majority Bible was created by combining 10 different translations to get a "majority" text.  It is produced by a group calling itself "The Common Bible, Inc."  Right now the Gospel and Epistles of John are ready to ship. From the website:

THE MAJORITY BIBLE, a unique modern English translation, merges or conflates the texts from 20 acclaimed English translations from the King James Version to the New International Version.  Incorporating the majority rendering in text, grammar, syntax, and paragraphing, THE MAJORITY BIBLE can be likened to a super-Bible.  Written in an easy-to-read modern formal style, it retains the character and familiarity of a traditional Bible.  Why be frustrated and confused about selecting a Bible when a majority text represents the most accepted expression in twenty versions?

The Prophete Ionas

I just found William Tyndale's translation of the Prophet Jonah on Project Gutenberg.  It is available in epub, mobi, text and html.  The transcriber has attempted to reproduce the text as accurately as possible.  Rather than substitutions, we get the y^e, mīded, and other abbreviations as originally printed.  I got the mobi version for my Kindle.  It displays wonderfully - resizing the text works fine.

Instant Bible Collection

Short on time and long on money?  Then check out this E-bay auction for an entire Bible collection.  There are Bibles from the 16 through the 20th centuries.  It even includes a 1250 Latin Vulgate.  There are over 2,300 Bibles in this collection.  The price averages out at about $1,080 per Bible.  I'll let you view the auction to see what that lump sump is you'll need to "buy-it-now"!

Thanks to Bill Chamberlin for telling me about this one!

The Most Amazing Song of All - The Passion Translation

This is a new translation of the Song of Songs, or Song of Solomon. It was translated by Dr. Brian Simmons. Dr. Simmons worked about eight years as a Bible translator in Panama. This translation is available at the 5 Fold Media Store. It is also available on Amazon.com. Amazon also has a version for the Kindle. The 5Fold Media store describes the Passion Translation this way:

In this new Passion Translation^TM, the translator uses the language of the heart based on a passion for love to translate the book from Hebrew to English. While many translations overlook the story line of how Jesus makes His bride beautiful and holy by casting out her fear with perfect love, this unparalleled translation focuses on the anointed words of adoration of our Bridegroom for His radiant bride. This heaven-sent revelation is waiting to be received with all its intensity and power to unlock the deepest places of your heart.

Common English Bible for the Kindle

A reader over at Catholic Bibles gave notice that the Kindle version of the Common English Bible is available now. You can get Bible with Apocrypha or without. The updated copy is supposed to have a linked table of contents. I haven't seen any reviews yet about the ease of use.

Remaining Scriptures need for my book

I finally go time last night and early this morning to write a program to scan my versions database for needed Scripture quotes. Out of 513 main versions I only have 31 without at least one Scripture verse sample. This is due in part to many years of collecting Bibles. It is also due to many of you who have sent the Bible verses I needed. I would like to have at least one verse for every version. However, some are going to be very difficult - a few will be impossible (such as Henry Jessey's lost version). If you have time, please check my updated list of Scripture Requests.

Again, thank you to all of you who are sending in information!

Anthony Purver's Bible - a Quaker Bible?

Were there any particular translations in Anthony Purver's New and Literal Translation of all the Books of the Old Testament and New Testament that show the influence of his Quaker beliefs? Or can you think of particular verses to check for such influences?

Word of YHVH

Previously, this version was known as "The Word of Yahavah - KJV3." It is now titled "The Word of YHVH" and is being published into e-book format. Visit the Word of YHVH Bible for links and information.