I just learned today about the New English Translation (NET) Bible. It’s not brand new, coming out in 2001. I’m quite impressed. Here are some reasons I will use the NET Bible and their websites. (I’m not jumping to it whole hog, but plan to use it as a useful resource in understanding God’s Word).
- It has over 60,000 translators’ notes. I’m trying to understand the original Hebrew and Greek (and Aramaic), so this may help. There are 3 types of notes:
- tn: Translator’s notes – explains the rationale for the translation and gives alternative translations, interpretive options, and other technical information. I believe this is one reason they wanted to create this type of Bible (and what makes it unique from other translations.)
- tc: Textual critical notes, which relate to significant textual variants. Discusses alternate (variant) readings found in the various manuscripts and groups of manuscripts of the Hebrew Old Testament and Greek New Testament.
- sn: Study notes, as in other study Bibles. Includes comments about historical or cultural background, explanation of obscure phrases or brief discussions of context, discussions of the theological point made by the biblical author, cross references and references to Old Testament quotations or allusions in the New Testament, or other miscellaneous information helpful to the modern reader.
- NET Bible is online and free. Can have an account, have highlights and notes.
- The online (computer) version had a very nice side-by-side display. See graphic below.
- Included on the RHS (as an option) is Constable’s Notes. This Bible commentary is from pastor, theologian, and DTS faculty member Thomas L. Constable.
- The parallel view can put the Greek (or Hebrew) on the RHS (right-hand-side). This is very cool. Words on both the left and right are clickable. Very dynamic. The Strong’s number appears at the bottom. Nice! See second graphic below.
- I believe this mainly comes out of Dallas Theological Seminary (I’m sure with the help of other scholars) and I believe that DTS is a solid, biblically-based seminary.
