Interlinear Bibles are ideal for deep study and learning biblical languages but are best used alongside traditional translations for context.

Features of Interlinear Bibles:

1. Structure: Interlinear Bibles typically present the original text with the corresponding English translation directly beneath each word. Some versions also include parsing information for verbs or other grammatical notes.
2. Purpose: They are designed to help readers understand the original language and nuances of the Bible, often used by those with some knowledge of biblical languages or those studying the text deeply.
3. Readability: Very low readability because the word order strictly follows the syntax of the original language, which can sound unnatural or confusing in English.
   For example, instead of “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1), an interlinear might render it: “In beginning created God the heavens and the earth.”

How Interlinear Fits In:

1. Relation to Formal Equivalence: Interlinear Bibles are even more literal than formal equivalence translations like the NASB or ESV. However, they are not “translations” in the traditional sense but rather tools for analyzing the original text.
2. Usage: They complement translations rather than replace them, helping readers see how formal equivalence translations are derived and providing insights into word meanings and grammatical structures.

In summary, interlinear Bibles do not fit directly into translation philosophies like formal, dynamic, or optimal equivalence. Instead, they are highly specialized study aids that prioritize exactness to the original languages over readability.

1. Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)

Philosophy: Seeks to translate the text as literally as possible, preserving the original structure and wording.

Examples:

• • King James Version (KJV)
  • English Standard Version (ESV)
  • New American Standard Bible (NASB)
  • Revised Standard Version (RSV)

Readability: Tends to be less readable due to complex sentence structures and archaic language (e.g., in KJV). Best for in-depth study but may be challenging for casual reading.

2. Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)

Philosophy: Prioritizes translating the meaning or thought behind the text rather than the exact wording, aiming for natural and clear language.

Examples:

• • New International Version (NIV)
  • New Living Translation (NLT)
  • Good News Translation (GNT)
  • Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Readability: More readable and accessible, making it ideal for devotional reading, new Christians, or those unfamiliar with biblical language.

3. Optimal Equivalence (Balanced Approach)

Philosophy: Strives for a balance between formal and dynamic equivalence, maintaining faithfulness to the original text while ensuring clarity and readability.

Examples:

• • Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
  • New King James Version (NKJV)

Readability: Generally more readable than formal equivalence translations while remaining accurate, making it suitable for both study and general use.

Choosing the right Bible depends on the purpose—whether for study, devotion, or teaching.

Of course, she refrains from requiring any chores out of them, because she knows they work hard at school. Besides, it upsets them when she asks them to help.

Unfortunately, and unintentionally, mom is stealing from her children. They are two of the most miserable human beings on earth. They walk around; actually they sit around most of the time, with scowls on their faces. Because mom has stolen their self-esteem and gotten them hooked on stuff, nothing seems to bring happiness or contentment. Everything is “stupid” or “boring.”

When we train our kids to believe that getting stuff is the key to happiness, might we be stealing their lifelong joy and sense of fulfillment? In our CD, From Innocence to Entitlement, we teach that true contentment comes from earning things rather than being showered with them.

To protect your children from this type of insidious theft, experiment with the following:

• The next time your child wants something, ask, “How do you think you might earn that?”
• Instead of taking on the problem of affording the item, say, “You may have that as soon as you can afford it.”
• Give them some ideas about how they might earn the required cash, and give yourself a pat on the back for not giving in.
• Notice how proud they are when they earn things through good old-fashioned perspiration.

[Jim Fay]

A composer yearns to write symphonies, but is hired only to pen beer commercial music.

Heaven is a world of limitless self-fulfillment. All we do, every gift and talent will be elevated to a capacity beyond our comprehension.

Billy Graham had a friend passing through difficulty. One day he passed a church construction site. “What are you doing?” he asked a stone cutter.

“See that little opening up near the steeple? I’m shaping this down here so it will fit up there.”

God is shaping you “down here” so you will fit “up there”.

St. Peter says, "Here’s how it works. You need 100 points to make it into heaven. You tell me all the good things you’ve done, and I give you a certain number of points for each item, depending on how good it was. When you reach 100 points, you get in."

"Okay," the man says, "I was married to the same woman for 50 years and never cheated on her, even in my heart."

That’s wonderful," says St. Peter, "that’s worth three points!"

"Three points?" he says. "Well, I attended church all my life and supported its ministry with my tithe and service."

"Terrific!" says St. Peter, "that’s certainly worth a point."

"One point? Golly. How about this: I started a soup kitchen in my city and worked in a shelter for homeless veterans."

"Fantastic, that’s good for two more points," he says.

"TWO POINTS!!" the man cries, "At this rate the only way I get into heaven is by the grace of God!"

"Come on in!"

Then I had one lesson in how he remained that way.

I signed on to serve as Scripture reader, and on the first Sunday sat on a chair behind the pastor’s podium. It was rather large, semi-circular pulpit with a chair directly behind it. The pastor entered and sat down. He was, as always, impeccably dressed: blue pinstriped business suit, silk tie carefully knotted, starched white shirt with cufflinks, and on his feet, black shoes polished like mirrors. This was not a man who wore a Rolex or drove a Porsche. But he was always careful to dress well, from his pocket handkerchief to his tiepin.

Then, just before the sermon, I watched the pastor reach down and untie both of his expensive leather dress shoes. He slid his feet out of them, and then reached under the cuffs of his tailored suit. He pulled off his black dress socks as well. I was completely bewildered. He then pushed both shoes and socks to the side and stood up for his sermon. No one else knew it, but our dignified, dapper, classy pastor preached his sermon barefoot, in his tailored suit and silk tie.

When the sermon was over, he unobtrusively pulled on both shoes and socks, and left the podium.

I said nothing and just assumed he had reasons of his own. Perhaps his feet hurt? I forgot about it, especially as it did not happen again for the next few Sundays.

Then, two months later, I noticed the pastor sliding his feet out of a pair of spit-polished tasselled loafers, followed again by the socks. I was again confused and slightly amused by the contrast between the fancy business suit and the soles of his bare feet which appeared when he leaned forward with enthusiasm.

After the service ended, I went up to the still barefoot minister and respectfully asked why he did this.

The pastor looked slightly embarrassed, picked up the shoes and socks and told me a story from his student years:

"My seminary professor told me I was a fine preacher, but that I had one fault. I was too arrogant. Too proud. I remembered that. And I remember my roots, too."

He then told me that he had grown up as a janitor’s son and took his shoes off when he visited his Dad. Those were his roots. In the years since, he had earned several degrees and his gifts had brought him to this church. He was successful and praised, but he never wanted to forget where he came from.

"Whenever I start getting too proud and smug, I look down at my shiny Brooks Brothers shoes and fancy socks and realize it’s time to take off my "successful well-dressed suit-and-tie pastor" feet and put on the feet of a janitor’s boy. It keeps me humble. It’s hard to be smug when I’m barefoot."

And with that the pastor grinned, put on his Italian tasselled shoes and socks and left the pulpit.

"Pride leads to disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." Proverbs 11:2 NLT

©2004 Ken Wells

He answered them with a question: "What were the people like in the town you just left?"

Some said, "The town we came from was wicked. The people were rude gossips who took advantage of innocent people. It was filled with thieves and liars."

The wise man answered, "This town is the same as the one you left."

They thanked the man for saving them from the trouble they had just come out of. They then moved on further west.

Then another group of settlers arrived and asked the same question: "What is this town like?"

The wise man asked again, "What was the town like where you came from?"

These responded, "It was wonderful! We had dear friends. Everyone looked out for the other’s interest. There was never any lack because all cared for one another. If someone had a big project, the entire community gathered to help. It was a hard decision to leave, but we felt compelled to make way for future generations by going west as pioneers."

The wise old man said to them exactly what he had said to the other group: "This town is the same as the one you left."

These people responded with joy, "Let’s settle here!"

Are you wise enough to see?

As you think, so you will become. Making a wise choice about your life, your attitude and how you see others will affect how your life will be. If you choose wisely your life will serve to inspire countless others.
Having Godly thoughts, making Godly decisions and keeping God close to your heart will change your life and the lives of those around you.

Welcome to your new life in your new town!