ORU Professor Takes Lead Role for New Modern English Version Bible Translation
TULSA, Okla.—Since 2009 Edward Watson, Oral Roberts University professor of Biblical literature and practical theology, has been working to complete a labor of love. Watson shared his considerable expertise with Charisma House to produce a new Bible translation known as the Modern English Version (MEV). Watson served as editor-in-chief of the New Testament for the MEV Bible, which was released earlier this year.
Watson was first approached about the project in 2009 by the Military Bible Association, an organization comprised of military chaplains who desired to create an updated version of the King James Version Bible to help military personnel understand the Bible more clearly. Charisma House then came on board and expanded the vision with their hope to see the MEV made available worldwide.
“Our goal as scholars was to be faithful to the spirit, poetry and beauty of the original King James Version (KJV) Bible, while making a translation that is more readable to a modern audience,” said Watson. “My hope for the MEV is to see this faithful translation be made available to Bible readers who are loyal to the old KJV but who have had difficulties interpreting the meaning of the unfamiliar language and idioms found in the KJV.”
The MEV Bible is the most modern translation produced in 30 years. The word-for-word translation maintains the beauty of the KJV Bible, yet provides clarity for a new generation of Bible readers. The MEV also accurately communicates God’s Word anew as it capitalizes references of God, “maintaining reverence” for the Scriptures. Most Bible translations are preferred for either study, reading, or devotions while the MEV seeks to fulfill all these needs in one Bible. For examples of the new MEV Bible, visit modernenglishversion.com/
ORU Professor of New Testament Jeffrey Lamp also aided in the creation of the MEV Bible. Lamp translated Matthew, Mark, Luke, Acts, Romans, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy and Titus.
For more information about the MEV Bible, visit modernenglishversion.com.
For more information about ORU, visit oru.edu.
About Charisma House
Charisma House is best known for its magazines such as Charisma, Ministry Today and Christian Retailing. But its book group, now called Charisma House, has grown rapidly in recent years with 10 books on the New York Times best-sellers list and has become the largest part of the company. The Spanish group, called Casa Creación, was the fastest-growing part of the organization in 2010. And the company is moving boldly into digital products that include a free Charisma News app, electronic books, many e-newsletters, a robust website and digital editions of its magazines that have readership in the top tier of digital magazines nationally. For more information about Charisma Media, visit charismamedia.com.
About Oral Roberts University
Oral Roberts University is a world-renowned Christian university located in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Founded in 1963, ORU serves students from 50 states and more than 80 countries, representing over 40 denominations. ORU offers more than 65 undergraduate majors, 14 master’s programs and two doctoral degrees, plus NCAA Division I athletics. For more information on ORU, visit oru.edu.
