The Message is a Bible translation meant for the common person.  It is self-described as “a contemporary rendering of the Bible from the original languages, crafted to present its tone, rhythm, events, and ideas in everyday language.”

Unlike many contemporary versions of the Bible which were the work of teams of translators, The Message is the labor of one man, Eugene Peterson, backed with a team of consultants.  Beginning as a scholar in biblical languages, Peterson transitioned to becoming the pastor of one congregation for his entire ministry life.  It was there, in his day-to-day encounters and ministrations with his parishioners, that Peterson developed his own translation for his own people.

Being a former pastor and teacher myself, I resonate deeply with Eugene Peterson and his life’s work of helping people make sense of the Bible.  NavPress, the publisher of The Message, recognized in the early 1990’s that Pastor Peterson was a person who could provide a translation of the Bible for ordinary disciples.  Today we have a complete translated Bible from a scholar with a pastor’s heart for people to know and read.

Here is Peterson’s heart in his own words: “The Message is a reading Bible.  It is not intended to replace the excellent study Bibles that are available.  My intent here (as it was earlier in my congregation and community) is simply to get people reading it who don’t know that the Bible is readable at all, at least by them, and to get people who long ago lost interest in the Bible to read it again.”

Since it’s publication, The Message has become a favorite of many Bible readers, young and old, famous and not so famous.  The musician, Bono, had this to say about The Message:

“There’s a translation of Scriptures that this guy Eugene Peterson has undertaken. It has been a great strength to me. He’s a poet and a scholar, and he’s brought the text back to the tone in which the books were written.”

Using “Bob’s 5 Bark Review System” we examine The Message for you to consider:

1. Trustworthy

Eugene Peterson, now retired, is one of the most revered Christian persons in both the church and the academy.  His combination of scholarship and practical ministry makes him a trusted source for undergoing such a massive project as translating the Bible for the ordinary reader.

Since 1975, NavPress exists as the publishing arm of the Navigators, whose motto is “to know Christ and to make Him known.” NavPress seeks to publish works which are biblically rooted, culturally relevant and highly practical.  They have a solid reputation as publishers who selectively produce helpful resources for people seeking to grow in Jesus Christ.

Bob happily utters a “bark” for the trustworthy nature of The Message.

2. Understandable

This was one of the high values of both NavPress and Eugene Peterson in the formation of The Message.  Read an excerpt for yourself and see what you think:

God, my shepherd!
I don’t need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.
True to your word,
you let me catch my breath
and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through
Death Valley,
I’m not afraid
when you walk at my side.
Your trusty shepherd’s crook
makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner
right in front of my enemies.
You revive my drooping head;
my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me
every day of my life.
I’m back home in the house of God
for the rest of my life. (Psalm 23, The Message)

Bob is overflowing with comfort right now.  He gives The Message a solid “bark” for being understandable.

3. Readable

The Message was designed to be read in large blocks and is at its best when done so.  If you are looking to read through an entire book of the Bible, or an extended passage, this is a very readable translation to do it with.  You’re likely to catch the sweep and theme of the biblical writer.

It needs to be noted, however, that Peterson’s translation tends to be more “wordy” than other versions of the Bible.  That’s okay, and in many cases probably needed, but this makes the decision for publishers like NavPress a difficult one.  In putting together an entire Bible, it requires a lot of physical pages.  That’s why you often find The Message in only the New Testament, Old Testament, or the Psalms – that way the font size and page margins are typically larger.  So, if you’re looking for The Message as a Bible to own or to give away to someone, make sure that the font size is appropriate.  It may be difficult to find The Message in a physical form you can read easily as an entire Bible.  Bob and I suggest that you consider reading The Message on a Bible app, where you can adjust the font size to your liking without any problem.

Despite the drawback of many Bibles being hard to read in their small physical form, the sheer readable nature of The Message prompts Bob to give it a “bark” for its attention to readability.

4. Durable

The Message has become a popular choice for many Bible readers, which means a variety of different Bibles are now on the market.  As with any Bible, you get what you pay for.  A cheaper Bible isn’t going to last as long, and a more expensive Bible will usually endure for many years with daily use.  Bob and I are tireless advocates for longevity and daily reading, so we will always steer you toward a Bible you’ll use every day.  A genuine leather Bible is the best route (which is not the same as bonded leather, which is good, but not the best).

One of the challenges in any Bible translation is its enduring quality, that is, its durability in language over time.  The Message is contemporary and fresh today, yet, it must be borne in mind that eventually the language will need revision.  Language is not a static thing; it is always changing and evolving.  Time will tell if and how long Peterson’s translation will hold and resonate with modern readers.

Based on the variety and availability of Bibles and current language, Bob gives The Message a “bark” as to its durability.

5. Attractive

Yes, being attractive matters.  A good-looking Bible invites you into it’s wonderful contents and “Message.”  You should have no problem finding an attractive Bible in The Message for yourself or as a gift for someone in all kinds of shapes, sizes, and colors.

It needs to also be noted that The Message was translated with an eye toward being attractive in its language and overall reading tone and rhythm.  In our judgment, Peterson had done a superlative job in this regard.

Bob gives a “bark” to the attractiveness of The Message.

Based on “Bob’s 5 Bark Bible Review System” we give The Message:

5 Barks out of 5

Thanks, Eugene Peterson.  The church owes you a great debt of gratitude for your pastoral attention to the common person in the pew.