Holman

I am interested in what you "educated" people have to say about the style, quality and accuracy of the Holman Bible.

I know the Holman was published as a "Baptist" Bible, but I am also curious to know if you think it had something to do with the slower ESV sales due to the timing of both. (People heard about the Holman, before it was published and waited.)

Please note that both Bibles started by practically the same approach, giving away or selling the NT in paperback very cheap. Did this hurt or help?

In my last country church, there were Holman's laying everywhere in the young adult and high-school depts. (I was a janitor part-time--I picked lots off the floor where kids leave their books today.)

The ESV did not show up. Of course, Lifeway did not make a great effort to sell ESV's or at least not the store nearest me to the North. A great push was made on the Holman's.

The grammatical style seems different and I catch myself comparing it to my NASB, but when I do I find it just uses a different word order to make things clearer. Personally, I like it, but, I also like my KJV, NASB, and ESV.

I know this has probably been beat to death somewhere, but search engines don't seem to like me and I would like to ask a new group here what you think.

KJVO's please, don't bother. I'm just saving you time, you won't convert me.

The more info on its background that is true and not just rumour would certainly be appreciated. I would like to use it as a reading Bible. (One like I leisurely read when i'm too tired to study through my NASB.)

You may also tell me what you think and the history of the New Living Translation. I would also like its background. It is an easy read for my little grandkids.

 

Thank you very much for the information. It makes a lot of sense based on what I have read. Today you can get so much garbage, it is difficult to discern the truth.

I think the Bible was pushed during its original marketing as a "Baptist" Bible and that killed its sales to the millions of Bible Churches that do not call themselves Baptist. Whether that was from Holman or not, it cut out a major chunk of market share. Would you agree? (Or at least it appeared and accepted by the general public as a Baptist Bible.)

I know that the NIV is the most expensive Bible on the market, if you are looking to publish it. Just compare the prices in the electronic media sites with, say the NKJV.

I do realize; however, that the NIV was definitely an expensive Bible to translate, edit, retranslate, edit and format the English through multiple committees that do not come cheap. Therefore, to make a profit, I do understand their issue. Obviously, NIV is dumping more of that profit back into the research with its new translations (good or bad).

The parent company also licenses the NIV other publishers and that adds to the end price; especially when you call it a "specialty" Bible that makes a higher end product to start with---strictly from a business point of view.

Historically, Lifeway was always selling the NIV at a higher price. I'm sure this was partially demand, but also partially cost.

Thank you!