The Message: The Bible in Contemporary Language : Numbered Edition : Blue Leather by Eugene Peterson (2005, Hardcover)

I was skeptical at first about this translation. I was afraid it would try to jazz-up the old familiar stories or make them "hip" to the new generation. But after reading Peterson's intentions in his foreword, I was pleased to learn that he studied Hebrew, Greek, etc. in order to accurately write this edition. He also notes that this book should not replace Bible reading in its original form, but be used to generate interest in the stories by better understanding them. I have found no interpretive conflicts between this Bible and my MacArthur or Stanley Bibles.
I am reading it cover to cover for my daily reading and find it quite enjoyable. We often use it to more fully understand passages during devotions.

This edition is the numbered edition in which the numbers correspond to the verse numbers in your regular Bible rather than just story form. I definately recommend this edition for that reason. In order to use it to its full potential you need the verse numbers.
Although it is nice to read the Bible in more of a story-form, we must not turn it into a story of fiction in the process. Peterson handles this challenge quite successfully.

The Message is more a commentary on the scriptures than a translation. Peterson sounds modern (occasionally hip?), and uses sometimes too-timely images and turns of phrase, which may make it feel out of date in a few years. Yet for a reader or Bible study group that enjoys a fresh take, it is useful, even fun, to see how Peterson says it. He has some astonishing insights, This should not be the only or even first Bible a reader uses, but it is a great add-on. The only real criticisms I've heard (three of them) are not from people who are studying the Bible message but those who miss the cadences of traditional translations. I bought it for my daughter, who grew up on the Bible but hasn't read it for awhile. I think she'll enjoy it.

Not that I enjoy carrying two Bibles to church, but I really like being able to compare my NIV to The Message. The Message rephrases the traditional Bible translations into an easier to understand format/context. This one that I bought is great because it's not just the most popular books...it's the WHOLE Bible. Great gift for new or long time believers. Reads more like a book, so it's good for trips or even easy reading.

I'm not sure how truly equivalent The Message's language is to demotic Greek. The language is interesting and arresting, easy to read. One caveat, the bias of the translation is clearly liberal. For example, read John 3:16. Instead of everlasting life, we read a long life. So I distrust the doctrinal aspects but love the language.

I've bought just about every update of Eugene Petersons "The Message" since it came out. This numbered verson makes it so easy to find and compare it to other translations. Great investment.