About

​​​​​Translation Philosophy 

There are so many bible translations worldwide; why would anyone want to read The Sunday School Bible? 

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The Sunday School Bible (SSB) is designed specifically for you, the reader. Yes, there are many other Bible translations in the world that you can read and probably have tried reading, but you just might find the SSB the easiest and most enjoyable. Why is that, you might ask? 

There are over one hundred (100) English Bible translations worldwide, each of them focusing on translating original text into either a formal or functional translation. The below list provides a quick overview of a few well-known Bible translations that span their formal and/or functional equivalence while trying to also structure sentences in easy, medium, or difficult reading levels. 

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Formal equivalence (word-for-word) translations such as the following versions:

• King James Version (KJV) 

• New King James Version (NKJV)

• English Standard Version (ESV)

• New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition (NRSVUE)

• New American Standard Bible (NASB)

• Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

• New American Bible Revised Edition (NABRE)

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Functional equivalence (thought-for-thought) translation such as the following versions:

• New International Version (NIV) 

• New Living Translation (NLT) 

• Common English Bible (CEB)

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If you are like me, you may have had no idea there were so many different translations, the difference between Formal and Functional equivalence, or that reading levels were even a factor in a translation. Knowing now that there are over one hundred (100) different English Bible translations formatted into these different scriptural equivalences as well as easy, medium, and difficult reading levels, it’s no wonder we buy so many Bibles trying to find the one that we can read as well as understand. 

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The SSB uses the KJV as the baseline translation. Therefore, the SSB does not try to re-translate the original text of the Bible like all other Bible translations. The SSB uses the KJV as its baseline translation because it is well-known that many Christians worldwide consider the KJV the most accurate English translation available today. Furthermore, the KJV has been described as one of the most important books in English culture and remains the preferred translation of many Protestant Christians. Many Evangelicals considered the KJV the only “valid” Bible translation. Therefore, many people like me have always had a desire to read the KJV but have found it so difficult to read and understand that we equate it to reading a foreign language. Because of this, the SSB’s focus is to transform the KJV style, language, and formatting into modern-day English so that people of all ages can easily read the KJV and easily understand GOD’S WORD speaking to them.

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Formatting Philosophy

Reformatting a book like the KJV is no easy task and I’m sure it will come with a lot of scrutiny. However, spending so many hours meticulously reading each word of each sentence of each chapter to ensure such an important and well-respected manuscript’s meaning is not altered but elevated to reach all ages could not have been completed without GOD’S light shining on me. This effort, by no means, could have been my work; the continuous day-to-day drive and focus to produce the SSB before the LORD’S return could only have been inspired and guided by GOD. 

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I reviewed each word and sentence in the KJV hundreds of times to ensure its readability and understandability. In order to do this review, I first transcribed the KJV onto 8.5 x 11 size paper since this is the normal size paper on which I had always worked. I then double-spaced each sentence to ensure each could be read and understood independently. I discovered that each sentence is profoundly important when read on its own, needless to say when read in context to other phrases, paragraphs, and chapters. 

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As I read and re-read each word and each sentence for reading ease, I also read for understanding. Oftentimes, sentences would be easy to read but didn’t make sense. Or made sense but were very difficult to read. Therefore, I researched the areas within each sentence that caused a reading delay or gap in understanding and focused on solving that particular dilemma. I would often have to restructure or reformat a sentence, use a synonym for a word, and research other biblical translations and footnotes to identify other meanings for the same word or sentence. Collectively, this effort surfaced the numerous different translations in other Bible translations and the confusion caused by Formal/Functional translations and translation efforts that incorporated different reading levels. Overall, the numerous research in other Bible translations related to each KJV word, sentence, and paragraph formed my understanding of what GOD was trying to convey through the KJV. The KJV word or sentence was maintained whenever there were complete differences between other translated texts to that of the KJV. Again, using the KJV text as the baseline and comparing it to other Bible translations only confirmed the power of the KJV. Therefore, maintaining the KJV translation was extremely important. Maintaining this approach helps easily convey the thoughts behind the text to ensure the text is now misleading or confusing to modern readers. 

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Honoring GOD and HIS SON JESUS CHRIST

Small Capitals Letters: The SSB honors GOD and JESUS CHRIST by highlighting the spelling of names using small capital letters. The main reason for small capitals versus large capitals is that small capitals are easier to read. Large capitals tend to be more difficult for readers and sometimes appear to imply yelling or an elevation in tone. Therefore, the SSB maintains lowercase capital letters to ensure reading is fluid while maintaining an elevated level of honor. 

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Names

The desire to know GOD and research every line of the Bible encouraged many hours of research. Through this research, I discovered that in scripture, GOD was listed by many names. The more research I conducted, the more important these more specific names for GOD became. Therefore, in order to ensure the reader could feel a connection to GOD, the SSB makes a point of specifically identifying the names of GOD throughout the KJV text. For example, in Gen 1, GOD (ELOHIM) is used; in Gen 2, LORD (YAHWEH) GOD (ELOHIM) is used; in Gen 4, LORD (YAHWEH) is used; in Gen 15, LORD (YAHWEH) GOD (ADONAY) is used. Reading through the Bible is powerful as is, and identifying the different names used in original scripture within the KJV elevates the reader’s understanding of GOD and the importance of HIS names in scripture. Therefore, the SSB repeatedly conveys through parenthesis the original names used to ensure the reader comprehends the gravity of each sentence by the name used. The SSB maintains this method of identification to enhance the presence of GOD in the text, transforming the reading into a personal mentoring by GOD, differentiating the Bible from a normal book. 

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Red Text

The red text edition of the bible began in 1899. The thought behind the red text was to acknowledge JESUS Christ’s blood that was shed for our sins or, as JESUS states in Luke 22:20, “This cup is the New Testament in MY blood, which is shed for you.” These red text editions are extremely valuable to the reader when learning the exact words JESUS spoke. In my research, however, I could not find an equivalent highlight to the words that GOD spoke, which was concerning. I researched extensively and was disappointed to find that few to no Bible translations color-coded the words GOD spoke. The problem with this is that I wanted to know GOD on a personal level and, therefore, wanted to know exactly to whom HE said it, what HE said, when HE said it, why HE said it, and how HE said it. However, I could not find a translation that presented the text in this way. Therefore, since I believe in the TRINITY and want to ensure I do not miss an opportunity to honor the LORD (YAHWEH) my GOD (ELOHIM) I wanted to make sure HIS spoken WORD was highlighted in red text as well. Therefore, the SSB highlights in red text the spoken WORDS of both GOD and JESUS CHRIST. I understand that red text edition loyalists may find this offensive, but for those who are believers in the TRINITY, I believe this red text format will only honor GOD more. Honoring GOD is the purpose of the SSB.

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Limited page count: The SSB focuses on the reader and, therefore, wants to ensure that the size of just looking at a book is not too intimidating. Therefore, the SSB uses limited page counts to ensure each book is inviting to pick up and read. Furthermore, the reader feels accomplished and confident in completing each book, motivating them to start reading the next book of the Bible. Again, everything about the SSB focuses on the reader.

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The 11-point font on 8.5 x 11 size paper: The SSB is formatted using this standard size font on standard size paper because it is the standard size we have used since we were young. Unlike the normal 7 or 8-point font used in a two-column standard Bible, the SSB uses the normal 11-point font on an 8.5 x 11 size piece of paper. The standard font size and larger paper size allow for much easier reading. The thicker paper also facilitates the use of highlighters and pins without concern for ink bleeding onto the next page. Additionally, if you are like me, you have torn your fair share of bible pages and now have a bible with many taped pages. Those days are gone, thankfully, with the SSB. 

Contents section: Everyone understands that the Contents is a valuable area for identifying chapters of lengthy books. However, the SSB uses the Contents as a learning tool for the reader. Not only does the SSB use chapter references, but it also uses topical section references as well. To elevate learning even more, the SSB includes story sections. Bible stories will often start in the middle of a Chapter and end in the middle of another Chapter. Therefore, only using chapters and topics is not good enough for the SSB. The SSB incorporates into the Contents where stories begin, even if the beginning of a story is in the middle of a chapter. For example, The Story of Cain and Abel, The Story of Noah, and The Story of Abraham all start at the beginning of a Chapter. However, The Story of Jacob and Esau starts in the middle of Gen 25, specifically Gen 25:21. Therefore, to ensure readers can easily find stories like this, which start in the middle of a chapter, the SSB adds this element to its Contents. Sunday School Teachers and Bible Study participants will love this feature. 

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Double-space

The SSB uses double space between sentences to help the reader focus on one sentence at a time. This allows the reader to focus on the importance of understanding what each sentence is saying and the ability to write notes between sentences. Underlining, circling, and highlighting words and phrases is now as easy as it was with your High School or College textbooks – maybe even easier than that.

 

Quotes

The SSB separates all quotable text and defines who is speaking and to whom they are speaking. This format change makes reading the Bible as easy as reading a movie script. Normal Bible translations lack clarity in this area. Often, sentences use pronouns (he, him) to convey the participants in the conversation. However, this quickly becomes confusing without the appropriate individual names. To ensure no confusion with who is speaking and to whom they are speaking, the SSB replaces the pronouns with the individual’s name. Utilizing this format ensures clarity and understanding while also enhancing the fluid reading of each sentence. For example, unlike the normal Bible text where you may see something like “He said to him,” the SSB clarifies this by replacing it with something like “Joseph said to Jacob.” This minor but powerful difference keeps the reader engaged in what is happening in the story stopping their pace to clarify who said what to whom. Fluid reading is a key part of the SSB.

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Lists

When reading through the normal Bible, especially the KJV, you will encounter many commas and semicolons throughout each sentence. Many Bible versions have modified these sentences into their own modern English narrative. However, the SSB tries to keep the KJV sentence structure as much as possible to maintain the power of its narrative. Therefore, the SSB takes each element listed between these commas and semicolons and separates them into bulletized lists. These lists help readers categorize each element discussed while also helping them maintain a method to categorize the elements. Ultimately, readers flow easily through these lists instead of getting lost in lengthy sentences. Helping readers with an outline format increases reading pace and learning. 

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Genealogy

Genealogies in the bible are often overlooked or just plain too confusing to comprehend. Not only are the names difficult to say but many names are repeated. This challenge is compounded because of the two-column format and small text. Even the most confident Bible-reading Christians admit to passing over genealogies because reading them is so complicated. Therefore, the SSB has solved this problem. Understanding that readers learn in different ways and learn best when multiple presentation methods are used, the SSB not only lists genealogies in a text format that is easy to understand and comprehend but adds genealogy charts after each text section that restates, graphically, what was just read. This method ensures that the reader does not get lost in the translation but learns the genealogy so that the genealogy can help them better understand the Bible. Unbeknownst to many people, genealogies in the bible are very important, and most of those listed in these genealogies are referenced in future chapters or books of the Bible. 

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Purple Text

Purple bolded text is used to highlight JESUS’ bloodline. When reading the Bible, it is important to understand who GOD chose for this critical lineage. The SSB adds this purple highlighted feature to ensure the reader gains further knowledge and understanding of GOD’S WORD as they read. Enhancing the reader’s knowledge, understanding, and wisdom as they read is what the SSB focuses on.

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Same names

The fact that there are many people referenced in the Bible with the same name shouldn’t be a surprise to anyone. Similar to today, where we have so many people named Joseph, Tom, Bill, etc, the Bible is no different. However, reading the Bible and seeing the same name for different people forces us to stop and try to identify which individual the Bible is talking about. This investigation causes our reading pace to slow or stop while we confirm which person we are reading about. The SSB understands this and has fixed that problem by numbering each person with the same name. For example, Genesis refers to two Enochs, one in Gen 4:17, which refers to Cain’s son, and one in Gen 5:18-24, which refers to the Enoch GOD took. To ensure the reader easily differentiates between these two Enochs while they are reading, the SSB clarifies the second Enoch as Enoch[2]. When additional individuals are mentioned with the same name, the SSB adds [3], [4], and so on to the end of their name. In using this format, the reader’s pace does not slow down because they categorically know which individual they are reading about. Additionally, these names are listed in this manner in each genealogy chart to provide a visual learning aid to the reader. 

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Note Brackets

Although footnotes are used in most text, the SSB tries to ensure readers do not have to stop and search for a reference to the sentence they are reading. Therefore, periodically, when a note is needed to clarify a sentence, the SSB adds a bracketed note to ensure the reader continues their pace and momentum. An example of a SSB note bracket is in Gen 6:4, where the KJV states, “There were giants on the earth in those days and after.” The SSB clarifies this to the reader to facilitate their knowledge prior to reading further but adding a note like the following: 

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[Note: The bible associates the following names and/or tribes to giants: Nephilim, Rephaim, Emim, Zamzummim, the Anakim tribe, and the Amorite tribe.]

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By adding this note to the text, the reader now understands that when they read about these additional tribes, they can associate them with giants. 

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Weights and measures

The SSB replaces all weights, measurements, and money with the U.S. customary system of measurement to make reading easy. 

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For example, in Gen 6:15, the KJV states that Noah’s Ark shall be 
•    300 cubits
•    the breadth of it 50 cubits
•    the height of it 30 cubits 

 

Reading this for understanding forces the reader to research the size of a cubit, thereby interrupting their reading pace. The SSB corrects this dilemma by replacing cubits with the U.S. customary system of measurement:

•    450 feet long
•    75 feet wide
•    45 feet high

 

Concordance-like Index

The SSB uses a concordance-like Index to make it easy for the reader to research and find names, places, verbs, and GOD’S WORD. Most, if not all, bibles have limited words in their Index. This makes it difficult for readers to quickly search for key words that they want to find and read about. Because the SSB limits its page length, it has added key statements that GOD made, names, locations, and numerous other words. This adds a dynamic not found in most bibles. Allowing readers to quickly look-up key words in the Bible is critical to the learning process and enhances understanding of what GOD is telling us. 

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