GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WordNews.org) Feb. 12, 2013 – Bible Gateway is adding a new Bible translation to its lineup of translations.
The new addition, “The Voice,” was introduced to the market in 2011 by Thomas Nelson Inc. It is written in screenplay format, which Bible Gateway says allows readers to “step into the story of the Scripture.”
“We fell in love with the concept of ‘The Voice’ and its desire to reach the average reader,” said Rachel Barach, general manager of Bible Gateway. “After noticing that overwhelming reviews were coming from scholars, pastors, ministry leaders and the everyday Bible readers, we knew it fit Bible Gateway’s mission.” Bible Gateway’s website, BibleGateway.com, is one of the largest Christian websites in the world, hosting more than 160 different translations in over 70 different languages. It averages more than 100 unique visitors a year.
“I was so impressed with ‘The Voice’ from the moment I first experienced it personally,” said Chip Brown, senior vice president and publisher for HarperCollins Christian Publishing. “Everybody I know that reads ‘The Voice’ is passionate about how it brings the Scriptures alive for them. Readers on Bible Gateway have been asking for ‘The Voice’ and we are pleased to honor their request.”
The new translation is not without its critics. The Christian Post cites some opponents have called the translation “a distorted version of the Bible.”
Some changes in the translation include replacing “Jesus Christ” with “Jesus the Anointed One” and changes “apostle” to “emissary.”
Bible Gateway users can engage with “The Voice” in a number of ways to expand their Bible reading. In addition to making the full Bible text available on the site, “The Voice” will introduce several reading plans throughout the year, beginning on Feb. 13 in celebration of Lent and Easter. On Feb. 21, Bible Gateway will launch “The Voice” daily Bible verse newsletter for email subscribers.
“The Voice” was created through the collaboration among scholars, pastors, authors, poets, musicians and other artists. The 120-member team translated each word of Scripture into a story that is faithful to the original Greek and Hebrew text, easier to understand and conveys the beauty and timelessness of Scripture.

For more information about “The Voice” and to download a free copy of the New Testament visit www.HearTheVoice.com.