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New English Translation (NET)

Information and Review

New English Translation (NET)

The NET Bible is a project of Dallas Theological Seminary published by Biblical Studies Press 2003, 2005, with a major update (NET2) in 2017, 2019. Unlike most modern versions, the NET was not based on any English version and revised, but composed directly from the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts. It is characterized by extensive translation notes.

The NET Bible is uniquely valuable for it's incredibly extensive translation notes, which are well written and meaningful, explaining why the word or passage was translated as it was, and even going into alternate considerations. The extensiveness of these notes make this more of a translation reference than a Bible version, with over 60,000 translation notes compared to 31,000 verses in the whole Bible (use free online at NetBible.org). Note that the ESV Bible promotes the fact that they used the NET Bible's notes in their translation development.

Of special note: "Disputed Passages" (included in most Bibles, but omitted or criticized as being of doubtful scriptural authenticity in modern Bibles) have excellent translation notes in the NET Bible, the main four passages of concern being discussed in detail.

Personally, I was aware through my own Bible College (Tyndale Theological Seminary) of the NET Bible during its development, and my personal copy is the First Beta Edition print of 2001. Having the printed version at hand rather than only electronic access has made me more familiar with how useful it can be as a look-up reference for passages with ambiguous aspects.

Article: Biblical Language Resources (for people who only know English)

BUT

Dynamic Equivalence and Gender Inclusive

In terms of the Dynamic Equivalence translation, the NET Bible seems to represent the original languages well and is very similar to other leading dynamic translations. In terms of gender-translations, the Bible claims to be "Gender Accurate" but falls short, substantially violating the Colorado Springs Guidelines (~56% compliance), so is really a gender inclusive translation.

So while the translation notes are a unique reference resource, the non-literal content is a significant detractor.