KLNT - 1956
Kleist-Lilly New Testament
NewCovenant
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The translator of the Gospels, James A. Kleist, SJ, feltthat the Bible should use a diction that keeps pace with modern developmentsin the English language. This edition was translated directly from theGreek, using the text of Joseph M. Bover, in his Novi Testamenti BibliaGraeca et Latina (Madrid, 1943).

He avoided obsolete words and expressions as well as wordswhich would not be readily understood by the average reader of today. Thereis also a change in word order or sentence structure of the original wheneverit seemed that the requirements of current English usage or of clearnessitself would be served by so doing. His purpose was to express, as faras possible, the exact meaning of the original text as opposed to a literalrendering of word for word. Sometimes this meant using several words toconvey the meaning of a single word in Greek. Where a Greek word or phraseis actually capable of more than one interpretation, the correct alternativegenerally is indicated in the notes.

In Part 2 of this edition, prepared by Joseph L. Lilly,SJ, is a careful and well-worded translation of the Acts of the Apostles,of the numerous Epistles that follow next in order, and finally of theApocalypse with which the New Testament closes. Scholarly introductionshave been provided by the translator. He has also supplied the notes forhis section.

Bruce Publishing Company (1956)

[Tyndale House, Cambridge, UnitedKingdom]


John1: 1 - 3

When time began, the Word was there,
      and the Word was face to face with God,
      and the Word was God.
This Word, when time began,
      was face to face with God.
All things came into being through him,
      and without him there came to be
      not one thing that has come to be.


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