The Blessed Hope is an English translation of the New Testament that seeks to creatively and transparently utilize the strengths of both formal and meaning-based translation approaches, for the purpose of communicating the message of Jesus and the apostles clearly and effectively. Like a number of other English translations, it attempts an integrative approach.

Like the kinds of translations that individual scholars sometimes produce as part of their commentaries, The Blessed Hope is meant not to replace the many excellent and reliable translations with which English-speakers have been so abundantly blessed, but to enrich and to stimulate prayerful thought and reflection as a supplemental resource (even if people might not agree with every decision). Although this translation has been carried out through prayer, in a sincere desire to be faithful to the biblical text and its message, and out of a strong awareness of the need for God’s help; and although it has, like all translations, necessitated large numbers of interpretive decisions, it makes no claims to perfection, to infallibility, to new or special revelation unique to the translator, or to special access to traditions or manuscripts otherwise unavailable to all Christians.

On this website readers will find over twenty thousand translator’s notes. Many of these are basic and not dependent on an understanding of NT Greek, while others are more technical and complex. Through the “Full Translator’s Notes” (FTN) option, readers will be able to access all translator’s notes, including technical notes. By contrast, the “Abridged Translator’s Notes” (ATN) option excludes more technical notes, while the “Reader’s Version” (RV) option excludes all but the most basic notes. (Please note that while these translator’s notes are careful to cite sources and indicate what translation philosophy is being applied to specific decisions, they reflect the translator’s own quick and informal shorthand system for documenting and supporting decisions, rather than a particular formal academic style—such as The Chicago Style Manual of Style—in every detail.)

The Blessed Hope is currently being prepared for publication through Wipf & Stock. Consequently, some updates and revisions may not yet be reflected in the online version and translator’s notes. Thank you for your patience and understanding.