What is the Modern English Version (MEV)?

Answer

Modern English Version – History

The translation work on the Modern English Version began in 2005 and was completed in late 2013. MEV Bibles were first available in mid-2014, with Passio, a division of Charisma House, as the exclusive publisher.

Modern English Version – Translation Method

The translators and publishers of the Modern English Version describe the translation method as “formal correspondence” or “formal equivalence.” This means that the goal of the MEV was to be as strictly “word-for-word” as possible. The aim was to translate God’s Word literally in a way that preserves the message while remaining readable for today’s audience. The translators of the Modern English Version also aimed to stay as close to the King James Version as feasible, retaining the King James Version text whenever possible. Additionally, the Jacob ben Hayyim edition of the Masoretic Text (for the Old Testament) and the Textus Receptus (for the New Testament) were used as the manuscript basis for this reason.

Modern English Version – Pros and Cons

In general, the Modern English Version is, as claimed, a clear, reverent, and accurate translation of the Bible into modern English. It typically achieves formal correspondence while maintaining readability. Occasionally, the MEV’s goal of adhering closely to the text of the King James Version results in a verse that does not sound entirely modern, although this is infrequent. Moreover, its use of the same Hebrew and Greek manuscripts as the KJV, completely disregarding the numerous important manuscripts discovered since AD 1611, is questionable at best. The Modern English Version may still face criticism and opposition from the KJV-Only community. Additionally, the publishers have close ties to Charismatic denominations. However, there does not seem to be a significant Charismatic influence on any of the relevant verses.

Modern English Ve

Version – Sample Verses

John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we saw His glory, the glory as the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish, but have eternal life.”

John 8:58 – “Jesus said to them, ‘Truly, truly I say to you, before Abraham was born, I AM.’”

Ephesians 2:8-9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this is not of yourselves. It is the gift of God, not of works, so that no one should boast.”

Titus 2:13 – “as we await the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ,”