New Bible Translation Recovers "Lost Language" from Original Scripture so Readers Can Encounter the Heart of God in a New Way

"The Passion Translation is the most exciting thing to happen to Bible translations in my lifetime!" -- Pastor Bill Johnson, Redding, CA

"Biblical scholars in each new generation have the privileged responsibility to search the original manuscripts of God's inspired Word, capture the precious ancient wisdom, and insert it into the phrases and expressions of the language of the day under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Many saints and scribes have given their lives for this holy task, and Dr. Brian Simmons has done exactly that. My wife, Winnie, and I are celebrating The Passion Translation; it is a priceless treasure to the body of Christ." -- Georgian Banov, DDHon; President and Cofounder of Global Celebration; General
Director of the Bulgarian Bible Project

Contact: Jennifer Willingham, 615-358-8285

RACINE, Wis., Oct. 7, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- BroadStreet Publishing announces the launch of The Passion Translation beginning with the books of Psalms, Proverbs, Song of Songs, Luke & Acts, John, Letters from Heaven (Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, Colossians, and 1 & 2 Timothy), and Hebrews & James. Designed to shape the spirituality of a generation, every book of the Bible is translated into an understandable form that will express the depths of the original languages in a powerful new way, revealing the original emotion behind the text.

Developed by a team led by linguist, noted missionary, and author Brian Simmons, The Passion Translation recaptures some of the "lost language" missing from translations that have not fully captured the emotional meanings and implications of Scripture. The Passion Translation is unique for incorporating the ancient Aramaic scripture, the same language Jesus spoke and taught in. "Aramaic and Hebrew are related linguistically, and both are considered to be passionate and poetic. Greek speaks to the mind while Aramaic-Hebrew speaks powerfully to the heart," says Simmons. "By referencing the text written in the very language in which Jesus taught, and then overlaying that with the Greek, we are able to translate the root meanings of the Scriptures in a new, fresh way."

The Passion Translation aims to add a spiritual dynamic by delving into the Aramaic texts along with the customary Greek to provide contemporary readers with an understanding of the emotion and nuance found in the original writings. "Words are containers for truth," believes Simmons. "Every generation needs a relevant, accurate translation that speaks to them. Our approach to translating Scripture includes an emphasis on the original emotive intent of the text."

"God refuses to meet us only in an intellectual way," says Simmons. "God wants to meet us at heart-level. So, with this translation, we are aiming for the words to go heart-deep and allow people to encounter the heart of God."

"The Word has to come alive; this is how we spark in the reader the original meaning. We want English speakers to have the same response as the original hearer when they first heard."

Believing God longs to have His Word expressed in every language in a way that would unlock the "passion" of His heart, Simmons and the translation team have a goal to use this work to trigger an overwhelming response to the truth of the Bible unfiltered by religious jargon—unfolding the deep mysteries of the Scriptures in the language of the heart. While accurate to the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, this translation is passionately powerful in a contemporary form.

Calling The Passion Translation a "language of love," Simmons points out that in past translations the emotion of a text was relegated to a "spiritual backseat" as was the miraculous and supernatural. By taking a fresh look at the Scripture with both a linguist's passion for correct translation as well as a pastor's love for the heart of God, The Passion Translation provides an altogether new experience in reading and understanding the Word.

Already, The Passion Translation has impacted over a hundred thousand lives through an initial version of a few books that were completed. Reaction to the project from retailers and consumers alike has been powerful. For more information, including people's experience with the translation, and a comparison of verses between The Passion Translation and other versions of the Bible, please visit www.thepassiontranslation.com.

The other books of the Bible are in the process of translation and will be released in stages between now and 2017. The entire Passion Translation will be completed by 2017.

Press inquiries can be directed to Jennifer Willingham at jennifer@iconmediagroup.com.

ABOUT BRIAN AND CANDICE SIMMONS:
Brian and Candice Simmons have been described as true pioneers in ministry. Their teaching has opened doors in many nations to the Gospel. For the last forty years, Brian has been a linguist, a pastor, a missionary, a speaker and now brings all those gifts together to lead the translation work for The Passion Translation.

Titles Available:
Psalms: Poetry on Fire – ISBN 978-1-4245-4936-8 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4974-0)

Proverbs: Wisdom from Above – ISBN 978-1-4245-4942-9 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4973-3)

Song of Songs: Divine Romance – ISBN 978-1-4245-4957-3 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4977-1)

Luke & Acts: To the Lovers of God – ISBN 978-1-4245-4959-7 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4966-5)

John: Eternal Love – ISBN 978-1-4245-4958-0 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4964-1)

Letters from Heaven: By the Apostle Paul – ISBN 978-1-4245-4947-4 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4965-8)

Hebrews & James: Faith Works – ISBN 978-1-4245-4960-3 (e-ISBN 978-1-4245-4963-4)

The Passion Translation: Set of 7 (includes all titles listed above) – ISBN 978-1-4245-4961-0