BOOK REVIEW
The Original New Testament: A Radical Reinterpretation and New Translation by Hugh J. Schonfield 2016
About the Author
Hugh Joseph Schonfield (1901 – 1988) was a British Bible scholar specialising in the New Testament and the early development of the Christian religion and church. He was born in London, and educated there at St Paul’s School and King’s College, doing additional studies in the University of Glasgow.
About the Book
The story of Jesus as the writers of the New Testament meant it to be told.
Astonishingly unlike the New Testament as it has been handed down to us today, this remarkable new translation makes the story come alive as never before. Impelled by the latest archaeological and historical discoveries, eminent scholar Hugh J. Schonfield has returned the New Testament to its own time and place, relating its documents to contemporary literature, customs and beliefs. The first truly historical translation with no theological motivation or devotional purpose, The Original New Testament rediscovers the force and urgency of the original message.
Dr. Schonfield systematically corrects mistakes in translation that have been compounded over time, and eradicates later theological developments that he believes were falsely ascribed to the original writers. Here is a work at once passionate in dedication and scholarly in execution. The fresh and very readable translation of The Original New Testament suggests to both Jews and Christians that they have missed something in the story of Jesus of Nazareth. In a very real sense, it re-emphasises the “Jewishness” of the New Testament. And to those of both faiths, it offers new opportunities for understanding and applying the Bible’s message.
Included are full historical and explanatory notes making this a vivid and inspiring translation which will also support the student of bible studies.
Endorsement
The author of The Passover Plot offers a translation of the entire New Testament (the first one-man translation since J.B. Phillips’s version.) As one would expect, there are controversial elements in the translation itself and in the introductions. For example, attempting to be completely objective, Schonfield avoids certain well-established but ecclesiastical overloaded terms, such as supervisor for bishop and envoy for apostle. However, supervisor and envoy are not neutral terms; they have their own connotations. A one-man translation will not rival the significance of the “official” translations, but because of Schonfield’s reputation this present work should achieve some popularity. Comparing it with the “official” translations will give a fresh experience of the New Testament text. –John Moryl, Yeshiva Univ. Lib., New York
Discussion
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