The newly released “New Testament: Pinoy Version” from Philippine Bible Society has drawn mixed reactions on social media.

Launched at the Manila International Book Fair recently, the reference used a dynamic or meaning-based translation approach. This means that the Bible has adapted to the modern way of how people communication. This applies to original context, figures of speech, expressions, culture, etc. The dynamic translation helps in making the material more relateable and comprehensive. Here are some examples:

“Tapos, pinagtripan nila si Jesus. Sinaluduhan nila s’ya at sinabi, ‘Mabuhay ang hari ng mga Jews!’ Hinampas nila ng stick ang ulo ni Jesus at dinuraan s’ya.” (Mark 15:18)

“After ilang minutes, may nakapansin ulit kay Peter at sinabi sa kanya, ‘Isa ka sa mga kasamahan nila.’ Pero sumagot si Peter, “Hindi po ako ‘yun, sir!” After one hour, may lalaking nag-insist, “Sure ako, kasama ni Jesus ang taong ito, kasi taga-Galilea din sya.” (Luke 22:58-59)

“Sobrang na-shock ako sa inyo. Ang dali n’yo namang tinalikuran ang Diyos. Imagine, sobrang bait n’ya at pinadala n’ya si Christ sa atin. Ang Diyos mismo ang pumili sa inyo, tapos ngayon, ine-entertain n’yo ang ibang Gospel?” (Galatians 1:6)

For those who are curious, this project is actually 13 years in the making. According to a Facebook post by St Pauls Online, the NT is a fruit of the contributions they received from many churches.

The “New Testament: Pinoy Version” is a mixture of Tagalog and English words. You can get yourself one for PHP145.00.