Faith: Should You Read The Passion Translation? What You Need to Know
- Dr. Layne McDonald
- Jul 24
- 6 min read
By Dr. Layne McDonald
Choosing whether to read The Passion Translation (TPT) depends on your goal, it's a helpful devotional resource for some but faces serious academic and theological critiques regarding its translation accuracy. While many readers find its poetic language emotionally stirring, the version is currently under "expanded review" on major platforms like YouVersion due to concerns over its methodology and the credentials of its lead translator.
Why is Everyone Talking About The Passion Translation?
If you’ve spent any time on the YouVersion Bible App or in modern charismatic circles, you’ve likely encountered The Passion Translation (TPT). It is often praised for its "heart-level" language and its ability to make the ancient text feel fresh and alive. However, if you look closely at your app lately, you might have noticed an advisory note or realized that TPT has been removed from other major platforms like Bible Gateway.
Why the sudden shift? As a pastor and mentor, I believe it is vital that we approach our study of the Word with both a hungry heart and a discerning mind. We are living in an era of "The Great Digital Disconnect," where information is plentiful but wisdom is rare. When it comes to the Bible, the very foundation of our faith, we cannot afford to sacrifice truth for the sake of a "vibe."
Is It a Translation or a Commentary?
The most significant debate surrounding TPT is its classification. Lead translator Brian Simmons markets it as a translation from Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic. However, biblical scholars like Craig Blomberg and Craig Keener have pointed out that TPT functions much more like an expanded paraphrase or even a commentary.
In traditional translations like the ESV or NIV, scholars aim to stay as close to the original text as possible. TPT, conversely, frequently adds entire phrases and theological concepts that simply aren't in the original manuscripts. (Think of it as adding a "cinematic filter" to a historical photograph, it might look more dramatic, but you’re no longer seeing the raw reality.)
The Question of Credentials and "Heavenly Downloads"
One of the most provocative aspects of the TPT story involves Brian Simmons’ claims about how the translation came to be. Simmons has publicly shared stories of visiting a "library in heaven" and receiving "secrets of the Hebrew language" via direct revelation from Jesus.
While we believe in a God who speaks and leads us, the historical Christian tradition has always tethered "new revelation" to the finished work of Scripture. When a translator claims that Jesus gave them "secret downloads" that change the meaning of the text, it raises a red flag. Furthermore, many academic reviewers have noted that Simmons lacks the formal linguistic credentials typically required for a project of this magnitude.
Allegations of Plagiarism and Aramaic Claims
There is also the technical issue of the "Aramaic original." Simmons often claims his unique renderings come from the original Aramaic of the New Testament. The problem? There are no ancient Aramaic originals of the New Testament; we have Greek originals and later Aramaic translations (like the Syriac Peshitta).
Scholars have noted that many of TPT’s "Aramaic insights" seem to track suspiciously close to Victor Alexander’s English translation of the Peshitta. This unacknowledged dependence has led to allegations of plagiarism and a lack of transparency in the translation process.
Biblical Foundation: Testing the Spirits
In the pursuit of spiritual growth, we must lean on the wisdom of 1 Thessalonians 5:21: "Test everything; hold fast what is good."
We are called to be like the Bereans (Acts 17:11), who "received the word with all eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see if these things were so." If we are reading a version of the Bible that makes us feel good but steers us away from the actual words of the Apostles, we are building our house on shifting sand.
Real-Talk: How Should You Use TPT?
I have met many people who tell me, "Dr. Layne, TPT helped me fall in love with the Bible again." I never want to dismiss a genuine emotional connection to God’s Word. However, we must distinguish between inspiration and instruction.
If you enjoy the poetic flow of TPT, treat it like a devotional or a Christian book, something to read alongside a study Bible. It should never be your primary source for doctrine, teaching, or deep study. When you are looking for the "True North" of your life, you need a compass that is calibrated to the truth, not just your feelings.
Your Actionable Toolkit for Bible Discernment
How do you know which Bible version to trust? Here is a simple framework:
The "Two-Source" Rule: Never study a passage in a paraphrase (like TPT or The Message) without also looking at a formal equivalence translation (like the NASB, ESV, or KJV).
Check the Committee: Reliable translations are usually produced by a diverse committee of dozens of scholars, not a single individual. This provides "checks and balances" against personal bias.
Look for Italics: Many Bibles italicize words that were added for clarity. If a version adds large chunks of text without marking them, be cautious.
Prioritize the "Meaty Middle": As C.S. Lewis often suggested, we should stick to "Mere Christianity", the core truths that have stood the test of time. If a version introduces "new secrets" or "hidden mysteries" that the Church hasn't seen for 2,000 years, proceed with extreme care.
Top 5 Takeaways
TPT is an expanded paraphrase, not a literal translation. It adds significant interpretive material to the biblical text.
The "expanded review" on YouVersion reflects growing scholarly concern over the version's accuracy and the translator’s claims.
Brian Simmons' credentials and claims of "heavenly downloads" are outside the norm for biblical scholarship.
Use it for inspiration, not instruction. It can be an emotional bridge but should not be your doctrinal foundation.
Integrity matters. Your faith is too precious to base it on a text with questionable transparency.
What This Means for You Today
Your relationship with God is built on communication. If the "phone line" of the Word is filled with static or unauthorized additions, the connection becomes muddled. Today, I encourage you to pick up a reliable translation. Read it. Let it challenge you. Let it be the "lamp to your feet" that doesn't just show you what you want to see, but what you need to see.
Reflection Question
When you read the Bible, are you looking for God to confirm your current feelings, or are you looking for Him to transform your heart with His Truth?
Small Action Step
Open your Bible app and compare a familiar verse (like Psalm 23 or John 3:16) in the ESV and then in TPT. Notice the additions. Ask yourself: Does this addition clarify the text, or does it change the focus?
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was The Passion Translation removed from Bible Gateway?
Bible Gateway removed TPT after a periodic review of their licensed content. While they did not release a detailed public statement, it is widely understood that the version failed to meet their criteria for being classified as a "Bible translation" due to its extensive interpretive additions.
Is Brian Simmons a qualified translator?
Brian Simmons has experience as a missionary and co-translated the New Testament into the Paya-Kuna language. However, many scholars argue he lacks the formal academic training in Koine Greek and Biblical Hebrew required to lead a solo translation of the entire Bible.
Is it a sin to read The Passion Translation?
No, it is not a sin. Many Christians find it helpful for personal devotion. However, the danger lies in treating it as the authoritative Word of God rather than a poetic paraphrase of one man's interpretation.
What is the "expanded review" on YouVersion?
YouVersion places certain versions under review when significant academic or community concerns are raised. This allows them to keep the text available for those who use it while signaling to the broader body of Christ that there is an ongoing discussion regarding its reliability.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. I only recommend resources I believe will truly help you find your True North.
Need help? Call or text 888-373-7888 (National Human Trafficking Hotline).
At www.laynemcdonald.com, I am committed to radical accessibility and helping you navigate the complexities of faith, leadership, and creativity. If you have questions about which resources are right for your journey, I invite you to explore my music, books, and coaching offers.
I would love to hear your story; feel free to reach out to me on the site if you need a mentor to walk with you through these questions.
This site contains affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Comments