REB

Not as readable as the NIV or TNIV, this translation is still a bit more dynamic and functional than the Living Bible or the Message--which are both paraphrases (free translations). I use this Great Britain translation to compare with and contrast against other versions (translations) when I am studying passages in the Bible. Because it more functional and not as formal as the NKJ or NASB, it is easier to read than these literal translations. It is a good 4th or 5th Bible to use for studying purposes. I also use the NASB, the Message, and the NRSV during these studies.

Useful Update of New English Bible

The Revised English Bible is a useful one to have, partly because it translates freshly, and does not slavishly follow the traditions established by Wyclif, Tyndale, the King James, Revised Standard Version, etc.

the most illuminating bible I've found; great literature

As a person who is well-read but have never really read the Bible, I am so glad I found the Revised English Bible. Growing up, I was always surrounded by bibles (especially the King James Version), but they never made much of an impact on me; I could understand the words well enough, but I couldn't feel their immediacy. So when I decided to seriously read the bible, I decided to look for an modern translation. I think I found the right one in the REB. Upon reading it, I was struck by how lucid the bible's ideas were presented to me. Take for example the famous 1 Corinthian 13 (gIf I speak with the tongue of angels...h) The following is from the New International Version (starting at 13:8):