The Passion Translation (TPT): A Textual Comparison
"Test all things; hold fast what is good." — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV)
What is The Passion Translation?
The Passion Translation (TPT), translated by Brian Simmons, is presented as a translation that seeks to convey the "heart" and passion of Scripture. Unlike formal-equivalence translations (such as the NKJV, NASB, or LSB), TPT frequently expands the biblical text with explanatory and devotional language.
These additions are often not represented by corresponding words in the underlying Hebrew or Greek.
---
A. Passages Commonly Omitted
TPT follows the modern critical Greek text in many places. Consequently, verses found in the Textus Receptus (and therefore the NKJV and KJV) are omitted or placed in footnotes.
Examples include:
- Matthew 17:21
- Matthew 18:11
- Matthew 23:14
- Mark 7:16
- Mark 9:44
- Mark 9:46
- Mark 11:26
- Mark 15:28
- Luke 17:36
- John 5:4
- Acts 8:37
- Acts 15:34
- Acts 24:7
- Acts 28:29
- Romans 16:24
- 1 John 5:7–8 (longer reading)
These omissions are shared by most modern translations using the critical Greek text and should not be regarded as unique to TPT.
---
B. Documented Interpretive Additions
Psalm 23:1
Hebrew:
«"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."»
TPT:
«"The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough."»
Added concepts:
- "my best friend"
- "always"
- expanded explanation of "I shall not want"
None appear as lexical equivalents in the Hebrew text.
---
Galatians 2:20
Greek:
«"I have been crucified with Christ..."»
TPT expands Paul's statement with additional language concerning identity, heavenly life, and empowerment not present in the Greek text.
---
John 3:3–8
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus includes explanatory wording that goes beyond the Greek vocabulary.
---
Romans 8
Several verses include interpretive phrases intended to explain Paul's meaning rather than translate his exact wording.
---
Ephesians 1
Paul's prayer is expanded with devotional language not directly represented in the Greek.
---
Philippians 3
Additional explanatory phrases regarding knowing Christ and spiritual union appear beyond the source text.
---
Isaiah 53
Several verses contain interpretive wording absent from the Hebrew.
---
Psalm 91
Protective promises are expanded with devotional applications not found in the Hebrew.
---
Song of Songs
This book contains some of TPT's most extensive expansions. Numerous verses are significantly longer than the Hebrew text and include interpretive language without direct lexical counterparts.
---
Important Distinction
Every translation interprets.
However, there is a significant difference between:
- translating what the original languages say, and
- incorporating commentary directly into the biblical text.
Readers should distinguish between inspired Scripture and a translator's interpretation.
---
A Recommended Study Practice
When studying Scripture:
1. Read a faithful translation (NKJV, NASB, LSB, or similar).
2. Compare difficult passages with an interlinear Hebrew or Greek text.
3. Consult multiple translations before forming doctrine.
4. Treat devotional paraphrases as commentary rather than as primary textual evidence.
---
«"The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Psalm 12:6 (NKJV)»
The aim is not to condemn a translation, but to encourage Berean discernment.
«"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Acts 17:11 (NKJV)»
The Passion Translation (TPT): A Textual Comparison
"Test all things; hold fast what is good." — 1 Thessalonians 5:21 (NKJV)
What is The Passion Translation?
The Passion Translation (TPT), translated by Brian Simmons, is presented as a translation that seeks to convey the "heart" and passion of Scripture. Unlike formal-equivalence translations (such as the NKJV, NASB, or LSB), TPT frequently expands the biblical text with explanatory and devotional language.
These additions are often not represented by corresponding words in the underlying Hebrew or Greek.
---
A. Passages Commonly Omitted
TPT follows the modern critical Greek text in many places. Consequently, verses found in the Textus Receptus (and therefore the NKJV and KJV) are omitted or placed in footnotes.
Examples include:
- Matthew 17:21
- Matthew 18:11
- Matthew 23:14
- Mark 7:16
- Mark 9:44
- Mark 9:46
- Mark 11:26
- Mark 15:28
- Luke 17:36
- John 5:4
- Acts 8:37
- Acts 15:34
- Acts 24:7
- Acts 28:29
- Romans 16:24
- 1 John 5:7–8 (longer reading)
These omissions are shared by most modern translations using the critical Greek text and should not be regarded as unique to TPT.
---
B. Documented Interpretive Additions
Psalm 23:1
Hebrew:
«"The LORD is my shepherd; I shall not want."»
TPT:
«"The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd. I always have more than enough."»
Added concepts:
- "my best friend"
- "always"
- expanded explanation of "I shall not want"
None appear as lexical equivalents in the Hebrew text.
---
Galatians 2:20
Greek:
«"I have been crucified with Christ..."»
TPT expands Paul's statement with additional language concerning identity, heavenly life, and empowerment not present in the Greek text.
---
John 3:3–8
Jesus' conversation with Nicodemus includes explanatory wording that goes beyond the Greek vocabulary.
---
Romans 8
Several verses include interpretive phrases intended to explain Paul's meaning rather than translate his exact wording.
---
Ephesians 1
Paul's prayer is expanded with devotional language not directly represented in the Greek.
---
Philippians 3
Additional explanatory phrases regarding knowing Christ and spiritual union appear beyond the source text.
---
Isaiah 53
Several verses contain interpretive wording absent from the Hebrew.
---
Psalm 91
Protective promises are expanded with devotional applications not found in the Hebrew.
---
Song of Songs
This book contains some of TPT's most extensive expansions. Numerous verses are significantly longer than the Hebrew text and include interpretive language without direct lexical counterparts.
---
Important Distinction
Every translation interprets.
However, there is a significant difference between:
- translating what the original languages say, and
- incorporating commentary directly into the biblical text.
Readers should distinguish between inspired Scripture and a translator's interpretation.
---
A Recommended Study Practice
When studying Scripture:
1. Read a faithful translation (NKJV, NASB, LSB, or similar).
2. Compare difficult passages with an interlinear Hebrew or Greek text.
3. Consult multiple translations before forming doctrine.
4. Treat devotional paraphrases as commentary rather than as primary textual evidence.
---
«"The words of the LORD are pure words, like silver tried in a furnace of earth, purified seven times."
Psalm 12:6 (NKJV)»
The aim is not to condemn a translation, but to encourage Berean discernment.
«"These were more fair-minded than those in Thessalonica, in that they received the word with all readiness, and searched the Scriptures daily to find out whether these things were so."
Acts 17:11 (NKJV)»
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