The Amplified Bible (AMP) is an English language translation of the Bible produced jointly by Zondervan and The Lockman Foundation. The first edition was published in 1965. It is designed to “amplify” the text by using additional wording and a system of punctuation and other typographical features to attempt to bring out a clearer meaning to the original texts.
The whole point of amplification is to make scripture more meaningful and relevant for today without changing the original intent and meaning. This can often be done by providing additional words for clarity, and sometimes by helping context be more applicable today.
Below are three versions of Ephesians 4:29 for our consideration:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. (NIV)
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth, but only such [speech] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear it. (Classic AMP)
Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk [ever] come out of your mouth [or from your keyboard or keypad], but only such [content] as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace (God’s favor) to those who hear [or encounter] it. (Classic AMP w/author emphasis added)
May the Spirit guide us as we guard our thoughts and speech in all forms of expression.
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