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The focus of this Modern Evangelical Version (MEV) of the New Testament is to make it readable (versus older English translations like the KJV) and understandable to modern readers who may have no background in Hebrew or Greek. It answers the type of questions that today’s young folk frequently ask, such as the use of gender-inclusive nouns. Did the original New Testament writer mean both women and men when "people" is used in the text? Also, did the Apostle John mean “we” or “you” when he wrote the introduction of his letter to church leaders? This information is consistently addressed in notes at the end of each chapter.
Bible teachers will appreciate that Helm has kept the scholarly headings which identify and separate lengthy chapter text into paragraphs. The MEV also points out information missing from early documents. For example, some manuscripts of John’s gospel did not contain the story of the woman taken in sin. Because verses 7:53 through 8:11 are part of accepted church cannon, Helm faithfully included their content in an appendix following the last chapter of John.
Helm is the sole translator of the MEV New Testament. Demonstrating deep knowledge of the subject, he adds footnotes within the text to explain other references. These include historical and Old Testament references along with translated Hebrew words such as Melchizedek, meaning “King of Righteousness.” Features in the gospel texts not offered in this version are the red-letter words of Jesus. Neither does Helm indent words spoken by Jesus, although he does so for prophetic text and sayings in the epistles. A built-in study guide is not typically found in stand-alone New Testaments. However, this special feature makes the MEV a great choice for group leaders to use to evangelize and for any reader who wishes to take notes.
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