The Message (MSG): A Contemporary Paraphrase

The Message (MSG): A Contemporary Paraphrase

The Message (MSG), created by Eugene Peterson and released in segments between 1993 and 2002, is one of the most popular modern paraphrases of the Bible. Peterson, a pastor and scholar in biblical languages, wrote it with the intent of making Scripture vivid and accessible in everyday conversational English. Rather than a word-for-word or thought-for-thought translation, The Message aims to capture the “tone and rhythm” of the original text in a way that resonates with modern readers.

Translation Philosophy

Unlike formal translations such as the ESV or NASB, or dynamic equivalents like the NLT, The Message is a paraphrase. Peterson worked from the original Hebrew and Greek, but he rewrote verses extensively to sound like how people might speak in contemporary conversation. His goal was not precision, but freshness — allowing readers to “hear the Bible again for the first time.”

Strengths

• Accessibility: Written in everyday language, The Message makes the Bible approachable for those unfamiliar with Scripture.

• Immediacy: The paraphrase captures emotion, imagery, and flow in ways that sometimes hit with clarity where literal translations may feel stiff.

• Devotional Use: Many find it helpful for private reading, meditation, or as a supplement to more literal translations.

Weaknesses

• Not Precise: Because it prioritizes readability, The Message often sacrifices accuracy. Key theological terms are sometimes replaced with more casual or interpretive wording.

• Interpretive Additions: Peterson occasionally inserts commentary-like phrases into the text, which risks blurring the line between Scripture and interpretation.

• Not Suitable for Study: Scholars and pastors widely agree that The Message should never be used for detailed study, doctrinal teaching, or preaching as a primary text.

Reception and Influence

The Message has been both celebrated and criticized. Many readers appreciate its freshness, saying it helps them hear familiar passages in new ways. At the same time, biblical scholars caution against relying on it as a translation. Peterson himself admitted that it is a paraphrase for devotional reading, not a substitute for serious study of Scripture.

Conclusion

The Message is best understood as a companion to the Bible, not a replacement for it. It can refresh devotional reading and capture the spirit of a passage, but it is not a precise rendering of the biblical text. Used alongside faithful translations, it may be helpful. Used alone, it risks turning interpretation into the text itself.