The Passion Translation (TPT): A One-Man Paraphrase Masquerading as Scripture

The Passion Translation (TPT): A One-Man Paraphrase Masquerading as Scripture

The Passion Translation (TPT), produced by Brian Simmons and first released in 2017, markets itself as a “fresh, Spirit-led translation” of Scripture. In reality, it is not a translation at all. Unlike genuine translations, which are produced by committees of trained scholars working with the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts, the TPT is a one-man paraphrase shaped by Simmons’ charismatic theology and his claim of receiving supernatural guidance. This approach has resulted in an expansive and imaginative rewriting of the Bible that strays far from the text God actually inspired.

Doctrinal Bias and Distortions

The greatest danger of the TPT lies in its theological agenda. Rather than faithfully rendering the original text, Simmons imports his own ideas, often adding words and phrases not found in the manuscripts:

• Psalm 23:1 — TPT: “The Lord is my best friend and my shepherd.” The Hebrew text simply reads: “The LORD is my shepherd.” “Best friend” is an emotional addition, injecting sentimentality rather than accuracy.

• Galatians 6:6 — Where Paul commands believers to share “all good things” with their teachers, the TPT appends prosperity-gospel language, turning it into a proof text about financially “sowing into” leaders — something completely absent from the original.

• John 15:2 — Scripture says the Father “cuts off” branches that bear no fruit. TPT expands this into: “He lifts up the fruitless branches and prunes them so they will flourish.” Simmons softens the judgment and changes the imagery, reshaping the meaning according to his theology.

Across the TPT, hundreds of additional words and expansions distort the Bible into Simmons’ charismatic vision. This is not translation but commentary disguised as Scripture.

Reception and Influence

The Passion Translation has gained traction in certain charismatic and worship movements, briefly endorsed by false teachers such as Bill Johnson and Lou Engle. Its poetic style and emotional tone make it appealing in devotional settings. However, respected biblical scholars have strongly denounced it. Gordon Fee called it “outrageous,” and Andrew Shead declared it “dangerous,” noting that it rewrites God’s Word in ways that no responsible translator would ever permit.

Conclusion

The Passion Translation should not be treated as Scripture. At best, it is a devotional paraphrase; at worst, it is a distorted rewriting of God’s Word. By claiming the authority of a translation while reshaping the Bible around one man’s imagination, the TPT misleads readers and risks creating a new canon disconnected from the truth. Christians should approach it with caution — or better, avoid it altogether — and rely instead on faithful translations rooted in the actual words God inspired.