The Amplified Bible is an English translation that clarifies Scripture by expanding key words and phrases using synonyms, definitions, and additional context. It was created to help readers understand the full meaning of biblical texts.
The Amplified Bible adds explanatory alternate wordings within brackets or parentheses. For example, John 3:16 reads: "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life." The Amplified version expands this to include additional meanings:
"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him [whoever adheres to, trusts in, and relies on Him] may have eternal life [and have it in abundance-continually flowing, increasing].
The Amplified Bible uses several techniques to clarify meaning:
This translation is particularly useful for:
Some mistakenly believe the Amplified Bible is a paraphrase rather than a translation. However, it maintains the original text while adding explanatory content. Unlike changing equivalency translations, it doesn't replace the original wording entirely.
Consider Psalm 23:1 in the King James Version: "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." The Amplified Bible expands this to:
"The Lord is my Shepherd [to feed, guide, and shield me], abundantly. I shall not lack [anything that is essential or desirable].
This expansion helps readers understand that "want" refers not just to desires but to essential needs being met.