An expert in English literature, Leland Ryken is in a unique position to understand the issues at the center of the debate surrounding essentially literal Bible translation and dynamic equivalence.

In this short book, adapted from Ryken's The Word of God in English, he examines the translation principles that make for reliable English Bible translation, looks at common translation fallacies, and offers principles for solid translation. Asserting that Bible translation should be essentially literal, he puts forward a standard by which Christians can evaluate and compare contemporary Bible translations. Through this evaluation, Ryken helps the Bible reader understand how different translation principles affect the various translations' interpretation of God's Word.