Who Is This For?
Best For:
Byzantine text advocates, Greek students, those wanting NT based on majority of manuscripts.
Not Ideal For:
Those wanting complete Bible, critical text preferences, general Bible reading.
Strengths & Limitations
✓ Strengths of the EMTV
- Majority Text readings
- Clear modern English
- Greek study editions available
- Freely shareable
- Consistent translation approach
✗ Limitations to Consider
- New Testament only
- Single translator
- Byzantine text not universally accepted
- Limited availability
Overview
The English Majority Text Version is a New Testament translation by Paul W. Esposito based on the Byzantine Majority Text. The translation draws from the Robinson-Pierpont and Hodges-Farstad editions, representing the reading found in the majority of surviving Greek manuscripts.
Want to read the EMTV Bible online? Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, or start reading from Genesis.
Notable Features of the EMTV
- Byzantine/Majority Text basis
- New Testament only
- Greek study notes available
- Creative Commons license
- Single-column verse format
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the English Majority Text Version?
The English Majority Text Version is a New Testament translation by Paul W. Esposito based on the Byzantine Majority Text. The translation draws from the Robinson-Pierpont and Hodges-Farstad editions, representing the reading found in the majority of surviving Greek manuscripts.
How can I read the EMTV Bible online?
You can read and search the English Majority Text Version online for free at Acts1 Family. Use our Bible search tool to find any verse, chapter, or keyword in the EMTV translation.
When was the EMTV Bible published?
The English Majority Text Version was first published in 2009. It is classified as a Formal Equivalence translation with a 10th Grade reading level.
Who should use the EMTV Bible?
Byzantine text advocates, Greek students, those wanting NT based on majority of manuscripts.
How does the EMTV compare to other Bible translations?
The English Majority Text Version (EMTV) is a Formal Equivalence translation. Compare it with other versions like the KJV, ASV, or NIV using our Bible comparison tools to find the best translation for your needs.
Read the EMTV Online
Search any verse, compare with other translations, or start reading from Genesis.
Start ReadingHistory
Complete History of the EMTV Translation
The English Majority Text Version began as a revision of translations based on the Hodges & Farstad 'Greek New Testament According to the Majority Text.' Through many revisions, it incorporated the Robinson-Pierpont Byzantine text (2005 edition) and readings from Wilbur Pickering's research.
Paul W. Esposito, president of Stauros Ministries in Cocoa, Florida, translated and continues to refine the EMTV. Multiple editions have been released, including annotated Greek study editions. The translation is available under a Creative Commons license, making it freely shareable for non-commercial purposes.
Translators
Meet the 1 Key Translators and Contributors
Paul W. Esposito
Translator
President of Stauros Ministries based in Cocoa, Florida. He has devoted years to translating the Byzantine Majority Text into English.
Textual Basis
Manuscript Sources and Translation Methodology
Based on the Byzantine Majority Text, primarily following the Robinson-Pierpont edition with reference to Hodges-Farstad and Pickering's work.
Reception
Scholarly Praise
"The EMTV follows the conviction that a New Testament reconstructed from the majority of Greek manuscripts will be the closest representation of the original autographs."
— eBible.org, English Majority Text Version Introduction (2024) [source]
Scholarly Concerns
Most textual scholars do not accept the premise that numerical majority of manuscripts equals originality, noting that Byzantine manuscripts are generally later copies.
— Textual Critics, Majority Text Methodology (2024) [source]
Revision History
View 3 Major Revisions and Updates
- 2009 Major edition with Greek explanatory notes.
- 2011 Third edition release.
- 2014 Current copyright edition.
Compare Translations
See how the EMTV compares to other English Bible translations.
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