Analytical-Literal Translation Preview

Acrobat Reader eBook: 388 pages. 2,937 KB. $4.25. Order and download from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

ePUB (for iPad, Nook, etc.) eBook: 497 KB. $4.50. Order and download from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Paperback: 231 pages (8-1/2”x11”). $12.75. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

Hardback: 231 pages (8-1/2”x11”). $20.50. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

The “Regular” paperback and hardback versions of ALT3c listed above are printed on 8-1/2”x11” pages in double columns using Times New Roman 10-point font. This print size should be readable by most people with average eyesight. However, three specialty versions are available with different page and font sizes.

The first specialty version is a Personal Size Version. It is printed on 6” x 9” pages in single columns using the same font size, Times 10. Many requested this smaller page size, so I am making it available. However, due to the smaller page size, the number of pages and thus the cost of the book is greater.

Paperback: 433 pages. $14.75. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

The second specialty version is a Small Print Version. It is also printed on 6” x 9” pages in single columns but using Times 8 font. The smaller overall size of this version makes for an easier to carry and less expensive format. However, the print size is very small, only readable by those with very good vision.

Paperback: 288 pages. $11.95. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

Hardback: 288 pages. $19.75. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

The third specialty version is a Large Print Version. Like the Regular version, it is printed on 8-1/2”x11” pages in double columns, but it uses Times 14 font. This font size is one-point larger than for the Large Print Version of ALT3 of 13 point. The print is now very large and should be readable even by those with poor eyesight.

Paperback: 430 pages. $17.95. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

Hardback: 430 pages. $25.95. Order from the publisher via their website: Amazon.

Different formats and publishers might have different covers, but the content is the same in all of them.

The Kindle versions of ALT3c listed on all four Amazon pages are identical. They have just been duplicated on each page. With the Kindle you can adjust the font size to whatever your eyesight needs. The same goes for the PDF and ePUB versions available from Lulu.

The newest version of the Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament (ALT: NT) was published in September 2024 and is indicated as “Third Edition (corrected).” Look for those words on the cover and title page and “2024” on the copyright page to be sure you are looking at the most up-to-date text.

The links to Amazon are advertising links, for which I receive a commission in addition to my royalty if a product is purchased after following the link.

There were many corrections, changes, and improvements made to the ALT: NT text from the First Edition (ALT1) to the Second Edition (ALT2), from the Second Edition to the Third Edition (ALT3), and even from the Third Edition to the Third Edition (corrected) (ALT3c). As such, I would strongly recommend the Third Edition (corrected). However, if the reader wishes an older edition or editions for comparison purposes, they are still available on a limited basis.

Acrobat Reader eBook: 388 pages. 2,937 KB. $4.25. Order and download from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

I am no longer publishing hardcopy books through Lulu, as they messed their system up with their latest “upgrade.” As a result, I was unable to update the various paperback and hardback versions of ALT3 to ALT3c. Consequently, if anyone wants ALT3 (2023 version) for comparison purposes, it is still available from Lulu.

Paperback: 220 pages. $13.25. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Hardback: 220 pages. $21.50. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Paperback: 410 pages. $14.95. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Hardback: 410 pages. $22.95. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Paperback: 274 pages. $11.75. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Hardback: 274 pages. $19.75. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Paperback: 358 pages. $17.25. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Hardback: 358 pages. $26.25. Order from the publisher via their website: Lulu Publishing.

Paperback (6”x9”): 402 pages. $14.50. Order from the publisher via their website AuthorHouse or by calling toll-free: 1-888-280-7715. Also available from online bookstores like Amazon and Books-a-Million.

Hardback (6”x9”): 402 pages. $21.75. Order from the publisher via their website AuthorHouse or by calling toll-free: 1-888-280-7715. Also available from online bookstores like Amazon and Books-a-Million.

Paperback (6"x9"): 568 pages. $17.95. Order from the publisher via their website AuthorHouse or by calling toll-free: 1-888-280-7715. Also available from online bookstores like Amazon and Books-a-Million

Hardback (6"x9"): 568 pages. $22.95. Order from the publisher via their website AuthorHouse or by calling toll-free: 1-888-280-7715. Also available from online bookstores like Amazon, Books-a-Million, and Barnes and Noble.

Acrobat Reader® eBook: $5.95. Purchase and download from AuthorHouse (2697 KB).

The links to Amazon are advertising links, for which I receive a commission in addition to my royalty if a product is purchased after following the link.

The Analytical-Literal Translation of the Holy Bible (ALT) is translated by Gary F. Zeolla (www.Zeolla.org). The ALT consists of seven volumes. They are.

Volumes I to IV contain the Old Testament (OT). All 39 of these books are considered canonical by Jews and all Christian groups. The word “canon” means list of authoritative books, so canonical books are those which are included in this list. They are believed to be inspired by God and reliable for basing doctrine and practice upon. As such, all 39 of these OT books are a trustworthy guide to correct faith and practice and to spiritual enrichment.

Volume V is the Apocryphal/ Deuterocanonical (A/D) Books. These are the “extra” books found in the OTs of Roman Catholic and Eastern Orthodox Bibles as compared to Jewish Bibles and the OTs of Protestant Bibles. There is much debate over if these books are canonical or not. They were all written in the period between the end of the OT and the beginning of the New Testament (NT). They are thus included in the ALT as, inspired or not, they are worth reading and provide background to the NT.

Volume VI contains the NT. All 27 of these books are considered canonical by all Christian groups. They are thus the bedrock on which Christian doctrine and practice are built upon and provide much spiritual benefit.

Volume VII of the ALT contains the Apostolic Fathers (APF). These are the writings of Church leaders of the late first to mid-second centuries, most of whom were direct disciples of the apostles. Some of these books were seriously considered for inclusion in the canon of the NT. These are marked with an asterisk on the Table of Contents. They were ultimately rejected for the canon, but all of these APF books were popular in the early centuries of the Church. They give insight into the mindset of the early Church shortly after the apostles and provide background to the NT. As such, they are very much worth reading.

The Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament: Third Edition (corrected) (ALT3c) is dedicated to the glory of God and the spiritual growth of His people. It is translated by Gary F. Zeolla of Darkness to Light ministry (www.DTL.org).

The purpose of ALT3c is to provide a translation of the Greek New Testament that will enable the reader to come as close to the Greek text as possible without having to be proficient in Greek. And the name of ALT3c reflects this purpose.

“Literal” refers to the fact that ALT3c is a word for word translation. All words in the original text are translated—nothing is omitted. The original grammar of the text is retained as much as possible. Any words added for clarity are bracketed, so nothing is added without it being indicated as such.

“Analytical” refers to the detailed “analysis” done on the grammar of the text. The grammar is then translated in a way which brings out “nuances” of the original text that are often missed in traditional translations.

In addition, “analytical” refers to the aids that are included within the text which enable the reader to “analyze” and understand the text. Such information is bracketed. It includes the following:

3. Modern-day equivalents for measurement and monetary units and time designations.

The Greek text used for ALT3c is the second edition of the Byzantine Majority Text. The ALT is the first translation of the New Testament to utilize this newest and most accurate Greek text.

New for ALT3c are Book Introductions. These are offset at the beginning of each book and are not inspired. But they provide background to the book that it is hoped will aid comprehension of that book.

Consequently, ALT3c is the ideal Bible version for studying the Bible. No other Bible version includes all of the above features, and no other Bible version provides the accuracy and attention to detail ALT3 provides.

Edition Note

This version of the Analytical-Literal Translation of the New Testament (ALT: NT) published in 2024 is a corrected text, not a full new edition. However, a few significant changes have been made to the text, corrections have been made throughout (mostly of punctuation), plus the addition of Book Introductions is an important upgrade. As such, it could be called Edition 3.5. But for publication purposes, it was easier to just call it a corrected text, hence ALT3c.

This ALT3c will most likely be the last significant update of the ALT: NT text. If a new edition (ALT4) is ever published, the changes will most likely be minor, mainly of punctuation. It will just be labeled as a new edition to go along with new editions of the ALT: Old Testament, Apocryphal/ Deuterocanonical Books, and Apostolic Fathers.

Book Introductions

ALT3c contains Book Introductions. These are offset at the beginning of each book and are not inspired. But they provide background to the book that it is hoped will aid comprehension of that book.

Specifically, they contain the basic information that helps in understanding any historical document or news report for that matter. Namely, they answer the questions of Who? What? When? Where, and Why? In other words, who wrote the book, when it was written, and other background details.

The Introductions discuss in brief controversies in these regards (if any), and they mention what each book teaches about the nature of God.

The latter is included for two reasons. First, the Bible is the Word of God and is at its heart about God. Knowing who God is and how to enter into a relationship with Him is the most important matter of life.

Second, these summaries of the teachings about God in each book show the consistency of the Bible books in this regard. Though different books bring out different aspects of His character, there is one general viewpoint of God running throughout the Scriptures.

The information for these Introductions is gleaned from Volume Two of the translator’s three volume set, Why Are These Books in the Bible and Not Others.

Greek Text

ALT3c follows the main Byzantine text but does not express the marginal alternate readings of the published text. These indicate places where the Byzantine Greek manuscripts are closely divided. A list of these alternate readings is found in the Companion Volume to the Analytical-Literal Translation.

The Companion Volume also contains an extensive “Significant Textual Variants” list. This apparatus indicates differences between the Byzantine Majority Text ALT3 is based on and the Textus Receptus and the Critical Text, two other Greek texts often used in translation.

In addition, the Companion Volume provides background information to ALT3 and contains aids to understanding the translations seen in ALT3c.

See the Appendix for additional details on the aforementioned books and information on other books by the translator.

⁷“Now when you* pray, do not use vain repetitions [or, many meaningless words] like the Gentiles, for they suppose that they will be heard by their many words. ⁸Therefore, you* shall not be like them, for your* Father knows what [things] you* have need of before you* ask Him. ⁹Therefore, you*, be praying like this:

¹⁴“For if you* forgive the people their transgressions, your* Father, the [One] in the heavens, will also forgive you,* ¹⁵but if you* do not forgive the people their transgressions, neither will your* Father forgive your* transgressions.

In [the] beginning was the Word [fig., the Expression of [Divine] Logic], and the Word was with [fig., in communion with] God, and the Word was God [fig., was as to His essence Deity]. ²This One was in the beginning with God. ³All [things] came to be through Him, and without Him not even one thing came to be which has come to be. ⁴In Him was life, and the life was the Light of the people. ⁵And the Light shines in the darkness, and the darkness did not overpower [or, comprehend] it.

⁶There came a man having been sent from God, [the] name to him [fig., whose name] [was] John. ⁷This one came for a testimony, so that he should testify concerning the Light, so that all should believe through him. ⁸That one was not the Light, but [he came] so that he should testify concerning the Light.

⁹He was the true Light which enlightens every person coming into the world. ¹⁰He was in the world, and the world came to be through Him, and the world did not know Him. ¹¹He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. ¹²But as many as received Him, He gave to them authority to become children of God—to the ones believing [or, trusting] in His name, ¹³who were begotten, not from [or, by] bloods, nor from a will of [the] flesh, nor from [the] will of a man, but from God.

¹⁴And the Word [fig., the Expression of [Divine] Logic] became flesh and tabernacled among us, and we beheld His glory, glory as of an only-begotten [or, uniquely-begotten] from [the] Father, full of grace and truth. ¹⁵John testifies concerning Him and has cried out, saying, “This was [the Man concerning] whom I said, ‘The One coming after me before me has come to be, for He was before me.’” ¹⁶And out of His fullness we all received, even grace in place of grace [i.e., new grace for each new day]. ¹⁷For the law was given through Moses: grace and truth came to be through Jesus Christ. ¹⁸No one has seen God at any time. The only-begotten [or, unique] Son, the One in the bosom of the Father, that One explained [Him] [or, made [Him] known].

¹⁹And this is the testimony of John, when the Jews sent from Jerusalem priests and Levites, so that they should question him, “You, who are you?” ²⁰And he confessed and did not deny, and confessed, “I am not the Christ [“the Anointed One” – or, the Messiah, see Daniel 9:25,26].” ²¹And they questioned him, “What then? Are you Elijah?” [see Mal 4:5,6] And he says, “I am not.”—“Are you the Prophet?” [see Deut 18:15-18] And he answered, “No.” ²²So they said to him, “Who are you, so that we shall give an answer to the ones sending us? What do you say concerning yourself?” ²³He said, “I [am] ‘a voice shouting in the wilderness: “Make straight the way of [the] Lord,”’ just as Isaiah the prophet said.” [Isaiah 40:3, LXX]

²⁴And the ones having been sent were from the Pharisees. ²⁵And they questioned him and said to him, “Why then do you baptize [or, immerse, and throughout book], if you are not the Christ nor Elijah nor the Prophet?” ²⁶John answered them saying, “I baptize in water [or, with water, and throughout book], but He has stood in the midst of you* whom you* do not know. ²⁷He is the One coming after me, who has come to be before me, of whom I am not worthy that I untie the strap of His sandal.” ²⁸These things took place in Bethany [i.e., located in Perea], beyond the Jordan [River], where John was baptizing.

²⁹The next day he sees Jesus coming towards him and says, “Look! The Lamb of God, the One taking away the sin of the world! ³⁰This is [the Man] concerning whom I said, ‘After me comes a Man, who has come before me, because He was before me.’ ³¹And I did not know Him. However, so that He should be revealed to Israel, for this reason I came in water baptizing.”

³²And John testified, saying, “I have seen the Spirit coming down as a dove out of heaven, and He remained upon Him. ³³And I did not know Him; but the One having sent me to baptize in water, that [One] said to me, ‘Upon whomever you see the Spirit coming down and remaining upon Him, this is the One baptizing in [or, with] [the] Holy Spirit.’ ³⁴And I have seen and have testified that this is the Son of God!”

The above book preview was posted on this website in 2001.
It was last updated June 19, 2025.