This translation needs to be a staple in every Christian’s collection of Bibles, or at least in our rotations of various translations. A decade ago, I would only read NIV; I didn’t understand that different translations are attempting to do different things with the text. Some translations aim to be as faithful to the original text as possible and will sacrifice grammar and/or readability to do so, while others will translate to make the text as accessible as possible. Another of my held beliefs is that different cultures and ethnicities highlight different parts of God’s character. With that said, here are just a few of the reasons I love this translation:

1. The First Nations Version highlights the creation part of the Creator and of Scripture. The language is rich and unique. Many of the words we take for granted while reading the Bible get prescribed deeper meaning. For example, what is typically translated “wicked,” is translated to “bad-hearted.” Or, the Tribe or Israel being named, “the tribes of Wrestles with Creator.”

2. Reading Scripture is always a cross-cultural experience and this translation brings this to the surface. Each word is a reminder that we are reading an ancient text, but this translation does so in a way that is still easy to engage with. Every word is chosen thoughtfully and intentionally to honor the original authors, Indigenous people, and readers everywhere.

3. This translation is fresh! It takes familiar Scriptures and helps them to feel new. I’ll admit, on occasion, I zone out while reading my Bible because my brain goes, “oh, we know this one.” Reading the First Nations Version allows me to engage with renewed energy and perspectives.

I hope that this translation makes it onto as many shelves as possible so that more people can be blessed.

Thank you NetGalley, author Terry M. Wildman, and the First Nations Version Translation Council for the opportunity to read this ARC.

I am not indigenous. I grew up in a mainline Protestant denomination as a Pastor's Kid with little exposure to different religious traditions. While I lived near an indigenous community for a few years as a child, I did not know it well or have an understanding of the values and faith of the indigenous. The First Nations Version has been helpful in enabling me to hear Scripture in a new way and providing a more in depth picture of how we relate to God through creation and tradition.

In the past twenty years, many Bible translations have been developed. Most translations might change a word or phrase, but still sound similar. The First Nations Version is similar to the Message translation in that it describes Scripture in a more modern way that is closer to how we would converse and pass down stories. However, it's important to note that the First Nations Version is still verse by verse, as opposed to a paraphrase. I find that to be more helpful for referencing and comparing with other translations.

I hope that as more and more parts of the First Nations Version become available, it will become even more widely read, referenced, and utilized in devotional time and worship. I believe that it is beneficial for all people to be illumined by the wisdom of indigenous traditions. This translation remains faithful to the original meaning and intent of Scripture while also bringing a new perspective that has been missing within English translations.

Thank you InterVarsity Press and NetGalley for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I was thrilled to see that there was a FNV of Psalms and Proverbs! I’ve really enjoyed the NT that I have, though I haven’t fully read the NT yet.

The Introduction give useful explanations for reasoning of terms used, why the names are the way they are, and then the back holds a glossary that explains the words used and why. For example, “bad hearts and wicked ways” replaces “sin”; “harmony” replaces “peace”; “sacred treaty” replaces “covenant.”

There’s so much to love about this translation but my top two reasons are:

1. How it brings a new perspective to Scripture by bringing it closer to “home” in North America. I still have so much to learn about various indigenous cultures in Canada and the US, but there are shared experiences by being on the same land that are pointed out in this translation. Metaphors like “their coyote ways” connect with me immediately, or “cleanse me with sage” is easier for me to understand than “hyssop.” There are metaphors used that connect more quickly to my life experience like “be my lodge pole, one I can always depend to hold me up” vs “be my rock and refuge” (Ps 71:3).

2. How it brings me closer in understanding to a First Nations worldview and culture, and giving me some common language that could be shared with my indigenous brothers and sisters in Christ.

Thank you so much to the translators and everyone who has worked on this for giving us this treasure.

As I have read through the First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs, I have repeatedly found myself messaging a couple friends about the translation choices: one is an Old Testament scholar with a focus on Psalms and the other is in ministry, less than a year away from completing his MDiv and ordination. Message after message commenting on how I've been struck by the translation choices, the naming conventions, and how those decisions by the translation team have forced me to look at the text with fresh eyes, "shining-greatness" for "glory" being one of my favourites. Both friends have commended the excerpts I've shared and the choices made. It's been a pleasure to read this version of the Psalter and Proverbs and I will continue to recommend it to friends and family.

Reading the Bible is a cross-cultural exercise, but this fact is easily forgotten when I read translations done by committees of people who predominately look and think like me. The First Nations Version of the Psalms and Proverbs (like the New Testament before it) is a beautiful reminder of the distance between the reader and the text, since it translates Scripture in a way that has a unique perspective. Since ancient Israel was a tribal culture, this translation seems to bring a closer connection to the world of the text. I am not an indigenous person so I am not the best to speak to its value. But I have already used this translation in worship and it has been deeply appreciated by our First Nations members.

A couple small translation elements to highlight: I loved the translation of the obscure term 'selah' with 'honor beat the drum.' This interpretation gave new weight and meaning to a term I've often just ignored. On the other hand, I didn't love the use of 'Grandfather' for the name of God (YHWH). The divine name is notoriously difficult to translate, and while they make a good case for the value of the term in many indigenous cultures, I would have preferred a term that was non-gendered and was a name rather than a title.

I highly recommend this translation for anyone who loves the Psalms and would appreciate the fresh perspective this provides.

An absolutely STUNNING & culturally sensitive translation of the Psalms and Proverbs. Artfully and thoughtfully translated to *feel* the way an indigenous translation would have been told orally.

The prologue/intro was gripping. I had no idea 90% of indigenous people did not speak their language of heritage, or that over 250 unique languages had been wiped out of North America through forced cultural assimilation. This devastated me to learn and gave me DEEP respect for the cohort of translators from dozens of native tribes who dedicated their time and energy to this meaningful project.

Thank you for the ARC.

There is a lot of history that we do not know of. This is a beautiful translation for the First Nation people in North America. Canada as well. Calling God, "Grandfather" is a beautiful touch. Brother Kindness, Sister Faithfulness, the words just flow. The first part deals with the five books of Psalms. The second part deals with the book of Proverbs. Shared by Grandfather and Grandmother Wisdom. Enjoy this book, as I did.

i absolutely love this translation. reading it side by side my usual one gives me a deeper understanding of the verses, and a greater mental picture. it feels so simple and straightforward, yet deep and heartfelt. i’d definitely recommend!

Great contextualization and translation of these Old Testament writings

(I received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review)

I have used the First Nations version of the New Testament and I am so thrilled that this group has also created this version of Psalms and Proverbs, I found the translations very fresh and moving. It felt like a new way to hear the psalms and I really appreciate that.
I will highly recommend this version to readers who want a new way to hear the words of scripture.

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this ARC!

I love this First Nations version of Psalms and Proverbs. I find it a great complement to other versions of the Bible. This version gives nuance and insight to verses that are not seen in other translations. I received an Advanced Reader copy via NetGalley and I look forward to receiving the copy that I will be pre-ordering.

I loved this version of the psalms and proverbs. The language which evokes the language of the indigenous people of North America was lovely and the way these beautiful and rich oral traditions were able to come through in the words of scripture was so fantastic. I immediately ordered the New testament in the same "translation" and it is even better in my opinion. I hope that in the next few years the rest of the bible will be released in this translation and it will help churches to engage better with the indigenous people the live with.

I received an advanced copy of this book from Netgalley. Opinions are my own.

A beautiful addition to the First Nations translation! I am thoroughly enjoying this and look forward to reading a new translation anytime I am reflecting on a Psalm. I appreciate the translation providing the context as to why they use certain words and the background on the reasons why. This is a beautiful translation and the vernacular is so important. I look forward to seeing more First Nations translations of the Bible!

I was introduced to the First Nations Version a few years ago, and have enjoyed it so much! I was so happy to see this Psalms and Proverbs book, and enjoyed reading some of my favorite Psalms through a new lens. I highly recommend this version and think it's a great way for anyone to read scirpture in a way that can bring new things to light!

I was so excited to see that I can add this to my First Nations New Testament. The translation is beautiful and thought provoking, and I’m delighted it exists. I can’t wait to get a paper copy.

Terry Wildman is the Chief of Rain Ministries as well as a musical artist who has been nominated for several Grammy Awards. As the project manager of the First Nations Version Translation Council, he (and his team) have brought the Native American's love of storytelling to the Scriptures. This particular portion of Scripture, "First Nations Version Psalms and Proverbs: An Indigenous Bible Translation", brings to life some of the most well-known Bible passages. Take Proverbs 3:5-6 for example: "From the strength of your heart, put all your trust in Grandfather, and do not hold yourself up with weak human thinking. As you walk the road of life, make every step a prayer. Grandfather will then make your eyes straight and your paths safe."

I found it very interesting to read another translation of some of my favorite Bible verses, and think it's wonderful that there is now a Native American version of Scripture! Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. All opinions are my own.

Before I begin, I want to thank the NetGalley and the publisher for this eARC copy!

I fell in love with the New Testament First Nations Version after reading last year at the recommendation of several friends at my church. This translation brings such an important perspective that often gets missed in American culture. The scholarship involved in bringing this translation to life really shows. I cannot wait for a full bible translation!