What is the Tree of Life Version (TLV)?

The Tree of Life Version (TLV) is a modern English Bible translation that emphasizes the Jewish roots of the Christian faith. It was first published in 2014 by the Tree of Life Bible Society, a group of Messianic Jewish and Christian scholars, pastors, and linguists. The translation was initiated by the Messianic Jewish Family Bible Project, with the goal of producing a Bible that reflects the original Jewish context of Scripture while remaining faithful to the gospel of Jesus the Messiah. The Tree of Life Version seeks to bridge the gap between Jewish and Christian readers by restoring the Hebraic character of the biblical text.

Tree of Life Version – Translation Method
The translation method of the Tree of Life Version is a blend of formal equivalence (word-for-word) and dynamic equivalence (thought-for-thought), with a strong emphasis on preserving the Jewish cultural and linguistic context. The Tree of Life Version uses Hebrew names and terms—such as Yeshua for Jesus, Torah for Law, and shalom for peace—to help readers connect with the original setting of the Bible. The translators aimed to maintain theological accuracy while also making the text readable and accessible to modern audiences. The Tree of Life Version was translated directly from the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts.

Tree of Life Version – Pros and Cons
One of the strengths of the Tree of Life Version is its restoration of the Jewish context of Scripture, which can deepen a reader’s understanding of the Bible’s continuity from Genesis to Revelation. It is especially appreciated by Messianic Jewish communities and Christians who want to explore the Jewish heritage of their faith. The use of Hebrew names and terms can enrich Bible study and highlight the unity of the Old and New Testaments. However, this same feature may be challenging for readers unfamiliar with Jewish terminology. Additionally, while the Tree of Life Version is accurate, it is not as widely used or recognized as other mainstream translations, and this may limit its use in group settings and churches.

Tree of Life Version – Sample verses
John 1:1, 14 – “In the beginning was the Word. The Word was with God, and the Word was God....And the Word became flesh and tabernacled among us. We looked upon His glory—the glory of the one and only from the Father, full of grace and truth.”

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

John 8:58 – “Yeshua answered, ‘Amen, amen I tell you, before Abraham was, I am.’”

Ephesians 2:8–9 – “For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not from yourselves—it is the gift of God. It is not based on deeds, so that no one may boast.”

Titus 2:13 – “We wait for the blessed hope and appearance of the glory of our great God and Savior, Messiah Yeshua.”