In 16th-century Spain, the Reina Valera 1569 (RVA 1569) marked the beginning of a significant era in Bible translations, undertaken by Cipriano de Valera and Casiodoro de Reina. This initial translation laid the groundwork for subsequent revisions, including the Reina Valera 1865 (RVA 1865) and Reina Valera 1909 (RVA 1909). However, it was the Reina Valera 1960 that emerged as a groundbreaking translation, aimed at providing a more literal and accurate representation of the original text.
It loses half a star only because the specific theological views in the notes may not align with all denominations (e.g., Reformed or Catholic readers), and the archaic language of 1960 can be a barrier for total newcomers. However, for the target audience of evangelical believers, it is a highly recommended resource.
: Jesus establishes himself as the exclusive "door" or access point to God. reina valera 1960 amen amen
Why? Because the RV1960 was born in a fever of literal precision. Its architects—the Bible societies of the mid-20th century—wanted a Bible that a rural preacher in Oaxaca and a theology professor in Madrid could trust word-for-word. When Paul closed Romans with "Amen" (Romans 16:27), the Greek manuscripts often had a single. But some of the best Byzantine texts—the ones the RV1960 favored—included a double in certain doxologies. The translators made a choice: if two Amens were good enough for the original manuscripts, they were good enough for God’s people.
In the , the original Greek double amen is translated as "De cierto, de cierto os digo" (Verily, verily, I say unto you). In 16th-century Spain, the Reina Valera 1569 (RVA
This is why, in many traditional Hispanic Pentecostal and Evangelical services, the preacher will say, "Y todos dijeron…" ("And all said…") and the congregation roars back, Not one. Two. The first for the word they just heard. The second for the word they are about to live.
To understand the double Amen, you have to forget English for a moment. In Hebrew, 'amen shares its root with 'emunah —faith. To say "Amen" is not merely to agree; it is to declare, "I will act on this." It is a legal and covenantal word. It loses half a star only because the
But here’s the secret the RV1960 knew: translation is not just about age; it’s about weight . The double Amen preserves something the critical texts erase—the liturgical heartbeat of the early church. When the first Christians gathered in catacombs and house churches, they didn’t whisper "Amen." They shouted it twice, as a call and response. The RV1960 kept that echo.
After a thorough analysis of previous translations and a review of the latest linguistic research, a team of scholars embarked on the ambitious task of crafting the Reina Valera 1960. Led by Dr. Santiago Eguidazu, the team consulted an array of manuscripts, including medieval and modern versions, to ensure an accurate representation of the original text. This meticulous approach enabled the translators to create a faithful rendition of the Bible, free from dogmatic influence and bias.
: Saying it twice serves as a "divine superlative," signaling that what follows is an essential, unshakeable spiritual law. 2. Key "Amen, Amen" Passages in the RV1960
The Reina Valera 1960 (RVR1960) is the "Gold Standard" of Spanish Bibles, akin to the King James Version (KJV) in the English-speaking world. It is the most widely read and accepted translation among Spanish-speaking Protestants, Evangelicals, and Pentecostals.