honoring context

The first few times I encountered 'The Message' Bible translation by Eugene Peterson, I liked it and wanted to read more. Later on, I went off it because it introduces modern elements that don't fit. To drive home the meaning, he tears the text away from its original context. 

I like the New Living Translation. It does what 'The Message' is trying to do but maintains the connection to the original context. So, it's quite different from say, the NIV, but in a good way. 

I think the NET Bible also does this very well because it uses words that are distinctively modern to describe things, without changing the essential meaning. So, it gives the text a new kick and immediacy - it speaks your language, while still being the Bible that speaks.