The MJLT is built on the word-for-word translation framework of the YLT by 19th century Scottish linguist Robert Young, LL.D. Young sought to faithfully preserve word order, idioms, tense, and other figures of speech in order to transport the reader back into the time and mindset of the ancient writer. He saw the necessity of a literal translation as being tied to the work of responsible translating: that is, the preservation and recommunication of only the original sense and meaning of the text. He considered any other mode of translation as needing to impose interpretation upon the text, thereby straying from the author’s original message, and thus exceeding the essential work of the translator.

The MJLT’s updating, editing and revising of the YLT is the work of Messianic Jewish teacher Kevin Geoffrey. Kevin is best known as an author, having published seven books to date, including the Messianic Daily Devotional, The Messianic Life: Being a Disciple of Messiah, and Bearing the Standard: A Rallying Cry to Uphold the Scriptures. Born out of a desperation to provide his children with a Bible that would not only nurture their growing Messianic Jewish faith, but also be an utterly reliable, trustworthy and to-the-letter accurate translation of the Scriptures, the MJLT is the result of Kevin’s meticulous, Scripturally sound reworking of the 19th century YLT in a way that is compatible with and supportive of the language, understanding and identity of being a Messianic Jew.