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Bible Translations

There are more than a hundred complete translations of the Bible in the English language. Are some better than others? Are some more suited for study or reading?

The goal of Bible reading and study is know God more fully and walk with Jesus more closely. Keep this noble objective front of mind as we look at some of the more popular versions of the Bible according to the translation approach taken.

Word-for-Word Approach

This approach attempts to adhere accurately to the words and structure of the original language without sacrificing clarity.

This approach is ideal for studying the Bible.

(Listed in terms of how closely they adhere to this approach.)

  • Interlinear

    A study tool that maps English words to the Bible’s original languages.

  • NASB

    New American Standard Bible

  • AMP

    The Amplified Bible

  • RSV

    Revised Standard Version

  • ESV

    English Standard Version

  • KJV

    King James Version

  • NKJV

    New King James Version

Thought-for-Thought Approach

This approach attempts to prioritise clarity of the meaning of the original languages without sacrificing accuracy.

This approach is ideal for reading the Bible.

(Listed in terms of how closely they adhere to this approach.)

  • CSB

    Christian Standard Bible

  • NJB

    New Jerusalem Bible

  • NIV

    New International Version

  • NCV

    New Century Version

  • NLT

    New Living Translation

Paraphrase Approach

This approach attempts to tell the reader what a Bible passage means. It’s a retelling that fits a particular theological perspective.

This approach may be helpful for reading the Bible.

(Listed in terms of how closely they adhere to this approach.)

  • NIRV

    New International Reader’s Version

  • GNT

    Good News Translation (also Good News Bible)

  • CEV

    Contemporary English Version

  • TLB

    The Living Bible

  • MSG

    The Message Bible

FAQs

One’s preferred version of the Bible is often a very personal choice. Perhaps you grew up with the GNT in your home. Or maybe, when you came to faith in Jesus, your first Bible was a NIV. For many, our version of the Bible is often intertwined with our walk with Jesus. For this reason, any advice that seemingly downplays our favourite version is hard to hear.

The answers to the questions below are simply my opinion. I mean no offence and you’re most welcome to disagree with me. The goal of Bible reading and study is to know God more fully and walk with Jesus more closely. If your version of the Bible is helping you achieve this objective, then it’s the correct one for you.

  • The Word-for-word Approach is ideal for studying the Bible while the Thought-for-thought Approach is ideal for reading the Bible. Using a Bible from each of these two approaches will provide a rich and comprehensive experience of the Scriptures.

    The Paraphrase Approach can be helpful for reading the Bible. It can offer a fresh take on passages you feel overly familiar with. However, a paraphrase is not a translation. Consider it more a commentary on the Bible from the perspective of its writer(s), one flavoured by their theology and interpretation. If you enjoy a paraphrase version, I recommend using the NASB or RSV in conjunction with it.