Literal Translations
Prioritizes direct translation of each word from the original language, even if it results in awkward English. Excellent for study and exegesis.
Literal Standard Version (LSV) - 2020
Most literal English Bible to date; preserves Hebrew/Greek structure and names
American Standard Version (ASV) - 1901
Extremely literal, but now archaic in style. Used more recent manuscript discoveries than the KJV and aimed for greater literal accuracy. Served as the basis for several later translations.
New American Standard Bible (NASB) - 1971, Updated 1995
Revision of the ASV by the Lockman Foundation. Most literal mainstream version. 1995 update: improves readability. 2020 update: slightly more readable than 1995, still very literal. Emphasizes literal accuracy and consistency in translating original language terms.
King James Version (KJV) - 1611
Commissioned by King James I and completed by 47 scholars. Based on the Textus Receptus for the New Testament and the Masoretic Text for the Old Testament. Uses Elizabethan English and has had profound influence on English literature and culture. Literal for its time.
Young's Literal Translation (YLT) - 1862, 1898
Rigidly literal; preserves Hebrew/Greek tenses
Interlinear Bibles - Various
Display original language & English word-for-word mapping
Formal Equivalent
Maintains sentence structure and word usage close to the original languages but with better modern English grammar.
New King James Version (NKJV) - 1982
Preserves KJV style, updates archaic terms. Maintains formal equivalence while improving readability.
English Standard Version (ESV) - 2001
Blends literal approach with readable English. Revision of the RSV with conservative theological perspective. Developed by evangelical scholars and gained significant popularity in Reformed churches.
Revised Standard Version (RSV) - 1952
Revision of the ASV incorporating manuscript discoveries like the Dead Sea Scrolls. Predecessor to ESV and NRSV; fairly literal. Maintained formal equivalence while updating language. Accepted by many mainline denominations.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV) - 1989
Revision of the RSV with inclusive language for humanity. Incorporates latest biblical scholarship and manuscript evidence. Widely used in academic settings and mainline Protestant churches.
Modern English Version (MEV) - 2014
Formal equivalence translation using the Textus Receptus, NKJV-style, but in modern English. Readable, still fairly literal. Aims to bridge traditional and contemporary approaches.
Balanced (Optimal Equivalence / Mediating
Seeks a balance between accuracy and readability, combining formal and dynamic approaches.
Christian Standard Bible (CSB) - 2017
Optimal equivalence: combines accuracy with clarity
Holman Christian Standard Bible (HCSB) - 2004
Predecessor to CSB; slightly more formal. Developed by LifeWay Christian Resources with "optimal equivalence" philosophy, balancing literal accuracy with clear communication.
New International Version (NIV) - 1978/1984/2011
Most popular modern translation, readable and accurate. Created by an international team of evangelical scholars. Balances accuracy with readability, using dynamic equivalence principles.
New English Translation (NET) - 2005/2019
Rich footnotes (60,000+), balances form and function. Created by biblical scholars with full text available online. Emphasizes transparency in translation decisions.
Common English Bible (CEB) - 2011
Accessible, ecumenical, mid-range translation. Interdenominational translation project involving scholars from various Christian traditions. Aims for inclusive language and accessibility while maintaining scholarly rigor.
Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)
Focuses on conveying the meaning of each phrase or sentence, even if it means rephrasing more freely. Prioritises conveying the meaning and impact of the original text in natural contemporary English, while also trying to stay close to the original language structure.
New Living Translation (NLT) - 1996/2004, updated 2015
Based on original texts; very readable. Revision of the Living Bible paraphrase, but created as a translation from original languages. Emphasizes clear, natural English that conveys the meaning of the original text.
Good News Translation (GNT/TEV) - 1966/1976
Also known as Today's English Version. Easy English; emphasizes simplicity. Developed by the American Bible Society with focus on clarity and natural English. Uses common vocabulary and simple sentence structure.
Contemporary English Version (CEV) - 1995
Designed for public reading and children. American Bible Society translation emphasizing natural speech patterns and accessibility. Designed to be easily understood when read aloud, making it popular for worship.
Revised English Bible (REB) - 1989
British English; dynamic but literary
Jerusalem Bible (JB) - 1966
Roman Catholic; rich literary style. Contains Old Testament Apocrypha
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) - 1985
Update of JB; more inclusive language
New International Reader's Version (NIrV) - 1998
Simplified version of the NIV designed for children and English language learners. Uses shorter sentences and common vocabulary while maintaining the NIV's translation philosophy.
International Standard Version (ISV) - 2011
Modern translation emphasizing contemporary English while maintaining fidelity to original languages. Notable for its treatment of the divine name (Yahweh) in the Old Testament.
New Century Version (NCV) - 1987
Originally developed as the International Children's Bible, then expanded for general use. Uses simple vocabulary and sentence structure while maintaining accuracy.
Paraphrase
Not a traditional translation, rewords Scripture in very modern, interpretive, and idiomatic language. Not ideal for study, but good for devotional reading. Focuses on conveying the meaning of each phrase or sentence, even if it means rephrasing more freely. Prioritises conveying the meaning and impact of the original text in natural contemporary English.
The Message - 1993-2002
Contemporary paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. Uses modern idioms, slang, and cultural references to convey biblical concepts. Popular for devotional reading and connecting with younger audiences.
The Living Bible (TLB) - 1971
Paraphrase by Kenneth Taylor, originally created to help his children understand Bible stories. Extremely popular in the 1970s and 1980s. Uses very contemporary language and explanatory additions.
JB Phillips New Testament (Phillips)) - 1958/1960's
Paraphrased NT in British idiom
Amplified Bible (AMP) - 1965/1987/2015
Expands multiple meanings of Greek/Hebrew words
The Voice - 2012
Paraphrase that adds explanatory material and context to help modern readers understand the cultural and historical background of biblical texts. Emphasizes narrative and poetic elements, often expands for clarity. Uses contemporary language and formatting.
The Clear Word - 1994
Paraphrase by Jack Blanco, originally for Seventh-day Adventist audiences. Incorporates denominational interpretations and explanatory additions throughout the text.
The Passion Translation (TPT) - 2017-ongoing
Paraphrase by Brian Simmons emphasizing the emotional and passionate aspects of Scripture. Highly interpretive; not based on full original-language scholarship. Controversial among scholars and critical users for its interpretive liberties and theological emphasis.
Specialised and Historical Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible - 1609-1610
Catholic translation from the Latin Vulgate. Primary English Bible for Catholics until the mid-20th century.
Anchor Bible - 1964-2008
Multi-volume scholarly translation with extensive commentary. Each book translated by different scholars.
Amplified Bible (AMP) - 1965, Updated 2015
Includes amplifications and alternative meanings in brackets and parentheses to bring out nuances.
New American Bible (NAB) - 1970, Revised 2011
Official Catholic translation in the United States. Used in the Catholic liturgy.
Jewish Publication Society Tanakh (JPS) - 1985
Modern Jewish translation of the Hebrew Bible. Reflects Jewish interpretive traditions and scholarship.
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB) - 1985
Catholic translation based on the French Jerusalem Bible. Scholarly approach with extensive footnotes.
Complete Jewish Bible (CJB) - 1998
Translation by David Stern aimed at Jewish and Messianic Jewish audiences. Retains Hebrew names and concepts.
Expanded Bible (EXB) - 2011
Shows alternative translations and explanations in brackets within the text to help readers understand translation choices.
Tree of Life Version (TLV) - 2015
Messianic Jewish translation emphasizing Hebrew roots of Christianity. Retains Hebrew names and concepts.
Evangelical Heritage Version (EHV) - 2019
Lutheran translation emphasizing the heritage of the Reformation. Reflects Lutheran theological perspectives.
