We’re pleased to announce the addition of the GOD’S WORD Translation (GW) to Bible Gateway’s library of online Bibles! GOD’S WORD Translation is translated directly from the Hebrew, Greek, and Aramaic, and combines scholarly fidelity with natural, readable English.

One major trait that distinguishes GOD’S WORD Translation from other Bibles is its translation philosophy of “closest natural equivalence,” which maintains a balance between “formal equivalence” and “functional equivalence” translations. Closest natural equivalence expresses the ancient texts with equivalent language in modern English, preserving the impact the text had on its original audience. You can read more about the philosophy behind the GOD’S WORD Translation at www.godswordtranslation.org.

Whichever Bible version you typically use for your Bible reading, it’s worth taking a look at the GOD’S WORD Translation to see what it does differently. Here’s how it presents John 3:16. We think you’ll find it an excellent addition to the Bible Gateway library!