You\u2019re not alone \u2014 Bible decision fatigue is real. In fact, it\u2019s not uncommon for shoppers to leave stores empty handed rather than risk buying the \u201cwrong\u201d Bible version.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the good news: with very few exceptions, there is no \u201cwrong\u201d version of the Good News. But depending on what you\u2019re looking for, there are better or worse places for you to start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
This guide will help you sort through the major Bible versions available today and make a choice that suits your personal circumstances. You\u2019ll also learn a bit about the different translation types, or philosophies, and a crash course in their histories. When you\u2019re done, you\u2019ll have no trouble telling your NIV from your ESV, your NRSVUE from your NABRE, and your KJV from your NKJV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Why Are There So Many Bible Versions?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Why are there so many Bible versions, anyway? How different can they really be?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019ve ever compared a few translations side by side, you know the answer: they can differ greatly. Sometimes it\u2019s hard to believe both passages come from the same source text! <\/p>\n\n\n\n The books of the Bible<\/a> were written over hundreds of years in various locations around the Mediterranean Sea and the Middle East. Most of the Old Testament was written in Hebrew (with a few passages in Aramaic) centuries before the birth of Jesus, while the latest books in the New Testament were written in Greek decades after his death and resurrection. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Needless to say, a lot has changed in the world since then. Rendering words written thousands of years ago<\/a> and thousands of miles away \u2014 in very different languages and contexts than our own \u2014 intelligible to a modern English reader is an enormous challenge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are a lot of good reasons for the variety of different ways an original passage from the Bible can be translated. Here are just a few of them:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Words in one language seldom have exact matches in other languages. There are often shades of meaning<\/a> lost in translation \u2014 all the more so when separated by thousands of years. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Common examples include the Hebrew word ruach<\/em> \u2014 which can be translated either \u201cbreath\u201d or \u201cwind\u201d \u2014 and of course the Greek logos<\/em>, which can variously mean \u201cword,\u201d \u201creason,\u201d \u201cthought,\u201d or \u201cspeech.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n Unlike modern English, most ancient languages have little to no punctuation to clarify where one phrase or sentence ends and another begins. To make matters worse, early Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts<\/a> used all capital letters, and often didn\u2019t include spaces between words. Hebrew didn\u2019t even include vowels!<\/p>\n\n\n\n IMAGINETRYINGTOTRANSLATETHISSENTENCEWITHNOVOWELSIFITWASNTYOURNATIVELANGUAGE. Now imagine trying to do that for hundreds of pages (not to mention backwards: Hebrew is written right-to-left)!<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the greatest challenges trying to translate texts across languages and cultures is figuring out what to do with idioms<\/em>, or common cultural phrases that mean something very different from what they appear to in the literal sense. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Do you convert them to the target language as closely as possible, so readers know exactly what images the original writers used, even if they don\u2019t understand what was originally meant by them? Or do you try to get the point across by adjusting the words to something more meaningful to us today?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Imagine someone in Thailand \u2014 or for that matter, on Mars \u2014 two or three thousand years from now trying to make sense of phrases like \u201cbreak a leg\u201d or \u201cthrow the baby out with the bathwater\u201d and you can start to get a sense of the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n These sorts of phrases abound in both Hebrew and Greek. Many of them have now entered our own lexicon \u2014 so much so that we don\u2019t even realize they\u2019re from the Bible \u2014 but others, like the many uses of covering <\/em>or uncovering one\u2019s feet<\/em> \u2014 remain contested.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The books of the Bible were written by many hands<\/a> over hundreds of years. Some books were carefully crafted by scholars, while others are the live-spoken testimony of holy men and women. Some of them are histories, some are poetry, some are letters, or collections of sayings, or prophecies. Often a single book will include several of these genres within it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The fact that God chose so many hands to write his Word is part of what makes reading the Bible such a vibrant, dynamic, and engaging experience<\/a>. When translating such a wonderful variety of voices, it\u2019s possible to purposely or accidentally smooth them all out into a single, more consistent one. <\/p>\n\n\n\n There are reasons to do so \u2014 such as helping to highlight the thematic and narrative throughlines of the entirety of Scripture. But you also run the risk of losing the freshness and particular feeling of the individuals God selected and inspired to deliver his message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Different translators intentionally approach all these problems differently \u2014 but all with the same goal of trying to make God\u2019s Word clear and accessible in our own words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To better understand what separates different Bible versions from one another, you first need to understand the fundamental translation philosophies behind them. Each translation style brings its unique lens to scripture, influencing how passages are interpreted and applied.<\/p>\n\n\n Formal equivalence prioritizes achieving word-for-word accuracy, focusing on a meticulous and precise translation of the original text\u2019s exact words as closely as possible into the target language. This approach preserves idioms, even if we lose their intended meaning.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples<\/strong>: The KJV and NKJV, ESV, NRSVUE, NASB, CSB, and NABRE versions are all different approaches to formal equivalence translation \u2014 some more stringently literal than others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Functional equivalence \u2014 also called dynamic equivalence or thought-for-thought translation \u2014 focuses on conveying the meaning of thoughts or ideas rather than a direct word-for-word translation, aiming to preserve the original writers\u2019 intent and context. Here, idioms will be translated in a way that makes their intended meaning clear, even if it means losing the actual Hebrew or Greek phrase.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples<\/strong>: The NIV is among the most balanced translations available, but tends slightly more toward functional than formal equivalence. The NLT, CEB, and NIrV are more strongly thought-for-thought approaches.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the name suggests, paraphrases rephrase and restructure sentences from the original text to enhance clarity and accessibility for a modern audience. In other words, paraphrases fall on the far end of the thought-for-thought spectrum. While some paraphrases are well-loved and respected, they can be controversial, because they stray distantly from the original language of the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Examples<\/strong>: The Message and the Living Bible are paraphrased versions of the Bible. The Amplified Bible is, too, although it is unique in being a word-for-word paraphrase, where it provides multiple meanings of many words to help illustrate their various meanings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The most popular English versions of the Bible today include the New International Version (NIV), King James Version (KJV) and New King James Version (NKJV), the English Standard Version (ESV), the New Living Translation (NLT), the New Revised Standard Version (NRSVUE), and several others.<\/p>\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>The most popular modern version of the Bible, known for its excellent and broadly accessible balance of accuracy and readability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NIV\u2019s deft balance of accuracy and readability has established it as the most popular modern Bible version. More than 100 international scholars labored for over a decade to capture the original meaning of each passage without sacrificing accessibility, beginning in the 1960s and finally publishing the finished version in 1978.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most balanced translations available, the NIV leans just slightly toward a functional equivalence compared to other top translations. It should appeal to a wide variety of readers across ages, reading levels, and denominations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Readers looking for a closer word-for-word translation, however, might be happier with the ESV or NRSVUE, while those looking for a more traditional feel should stick with the KJV or NKJV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>I declare to you, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NIV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>The enduring and influential classic that set the bar for English Bible translations. Best for traditional worship settings and historical or literary-minded readers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the most popular books in the world for hundreds of years, the King James Version<\/a> needs little introduction. Commissioned (or \u201cauthorized\u201d) by King James I of England in 1604, undertaken by a team of 47 scholars, and released in 1611, the KJV became the definitive Bible version in the English-speaking world until at least the mid-twentieth century. It is directly responsible for hundreds of English terms and phrases that we use every day \u2014 often without realizing their Biblical origin.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The KJV initially took a formal equivalence approach, though (because it was intended to be read aloud in services) it paid special attention to the beauty and elegance of the language. That effort still bears fruit today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other hand, our language has changed a lot since 1611, and some of the phrasing and sentence structure can be confusing to modern readers. We no longer use \u201cthee\u201d and \u201cthou\u201d as informal pronouns, for example, which makes them paradoxically sound more<\/em> formal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In addition, 400 years of Bible scholarship has enabled us to see areas where the KJV translators had less access to the resources we have today, and had to make some occasionally puzzling guesses. (My personal favorite is from Numbers 23:22<\/a>, God \u201chath as it were the strength of an unicorn.\u201d Today most translations use \u201cwild ox.\u201d)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; neither doth corruption inherit incorruption. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (KJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>An update to the KJV that preserves its literary majesty while modernizing archaic words and phrases.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NKJV is an update and modernization of the KJV by 130 Bible scholars. It was commissioned in 1975 and released in 1982, with the goal of retaining the same formal equivalence and literary majesty of the original KJV while eliminating archaic, obsolete, or inaccurate terms and phrases (so, no more unicorns). <\/p>\n\n\n\n The NKJV serves as the perfect bridge between the traditional feel of the KJV and the accessibility of modern translations like the NIV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NKJV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A forward-thinking but academically rigorous translation that emphasizes gender inclusiveness. A favorite of scholars and academics, Catholics (NRSV-CE), and inclusive faith communities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First published in 1989 and then updated in 2021, the NRSV (now NRSVue) was developed by a team of about 30 translators from Protestant, Catholic, Orthodox, and (for the Old Testament) Jewish backgrounds. It was based on the RSV translation of 1952, itself an update of the ASV from 1901, using a predominantly formal equivalence and taking into account the latest scholarship of Biblical times and manuscripts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Among its distinguishing developments, the NRSVue is known for using gender-inclusive translations such as \u201cperson\u201d instead of \u201cman\u201d and \u201cbrothers and sisters\u201d instead of \u201cbrothers\u201d where the context supports or allows it. The translators argue that it better reflects the original meaning in languages where plural masculine pronouns (e.g., \u1f00\u03b4\u03b5\u03bb\u03c6\u03bf\u1f76\/adelphoi<\/em>) were used for groups that included both men and women \u2014 especially where the text makes clear that women were, in fact, present, such as Acts 18:26-27<\/a> or 1 Corinthians 1:11<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While it remains a controversial choice among those who feel it is an insufficiently literal translation, other versions such as the NIV, CSB, and NASB have since adopted the same practice as better reflecting both modern usage and the original authors\u2019 intentions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The NRSV is also, in the edited and expanded Catholic Edition (NRSV-CE), one of the few complete Bible translations approved<\/a> by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops for private use and study.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. <\/strong>\u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NRSVue)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A straightforward translation that adheres to an \u201cessentially literal\u201d word-for-word approach. A favorite of scholarly evangelicals preferring traditional gendered terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ESV translation was conducted in the late 1990s by about 100 evangelical scholars and published in 2001, partly in response to the NRSV. Like the NRSV, the ESV is an update of the RSV and aims as closely as possible for word-for-word accuracy while remaining readable. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The translators sought to go beyond the NRSV and what they perceived as some liberties it took with interpretation, particularly its gender neutrality. Instead the ESV endeavored to hold to an \u201cessentially literal\u201d approach that emphasizes word-for-word accuracy and fidelity as well as building on the RSV\u2019s literary excellence and depth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage:<\/strong> I tell you this, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (ESV)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A rigorously word-for-word translation that seeks to reproduce the original structure of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek. Generally considered one of the most literal Bible translations available in English.<\/p>\n\n\n\n First published in 1971 and updated in 1995 and again in 2020, the NASB strives to be as literal and precise as possible without sacrificing readability and modern English usage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 1995 version was a significant update to the original release. It echoed the NKJV by removing archaic pronouns (thee, thy, thou) and restructuring awkward phrases. In 2020 the NASB was updated again to account for the latest scholarship (including gender neutrality where appropriate to the context) and modern language usage (such as \u201clet\u2019s go up\u201d instead of \u201clet us go up\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Throughout these improvements, though, the NASB has held closely to a strict word-for-word equivalence. This makes it a good choice for scholars and anyone looking for a very close adherence to the original structure and wording of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek texts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>Now I say this, brothers and sisters, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable inherit the imperishable. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NASB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary:<\/strong> A looser translation that emphasizes readability, simplifying complex terms and phrases while preserving their original meaning. A good choice for new and young readers, and daily devotional readers seeking a new perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Developed by some 90 scholars from various denominational backgrounds in the 1980s and released in 1996, the NLT is notable for being the most popular of the firmly functional-equivalence translations. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Rather than striving for word-for-word accuracy, the NLT translators sought to convey the original meaning of the text as clearly as possible for modern readers. This includes updating measurements and dating to modern standards (e.g., feet instead of cubits), as well as making sense of archaic idioms (\u201cget yourself ready\u201d instead of \u201cgird up thy loins\u201d).<\/p>\n\n\n\n These modernizations make the NLT a nice, accessible option both for new Bible readers in search of clarity and for long-time Bible users seeking a new approach and perspective.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>What I am saying, dear brothers and sisters, is that our physical bodies cannot inherit the Kingdom of God. These dying bodies cannot inherit what will last forever. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NLT)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some other notable Bible versions from recent decades. See the graphic above for sample text of these translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A balanced translation that goes for word-for-word accuracy while simplifying the language for modern readers. Though a similarly balanced translation to the NIV, the CSB has struggled to step outside of the former\u2019s shadow, especially for those outside of the Southern Baptist Convention.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>What I am saying, brothers and sisters, is this: Flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor can corruption inherit incorruption. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (CSB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A dynamic yet balanced translation that strives for natural language and broad accessibility to speakers of modern English without sacrificing rigorous accuracy. Known for its informal, conversational style falling somewhere between the NIV and NLT.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>This is what I\u2019m saying, brothers and sisters: Flesh and blood can\u2019t inherit God\u2019s kingdom. Something that rots can\u2019t inherit something that doesn\u2019t decay. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (CEB)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>The official Catholic translation of the Bible and the only one approved for use in Mass, the NABRE takes a balanced, word-for-word translation approach, similar to but less stringent than the NRSVue or ESV. It\u2019s also known for its extensive footnotes and cross-references.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>This I declare, brothers: flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God, nor does corruption inherit incorruption. \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (NABRE)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A unique translation balancing word-for-word equivalence and paraphrase by offering multiple translations and exposition (\u201camplifications\u201d) on many words and phrases. It\u2019s a useful tool for private study but has received criticism for interpolating phrases like \u201cpersonal Savior\u201d that did not exist in the original time and language of the Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage: <\/strong>Now I say this, believers, that flesh and blood cannot inherit nor be part of the kingdom of God; nor does the perishable (mortal) inherit the imperishable (immortal). \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (AMP)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Summary: <\/strong>A popular paraphrase by pastor and theologian Eugene Peterson, begun in 1993 and finally completed in 2002. Peterson sought to capture the tone and informal style of contemporary speech to deliver a version of the Bible that reads like a story, vibrant and accessible. It\u2019s a compelling way to hear familiar passages with fresh ears, and works well as an audio Bible \u2014 though some of the American slang is already beginning to feel outdated. A fun read but not recommended as (nor intended to be) anyone\u2019s first or only Bible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sample passage:<\/strong> I need to emphasize, friends, that our natural, earthy lives don\u2019t in themselves lead us by their very nature into the kingdom of God. Their very \u201cnature\u201d is to die, so how could they \u201cnaturally\u201d end up in the Life kingdom? \u2014 1 Corinthians 15:50<\/a> (MSG)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although the number of Bible versions has exploded in recent decades, there is a long and active history of translating the Bible to make it more accessible to regional audiences. In fact, the first major translation of the Bible into a regional language was completed more than 200 years before the birth of Jesus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here\u2019s a very brief, condensed timeline of the major developments in Bible translation, at least for the English-speaking world.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The oldest complete translation of the Old Testament from its original Hebrew was the Greek Septuagint, created around the 3rd century BC. The earliest complete translation of both testaments was the Latin Vulgate by Jerome in the 400s AD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jerome\u2019s work paid off: even before the Catholic Church officially sanctioned it at the Council of Trent in the 16th century, the Vulgate was by far the most widely used version of the Bible in Europe \u2014 and remained the definitive Catholic version all the way until Vatican II permitted the use of vernacular Bibles in 1963.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It took nearly 1,000 years after the adoption of the Vulgate for Bibles to start appearing in English. By that time, most common people didn\u2019t speak or understand Latin, making God\u2019s Word inaccessible to them except indirectly, as explained by priests or passed down verbally in Bible-based stories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The 20th and 21st centuries have seen a proliferation of English Bible translations, reflecting diverse theological perspectives, advances in historical linguistics, and the ongoing quest for clarity and accessibility. The two most important developments during this era that aren\u2019t listed above were the ASV and RSV.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A lot! Bible Gateway has more than 200 versions<\/a> \u2014 including more than 60 in English \u2014 and there are many more out there, especially when you include partial translations such as OT-only or NT-only translations and individual books from independent scholars.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The short answer is \u201cno.\u201d The longer answer is that it depends how you \u2014 and any given translator \u2014 define \u201caccuracy.\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n Because ancient Hebrew and Greek texts don\u2019t map perfectly onto modern English language and culture, any translation has to strike a careful balance between rigorous adherence to the original languages<\/a>, or taking some liberties in order to clarify their meaning. (See the discussion on idioms above for some examples.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n Either way, there are countless choices to make about the best way to present confusing passages and guesswork about the original authors\u2019 intent. And many of these choices are influenced by the translator\u2019s own cultural, doctrinal, and theological assumptions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n That said, a more word-for-word approach such as the NASB <\/strong>or ESV\/NRSVue<\/strong> (both inheritors of the RSV tradition) is likely to adhere closer to the original text. Scholars and academics tend to appreciate the NRSVue for looking more holistically at the underlying cultures and contexts of the Bible\u2019s writers. But others say it is insufficiently literal in its interpretation of Greek and Hebrew words.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re just setting out on your Bible reading journey<\/a> \u2014 no matter your age or stage of faith \u2014 the best place to start is probably a translation that balances accuracy with readability, so you get a feel for the text without getting bogged down in the details. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The NIV<\/strong>‘s deft balance and broad popularity make it a great first Bible version. But depending on your taste and reading level, you might be more interested in something more formal, like the NKJV<\/strong>, NRSVue<\/strong>, or ESV<\/strong>. Or, if you want something a little smoother and more accessible, try the NLT <\/strong>or CEB<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also a good idea, if you\u2019re just starting out, to begin with a Study Bible<\/a> that can guide your reading and help you contextualize and make sense of complex passages. Most of the above versions have Study editions, so just find the one that feels right to you!<\/p>\n\n\n\n The only English version of the Bible approved for Catholic mass is the NABRE<\/strong>. Additionally, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) has approved<\/a> the NRSV-CE<\/strong> and the Good News Translation (GNT<\/strong>) for private use, along with some other partial translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, there\u2019s nothing stopping Catholic readers from using any of the other Bible versions available \u2014 though you\u2019ll want to ensure it includes the Deuterocanonical books<\/a> that Protestant Bibles typically leave out. (Hint: Look for a \u201cCatholic Edition\u201d or \u201cCE\u201d after the abbreviation.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n The ESV, NLT, and CEB all have Catholic editions with Apocrypha. Be aware, though, that these translations were done by predominantly Protestant scholars, and may exhibit a slight bias toward Reformed theology in their word choices (and especially in their Study editions). When in doubt, stick with the Church-approved translations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The best way to choose which Bible version is right for you is by comparing some favorite passages in a few translations side by side<\/a> (or in parallel). If you are new to Bible reading and don\u2019t have a favorite passage, you can always start with Genesis 1<\/a>, John 1<\/a>, or Matthew 5-7<\/a> (the Sermon on the Mount). Which one speaks to you the most? Remember: there\u2019s no wrong answer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s also always a good idea to consult your pastor. What does your church use liturgically? Is there a Bible Study group reading a particular version? While reading the Bible privately can be a powerful way to build a relationship with the Lord, studying his Word in community can expand your horizons with unexpected insights, challenge you with different perspectives, and hold you accountable for regular engagement with Scripture. After all, we are called to be one body in Christ (Romans 12:5<\/a>).<\/p>\n\n\n\n That\u2019s easy: the best Bible version is the one you\u2019ll keep reading!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If there\u2019s one thing you should take away from this article, it\u2019s that translating a text as big and complex and multifaceted and meaningful as the Bible is incredibly difficult. For better or worse, there\u2019s no perfect \u201cright way\u201d to do it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ultimately, whether you\u2019re drawn to the poetic cadence of the King James (or New King James) Version, the straightforward clarity of the New International Version, or the historical depth of the New Revised Standard Version (or better yet, all three of them!), what matters most is that you\u2019re engaging with Scripture<\/a> in a meaningful way.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So take your time, explore different translations, and find the one that brings you closer to understanding God\u2019s message for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n All of these translations any many more are available to browse at Bible Gateway. And if you want to take your reading deeper, <\/strong>Bible Gateway Plus<\/strong><\/a> offers Study Bibles, commentaries, encyclopedias, and tons more resources to help you get more from God\u2019s Word \u2014 all for less than $5\/mo. Start your <\/strong>free trial<\/strong><\/a> today!<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n![\"Banner](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/staticblog.bgcdn.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/25121420\/BG_FallMemDr24_728x90b.jpg?resize=696%2C86&ssl=1\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nNo One-to-One Correlation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
No Punctuation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Idioms<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Times, Genres, and Styles<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Types of Bible Translation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Bible](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/staticblog.bgcdn.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/06\/06112748\/BibleTranslationChart.png?resize=696%2C243&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nFormal Equivalence (Word-for-Word)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Functional Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Paraphrase<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Top Bible Versions Today<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Chart](\"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/staticblog.bgcdn.com\/learn\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/02164054\/Bible-Gateway-Version-Guide.jpg?fit=1414%2C2000&ssl=1\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nNIV (New International Version)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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KJV (King James Version)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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NKJV (New King James Version)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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NRSVue (New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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ESV (English Standard Version)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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NASB (New American Standard Bible)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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NLT (New Living Translation)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Other Notable Bible Versions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
CSB (Christian Standard Bible)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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CEB (Common English Bible)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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NABRE (New American Bible Revised Edition)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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AMP (Amplified Bible)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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MSG (The Message)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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A Brief History of Bible Translation<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The Earliest Bible Translations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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First English Translations<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bible Translation in the 20th-21st Centuries<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Bible Version FAQs<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
How many versions of the Bible are there?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Is there a most accurate Bible translation?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Which Bible version is best for beginners?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
What version of the Bible do Catholics use?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
How should I choose which Bible version is right for me?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: The Best Bible Version?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n