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The Reference Desk | Comparing Bible Translations

The Reference Desk

The majority of Bible translations are categorized by their translation philosophy, either being more formal (word-for-word) or more dynamic (thought-for-thought) in translation. There are pros and cons to each of these. In a word-for-word translation, idioms and phrases commonly used in Greek and Hebrew may not translate well. Also, grammatical differences in languages and certain words may not have an exact English translation, making translating from Greek and Hebrew to English quite complex. In thought-for-thought translations, some words may be sacrificed to find a modern equivalent phrase that will make sense to a modern English speaker. 

Another important thing to note is the basis of each translation. We can see in the Bible Translation Continuum chart below that the Bible translations on the top of the graph (KJV, CSB, NIV, GNT, CEB, and MSG) are original translations directly from Greek and Hebrew to English. The translations on the bottom half of the graph (NASB ESV, NKJV, NRSV, NLT, and LB) used another existing English Bible translation and updated the text based on the Greek and Hebrew texts. 

(Chart is used by permission from csbbible.com.) 

The Major Translations 

New International Version (NIV)

“The New International Version began with one man’s vision for a faithful rendering of the Bible in contemporary English and today is the world’s best selling modern English translation of the Bible that delivers the best combination of accuracy and readability.”1 

Key points

  • Language is easy to understand for readers of all ages
  • Gender-accurate language (Example: updating “man” to “humanity” in many areas and “brothers” to “brothers and sisters” in areas where the context intends both.)
  • Number one best-selling Bible in 20212

Christian Standard Bible (CSB)

“The CSB was created using optimal equivalence, a translation philosophy that pursues both linguistic precision to the original languages and readability in contemporary English. We believe that you don’t have to choose between faithfulness to the original text and clarity. The CSB text has been proven to optimize both, making it ideal for preaching and study, and for sharing with others.”3 

Key points

  • Highly readable 
  • Extensive footnotes and references to serve the reader in seeking clarity 
  • Includes notes and new findings from recently discovered manuscripts
  • In the sweet spot between formal and dynamic language 
  • Gender-accurate language (Example: updating “man” to “humanity” in many areas and “brothers” to “brothers and sisters” in areas where the context intends both.)

English Standard Version (ESV)

“The English Standard Version (ESV) is an essentially literal translation of the Bible in contemporary English. Created by a team of more than 100 leading evangelical scholars and pastors, the ESV Bible emphasizes ‘word-for-word’ accuracy, literary excellence, and depth of meaning.”4 

Key points

  • Literal language 
  • Poetic phrasing
  • Extensive footnotes and references to serve the reader in seeking clarity 
  • Number three best-selling Bible in 20215
  • Built from the RSV, so much of the language is more traditional than modern, making it less readable than other translations

New American Standard Bible (NASB)

“The New American Standard Bible is the preeminent formal equivalence translation for today’s reader with accuracy you can trust. Originally produced in 1971 and updated in 1995, the NASB is widely embraced for its faithfulness to both the vocabulary and syntax of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek of the original sources.”6 

Key points

  • Very literal language
  • In-depth footnotes
  • Due to literal word-for-word translation from Greek and Hebrew, some phrases don’t flow as smoothly in English as other translations.

King James Version (KJV)

“The King James Version is a translation named after King James I of England who commissioned the new English Bible translation in 1604 King James ‘authorized’ the new translation to be read in churches in England and beyond after it was first published in 1611. Later known as the ‘Authorized Version’ in 1814, the King James Version became a standard among English-speaking Christians. The King James Version is considered one of the most accurate English translations in existence. A skilled committee of 54 translators worked for 7 years to carefully complete the King James translation project” (excerpt from kingjamesbibleonline.org).

Key points

  • One of the oldest English translations
  • Includes poetic language 
  • Number two best-selling Bible in 20217
  • While it is one of the oldest English translations, scholars debate on the accuracy due to the political motivations of King James to publish this Bible and diminish the use of the Geneva Bible, the most widely distributed Bible at the time. 
  • Uses archaic language that carries different meanings today

New King James Version (NKJV)

“The NKJV preserves the authority and accuracy, as well as the rhythm and beauty, of the original King James Version while making it understandable to current readers. The result is a Bible translation, scrupulously faithful to the original, yet truly updated to enhance its clarity and readability.”8 

Key points

  • Updated some of the traditional language in the KJV translation to make the text more readable
  • Number six best-selling Bible in 20219
  • Some phrasing carried over from KJV, making certain phrases still more archaic

New Living Translation (NLT)

“The New Living Translation combines the latest biblical scholarship with a clear, dynamic writing style that communicates God’s Word powerfully to all who hear and read it. It renders the message of the original texts of Scripture into clear, contemporary English that was written to be read aloud. With a focus on clarity, The New Living Translation invites readers to go deeper into the biblical text to discover God’s story for their lives and the world.”10 

Key points

  • Geared toward modern readers
  • Natural and easy to read out loud
  • Number four best-selling Bible in 202111
  • Due to the thought-for-thought nature, the text is more heavily interpreted rather than word-for-word translated from the original languages. 

Verse Comparison: 

Compare side by side each version’s translation of 1 Kings 20:10.

While there are many English translations for us to choose from, it’s most important we remember that “the word of God is living and effective and sharper than any double-edged sword, penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart (Heb. 4:12). Whichever translation we choose, we are reading from the living Word, and God can use any translation to draw us near to Him. 

Find a Bible that is right for you at lifeway.com/bibles. 

Caroline Thompson

Caroline Thompson is a marketing specialist for the Bible and Reference Team at Lifeway. She is a South Carolina native living in Nashville with her best friend, Karen, and Australian Shepherd, Winnie. She enjoys pottery, crafting, and collecting books.

  1. “New International Version,” NIV, accessed September 3, 2021, https://www.thenivbible.com/
  2. ECPA, “Bible Translations Bestsellers,” Evangelical Christian Publishers Association, August 2021, https://christianbookexpo.com/bestseller/translations.php?id=.
  3.  “Christian Standard Bible,” CSB, accessed September 3, 2021, https://csbible.com/.
  4. “About the ESV,” ESV, accessed September 3, 2021, https://www.esv.org/translation/.
  5. ECPA.
  6. “New American Standard Bible (NASB),” Zondervan, accessed September 3, 2021, https://www.zondervan.com/bibles/nasb-bibles/.
  7. ECPA.
  8. “Thomas Nelson: NKJV,” Thomas Nelson, accessed September 3, 2021, https://www.thomasnelsonbibles.com/nkjv/.
  9.  ECPA.
  10. “New Living Translation,” Tyndale, accessed September 3, 2021, http://www.tyndale.com/nlt/.
  11.  ECPA.