Which Bible Translation Should I Use?

So you’re ready to get back into the Bible, eh? Overwhelmed by the options available in the Bible version and translation department? Have no fear, here’s a quick guide to get you off to the right start.

What is a Bible Version?

From early in church history, believers have sought to translate the Scriptures. Even before Jesus was born, Hebrew scribes had translated what we now know as the Old Testament into Greek, which was called the Septuagint.

The Jewish legend tells us that Ptolemy II Philadelphus commissioned the translation into Greek for inclusion in the great Library of Alexandria, though this story is likely apocryphal.

Within a few hundred years, the Bible had been translated into Latin, what we know as the Vulgate. In 1611, King James I of England commissioned translators to write a complete English version that would be more accurate that any earlier attempt.

In the last century, new translations have boomed in popularity as information has grown more approachable and available. But not all translations are created equal.

What’s the Difference?

One major point of discussion around Bible translations is the difference between word for word, thought for thought, or paraphrase Bibles. There are differences in the method of translation for each version.

Let’s break down the methodology for each and why this type of translation may be beneficial.

Word for Word Translations

Word for word translations (also known as formal equivalent or literal translations) prioritize attempting to capture the original intent of the Biblical author as best as possible.

You might wonder why you wouldn’t translate word for word, if possible. Many words in the original Greek and Hebrew have no modern English equivalent. So it takes a little digging and interpretation to capture the “true” meaning of the word.

In addition, some phrases and descriptions can prove very difficult to translate as they meaning doesn’t carry over to modern language. Even the order of words in a sentence can be different between languages.

All of these factors make word for word translations more challenging than you might think. Often the more literal a Bible translation is, the more difficult it will be to understand.

Common literal translations include NASB, AMP, RSV, NKJV and ESV.

Thought for Thought Translations

Thought for thought translations, also known as dynamic equivalent translations, try to create a safe middle ground between readability and literalness.

Critics of thought for thought translations often cite that the translators will necessarily inject their own interpretations to the text in order to make it more understandable. With thought for thought versions, translators will attempt to capture the thought or ideathat the biblical author intended in the text, rather than focusing their efforts at the word level.

A few thought for thought Bibles you’ll find in common use are NRSV, NIV, and CEB.

Paraphrase Translations

On the other end of the spectrum, you’ll find paraphrase Bibles, also known as functional equivalent and meaning based translations. Often, these versions will attempt to summarize portions or themes of Scripture with readability and understanding as a priority.

One thing to be wary of with these translations is that many of them are based on previous English translations, with little to no concern for the original Greek or Hebrew. Critics of paraphrase Bibles will often cite that, by necessity, the translators must inject their own interpretations of the passages.

Common paraphrase translations are NLT, CEV, GNB and The Message.

How to Choose the Right Bible Translation for Me?

In most cases, choosing the right Bible translation is simply a matter of personal choice. It’s not about one translation being “better” than another, because “better” is often subjective.

“The best Bible translation for you is the one that you will actually read.”

Here’s my take: the best Bible translation for you is the one that you will actually read.

In a later post, we’ll discuss how the Bible came to be and healthy ways to consider interpretation based on our English equivalents. In short, all English translations required some degree of interpretation in their creation. No translation or deviation from the original text will be perfect in the same way that the original text is.

Find the version that best conveys to you the message of the gospel and God’s love story for you. Are there translations that you should probably avoid? Totally. But that’s a different post. Sometimes translators use the opportunity to inject their biases or agendas into the text—never a good thing.

God gave us His Word so that we may know Him. Regardless of the translation you choose, you must spend time using it to seek the Lord.

Sometimes simply reading someone else’s interpretation via a paraphrase Bible may be just the thing that gives you a eureka moment. Sometimes, when you’re deep in study, that literal NASB is going to be the answer.

In any case, the translation does no good if it’s not going to be read.

So Which Bible Translation is Right for You?

Ultimately, the best Bible version you could choose is the one that you’ll actually read. That final decision lies only with you.

Here are the five Bible translations that I would most recommend, if you’re on the fence, in order of most literal to most paraphrased:

1. NASB (New American Standard Bible)

2. NKJV (New King James Version)

3. ESV (English Standard Version)

4. CSB (Christian Standard Bible)

5. NLT (New Living Translation)

So which one should you use? The one that you’ll read. But if you plan on diving into truly deep study, plan to use multiple versions to get a better picture of the nuances of Scripture.

Comment below if there’s a translation you love that I missed!