Navigating the world of Bible translations can feel like a daunting task. With numerous versions available, each with its unique approach, style, and translation, it’s essential to understand their differences.
In this article, we will compare various Bible translations to help inform your choice. They will be compared in these seven categories: (1) translation philosophy, (2) reading level, (3) notable features, (4) origin, (5) manuscript tradition, (6) most popular Study Bible, and (7) translators.
The charts below compare the following translations: Christian Standard Bible (CSB), Contemporary English Version (CEV), English Standard Version (ESV), King James Version (KJV, New American Bible (NAB), New American Standard Bible (NASB), New International Version (NIV), New King James Version (NKJV), New Living Translation (NLT), and New Revised Standard Version (NRSV).
Comparing Translation Philosophies of English Bibles
A translation philosophy is a guiding principle used when translating biblical texts from their original languages. This may lean towards formal equivalence, which aims for word-for-word accuracy, or dynamic equivalence, which strives for thought-for-thought clarity, or a balanced approach to serve different needs.
Bible
Translation Philosophy
Christian Standard Bible (CSB)
Optimal equivalence; balances literary precision and readability.
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
Simplifies language for readability; emphasizes understandability and accessibility.
English Standard Version (ESV)
Literal word-for-word translation with modestly updated language.
King James Version (KJV)
Classical, word-for-word translation using early 17th-century English.
New American Bible (NAB)
Scholarly, inclusive language; for liturgical use by American Catholics.
Bible
Translation Philosophy
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
Prioritizes literalness for depth of study while updating the language.
New International Version (NIV)
Blends accuracy and readability for a global English-speaking audience.
New King James Version (NKJV)
Maintains traditional language; updates archaisms of original King James.
New Living Translation (NLT)
Thought-for-thought translation to convey ideas in everyday language.
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
Balances word-for-word and thought-for-thought with modern English usage.
Which translation has a 4th-grade reading level? Which has a 12th grade? See below
Comparing the Reading Levels of Bible Translations
A reading level refers to the complexity of a text’s language and its suitability for readers at a certain educational level. It involves vocabulary, sentence structure, and thematic depth. In Bible translations, reading level affects accessibility, readability, and the audience’s comprehension of the biblical text.
Bible
Reading Level
CSB
7th/8th-grade level; Intermediate reading level; balances readability with textual fidelity.
CEV
4th/5th-grade level; Lower reading level; prioritizes accessibility and readability for all ages.
ESV
10th-grade level; Higher reading level; preserves the literary quality of original texts.
KJV
12th-grade level; High reading level; dense, archaic language with complex grammatical structure.
NAB
9th/10th-grade level; Moderate reading level; uses inclusive, understandable language for liturgy.
Bible
Reading Level
NASB
11th-grade level; Advanced reading level; high fidelity to original languages can be challenging.
NIV
7th/8th-grade level; Intermediate reading level; balances understandability with textual accuracy.
NKJV
11th-grade level; Elevated reading level; retains traditional language, with minor modern updates.
10th-grade level; Moderate reading level; combines scholarly accuracy with modern English.
What’s the most popular Study Bible in the NIV, KJV, NLT, and others? See below
Comparing the Notable Features of Bible Translations
Notable features of Bible translations include their translation philosophy (word-for-word or thought-for-thought), language style (modern or traditional), readability, and inclusion of study aids. These characteristics guide individuals in choosing a translation that suits their needs best.
Bible
Notable Features
CSB
Equally weighs accuracy and readability, suitable for both study and devotions.
CEV
Easy to understand, suitable for children and ESL readers.
ESV
Literally accurate, slightly formal English, popular for personal study.
KJV
Traditional, formal, uses Jacobean English, respected for poetic beauty.
NAB
The official Catholic version, includes the Apocrypha, uses inclusive language.
Bible
Notable Features
NASB
Highly literal, useful for detailed study, and retains traditional terms.
NIV
Balanced approach to translation, clear, broadly used in Protestant circles.
NKJV
Preserves KJV’s style but modernizes archaic words and grammar.
NLT
Emphasizes readability, conveys the meaning of original texts in modern language.
NRSV
Ecumenical appeal, inclusive language, respected in academic circles.
The Origin of English Bible Translations
The origin of a Bible translation refers to its historical and procedural background. This encompasses the commissioning body, the team of translators, the guiding principles followed, the manuscripts consulted, and the time period during which the work was completed. It offers insight into the translation’s purpose and methodology.
Bible
Origin
CSB
2004 Holman Christian Standard Bible revision, released in 2017.
CEV
1995 translation by American Bible Society, focused on readability.
ESV
2001 revision of Revised Standard Version, by Crossway Bibles.
KJV
Commissioned by King James I of England in 1604.
NAB
1970 translation, authorized by Catholic Bishops of the United States.
Bible
Origin
NASB
1960s update of the American Standard Version for modern readers.
NIV
1970s translation by an international team commissioned by Biblica.
NKJV
Modernization of KJV commenced in 1975 by Thomas Nelson Publishers.
NLT
1996 thought-for-thought translation, revision of Living Bible.
NRSV
1989 revision of the Revised Standard Version, ecumenically produced.
The Manuscript Tradition Bible Translations
The manuscript tradition of Bible translations refers to the original language texts used as the source for translation. These may include Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek manuscripts, such as the Masoretic Text, the Septuagint, the Textus Receptus, or the Dead Sea Scrolls, each with unique textual variations.
Bible
Manuscripts
CSB
Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia, Septuagint, and Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece.
CEV
Draws from various Hebrew and Greek texts and prioritizes clear translation.
ESV
Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece, 28th edition.
KJV
Based on Textus Receptus, Masoretic Text, and Latin Vulgate.
NAB
Uses Biblia Hebraica and Greek New Testament by United Bible Societies.
Bible
Manuscripts
NASB
Uses Biblia Hebraica and Nestle-Aland Novum Testamentum Graece.
NIV
Relies on Biblia Hebraica, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Nestle-Aland text.
NKJV
Follows Textus Receptus but consults modern texts for footnotes.
NLT
Based on Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia and Greek New Testament (UBS4).
NRSV
Utilizes Masoretic Text, Dead Sea Scrolls, and Septuagint.
The Most Popular Study Bible for Each Translation
A Study Bible is a Bible edition that includes additional features to aid personal study and understanding. These features often include explanatory notes, cross-references, maps, historical background information, doctrinal explanations, and thematic studies. It is designed to help readers delve deeper into the biblical text.
Bible
Study Bibles
CSB
CSB Study Bible, provides extensive study tools and resources.
CEV
The Learning Bible: emphasizes understanding.
ESV
ESV Study Bible, renowned for thorough articles and study aids.
KJV
Scofield Reference Bible, featuring extensive cross-references and explanatory notes.
NAB
Catholic Study Bible, offers extensive notes and commentary.
Bible
Study Bibles
NASB
NASB Study Bible, features in-depth study notes and articles.
NIV
NIV Study Bible, popular for its detailed notes and maps.
NKJV
NKJV Study Bible, offering comprehensive study aids and notes.
NLT
Life Application Study Bible, focuses on applying Bible teachings.
NRSV
HarperCollins Study Bible, a standard for academic biblical studies.
The Translators of Each Bible Translation
Bible
Study Bibles
CSB
100 scholars from 17 denominations for Holman Bible Publishers.
CEV
American Bible Society translators aiming for understandability and accuracy.
ESV
100 evangelical scholars and pastors on Crossway Bibles’ team.
KJV
Translated by a committee of 47 scholars appointed by King James.
NAB
Catholic scholars under the guidance of the U.S. Bishops’ Committee.
Bible
Study Bibles
NASB
American scholars on the Lockman Foundation’s translation committee.
NIV
Over 100 international scholars from the Committee on Bible Translation.
NKJV
130 biblical scholars, church leaders, and lay-Christians worked on it.
NLT
90 Bible scholars from various theological backgrounds and denominations.
NRSV
30-person team of Protestant, Catholic, and Orthodox scholars.
Daniel's seminary degree is in Exegetical Theology. He was a pastor for 10 years. As a professor, he has taught Bible and theology courses at two Christian universities. Please see his About page for details.
The NIV (New International Version) and NASB (New American Standard Bible) are two widely used English translations of the Bible. While both translations aim to faithfully convey the message of the...
The ESV (English Standard Version) and NIV (New International Version) are two prominent and widely used English translations of the Bible. While both translations aim to faithfully convey the...
