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. (Links below go to Amazon; As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.)
| 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. |
Also see The Study Bible Comparison Chart: Over 50 Study Bibles Compared.
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. |
| NLT | 6th/7th-grade level; Easy reading level; thought-for-thought translation promotes comprehension. |
| NRSV | 10th-grade level; Moderate reading level; combines scholarly accuracy with modern English. |
Also see Top 25 One-Volume Bible Commentary Series Compared.
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. |
Also see Top 50 Bible Commentary Series Compared.
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. |
Also see Free Bible Commentaries Compared.
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. (Links go to Amazon.)
| 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. |
Translation Comparison Index
| NIV vs ESV | NIV vs NASB | ESV vs NKJV | NASB vs NLT |
| NIV vs NKJV | ESV vs NASB | NLT vs NKJV | KJV vs Geneva |
| NIV vs NLT | ESV vs NLT | NASB vs NKJV |
Also see New Testament Commentaries Index.
Also see Old Testament Commentaries Index.
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