Over the years, I have purchased many translations (and used
several apps) of the Bible in my desire to know God's Word better. Since I do
not know Greek and Hebrew, and since I know that perfect translation between
two languages is impossible, owning and reading several translations is the
best way for the average English speaker to get a good sense of what the
divinely inspired authors of the Scriptures wish to say.
I will speak on several popular as well as not-so-known
translations of the Scriptures (the ones I have come into more than
passing contact with) in hopes that the visitors to this site will get some
good use out of them. In my reviews, I will go translation by translation and
give a general overview of each translation, as well as good points and bad
points of each one.
I have recently added my special “Deity of Christ” measurement,
based on the verses at the end and how they translate passages which teach
Jesus’ Godhead. 1 point for fully teaching, 0 points for not teaching,
and in-between if it is not as clear.
Here is an explanation the various types of translations, and I
have color coded the title of each translation to match its type.
Formal Equivalent
These translations attempt to reproduce the Greek and Hebrew as
exactly as possible into English. Words, figures of speech, and sometimes even
the sentence structure of the original languages are reproduced in a much more
limited way in this type of Bible. These hold -in varying degrees- to a
generally word for word approach.
Dynamic Equivalent (Functional Equivalent)
These Bibles run on a more thought-for-thought philosophy than the
Formal Equivalent translations but do so in a much more sparing manner than
paraphrases. Greek and Hebrew figures of speech are replaced with modern rough
equivalents. They are more readable in a sense, though sometimes in a freer
translation some passages become more interpretations than translations.
Paraphrase
These are not really translations, but rewordings of the
Scriptures that speak in a very earthy, common tongue. Those who advocate these
note that the New Testament was written in the common language of the people
and not that of playwrights or philosophers. The results can be the clearest
expression of Scripture on par with the original. However, theological biases
can creep in and be readily apparent. These are acceptable for devotional
reading, but even the authors themselves would not suggest using them for study
or as a church Bible. Some paraphrases are based on the original languages,
while others on translations themselves.
Aberrational Translations
These are translations done independently by a smaller religious
sect. Usually they will "translate" Scripture by twisting it to fit
their theologies, rather than conforming their theologies to the Scriptures.
These groups often have a person or organization which is practically
considered equal in authority with the Bible, and often believe that their
group is the only way to salvation.
Geneva Bible
Published: 1560 (revised 1599)
Reading Level: 12th Grade
Translators: Calvinist
The Goods: An excellent Reformation-era translation which is now
widely available again through Tolle
Lege Press. The language is
Shakespearean/Elizabethan, but some of the "churchy-words" aren't
there. The notes are among the most excellent of any study Bible (certainly
prior to the late 20th century), as they were written by Reformers who trained
under John Calvin, such as William Whittingham and John Knox.
The Not-So-Goods: Language is dated, and this translation is not widely-known
anymore due to being surpassed by the King James Version in the mid 1600's
God's Name: Jehovah, Lord, God, Jah
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.5
Website: 1599
Geneva Bible
Douay-Rheims Version
Published: 1609 (revised 1752)
Reading Level: 12th Grade
Translators: Catholic
The Goods: For three and a half centuries this Bible (in one form or
another) was the English Bible for Catholics. The revision by Bishop Challoner
in the 1750s Anglicized more of the text and put it in more agreement with the
Protestant Authorized (King James) version, at least in style (and since the
original DRV influenced the KJV, we have something of a quid pro quo). It is a
faithful translation of the Latin Vulgate, the official edition of the Bible
used by the Vatican.
The Not-So-Goods: Even though many of the Latinisms were removed in
Challoner's revision, several others remain, such as
"supersubstantial" in the Lord's Prayer and "do penance"
instead of "repent" (both of which have been corrected in most modern
Catholic Bibles). It was translated from the Latin instead of from the original
Hebrew and Greek. The English language has also changed a great deal in the
last few centuries, as we have words that have changed meaning (such as
"suffer" or "prevent") and other words have dropped from
the language altogether. (See the King James Version below for others.)
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.0
Website: Douay-Rheims Catholic Bible
King James Version
Published: 1611 (revised 1769)
Reading Level: 12th Grade
Translators: Anglican
The Goods: The old classic is still strong after four hundred years of
use. To many, this is the Bible. This has a poetic and majestic language and
structure and was translated extremely well. God has used it immensely in the
spread of the gospel, and it sounds Biblical to English ears. The translators
tried to translate the KJV as a Bible that was literary, accurate,
understandable and would last. Of course, they had no idea that their work
would be in almost exclusive use by over a quarter of the world for over three
centuries.
The Not-So-Goods: While still popular and a great translation of God's
Word, this Bible is also archaic in many respects. The manuscripts from which
the KJV was translated were far more recent than those discovered later and
used in modern versions - i.e., the modern versions are based on copies of the
Bible that are far closer to the originals than the KJV's manuscripts. We don't
use words like "froward" and "wot" today, and words and
phrases such as "prevent", "suffer", and "fetch a
compass" had far different meanings than what they do today. The fact that
there is a cultlike "King James Only" movement does not help either,
and such a group would be steadfastly opposed by the translators of the KJV.
God's Name: JEHOVAH, Lord, God, JAH
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.0
Website: Wikipedia's
KJV Article
Revised Version
Published: 1885
Reading Level: 12th grade
Translators: Mainline/British, conservative
The Goods: This is the first major attempt to revise the Bible of King
James, both in language and textual basis. The translation is extremely literal
to the Biblical languages and is considered excellent for those who not read
the originals. The distinction between the singular (thee, thou) and plural
(ye, you) second persons is very helpful for detailed study. It is not the KJV
but is not too far off to sound extremely different. Many passages which have
an enhanced understanding of the deity of Christ are rendered as such, and
other corrections of the KJV's renderings (e.g, the RV has “Thou shalt do no
murder” as the sixth commandment) are introduced. Godly people like Charles
Spurgeon commended it for deep study...
The Not-So-Goods: Spurgeon also said this Bible is “strong in Greek, but
weak in English.” The text is more of a Jacobean English interlinear in some
areas, and even reverts to the original language word order. Not all archaic
words are updated, and those which are have a very British flavo(u)r – e.g.
“corn” means what Americans call “grain.” This version is virtually (sadly!)
out of print, though is available in some Bible software.
God's Name: Lord, God, JAH, JEHOVAH
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.0
Website: Michael
Marlowe's ERV Page
American Standard Version
Published: 1901
Reading Level: 12th grade
Translators: Mainline/Unitarian, conservative
The Goods: This considered by many to be the most literal English
translation of the Scriptures ever widely available. When one reads this Bible,
one is almost reading an interlinear. For those who are well-versed in the
Scriptures and are wishing to study the Bible from a translation alone, this is
one of the best, if not the best. There is also a differentiation between the
singular (thee, thou) and plural (ye, you) second persons. The Name of God is
rendered as a name rather than as the title of Lord.
It is also generally conformable to the Authorized version.
The Not-So-Goods: This translation is almost too literal. The text reads
more like the mix of Shakespearean/Jacobean English and a Greek or Hebrew
interlinear. Most archaic words are updated (to 1901 standards) but not all
are. There is also an underlying Unitarian bias to certain passages of
Scripture and some notes where the proper translation is put in the footnote
(e.g. Titus 2:13) and any footnote where Christ is “worshiped” has to tell you
that it can refer to obeisance to a created being as well as the creator, which
seems to open the door for denial of the deity of Christ (see John 9 for a
particularly egregious example). It often reverts to the KJV's less accurate
renderings (see it on the Titus passage above, as well as the sixth
commandment). This version is practically out of print, though is available in
most Bible software since it is now public domain, so if you want one in paper
you'll have to get a used copy on Amazon, eBay, or Abe Books.
God's Name: Jehovah
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 4.5
Website: CCEL
American Standard Version
Revised Standard Version
Published: 1952 (revised 1971)
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Mainline/Catholic, somewhat liberal
The Goods: This was once the alternative to the King James Version. It
was released with a great deal of hype and expectation as a modern-language
revision of the ASV by the National Council of Churches. Due to its long time
on the market, there are many commentaries and studies based on the RSV.
Mainline Christians loved it, and many evangelicals also appreciated the strong
scholarship used in translating it. Even today many lectionaries and churches
use the RSV. It was the first widely used Bible since the KJV that was
available with the Apocrypha, and was the first English translation to have the
books in the Greek canon (3 and 4 Maccabees and Psalm 151) that had never been
in English editions of the Apocrypha.
The Not-So-Goods: The biggest problem with the RSV is that the
translation, from a left-of-center perspective, often obscures prophetic
references to Christ in the Old Testament. This can trip people up who may use
the NT references to the OT then find something entirely different. More
educated evangelicals can get around these, however. Also, the RSV uses
Shakespearean English when addressing God while using more modern language when
others are in view. Finally, the RSV is no longer widely available, though a
few reprinted editions can be found.
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 5.5
Website: NCC
"About the RSV"
New World Translation
Published: 1961 (revised 1984, 2013)
Translators: The Watch Tower Bible and Tract Society (aka Jehovah's
Witnesses)
The Goods: Well, since I guess I need to say something good about this
one, here it goes... They do use a form of God’s name even if it’s an older,
incorrect version. The editions prior to 2013 do distinguish between the
singular and plural second person (you for singular and YOU for plural) and
this could be helpful for other translations to adopt, but this is the
proverbial gold ring in a pig's snout.
The Not-So-Goods: Where do I start? They insert the name
"Jehovah" into the NT, and while some could argue that there are
places where this (or Yahweh) might possibly be warranted occasionally (mainly
where the OT references have it*), the JW's do it only where "Lord"
refers to the Father or the Godhead, but never the Son. Yahweh and Adonai are
both rendered as Kyrios (Lord) in the Greek and are undistinguished, so the way
the JW's do it is they try to get away from the clear fact that Jesus is Yahweh
God. The Holy Spirit is referred to as an "it" rather than as a
"He" and is written as "holy spirit" to reflect their view
that He is not a Person but a force. The references in the NT to Jesus being
divine are further mistranslated by renderings such as John 1:1 ("The word
was a god" instead of "The Word was God"), Hebrews 1:8
("God is your throne" rather than "Your throne, O God"),
and II Peter 1:1 ("Our God and [the] Savior Jesus Christ", where the
bracketed word is clearly there just to hide the fact that Christ is Almighty
God). Colossians 1 formerly called Jesus the creator of “all [other] things”
but the brackets are now gone hiding the fact that “other” is not in the
original. Even the helpful distinction between “you” and “YOU” of prior
editions is gone. This "translation" was done by people who were not
scholars of the original languages and who did this with an agenda to promote
what has always been regarded as false views of God and of Christianity. Other
than apologetic uses, I think this one is pretty much useless.
* I think if the apostles were inspired to translate it “Lord” in the NT we
should stick with that, caps or not.
God's Name: Jehovah
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 1.0 (John 20.28)
Website: New
World Translation @ JW.org
Rebuttal: Is
the New World Translation a valid version of the Bible? | GotQuestions.org
Jerusalem Bible
Published: 1966
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Catholic, moderate
The Goods: The Jerusalem Bible is a product of a fine Catholic
translation team including author JRR Tolkien (He did the book of Jonah). Its
literary quality is almost on the level of the King James Version, as the
translators have sought to render the Scriptures in a more elevated tongue and
sound like a work of great literature, whether read in private or spoken aloud.
The Readers Edition has minimal theological notes, and the original edition has
a plethora of theological and historical notes. God's Name is rendered as a
name (and even the right one - Yahweh) rather than a title. Traditional gender
language is used throughout. Though it is a Catholic translation it is not
generally biased toward Catholicism in how it's written. If only they would
release an edition with the Apocrypha separated from the OT...
The Not-So-Goods: As a Catholic translation, the uninspired Apocryphal
books are interspersed throughout the inspired Old Testament rather than
separated (as the church father Jerome did). The reader's and other editions
have somewhat more liberal book introductions and study notes. Also, while I am
in strongly in favor of transliterating Yahweh, other Hebrew names for the
deity (e.g. El Shaddai [God Almighty], Yahweh Sabaoth [Yahweh of Hosts], El
Elyon [God Most High]) are unnecessarily transliterated where an English
translation would be fine.
God's Name: Yahweh, Yah
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.0
Website: The Jerusalem Bible (1966)
(bible-researcher.com)
New American Bible
Published: 1970 (Revised in 1996
& 2011)
Translators: Catholic, moderate
Reading Level: 9th Grade
The Goods: A generally good translation for Catholics to use. Is
readable and scholarly. The notes are strongly Roman Catholic, but this can be
good for those wanting to know Catholic interpretation of different Scriptures.
Also, it is an American production, so those who speak American English will
appreciate this.
The Not-So-Goods: The theology of the notes are not only Catholic (and
conservative with respect to the "perpetual virginity" of Mary and
deity of Christ), but are quite liberal with respect to textual criticism, e.g.
accepting as a given that Moses did not write any of the Pentateuch and that
Daniel wrote his book after the fact of his "prophecies". The editors
seem to not be able to take the Biblical writers at their word. Some
gender-neutral language as well. (And to
nitpick, the name is too similar to the New American Standard Bible,
which is as Protestant and conservative as the NAB is Catholic and liberal!)
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.5
Website: US Conference of Catholic
Bishops - the NAB
The Living Bible
Published: 1971
Reading Level: 4th Grade
Translators: Kenneth Taylor (a Baptist)
The Goods: The Living Bible became one of the more popular versions of
the Bible when Dr. Taylor released this paraphrase. There were not many
common-language editions on the market, and so this was a breath of fresh air.
Taylor had attended seminary and originally did this to help his children
understand God's Word. Because of the author's strong evangelical leanings,
this Bible is generally devoid of liberal renderings.
The Not-So-Goods: Being a paraphrase, this is not the most exact
rendering of Scripture. Also, it was paraphrased from the ASV rather than the
original languages. Some of Taylor's Arminian leaning show through in this
Bible, as is evident from some passages that in most translations are used as
Calvinist proof-texts. For instance, while most translations of Acts 13:48
follow the Greek in saying something in the nature of "and as many [of the
Gentiles] as were appointed to eternal life believed (ESV - others say
"ordained to eternal life"), the Living Bible badly mistranslates
this as "and as many as wanted eternal life, believed." Verses are
also sometimes combined or rearranged.
God's Name: Jehovah, Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.5
Website: The
Living Bible (Wikipedia)
New American Standard Bible
Published: 1971 (revised 1977,
1995, 2020)
Translators: Evangelical, Conservative
Reading Level: 11th Grade
The Goods: This revision of the ASV is, like its parent, an excellent
literal translation of the Bible. Language is updated (especially in the 1995
revision, where "You" replaces "Thou" in reference to God)
and the text is much easier to read than that of the ASV. There are numerous
text notes that are helpful as well. The translation method is eminently
orthodox (much moreso than the ASV), and virtually all translation choices
reflect a conservative and inerrantist perspective. Overall an excellent Bible
to study from, and has become a standard among evangelical scholars and many
laymen.
The Not-So-Goods: Though an improvement on the ASV in readability, it is
still a bit too wooden for some due to its strict literalism, and because of
this it is not used as much in worship. If one reads it silently it is good,
but if read aloud it takes a little more familiarity to make it sound the best.
(I find it better for study than reading but that's me.)
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.0
Website: Lockman Foundation: The NASB
Endorsements: Paige Patterson, Al Mohler, Charles Stanley, Kay Arthur,
R.C. Sproul, John MacArthur, Robert Norris
Good News Translation (aka Today's English Version)
Published: 1976 (revised 1992)
Reading Level: 8th Grade
Translators: Evangelical moderate, Catholic
The Goods: The original GNT was translated by a missionary who was
trying to publish an edition of the Bible which was especially good for those
for whom English was a second language. No big theological words here -
easy-to-understand phrases replace them to communicate the original text to the
reader.
The Not-So-Goods: The GNT is a tad too paraphrased for many. Some of the
"big words" have important meanings and could be just as well
explained with a footnote or an appendix in the back. Several OT prophecies
have the same problems as the RSV. The 1992 edition brings gender-neutrality
into much of the text. The primary translator (Robert Bratcher) considers the
foundational Christian belief in an inerrant Bible "heresy" and has
made a name for criticizing and even ridiculing those who hold to this belief.
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.8
Website: Good News Translation
New International Version (1984)
Published: 1978 (revised 1984)
Reading Level: 8th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, conservative
The Goods: The NIV is a balance between literal (word-for-word) and
paraphrase (thought-for-thought). The text is still readable enough along with
the KJV-family of translations but is a much easier read. Many evangelical
churches now use this translation as their official translation (including the
church I “cut my teeth in”) because it uses the better, older manuscripts of
the OT and NT but is eminently readable. The renderings also provide ease in
memorization. One of the better study Bibles, the NIV Study Bible, is based on
this translation. The excellent Spirit of the Reformation Study Bible is based
on this translation (though sadly out of print).
The Not-So-Goods: The NIV is somewhat too free for my taste. Sometimes
it's not forceful enough in how it translates some common phrases, e.g.
"This is what the Lord
says" rather than "Thus says the Lord
"; we also read "Let him be eternally condemned!" rather than
"Let him be cursed!" or "Let him be anathema!". The phrase
"the Lord of Hosts"
(denoting God as leader of heaven's armies) is replaced by "The Lord Almighty", which doesn't quite
fit the meaning of "God of Heaven's Armies".
God's Name: Lord
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.5
Website: Michael
Marlowe’s NIV 1984 Site
Endorsements: John Kohlenberger, Philip Yancey, Mike Yaconelli, Henry
Cloud, Lee Strobel, Rick Warren, Joni Eareckson Tada, Charles Colson, Charles
Swindoll, J.I. Packer, Cal Thomas, Harold Lindsell
The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition
Published: 1981
Translators: The Assemblies of Yahweh (mainly their leader, Jacob O.
Meyer) – Revision of the American Standard Version of 1901 (see above)
The Goods: Hmm... God's Name is properly rendered in the OT as Yahweh.
There are some passages (Hebrews 1:10, 2 Corinthians 3:17) which accidentally
teach the deity of Christ and the Holy Spirit, despite the denial of these
doctrines by the AoY (later editions may mistranslate these as well). The term
"Messiah" is used throughout this translation instead of
"Christ", which makes it sound more Jewish. The SSB is mostly a reworking
of the ASV, so it is fairly literal in its translation.
The Not-So-Goods: While not even in the same league as the JW's NWT, the
SSBE still suffers from major shortfalls. They view words such as God, Lord,
Christ, Church, hell, and Jesus as pagan and do not use them at all. They use
the invented name “Yahshua” rather than Jesus or the Hebrew Yehoshua/Yeshua.
The name Yahweh is placed into the New Testament, but only as a reference to
the Father (except a few places where they have so far missed it) - e.g. John
1:1 "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with Yahweh, and the
Word was Elohim", where the Greek has Theos (the Greek equivalent of
Elohim or God) in both reference to Father and Son, and does not use Kyrios
(which is the Greek rendering of Yahweh and Adonai). Like the JWs, the AoY and
Elder Meyer believed that his sect is the only way to Salvation, and both JW
and AoY teach such unbiblical doctrines as salvation by works, baptismal
regeneration, and Sacred Name-ism (you must call God by His Name - His titles
are either pagan [AoY] or not personal enough [JW]). The Assemblies also add
the rites and trappings of old Judaism to the mix, and I have a feeling that
the apostle Paul would have a field day with these folks.
God's Name: Yahweh
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
New King James Version
Published: 1982
Reading Level: 9th Grade
Translators: Evangelical/Fundamental, conservative
The Goods: Close to the wording and language structure of the KJV, yet
archaisms are modernized and the famous "thees and thous" are out.
Language is not too idiomatic so as to be dated too quickly and is much easier
to read than the old Authorized Version. Is a modern reworking of the KJV
rather than a new translation. Variant readings from other texts are placed in
the margins for people to read. Many conservative churches have adopted the
NKJV, seeing as the old KJV needs update but they don't want to go too far.
Also, the best study Bible on the market, the New Geneva/Reformation Study
Bible is available in this translation. Is a great balance of the need of old
and new and is an excellent read.
The Not-So-Goods: The biggest problem with the NKJV is that -for the
most part- it uses the same texts as the KJV and only utilizes the older manuscripts
in the margins. (If you're a Byzantine Text supporter, this is a big plus!)
Occasionally, the NKJV has 17th century sentence structure with 20th century
words, which can look funny to people every now and then. They could have been
a tad more aggressive on modernizing speech (“marveled”, “yea”)
God's Name: Lord, God, Yah
Deity of Christ: 8.0
Website: Thomas Nelson NKJV Page
Endorsements: Greg Laurie, RC Sproul, Robert Schuller, Jack Hayford, John MacArthur
New Jerusalem Bible
Published: 1985
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Catholic, somewhat liberal
The Goods: The NJB is a translation based on the Jerusalem Bible of the
60s. Most of the positives of the NJB are the same as the JB. The NJB is somewhat more of a literal read
than the JB (but the JB is usually fine.)
The Not-So-Goods: The NJB also is much more liberal in its translational
choices and exceptionally more so in its notes. Also, gender-neutrality have
crept into the NJB, and it generally is not as easy on the ears as the older
edition. Finally, it is quite British,
which is great if you’re from that side of the pond, not so much this one.
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.0
Website: Michael Marlowe’s NJB Page
Revised English Bible
Published: 1989
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Mostly Liberal British Protestant/Catholic
The Goods: The REB is a through revision of the New English Bible of the
1960s. While still definitely dynamic in nature, the REB is more literal than
its predecessor. Numerous unusual translations of the parent are rendered in a
more traditional way. Like the NJB, the REB was intended to be a very literary
edition of the Scriptures, and so is a good read (if you are familiar with
British idiom - see below). It is a result of the work of a multidenominational
team of scholars...
The Not-So-Goods: ...who are all from liberal denominations. No real evangelical/traditional
input seems to have been involved. Because of their desire to remain faithful
to the originals, the text has not been thoroughly goofed up, but there are
still several passages whose translations are iffy, if not totally off.
The deity of Christ is weak in most passages yet appears in at least one
uncommon verse. The British idiom (e.g. “corn” instead of grain) may throw some
people off as well - this is as much a British Bible as other popular
translations are thoroughly American in idiom.
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 6.0
Website: The Revised English Bible (bible-researcher.com)
New Revised Standard Version
Published: 1990
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Mainline/Catholic/Orthodox, somewhat liberal
The Goods: This translation is one of the more flowing, literary
translations available. It is a fifth-generation descendant of the old KJV, but
the language is modernized and readable to the average believer. In the NT,
when Jesus' title is used among a Jewish audience it is rendered as "Messiah"
rather than "Christ". It probably uses the best translation of John
1:18 (see below) of any modern translation. It is also available with the
Apocrypha as a separate section (while these books are not inspired, they are
still useful and interesting). Many mainline churches (PCUSA, Episcopal, United
Methodist, Disciples) now use this as their version of choice. Is a good one
for Christians who are familiar with the Bible and know about the questionable
renderings (see below).
The Not-So-Goods: The problems of the old RSV are readily apparent in
the NRSV, if not more so. OT passages which are utilized by the NT writers to
foretell the Messiah are not always rendered as they should be. There is a
strong undercurrent of gender-neutral language in this translation which
reduces its accuracy (though thankfully not going so far as changing "God
the Father" to something like "God the Father-Mother"!). The
fact that it is a product of the liberal National Council of Churches also does
not help its acceptance by evangelicals.
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.5
Endorsements: Richard Foster, Marcus Borg, Michael Bird, John Dominic Crossan, NT Wright, Harold Kushner, Nehemia Gordon, Bart Ehrman, Jim Wallis, David deSilva, Anne Rice
The Scriptures (ISR)
Deity Pronouns: capitalized
Website: A Review of The ISR Scriptures - The Messianic Light (critical)
New Living Translation
Published: 1996 (revised 2004, 2015)
Reading Level: 6th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, conservative
The Goods: The NLT is stylistically based on the old Living Bible,
which was a popular paraphrase of the ASV. The NLT, unlike its predecessor, was
translated directly from NT he original languages by several well-regarded
Biblical scholars for the purpose of rendering the Scriptures in a decidedly
modern tongue. Theological "buzzwords" (justification,
sanctification, etc.) that are sometimes unfamiliar to younger believers (both
chronologically and spiritually) are replaced with phrases that convey the
meaning of the originals. Poetic sections are only rendered so if part of a
song, prayer, etc. Jesus is called the Messiah when dealing with the Jews
rather than the Christ. It is the most consistent witness of the deity of
Christ of any English version of the Bible. A few churches are adopting this
translation.
The Not-So-Goods: Because it goes between being dynamic and paraphrastic,
the NLT suffers from some free translations where theological biases may be
detected by some. Also, the NLT uses gender-neutral language much more than
most conservative translations of the Bible, almost but not quite to the point
of the NRSV. See the Not-so-goods section for the NIV for other problems.
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 10.8
Website:
Complete Jewish Bible
Published: 1998
Grade Level: unknown
Translator: David Stern (Messianic Jewish)
The Goods: The CJB, was the first of a line of Messianic translations
showing the “Jewishness” of the Scriptures, and especially is translated to
present Christ (the Messiah) and His faith to a Jewish audience. The OT
books are in the order Jews used and still use (Law, Prophets, Writings) rather
than the a Greek order most Christians use. The New Testament is great to
show just how Jewish Jesus (Yeshua) and His apostles (emissaries) were.
All Hebrew names are in their Hebrew transliteration, e.g. Mosheh instead of
Moses, Yirmeyahu instead of Jeremiah. The standalone NT has word
explanations at the bottom of each page for Hebrew and Yiddish terms.
The Not-So-Goods: Unfamiliarity of said terms can be confusing to
Gentile Christians. Some of the changes are more theological than merely
cultural - “baptize” changed to “immerse” (which many Christians disagree
with), “cross” is changed to “stake” (because of the association of the cross
with crusades and pogroms, though He was executed on a cross, not a pole), and
“Christian” is translated to “Messianic” (though this title was used in Gentile
cities, who spoke a Greek. While the deity of Messiah is proclaimed, it
is not as prominent as it should be is some verses (e.g. Titus 2.13 reverts to
the KJV form and ignores Granville Sharp’s rule.)
God’s Name: ADONAI
Deity of Christ: 5.5
Website: Complete Jewish Bible, Updated Text & Introductions to ea. book: *Pape – Messianic Jewish Publishers
English Standard Version
Published: 2001 (revised 2007, 2011, 2016)
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, conservative
The Goods: This is a revision of the old Revised Standard Version
done by evangelical scholars. While many evangelical theologians appreciated
the translation of the RSV, there were numerous places in the OT where the RSV
has some questionable translations on some passages that the NT writers use to
point to Christ. The ESV corrects these for the most part, and updates the
language of the half-century old RSV and is also generally more literal in a
number of renderings than its parent. The text of this translation remains in
the line of the KJV and its literary quality, but it is also not a difficult
read. The Reformation Study Bible is now available in the ESV,
as is the monumental ESV Study Bible, not to mention various
editions published by Lutherans & Anglicans, and even Roman Catholic
editions are appearing, which testify to the excellent work done by the
committee.
The Not-So-Goods: There are a couple of OT passages where the
Messianic character is still somewhat blurred (e.g., Daniel 9:25 reads "an
anointed one" rather than "the Anointed One" or
"Messiah"), but these are few. The standard theological
"buzz-words" are still there, which aren't always easy for new
believers to understand, though the regular churchgoer should be familiar with
them and they are significant.
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.5
Website: About
the ESV | ESV.org
New English Translation (NET)
Translators: Evangelical conservative
Reading level: Middle school
The Goods: The footnotes are insanely good. Any text variant or translation variant you may be interested are here. Lots of explanatory material. Almost a “Translating Study Bible” though the notes are pretty much all textual rather than theological in nature.
The Not-So-Goods: The nature of the helpful notes demands use in an electronic format. There are copies in print, either with truncated notes (hence cutting out the best part!) or with the full notes and are clunky and difficult to carry and use. (Seriously, these editions will sometimes have less than ¼ of the page as Biblical text!)
God’s Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ:
Website: Home - NET Bible
Endorsements: Chuck Swindoll, Tony Evans, Beth Moore, John Walvoord, Wayne Grudem
The Message
Published: 2002 (whole Bible)
Reading Level: 3rd Grade
Translators: Eugene Peterson (an evangelical Presbyterian)
The Goods: Eugene Peterson did this to try to reproduce the flavor
of the original languages as a language that people use in everyday life. In
doing so, Peterson has some renderings that might sound a bit harsh to most of
those familiar with the Bible, e.g. Acts 8:20 where in the usual translation
Peter says something to the effect of “Your money perish with you" (NKJV)
but in the Message he says "To hell with your money - and you with
it!" It may sound different or unwelcome, but it is actually similar to
the way the Greek has it.
The Not-So-Goods: First of all, many editions without verses makes
it more difficult to find a specific passage. Also, not only will the earthy
language offend those more used to the stately, majestic language of the King
James Bible and its descendants, it is contemporary to the point of being
trendy, and often in a way that is excessively forced. The media hype (e.g.
"If the Bible were written today, this is what it would sound like")
bothers a lot of folks like myself. Dr. Peterson himself said he is
uncomfortable when churches use this, that it is for the private use of the
believer. Is heavily paraphrased, even more so than the old Living Bible, to
the extent that interpretation rather than translation abounds throughout and
is not noted as such.
God's Name: God (early
editions of the Psalms used Yahweh, but this has since been changed,
unfortunately)
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Today's New International Version
Published: 2005
Reading Level: 8th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, slightly conservative
The Goods: The TNIV was a translation/revision that garnered a lot
of press. Some of the positive aspects of this include the use of the term
"Messiah" for Jesus rather than "Christ" when the passage
is in a Jewish context. The TNIV's translation of John 1:18 and Philippians 1:6
are an improvement over the original NIV, and there are other passages which
are improved. Time is given as, e.g., "nine o'clock" rather than
"the third hour", and a woman who is "with child" is now
"pregnant."
The Not-So-Goods: The weaknesses of the NIV are generally apparent
in the TNIV as well. The bulk of the criticism of the TNIV has been with
respect to its use of gender. The TNIV joins the NRSV (translated by
mainliners) and the NLT (a much freer translation) in going gender-neutral or,
as they put it "gender accurate." There are passages where this can
be warranted, e.g. "brothers" being rendered "brothers and
sisters" when the term obviously deals with both sexes, as with changing
"the man who believes" to "the one who believes" and
"man" to "human". However, there are some passages in the
TNIV where they use the term "their" to avoid the generic
"he", but this can cause people to question whether the passage deals
with the individual (as in the Greek) or with a group (as it may seem in the
TNIV, NRSV, etc.) A couple of passages in the TNIV seem to give
justification for female officers in the church, whereas most conservative
Christians don't support this. Finally, in a few passages the term "the
Jews" is changed to "the Jewish leaders", which some have said
tries to absolve the Jewish people of the time of any complicity in opposing
Jesus. Numerous evangelicals are protested and boycotted this translation, and
it didn’t gain much of a following. It
is now out of print.
God's Name: Lord
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 9.0
Holman Christian Standard Bible
Published: 2004
Reading Level: 9th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, conservative
The Goods: This is published by Holman, which is the publishing arm
of the Southern Baptist Convention, but its translation team is multidenominational.
The language is clear and easy to read yet not too colloquial. Some Hebraisms
are in the text where warranted, such as the occasional use of
"Yahweh" when God's name is referred to as a name (e.g. "I am
the Lord " but "My name
is Yahweh") and the use of "Messiah" instead of
"Christ" when dealing with the Jews. Quotations from the OT are
clearly marked, and the textual footnotes are great. Its character as a
conservative, "optimal equivalent" translation is outstanding. (I
especially like how John 3.16 is translated!)
The Not-So-Goods: No translation is perfect. While most
questionable readings are included in brackets (which can be good or bad
depending on your point of view), some are adopted that don't belong, such as
John 1.18 ("the only son" as opposed to "the only God"). On
a few occasions the text gets a bit colloquial, such as the use of the term
"slacker" for "sluggard", though "slacker" is
much more understandable and perhaps more accurate. It has largely been
replaced by the Christian Standard Bible which has removed many of the
distinctive renderings.
God's Name: Lord, God, Yahweh
Deity Pronouns: Capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.0
Revised English Version
Translators: Former Members of Way International
The Goods: Er… um… Sorry I got nothing. Even the use of Yahweh doesn’t help this one.
The Not-So-Goods: Socinian trash from former members of the Way International. Distorts the Scriptures to fit their unbiblical theology. Also uses a name similar to a mainstream established Bible translation – don’t know if this is intentionally deceptive but it wouldn’t surprise me.
God's Name: Yahweh
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 0.0 (it had partial points but I took points off because they even distorted John 20:28)
Website:
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 0.0 (it had partial points but I took points off because they even distorted John 20:28)
Website: About, REV Bible and Commentary (revisedenglishversion.com)
Critical: New Unitarian Bible Translation: Revised English Version (REV)
New International Version (2011)
Published: 2011
Reading Level: 8th Grade
Translators: Evangelical, somewhat conservative
The Goods: This is a rebranding and slight revision of the TNIV and
calling it the NIV. It is not quite as far on the left in gender issues and has
the positives of the TNIV. It is an excellent read and flows wonderfully.
The Not-So-Goods: The publishers of the NIV2011 have decided that
the 1984 NIV is too "gender inaccurate" to continue being sold and
published. Many complementarians have questioned the extent of its gender
language and the occasional distortion of the message for its gender choices.
Many traditional confessional Christians have moved toward the ESV, NKJV, and
other translations.
God's Name: Lord
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Common English Bible
Published: 2011
Reading Level: 7th Grade
Translators: Mainline, somewhat liberal
The Goods: This is an entirely new translation done by a team of
primarily mainline scholars, with some Catholic, Jewish, and evangelical input.
It is very easy to read, the language flows well, and some of the translation
choices are worth considering - “harassment” in place of persecution, “Lord of heavenly forces” in place of Lord of hosts, freer use of
contractions...
The Not-So-Goods: But some others are extremely problematic. “Son
of Man” (which is a divine-human title of Christ- see Daniel) is replaced by
“Human One.” “Messenger” in place of angel is often iffy. Its
gender language is in line with the TNIV and NRSV.
God's Name: Lord
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.0
Website: Common
English Bible
Berean Standard Bible
Published: 2016, 2020
Reading Level: 8th Grade (?)
Translators: Evangelical, conservative (Bible Hub)
The Goods: This is a totally new translation published by Bible
Hub. It’s been around for a few years but in 2021 became a social media
sensation. It’s different because… there’s not much different. Much of the
wording is very traditional (Lord
of Hosts, behold, etc.) but it’s still in very readable English. “Smooth”
didn’t begin to describe it. You know you’re not reading a mere piece of
literature but… you’re not reading an archaic or academic book either. My read
through in early 2022 was in the BSB and I’m very pleased. If you combine the
NKJV & NIV 84 and smooth some of the rough edges you have the BSB. With
some marketing and investment this could become a major dark horse in the Bible
world.
The Not-So-Goods: There aren’t many bound copies or formats yet,
but they’re working on it. Some of the readings I don’t care for - “atoning
sacrifice” (rather than “propitiation”) or “This is what the Lord says” (instead of “Thus says the Lord”) but it’s minimal.
Deity Pronouns: Capitalized
Website: Home - Berean Standard Bible (bereanbible.com)
Deity of Christ: 7.5
Christian Standard Bible
Translators: Evangelical conservative
Reading level: 7th Grade
The Goods: The CSB isn’t bad. It’s a nice balance of literal vs. dynamic. Take the good of the HCSB (minus Yahweh) and a few minor updates (“Armies” rather than “Hosts”). It’s put out by the publishing arm of the Southern Baptist Convention and has been heavily promoted, bringing out many fine editions and reference materials.
The Not-So-Goods: It’s more of a NIV-11 dialed down a bit. I’m not wild about removing the sacred name as you can imagine. The gender language is more (but not too far) toward the gender neutrality direction.
God’s Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 10.0
Website: Christian Standard Bible (csbible.com)
The Passion Translation
Translators: Brian Simmons (Charismatic/New Apostolic Reformation)
Reading level:
The Goods: Language is very accessible to the modern reader. God’s name is used (though inconsistently) and there are some passages that make you think. Kind of a guilty pleasure.
The Not-So-Goods: Inconsistent in use of “Christ,” “Messiah,” and “Anointed One.” He considers a second-century Aramaic translation, not to mention a medieval Hebrew translation of Matthew, as authentic as the mid-first century Greek original. “Yahweh” appears in the NT where, other than the word “Alleluia” (HalleluYah) it never appears in the original Greek. Where parts of this paraphrase may make you think, much of it is tedious, wordy, and often laced with charismatic phrases inserted into the text. He also publicly stated that Jesus told him to do this translation, and when he “adds” to Scripture it’s practically inspired. It’s a mix of Scripture, interpretation, and amplification under the guise of a translation.
God’s Name: Yahweh, Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.0
Endorsements: Bill Johnson, Lisa Bevere, Michael W. Smith
Critical Review: What’s Wrong With The Passion “Translation”?
Revised New Jerusalem Bible
Translators: Roman Catholic
Reading level: 10th Grade
The Goods: Language is smoother and more modern than the earlier NJB. No more “Yahweh Sabaoth.” Even measurements are rendered in their modern metric equivalents, and the work has moved in a slightly more formally equivalent direction.
The Not-So-Goods: Instead of “Yahweh of Hosts” we’re back to “Lord of Hosts.” Due to Vatican insistence, Yahweh is gone from the RNJB and we’re back to Lord and God. So pretty much it’s your standard, British, modern mainline/Catholic translation. Good, but in my humble opinion unnecessary.
God’s Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Website: The Revised New Jerusalem Bible
New Revised Standard Version – Updated Edition
Reading Level: 10th Grade
Translators: Mainline/Catholic/Orthodox, liberal
The Goods: See the NRSV for the “goods.” The language in a lot of ways is more updated (e.g. “sexual immorality” vs. “fornication.”).
God's Name: Lord, God
Deity Pronouns: Not capitalized
Deity of Christ: 7.5
Website: NRSV Bibles
The Not-So-Goods: No "God the Father-Mother" yet, but it looks like it’s going in that direction. Politically correct language (e.g. “enslaved person” vs. “slave”) is more prominent, and the weakening of traditional Biblical sexual ethic (e.g. 1 Corinthians 6.9) has been the “headline grabber” for the NRSV-ue. The liberal National Council of Churches has had its hand in the production of the new edition, and in spite of some moderate conservatives on the committee this one is decidedly becoming liberal.
Critical Review: Beware Liberal NRSVue Bible Translation Update - Juicy Ecumenism
Endorsements: Michael Bird, Jennifer Knust
Legacy Standard Bible
Published: 2021 (revision of the
NASB 1995)
Translators: Evangelical, Conservative (Masters University and Seminary)
Reading Level: 11th Grade
The Goods: This is the newest update of the respected and trusted New
American Standard Bible, done under the auspices of Master’s University and
Seminary (operated by John MacArthur and Grace Community Church in Legacy
Pasadena, CA). Its goal is to take the literal excellence of the NASB and make
it even more consistent. They’ve kept traditional gender renderings, have
attempted to consistently translate all Hebrew and Greek words - notable
translating “YHWH” as “Yahweh” throughout the OT, and rendering the Greek
“doulos” as “slave” throughout the New. Some modernization of language is
present, e.g. “brethren” now appears as “brothers.” This may be the best strict
word-for-word English Bible available today and is a gold mine for word study.
The Not-So-Goods: It’s still a bit choppy for some due to its strict
literalism, and any negatives of the NASB would apply here too, though the LSB
is smoother and a few “rough edges” have been made less so. It still uses some
older terms, such as “answered and said” and “behold” but probably with good
reason. It’s new and just becoming available in digital and print edition, with
few study materials YET.
God's Name: Yahweh, Yah
Deity Pronouns: Capitalized
Deity of Christ: 8.5
Website: The Legacy Standard
Bible
Endorsements: John MacArthur, James White, Gabe Hughes
Which Bibles do I use? I own numerous translations, but chiefly
I read from -
- NRSV
(for its all-around excellence in language)
- ESV
(our church and family Bible)
- BSB
(for enjoyment of reading)
- NKJV
(due to its accuracy and similarity to the KJV, and to compare textual
philosophies).
First Tier: ESV, NIV, NKJV, NASB/LSB, HCSB, BSB
In between: NRSV
Second Tier: NLT, JB, KJV, RV, ASV, RSV, CEB
Third Tier: TLB, The Message
For those who read this, I say to pick a couple translations if
you want to get into deep study of the Scriptures but most importantly pick a
translation that you can read and understand without too much consulting of a
dictionary.
- New
believers would do well with the NLT or NIV and for children I would
recommend one of these as well as the NIrV or the International Children's
Bible.
- Those
more familiar with the Scriptures would do well to go for a more literal
translation such as the LSB, NKJV, ESV, or NASB for use in in-depth
study.
- Those
who want a Bible highly regarded by the secular, mainline, and some
evangelical and Catholic scholars will go toward the NRSV (which is pretty
much the standard Bible in academia)
- For
those who are nostalgic for a Bible with a high literary and poetic
quality, you can't go wrong with King James.
Major Verses Pertaining to the Deity of Christ in various
versions:
Note: Verses marked in indigo are textual variants between the
Critical, Majority, and Received (Traditional) texts, and do not necessarily
reflect translation bias per se.
John 1.18 -
No one has ever seen God. It is God the only Son, who is close to the Father’s
heart, who has made him known. NRSV
Deity Clear: BSB, CEB CSB, ESV, GNB, LSB, NAB, NASB, NET, NIV,
NLT, NRSV, TNIV
Deity Unclear: ASV, DRB, GB, HCSB, JB, KJV, MSG, NKJV, NJB, REB, RSV, RV,
TLB, TPT
John 8.58 -
Jesus said to them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I
am." ESV
Clear: ASV, BSB, CEB, CSB, DRB, ESV, GNB, HCSB, JB, KJV, LSB,
MSG, NAB, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NKJV, NRSV, NJB, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
Unclear: TLB, NLT
Acts 20:28 -
Keep watch over yourselves and over the whole flock of which the holy Spirit
has appointed you overseers, in which you tend the church of God that he
acquired with his own blood. NAB
Clear: BSB, CSB, DRB, ESV, GB, HCSB, JB, KJV, LSB, MSG, NAB,
NASB, NIV, NKJV, NLT, RV, TNIV
Less Clear: ASV, REB
Unclear: CEB, GNB, NET, NJB, NRSV, RSV, TPT
Romans 9.5 -
Theirs are the patriarchs, and from them is traced the human ancestry of the
Messiah, who is God over all, forever praised! Amen. TNIV
Clear: BSB, CEB, CSB, ESV, GB, HCSB, LSB, MSG, NET, NIV, NJB,
NLT, TNIV, TPT
Less clear: ASV, DRB, JB, KJV, NASB, NKJV, RV
Unclear: GNB, NAB, REB, RSV (corrected in later editions)
Philippians 2:5-6 -
The attitude you should have is the one that Christ Jesus had: He always had
the nature of God, but he did not think that by force he should try to remain
equal with God - GNB
Clear: CEB, CSB, GNB, HCSB, JB, MSG, NLT, TNIV, NRSV,
NIV2011
Less clear: ASV, BSB, DRB, ESV, GB, KJV, LSB, NAB, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NKJV,
RSV, RV, TPT*
Unclear: REB
* TPT is great on 2:11.
Colossians 2:9 - For
in Christ there is all of God in a human body. TLB
More Clear: ASV, BSB, CEB, CSB, DRB, ESV, GB, GNB, HCSB,
JB, KJV, LSB, NAB, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NKJV, NLT, NRSV, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
Less Clear: MSG
II Thessalonians 1.12 - Then everyone will give honor to the
name of our Lord Jesus because of you, and you will be honored along with him.
This is all made possible because of the undeserved favor of our God and Lord,
Jesus Christ. - NLT
Clear: NAB, NLT
Unclear: ASV, BSB, CEB, CSB, DRB, ESV, GB, GNB, HCSB, JB, KJV, LSB,
MSG, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NKJV, NRSV, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
I Timothy 3:16 - And without controversy great is the mystery of
godliness: God was manifested in the flesh, Justified in the Spirit, Seen by
angels, Preached among the Gentiles, Believed on in the world, Received up in
glory. NKJV
Present: GB, KJV, NKJV
Absent: All others
Titus 2.13 - [W]hile we wait for the blessed hope and the
appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Jesus Christ. - HCSB
Clear: BSB, CEB, CSB, ESV, GNB, HCSB, JB, LSB, MSG, NASB, NET, NIV,
NJB, NKJV, NLT, NRSV, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
Unclear: ASV, GB, DRB, KJV, NAB
Hebrews 1.8 - But unto the Son he saith, O God, thy throne is
forever and ever: The scepter of thy kingdom is a scepter of righteousness. GB
Clear: ASV, BSB, CEB, CSB, ESV, GB, GNB, HCSB, JB, KJV, LSB,
MSG, NAB, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NLT, NRSV, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
Unclear: Some margins (and unorthodox translations) say "God is your
throne" rather than "Your throne, O God"
Hebrew 1.9 - You
have loved right and hated wrong; therefore, O God, your God has set you above
your fellows by anointing you with oil, the token of joy. REB
Clear: NLT, REB
Unclear: ASV, BSB, ESV, GB, GNB, HCSB, JB, KJV, LSB, MSG,
NAB, NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NRSV, RSV, RV, TNIV, CEB, TPT
2 Peter 1.1 - From
Simon Peter, a slave and apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who received a
faith equal to ours through the justice of our God and savior Jesus Christ.
Clear: BSB, CEB, CSB, ESV, GB, GNB, HCSB, JB, LSB, MSG, NAB,
NASB, NET, NIV, NJB, NRSV, REB, RSV, RV, TNIV, TPT
Unclear: KJV, ASV
I John 5.7 -
For there are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, the Word, and the
Holy Ghost: and these three are one. KJV
Present: GB, KJV, NKJV
Absent: Most others
Bibles
- ASV:
American Standard Version, (Oak Harbor, WA: Logos Research Systems, Inc.)
1994.
- BSB:
Berean Standard Bible, (BibleHub), 2016
- CEB:
Common English Bible (Nashville, TN: Common English Bible Committee), 2011
- CSB:
Christian Standard Bible (Nashville: Holman) 2017, 2020.
- CJB:
Complete Jewish Bible (Messianic Jewish Publishers) 1998.
- ESV:
English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Good News Publishers) 2001.
- GB:
Geneva Bible, 1560, 1599.
- GNB:
Good News Bible: Today’s English Version (New York: American Bible
Society) 1992.
- HCSB:
Holman Christian Standard Bible (Nashville: Holman) 2004.
- JB:
Jerusalem Bible (New York: Doubleday) 1966.
- KJV:
The Authorized (King James) Version, (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1769.
- LSB:
Legacy Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: Lockman Foundation) 2021.
- NAB:
The New American Bible (Nashville, Tennesee: Confraternity of Christian
Doctrine) 1997.
- NASB:
The New American Standard Bible (La Habra, CA: Lockman Foundation) 1995.
- NET:
NET Bible, New English Translation (Biblical Studies Press, L.L.C.), 2001,
2019.
- NIV:
New International Version (Colorado Springs: International Bible Society)
1984, 2011.
- NJB:
The New Jerusalem Bible (New York: Doubleday) 1985.
- NKJV:
New King James Version, (Nashville, Tennessee: Thomas Nelson, Inc.) 1982.
- NLT:
New Living Translation, (Wheaton, IL: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)
1996.
- NRSV:
New Revised Standard Version (New York: National Council of Churches of
Christ in the U.S.A.) 1989.
- NRSV-ue:
New Revised Standard Version, Updated Edition (New York: National Council
of Churches of Christ in the U.S.A.) 2021.
- NWT:
New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Brooklyn: Watch Tower Bible
and Tract Society) 1984.
- REB:
Revised English Bible (London: Oxford University Press and Cambridge
University Press) 1989.
- REV:
Revised English Version (Spirit & Truth Ministries), 2009.
- RNJB:
Revised New Jerusalem Bible (London: Darton, Longman, & Todd, Ltd.)
2019.
- RSV:
Revised Standard Version (New York: National Council of Churches of Christ
in the U.S.A.) 1952.
- RV:
Revised Version (Cambridge: Cambridge) 1885.
- SSBE:
The Sacred Scriptures, Bethel Edition (Bethel, PA: Assemblies of Yahweh)
1981.
- TLB:
The Living Bible (Wheaton, Ill.: Tyndale House Publishers, Inc.)
1997.
- TPT:
The Passion Translation (Passion & Fire Ministries, Inc.), 2017, 2018,
2020.
- TS-ISR:
The Scriptures (Republic of South Africa: Institute for Scripture
Research) 1994-2015
Reference Works
- Steven
Sheely and Robert Nash, Choosing a Bible: A Guide to Modern
English Translations and Editions (Nashville: Abingdon Press)
1999.
- James
White, The King James Only Controversy: Can You Trust the Modern
Translations? (Minneapolis, MN: Bethany House) 1995.
Updated 3/31/2023
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