Methods of Translation
One reason for the multiplicity of versions is that it is impossible to create a perfect translation. The Bible may be compared to a lustrous diamond. A skilled artisan makes it sparkle by cutting many facets to bring out the light. The different versions of the Bible may be compared to the facets in a precious gem; they help bring out the light and make it sparkle. Since there is no one perfect English version, Bible studies are enhanced when they are based on more than one version, chosen from at least the following two different translation styles.
1. A formal-correspondence translation, which attempts to reflect as closely as possible the actual words, idioms, and formal structure of the original text. These translations bring out the flavour of the original languages; they bring the reader to the text. Examples of this type of translation are: King James Version, New American Standard Bible, and Revised Standard Version.
2. A functional-equivalent or idiomatic translation, which expresses the message of the Greek and Hebrew text in a language that is clear and natural today. These translations tend to have a more immediate impact since they are easy to understand and express the message in a language that people use every day. In this style, the translator attempts to bring the text to the reader. Examples are: Good News Translation, Contemporary English Version, and New Living Translation.
English Translations of the Bible
Version
King James Version (KJV)
12.0
New King James Version (NKJV)
New American Standard Bible (NASB)
9.0
New American Bible (NAB)
11.0
Distinguishing Features
New Revised Standard Version (NRSV)
New Jerusalem Bible (NJB)
6.6
10.4
N/A
Poetic literary style using Elizabethan English. Most universally accepted translation for centuries. Considered the most difficult to read today due to the elevated and archaic style of English used.
A more modern translation in the formal correspondence tradition of the KJV. Retains the elegant style of the KJV but with updated English usage, making it easier to read and understand.
A revision of the 1901 American Standard Version into more modern language. An accurate translation in the formal correspondence tradition. Useful especially for serious Bible study. The formal correspondence style sometimes makes for difficult reading.
The official English translation of the Roman Catholic Church. Translated mainly from the original texts rather than the Vulgate. Follows the formal-correspondence tradition.
Published in 1989 as a revision of the RSV. It uses gender-inclusive language when supported by the context and sense of the original, but continues in the formal correspondence tradition of its predecessor.
A revision of the Jerusalem Bible, it is a careful and accurate translation with strong Biblical scholarship. There is a literary sophistication to its English. It is freer than the strictly formal-correspondence versions, concentrating on readability and good English style.
*Reader Challenge is the relative difficulty or readability of the text. The figures presented here are adapted from information provided by Zondervan and Thomas Nelson Publishers using Dale-Chall, Fry, Raygor, and Spache formulas.
Passage Comparison
2 Timothy 3.16, 17
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.
All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.
All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be adequate, equipped for every good work.
All Scripture is inspired by God and useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that one who belongs to God may be competent, equipped for every good work.
All scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, so that everyone who belongs to God may be proficient, equipped for every good work.
All scripture is inspired by God and useful for refuting error, for guiding people’s lives and teaching them to be upright. This is how someone who is dedicated to God becomes fully equipped and ready for any good work.
Theological Perspective
Church of England, conservative, and evangelical.
Trans-national, trans-denominational, conservative, and evangelical.
Conservative and evangelical.
Roman Catholic.
Mainline and interconfessional.
Roman Catholic.
English Translations of the Bible
Version Reader Challenge*
Today’s New International Version (TNIV)
Good News Translation (GNT or TEV)
N/A
Distinguishing Features
Contemporary English Version (CEV)
6.0
5.4
New Living Translation (NLT)
6.3
The Message 4.8
A slightly revised version of the popular NIV, attempting to reflect more contemporary English usage in such matters as gender and references to the Jewish people.
Also known as Today’s English Version. It is the most widely recognized and accepted common language, dynamic-equivalence translation. It is praised for its freshness of language and is especially appropriate for people for whom English is not the first language. It uses gender inclusive language when supported by the context and sense of the original.
The CEV has been prepared especially for use in public reading in a lucid and lyrical style that “sings to the soul”. It is especially effective among new Bible readers and youth. It uses gender-inclusive language when supported by the context and sense of the original.
A new translation produced in the tradition of Kenneth Taylor’s highly popular Living Bible. While the LB was produced by one man and based on the American Standard Version, the NLT is the product of more than 50 scholars and pays careful attention to the original languages. It seeks to retain the readability of the LB and uses gender-inclusive language when supported by the context and sense of the original.
A free-flowing paraphrase by Eugene Peterson. It seeks to preserve the authentic, earthy flavour and the expressive character and impact of the orginal languages in a contemporary style that is easy to read and understand.
*Reader Challenge is the relative difficulty or readability of the text. The figures presented here are adapted from information provided by Zondervan and Thomas Nelson Publishers using Dale-Chall, Fry, Raygor, and Spache formulas.
Passage Comparison
2 Timothy 3.16, 17
All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that all God’s people may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful for teaching the truth, rebuking error, correcting faults, and giving instruction for right living, so that the person who serves God may be fully qualified and equipped to do every kind of good deed.
Theological Perspective
Trans-national, transdenominational, conservative, and evangelical.
Evangelical and interconfessional.
Everything in the Scriptures is God’s Word. All of it is useful for teaching and helping people and for correcting them and showing them how to live. The Scriptures train God’s servants to do all kinds of good deeds.
All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It straightens us out and teaches us to do what is right. It is God’s way of preparing us in every way, fully equipped for every good thing God wants to do.
Conservative, evangelical, and mainline.
Every part of Scripture is God-breathed and useful one way or another – showing us truth, exposing our rebellion, correcting our mistakes, training us to live God’s way. Through the Word we are put together and shaped up for the tasks God has for us.
Conservative and evangelical.
Evangelical.