Understanding Bible Translations
A comprehensive guide to the translation philosophies, reading levels, and source texts behind the most widely read English Bibles.
The Translation Spectrum
Bible translations generally fall along a spectrum between two main philosophies: Formal Equivalence (Word-for-Word) and Dynamic Equivalence (Thought-for-Thought).
Hover over the abbreviations above to see translation types.
Quick Comparison
A side-by-side technical breakdown of each translation.
| Translation | Philosophy | Reading Level | Year | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NASB New American Standard Bible | Word-for-Word | 11th Grade | 1971 (Rev. 2020) | Deep study, word analysis, accuracy. |
| ESV English Standard Version | Word-for-Word | 10th Grade | 2001 (Rev. 2016) | Serious study, sermon preparation, memorization. |
| KJV King James Version | Word-for-Word | 12th Grade+ | 1611 (Rev. 1769) | Public reading, traditional liturgy, poetic beauty. |
| NKJV New King James Version | Word-for-Word | 9th Grade | 1982 | Traditionalists wanting modern readability. |
| CSB Christian Standard Bible | Optimal Equivalence | 7th Grade | 2017 | Balanced everyday reading, teaching, and study. |
| NIV New International Version | Thought-for-Thought | 7th Grade | 1978 (Rev. 2011) | General reading, preaching, outreach. |
| NLT New Living Translation | Thought-for-Thought | 6th Grade | 1996 (Rev. 2015) | Devotional reading, beginners, reading aloud. |
| MSG The Message | Paraphrase | 5th Grade | 2002 | Fresh perspective, devotional reading. |
Translation Deep Dive
Explore the history, source texts, and specific focus of each translation.
In some cases we may include other Bible translations such as Ethiopic or Catholic versions as supplemental (NEVER authoritatively) to the 66 Books of the Protestant Bible, providing additional context and insights for study purposes.
New American Standard Bible
Widely regarded as the most literal English translation. It adheres closely to the original Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek sentence structures.
English Standard Version
An 'essentially literal' translation that seeks to capture the precise wording of the original text while maintaining literary beauty and readability.
King James Version
The historic standard of English Bibles. Renowned for its majestic, poetic language, though it uses archaic English and older manuscript traditions.
New King James Version
Updates the vocabulary and grammar of the KJV while preserving its classic structure, literary flow, and reliance on the Textus Receptus.
Christian Standard Bible
Uses 'Optimal Equivalence'—translating word-for-word where possible, but shifting to thought-for-thought when clarity in modern English demands it.
New International Version
The world's most popular modern translation. It strikes a highly accessible balance between word-for-word accuracy and thought-for-thought clarity.
New Living Translation
Focuses heavily on translating the thoughts and concepts behind the ancient texts into natural, modern, and highly readable English.
The Message
A highly contemporary paraphrase that captures the tone, rhythm, and conversational feel of the original languages to make scripture feel immediate.
Omitted Verses in Matthew & Luke
A side-by-side translation analysis of the five primary verses in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke that are omitted or bracketed in modern translations due to manuscript evidence.
Included
Verse is fully present in the main text.
Bracketed
Included in the text but marked with brackets indicating doubt.
Omitted / Footnoted
Removed from the main text and placed in a footnote.
| Verse Reference | KJV / NKJV | NASB | ESV | NIV | NLT | CSB | Original Text & Reason for Omission |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Matthew 17:21 | ✓ Included | [✓] Bracketed | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote |
"But this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting." Reason: Not found in the earliest Greek manuscripts (e.g., Codex Sinaiticus). Likely added by later scribes to harmonize Matthew with Mark 9:29. |
| Matthew 18:11 | ✓ Included | [✓] Bracketed | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote |
"For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost." Reason: Absent from the earliest and best manuscripts. Scribes likely added this to Matthew by importing the text directly from Luke 19:10. |
| Matthew 23:14 | ✓ Included | [✓] Bracketed | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote |
"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you devour widows’ houses..." Reason: Absent from early manuscripts. Likely added by scribes to harmonize Matthew's "woes" with Mark 12:40 and Luke 20:47. |
| Luke 17:36 | ✓ Included | [✓] Bracketed | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote |
"Two men will be in the field: one will be taken and the other left." Reason: Not present in the oldest Greek manuscripts. Scribes likely added this to match Matthew 24:40. |
| Luke 23:17 | ✓ Included | [✓] Bracketed | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote | ✕ Footnote |
"Now he was obliged to release one man to them at the feast." Reason: Missing from the earliest manuscripts. Added by later scribes to explain why the crowd was demanding Barabbas's release (harmonizing with Matthew 27:15 / Mark 15:6). |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is "Formal Equivalence"?
Often called "word-for-word" translation. Scholars using this approach try to preserve the original grammar, syntax, and literal words of the Hebrew, Aramaic, and Greek as closely as possible in English.
What is "Dynamic Equivalence"?
Often called "thought-for-thought" translation. This philosophy prioritizes conveying the original meaning and impact of a phrase or sentence into natural, contemporary English, sometimes sacrificing literal word-for-word alignment for readability.
What are the "Source Texts"?
Most modern translations rely on critical text compilations (like Nestle-Aland/UBS) which use the oldest discovered manuscripts (like the Dead Sea Scrolls). Older translations like the KJV rely on the "Textus Receptus" (Received Text), based on later Byzantine-era manuscripts.
Which translation is the "best"?
There is no single "best" translation. For strict study, a word-for-word translation (like ESV or NASB) is excellent. For daily reading and devotional reflection, optimal or dynamic translations (like CSB, NIV, or NLT) are highly recommended.
I have a Bible, but it is not listed on this page?
If your Bible is not listed on this page, it may be because it is not one of the primary translations we focus on for study purposes. If it happens to be a New World Translation (NWT), The Passion Translation (TPT), Queen James Bible (QJB),Joseph Smith Translation (JST), The Message (MSG), or the The Living Bible (TLB), throw it in the trash and get one mentioned here on the page like NASB, KJV, or ESV.
What Bible do you use the most?
As a minister in the Assemblies of God, I primarily use a Fire Bible in ESV for my daily study and content preparation. I prefer my paper copy Bible over digital version which is suseptible to unknowing changes. My Fire Bible, being a physical copy, can be passed down to my family. It also provides the tactile and immersive experience that aids my study and reflection. When evanglizing or in converstation I do use my smart phone to reference scripture, but I always encourage people to get a physical copy of the Bible for their own personal use. I find the ESV provides a good balance of accuracy and readability, making it suitable for both in-depth study and practical application in ministry. I know there are some that beleive if it's not King James Version (KJV) then you are ging to hell, to that I say "Show me where that is in the Bible?""