It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the number of English Bible translations we have today. It’s not uncommon to wonder why we have so many. Why do all these translations exist? Do they serve different purposes? Is there one that’s best—and if so which one?
Different translations use a different approach to reach a shared goal
Despite existing for centuries, English is still a relatively young language. This means it is fluid, with the way we use words changing over time, and the meaning of those words change as a result. This means we always need new English translations to present the message of Scripture clearly and faithfully for modern readers.
That said, meeting that goal isn’t easy. Translators often find themselves doing their work in tension, having to choose between, as NIV translation committee member William Mounce said, whether they are going to “err on the side of words or meaning.”
An easy way to think about this work is as a spectrum:
On the one side, you have translations that focus on an essentially “word-for-word” approach. These are translations that attempt to render the words of Scripture into English as closely as possible, even, on occasion, at the expense of clarity for the modern reader. The NKJV, RSV, KJV, NASB, and ESV are among the most widely read translations of this nature.
On the other side, you have translations that opt for a dynamic or “thought-for-thought” approach, which aims to render the meaning of Scripture into English as clearly as possible, even if it deviates from the precise wording. The NLT, GNT, and CEB are among the most widely read translations of this sort.
A third group of translations aim for a balance between accuracy to the words and meaning of Scripture (insomuch as possible). The NIV, NET, and CSB are among the most widely read representatives.
What’s the right Bible translation for you?
With so many different translations available, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when it comes to choosing one. But fear not! The short answer to choosing the right translation is to choose the one that works best for your needs:
- If your primary focus is on in-depth study, especially as an academic, you’ll likely opt for a translation that’s more on the word-for-word end of the spectrum. The NKJV or the NASB will serve you well in this regard.
- For those of us mainly focusing on teaching or daily personal reading and study, a translation in that optimal realm like the NET or NIV might be the best bet.
- If you’re developing and maintaining a good daily habit of reading the Bible, a thought-for-thought translation can be fantastic, especially for those of us who maybe don’t read all that frequently.
Different English Bible translations work together
The approach taken doesn’t make one translation better than another. Different translations act as a sort of prism, helping you see different facets of the timeless truth of Scripture. The more we read God’s truth, and the more ways we experience it, the more beautiful it becomes. Consider Psalm 143:8 in five different translations:
- “Cause me to hear Your lovingkindness in the morning, For in You do I trust; Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, For I lift up my soul to You” (NKJV).
- “May I hear about your loyal love in the morning, for I trust in you. Show me the way I should go, because I long for you” (NET).
- “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” (NIV).
- “Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life” (NASB).
- “Let me hear of your unfailing love each morning, for I am trusting you. Show me where to walk, for I give myself to you” (NLT).
Despite how differently one version might read from the next, each one communicates the same core truth and expands our picture of God’s love. His love is the unfailing, faultless, perfect, and merciful love that we can always rely on. The “never stopping, never giving up, always and forever love” we desperately need, as Sally Lloyd-Jones described it in The Jesus Storybook Bible.
Embrace multiple translations
This ability to help us see different facets of Scripture is one of the greatest things about having so many English translations. We need multiple translations to continue to communicate God’s Word as the English language continues to develop. And we need multiple translations to help us see the beauty and richness of Scripture’s message (especially if we don’t know the original languages).
So don’t stress about which one is the “right” one. Get yourself great Bibles from different points on the spectrum, and embrace the beauty of various translations for yourself.
Aaron Armstrong
Aaron Armstrong is a marketing director for Thomas Nelson Bibles. He is also the author of multiple books, including I’m a Christian—Now What?: A Guide to Your New Life with Christ. As an adult convert, Aaron writes to engage those curious about Christianity, encourage new believers, and equip those who come alongside them. For nearly 20 years, he has served local churches as a preacher, small group leader, and children’s ministry leader. He and his wife, Emily, have three teenage children.
Note: An earlier version of this article was first published on BibleGateway.com. It has been updated for style and content.
